18 Day Inspiring Rockies & Alaska With Rocky Mountaineer

Welcome to Canada! The rest of the day is yours to relax or see the city at your own pace.

A visit to British Columbia means you’ll be close to nature, even in the city. With mountain and ocean views, Vancouver is actually quite compact and a great city to explore on foot. You can take the 3km loop around False Creek Olympic Village for great views of the city skyline.

Bike or walk through the urban oasis of Stanley Park. It’s larger than New York’s Central Park, with a seawall of nearly nine kilometres to protect it from winter storms. There’s a lake, gardens, totem poles and more. Or head to historic Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, and wander the cobblestone streets, admire old Victorian buildings and see the iconic Gastown Steam Clock.

Vancouver is an exciting foodie destination, whether it’s for fine dining, buzzing Granville Island market, or a bite of a famous Japadog, a small chain of street food stands selling Japanese-inspired hot dogs.

The wild beauty of Canada’s west awaits – we’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer train this morning at Vancouver Station. We’ll travel from this coastal city to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior.

On today’s journey you’ll see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior.

Highlights include descending through the narrow Fraser Canyon and passing the raging waters of Hell’s Gate, and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

The train itself is a luxurious way to travel. Breakfast and lunch are included onboard. At the end of the trip, the Rocky Mountaineer will travel along the shores of Kamloops Lake to arrive into Kamloops between 6pm and 7:30pm. The evening is yours to explore the city of Kamloops or relax.

Kamloops is known as an adventure destination, a haven for hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing or paddling the many lakes. There is plenty to do at night, whether it’s enjoying live music or eating at buzzing restaurants, lively pubs and food trucks.

Hotel: Will be assigned by Rocky Mountaineer

We’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer train again this morning, to continue north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta, often referred to as wild rose country.

Once again, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3954 metres the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. There’s also Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It’s home to an array of native wildlife including bears, moose, wolves and mountain goats.

Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. You’ll arrive in the resort town of Jasper between 7:30pm and 9pm.

This morning we’ll depart along the Icefield Parkway, one of the world’s most beautiful drives, passing some of Canada’s highest mountains and most magnificent glaciers. It’s hard to grasp the magnitude, the sheer majesty of the Rocky Mountains until you’re actually surrounded by them. Jagged peaks, brilliant blue lakes, waterfalls, impressive glaciers – this is what you’ve imagined. The wildlife won’t disappoint, either. Perhaps you’ll pause to watch a passing moose or elk!

We’ll stop at Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls before reaching Athabasca Glacier, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. We’ll pass Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, with its surreal colour – yes, it really is that blue! – on the way to Banff, the flagship town of the Rockies, to stay the night. This quaint mountain town is located within Banff National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today it’s a full day touring the stunning beauty of Banff, passing the Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive with the wind-eroded hoodoos and Surprise Corner, revealing the Banff Springs Hotel. Bow Falls is not particularly high, but the sheer volume of water roaring over it is impressive.

Like the rest of this region, Banff is a dream location for photography. We’ll see the quaint high street of Banff and the luxurious Banff Springs Hotel. Nicknamed the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, it was built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Today’s sightseeing also includes a photo stop at incredible Lake Louise. Imagine postcard-perfect views of calm turquoise waters against a backdrop of rocky mountain peaks. It’s usually busy, for good reason. In summer, visitors come to canoe or paddle board and in winter, it transforms into a skating rink. You may spot a grizzly bear wandering the shore.

We’ll continue onto Johnston Canyon via Bow Valley Parkway. This gives great views of the Bow River that meanders through the valley, alongside the parkway. We’ll visit magnificent Moraine Lake, another beautifully coloured Rockies lake, with its picture perfect vistas and the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks framing the lake.

We’ll return to Banff to stay overnight.

Heading west into British Columbia and Yoho National Park, we’ll make a stop at the natural bridge of stone across the Kicking Horse River as well as the beautiful, peaceful Emerald Lake. The natural bridge of stone is a fascinating feat of nature, a unique rock that has been gradually carved out over time by the powerful river to resemble a bridge.

Continue through Rogers Pass and Revelstoke on the way to the quaint mountain village of Sun Peaks for overnight.

This morning we’ll head for Vancouver. It’s a scenic trip, travelling west along the shore of Kamloops Lake to reach Cache Creek. You may wish to visit the Hat Creek Ranch, a restored roadhouse from the 1860s gold rush, which displays the history of the gold rush era as well as the culture of the region - the cowboys and native peoples (admission not included).

We’ll continue along the Fraser Canyon, where you’ll view the raging turbulence of Hell’s Gate. You may like to ride the Airtram (additional expense), which descends 153 metres across the Fraser River. It offers stunning views and the thrill of the steep run across the canyon.

We’ll continue through Hope and the fertile agricultural lands of the Fraser Valley to reach Vancouver.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing transfer to the beautiful resort village of Whistler. The route follows the Sea to Sky Highway along beautiful Howe Sound. Pass through the coastal community of Brittania Beach, then stop at BC’s highest waterfall, Shannon Falls and the Stawamanus Chief, the second largest standing piece of granite in the world and popular rock climbing area.

The rest of the day is free to explore Whistler. It may be a top ski destination – home to some of the best skiing in North America – but the allure doesn’t end there. This alpine village is a recreation hot spot. If you’re after an outdoor adventure, there’s something for every season, whether it’s hiking, canoeing, ziplining and whitewater rafting. In summer, mountain biking is undoubtedly the most popular sport.

