Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise
Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise
Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise
16 Days Starting in Calgary, AB, Canada and ending in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park Of Canada, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Kamloops, Mount Robson, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver, Victoria, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8934-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
21-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria, and you’ll enjoy a 7-night Alaska cruise. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, explore on your own, or take optional outings. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and beautiful Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. But that’s not all…watch for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife on your Alaska cruise. Marvel at glaciers and witness the amazing spectacle of thunder and spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 : Calgary,Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park, Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn
The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
Day 3 : Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn
Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching, and you may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep.
Day 4 : Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Athabasca Glacier
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge
First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is in Jasper National Park.
Day 5 : Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge
Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, elk, and wolves.
Day 6 : Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Rocky Mountaineer,Kamloops
Location: Kamloops, Mount Robson, Rocky Mountaineer, Jasper National Park Of Canada
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening.
Day 7 : Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Vancouver
Location: Vancouver, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Reboard your train and head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8 : Vancouver,Ferry Crossing,Victoria
Location: Victoria, Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
Day 9 : Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver (Embarkation)
Location: Vancouver, Victoria
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Dinner
Morning departure for Vancouver. After arrival in Vancouver, transfer to Canada Place and board your cruise ship. Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.'
Day 10 : Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day cruising one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales.
Day 11 : Juneau
Location: Juneau
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There is no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours.
Day 12 : Skagway
Location: Skagway
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In winter, the sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway, so you can imagine the frightful conditions endured by gold prospectors who passed through enroute to the Yukon. Take your time and poke your head into every little shop, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum.
Day 13 : Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay
Location: Glacier Bay
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How does it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of meters into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment on camera, then you wait for it all to happen again.
Day 14 : Ketchikan
Location: Ketchikan
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is 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. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing 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.
Day 15 : Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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.
Day 16 : Vancouver (Disembarkation)
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfort at selected hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.
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Meals
Enjoy 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners as detailed in the itinerary.
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Fully Guided Tour
Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a tour director throughout your journey.
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Transport
Travel in comfort with private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
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Sightseeing Highlights
Explore Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, and more with included tours and activities.
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Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey
Experience a 2-day all-daylight classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast.
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Alaska Cruise
Embark on a scenic cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, including visits to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Banff National Park, Glacier Bay, and Jasper National Park.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
Notes
At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Glacier Bay|Jasper National Park
Accommodation
Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Conveniently located in downtown Calgary, the Sandman Hotel is minutes away from local transportation and shopping areas. The hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, and 301 well-equipped guestrooms.
Banff High Country Inn
Set against a mountain backdrop, the High Country Inn offers an array of luxurious amenities that will ensure comfort and relaxation. Swim a lap in the indoor heated pool, soak in the hot tub or unwind in the traditional dry cedar sauna. In addition to comfortable units and spacious suites, guests will also find indoor heated pool, hot tubs and dry cedar sauna, Complimentary Wireless Internet, 24-hour front desk, Internet kiosk, and laundry services. Rooms feature Individual climate control and air conditioning, mini fridge, coffee maker, and courtesy coffee, cable TV.
Marmot Lodge
The Marmot Lodge features a number of services including concierge service, currency exchange, indoor pool, business center, and Embers Steakhouse restaurant. All 107 guestrooms are all equipped with coffeemakers, mini-fridge, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Lobstick Lodge
Lobstick Lodge is located in a secluded mountain setting near east end of town, 5 blocks from CNR station. Enjoy large open rooms with spectacular mountain views right outside your window.
Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
This seven-story Downtown Hotel is located 3 blocks from the shopping plaza & 15 km from the airport. Overlooking the vibrant view, the modern guestrooms put you near the heart of Vancouver. Enjoy free W-Fi, cable TV and rest easy on a pillow top mattress for a great night's sleep.
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.