Amtrak Vacations · Rail & Sail

Mountain Peaks of Canada and Alaska Rail and Sail

17-day rail and cruise trip through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska

Mountain Peaks of Canada and Alaska Rail and Sail, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 17-day, 16-night Rail & Sail trip that begins in Banff, Alberta and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. The first three days cover the Canadian Rockies, including a Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls tour from Banff past Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and an Icefields Parkway crossing to Jasper with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Day 4 boards VIA Rail's the Canadian for an overnight ride to Vancouver, where the trip joins Norwegian Jade for a 7-night Alaska cruise through the Inside Passage, calling at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay National Park. After disembarking in Whittier, the trip continues by a narrated transfer to Anchorage, then the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star into Denali National Park for two days before returning to Anchorage. This suits travelers who want a single itinerary that combines Rocky Mountain rail travel, an Alaska cruise, and a wilderness rail finish, with substantial included touring throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The included cabin aboard Norwegian Jade is an inside stateroom, with no window or balcony.
  • Final hotel choice in Banff and Jasper depends on the tier you pick from 28 accommodation options listed across the route.
  • Meals are concentrated on the cruise days; several land days, including days 1, 4, 5, 14, 16, and 17, list no included meals.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Your Journey Begins in Banff

    Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! Upon arrival at Calgary Airport, transfer to Banff, enjoying a scenic drive as the rolling foothills give way to towering mountain peaks, rising dramatically on the horizon. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring this charming alpine town, where boutique shops, inviting restaurants, and picturesque walking paths await, all set against a backdrop of fresh mountain air and the chance to spot local wildlife.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Explore the Canadian Rockies with a Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls tour from Banff, which will see you head deep into the mountains in search of the best scenery around. Be amazed by the clear waters of Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, and Moraine Lake, and wonder at the crashing Takkakaw Falls, reaching heights of almost 1,000 ft. Enjoy an included lunch and make your way across the Great Divide to Yoho National Park before making your way back to Banff. Take some time this afternoon and evening to explore this charming alpine community.

    Meals: L

  3. Day 3overnight: Jasper

    Banff to Jasper

    Tour the Icefields Parkway as you make your way from Banff to Jasper. Stop along the way to experience an Ice Explorer vehicle that takes you onto Athabasca Glacier and walk along the Glacier Skywalk extending out above the Sunwapta Valley.

    Meals: L

  4. Day 4railovernight: VIA Rail (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Make your way to the train station for an overnight journey to Vancouver on VIA Rail. Once settled in, enjoy the onboard experiences, and let the gentle rhythm of the train lull you into a sound sleep.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Welcome to British Columbia! Enjoy stunning views of central British Columbia today on board the train, as forests, rivers, and rugged landscapes unfold outside your window. As you approach Vancouver, travel through the Fraser Valley before reaching the Pacific coast. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Perhaps visit Stanley Park for scenic waterfront paths and lush greenery, or head to Granville Island for its vibrant market, local shops, and dining spots.

  6. Day 6overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade®

    Bid farewell to Vancouver as you set sail on the Norwegian Jade® toward the spectacular Inside Passage, where unforgettable scenery awaits. Glide beneath the iconic Lions Gate Bridge and watch the city skyline fade into the distance as you begin your journey along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. After boarding, take time to settle in and explore the ship's many amenities, from exceptional dining and lively bars to elegant lounges and a dazzling onboard casino, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

    Meals: D

  7. Day 7overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade® - Inside Passage

    Today, sail through the breathtaking Inside Passage, the world's longest sheltered inland waterway, where every moment reveals awe-inspiring scenery. Glide past forested islands, snow-capped peaks, and tranquil waters as you keep watch for incredible wildlife, spot soaring bald eagles overhead, playful seals along the shoreline, and, if you're lucky, the unforgettable sight of orcas and humpback whales breaking through the surface. Keep your eyes on the remote shoreline as well, where the elusive Spirit Bear may make a rare appearance, adding to this truly spectacular day in nature.

    Meals: B, L, D

  8. Day 8overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade® - Ketchikan

    Spend the day in vibrant Ketchikan, where rich Native heritage and wild beauty come together spectacularly. Its Tlingit name, Kach Khanna, meaning "spread wings of the eagle," is brought to life as bald eagles soar overhead or perch high atop towering Sitka spruce trees. Surrounded by lush rainforest nourished by abundant rainfall, this coastal town is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking wildernesses in Alaska, offering an unforgettable blend of culture, wildlife, and dramatic scenery.

    Meals: B, L, D

  9. Day 9overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade® - Juneau

    Today you will dock in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau has been called "Alaska's peak experience," certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields, and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area's many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown, or try your hand at panning for gold.

    Meals: B, L, D

  10. Day 10overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade® - Skagway

    Today, you'll sail into the charming town of Skagway, where the spirit of the Gold Rush still lingers in every corner. In just a single year during the late eighteen hundreds, this once-quiet outpost exploded into a bustling city of hopeful prospectors chasing their fortunes. Today, the treasure is in the experience, stroll along the lively wooden boardwalks, lined with colorful, historic buildings that bring the Gold Rush era vividly to life. Soak up the lively atmosphere, explore quirky shops and local saloons, and imagine the excitement of those who once passed through this unforgettable frontier town.