The Valley Trail is a 40km network of paved trails and boardwalks connecting Whistler’s neighbourhoods, lakes, viewpoints and picnic spots.

It’s a free day in Whistler today for shopping and sightseeing in the charming village. The village itself, at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, is pleasant to stroll through, with its pedestrian-only path lined with restaurants, shopping and numerous galleries. The après-ski scene is big here so you’ll find plenty of dining options, from cheap and cheerful to high end – there are over 100 different places to eat in Whistler. Grab a seat on one of the many outdoor patios and enjoy the atmosphere.

This morning after breakfast you’ll head to Vancouver Cruise Terminal to begin your Alaskan Inside Passage cruise.

You’ll board your ship ready for the cruise experience of a lifetime to the vast, pristine wilderness of Alaska. Over the next seven days you’ll cruise the scenic Inside Passage, see majestic Glacier Bay National Park and visit charming, rustic towns like Ketchikan and Skagway.

Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rainforests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

Sailing the Inside Passage today offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

A scenic cruising day today to see the dramatic natural gem of Tracy Arm, a classic fjord. Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank this fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the United States. Old-growth trees colonised Tracy Arm’s mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. But further up the sinuous 48 km waterway, its icy grip lingers a little. There, the twin Sawyer Glaciers flow from the peaks down to the sea, sloughing off stories-high chunks of water frozen decades or even centuries before.

Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest, America’s biggest. Visitors often see bears, whales and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area – not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes.

Summer temperatures average 0 to 16 degrees Celsius, so pack warm clothing. And don’t forget waterproof gear, even when traveling by cruise ship: More than a metre and a half of rain falls here each year! We also recommend a water bottle, thermos or reusable coffee cup: On scenic cruising days, cruise ships ban paper and disposable plastic products that could litter this unsullied environment.

You may like to take the optional excursion in a luxurious, high-speed catamaran to see the very best of this area, with close-up views of the majestic Twin Sawyer Glaciers. You’ll cruise beneath cliffs and feel the mist on your face as you explore this ice-carved fjord.

Then we’ll stop at Juneau, which may well be the most remote, most beautiful and strangest state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau indoors and outdoors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day.

Optional tours include visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, or taking to the air to see glaciers from an authentic Alaskan seaplane. Or, you might enjoy a traditional Alaskan salmon bake in Southeast Alaska’s rainforest before toasting marshmallows over a campfire.

The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000 has a frontier town vibe, but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions, cementing Juneau as Alaska’s number one tourist destination.

Today we’ll visit the port town of Skagway, which served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields at the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. It quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement.

As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway – but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colourful history, pristine wildlife and unrivaled natural beauty.

At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon, to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a classic narrow-gauge railway that traverses rugged mountains and passes cascading waterfalls and towering glaciers as it connects Skagway to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon. Much of the town has been preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where rangers offer free walking tours around the historic district. Here you’ll also find a vibrant local community, home to a rich collection of local galleries, curio shops and restaurants serving seafood plucked fresh from nearby waters.

You can choose from interesting port activities like panning for gold, a gold rush saloon experience or riding the world-famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

A cruising day today to see the dramatic landscape of Glacier Bay, the jewel of southeastern Alaska’s natural wonders. Frosted crags descend into mossy forests and a 457-metre-deep fjord at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also one of the planet’s largest biosphere reserves. Stone, ice and water continue to collide at this wondrous site.

The area’s first European explorer missed it all – but with good reason. When Captain George Vancouver sailed here in 1794, a vast shield of ice, more than 1200 metres thick, dominated the area. In one of the fastest retreats on record, the glaciers shrank back 105 kilometres by 1916. The formerly glacier-squashed land is rebounding now, rising 30 millimetres each year. Visitors can observe this rebirth: A spruce-hemlock rainforest has sprouted near the mouth of Glacier Bay. Farther north, the more recently exposed land shows sharper edges and thinner vegetation. Still, it’s enough to encourage the return of wildlife, from bald eagles to bears, moose and humpback whales.

Even in summer, be prepared for any weather – especially rain! Pack a hat, gloves, wool or fleece layers, a warm coat and waterproof gear if you want to admire the landscape from the open deck of your ship.

Today will give you a glimpse of the Native Alaskan experience with a visit to Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan – so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain.

Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon fishing and packing industries – visitors can try their luck on a sportfishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.

There are several port activities to choose from. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offers the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. A salmon fishing excursion is not only a chance to snare the day’s catch, but you’ll also have a great chance of spotting sea lions, whales, seals and other wildlife. You can also fish for the largest flatfish in the world, halibut, on a fishing expedition with an experienced Alaskan guide.

Leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art, while exploring gold rush-era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.

We’ll cruise back along the glacier-lined, wildlife delight of the Inside Passage again. Enjoy the last of the calm waters and spectacular scenery before you return to Vancouver.

Upon arrival at the Vancouver Cruise Terminal, you’ll be met by your guide. A morning sightseeing tour of Vancouver begins leaving Canada Place and the waterfront with a drive around Stanley Park, stopping at the totem poles. We’ll see Chinatown, North America’s second largest, and historic Gastown with its 19th century buildings, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways.

We’ll then make a stop at Granville Island with its famous public market, art and craft shops and many cafes and restaurants. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!