    Meals: B, L, D

  11. Day 11overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade® - Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point

    Sail into the awe-inspiring wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve this morning, where towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and deep fjords create one of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes. Watch for calving glaciers and incredible wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and bald eagles, with park rangers often onboard to enhance the experience. Later this afternoon, arrive at Icy Strait Point, a remote and rugged destination known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, where you can soak in the untamed beauty of Alaska's Last Frontier.

    Meals: B, L, D

  12. Day 12overnight: Norwegian Jade® (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard The Norwegian Jade® - Day at Sea

    Make the most of your final day at sea aboard Norwegian Jade®, soaking in the fresh ocean air and the last of Alaska's breathtaking scenery. Spend the day enjoying the ship's fantastic amenities, relax by the pool, join a game on the volleyball court, or take a scenic jog on the deck as the coastline drifts by. Indulge your taste buds with a delicious culinary journey, from the bold flavors of Moderno Churrascaria to comforting favorites at Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill. As night falls, celebrate the grand finale of your cruise with lively entertainment, a vibrant casino, and inviting bars perfect for raising a toast to an unforgettable experience.

    Meals: B, L, D

  13. Day 13overnight: Anchorage

    Whittier to Anchorage

    After disembarking from Norwegian Jade® in Whittier, your Alaskan land adventure begins, welcome back to land, and what a land it is. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine coastal beauty, take in the charm of this remote seaside community before setting off on a spectacular journey to Anchorage. Board for your fully narrated sightseeing transfer, traveling through the stunning Portage Glacier Valley and along the dramatic Turnagain Arm, where sweeping views and rugged landscapes unfold at every turn. Along the way, keep a watch out for local wildlife as part of your included touring experience, offering the chance to spot Alaska's iconic animals in their natural habitat. Upon arrival in Anchorage, check in to your hotel and enjoy a little time to explore, perhaps discover local restaurants featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, browse unique shops for handcrafted souvenirs, or take a short stroll through the lively downtown area before settling in for the evening.

    Meals: B

  14. Day 14railovernight: Denali National Park

    Denali National Park

    Today's adventure is a true highlight of your journey as you board the iconic Alaska Railroad® Denali Star for an unforgettable ride into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America, this spectacular route showcases vast backcountry landscapes, from sweeping tundra and dense forests to braided rivers and, on clear days, breathtaking views of Denali itself. Relax in comfort as the scenery unfolds around you, keeping watch for moose, bears, and other wildlife along the way. Upon arrival in Denali National Park, check in to your hotel for the next two nights, ready to immerse yourself in one of Alaska's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.

  15. Day 15overnight: Denali National Park

    Denali National Park

    Today, dive deep into the wild heart of Alaska with an unforgettable journey through Denali National Park, where untamed landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Travel through sweeping tundra, dense forests, glacial rivers, and towering peaks as your guide brings this incredible wilderness to life with fascinating stories and insight. Keep your binoculars close, this is prime wildlife territory, and you may spot majestic moose, roaming caribou, agile Dall sheep, elusive wolves, and even mighty grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Every turn offers a new, awe-inspiring scene, making this an exhilarating day in one of the most spectacular and untouched environments on Earth.

    Meals: L

  16. Day 16railovernight: Anchorage

    Anchorage

    This afternoon, board the Alaska Railroad® for your scenic journey back to Anchorage, soaking in your final views of Alaska's untamed wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for last glimpses of wildlife as vast landscapes of forests, rivers, and mountains roll by, and take a deep breath of that crisp, fresh Alaskan air one more time. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for your final night, reflecting on the incredible adventure you've experienced across this breathtaking region.

  17. Day 17rail

    Your Journey Ends in Anchorage

    Your journey ends in Anchorage, bringing to a close an incredible adventure through the mountain peaks of Canada and Alaska. From breathtaking rail journeys to awe-inspiring glaciers, vibrant cities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this once-in-a-lifetime experience will stay with you long after you return home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Icefields Parkway tour from Banff includes an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and a walk along the Glacier Skywalk above the Sunwapta Valley.
  • Day 4An overnight journey aboard VIA Rail's the Canadian from Jasper toward Vancouver.
  • Day 9The ship docks in Juneau, described as offering glacier viewing at Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields, and Glacier Bay National Park.
  • Day 11Sailing into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, watching for calving glaciers and wildlife such as whales, sea lions, and bald eagles.
  • Day 14Boarding the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star for a ride into Denali National Park past tundra, forests, and braided rivers.

Included

  • Shuttle transfer from Calgary to Banff
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations
  • One-way overnight VIA Rail® from Jasper to Vancouver in Economy accommodations
  • 7-night Alaska cruise onboard Norwegian Jade® in an inside stateroom
  • 23 meals included (7 Breakfasts) (9 Lunches) (7 Dinners)
  • Round-trip Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Anchorage to Denali

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, a one-way overnight VIA Rail journey in Economy from Jasper to Vancouver, and a round-trip Alaska Railroad journey in Adventure Class between Anchorage and Denali National Park.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes, the VIA Rail leg from Jasper to Vancouver on day 4 is an overnight journey.
What kind of cruise cabin is included?
An inside stateroom on Norwegian Jade for the 7-night Alaska cruise portion.
How many meals are included?
23 meals across the trip, 7 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 7 dinners, mostly on the cruise days; several land days have no meals included.
Which ports does the cruise visit?
Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay National Park, sailing the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Whittier.
Where does the trip start and end?
It starts in Banff, Alberta, continues to Denali National Park, and ends in Anchorage, Alaska.

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