Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise
Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise
Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise
21 Days Starting in Toronto, Canada and ending in Vancouver, Canada
Visiting: Toronto, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jasper, Banff, Victoria, Vancouver, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CZI-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise" for an unforgettable adventure through Canada and Alaska. Begin your journey in Toronto, where you'll drive along Lake Ontario to the majestic Niagara Falls and enjoy a thrilling boat ride. Travel on VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train, The Canadian, and marvel at the scenic Canadian countryside from domed observation cars. Explore Jasper National Park, take a scenic cruise to Spirit Island, and experience an Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Visit the stunning Lake Louise and Banff National Park, then take a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island to tour Victoria's beautiful gardens. Conclude your adventure with a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise, where you'll have the chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles, and explore the historic port town of Skagway. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, thrilling activities, and luxurious accommodations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Toronto,Ontario
Location: Toronto
Accommodation Name: Westin Harbour Castle Toronto
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Toronto. Excursion To Niagara Falls
Location: Toronto
Accommodation Name: Westin Harbour Castle Toronto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Take a Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Return to Toronto for an orientation drive before a special dinner atop the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower.
Day 3: Toronto,Via Rail The Canadian,Ontario
Location: Toronto
Accommodation Name: VIA Rail The Canadian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, head to Union Station for departure on the Canadian, VIA Rail’s premier transcontinental train.
Day 4: Via Rail The Canadian,Ontario,Winnipeg,Manitoba
Location: Winnipeg
Accommodation Name: VIA Rail The Canadian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your exciting travel on the VIA Rail train continues through Ontario and Manitoba.
Day 5: Via Rail The Canadian,Manitoba & Saskatchewan
Location: Manitoba
Accommodation Name: VIA Rail The Canadian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue through the picturesque prairies and winding rivers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Day 6: Via Rail The Canadian,Saskatchewan,Jasper,Alberta
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel from Saskatchewan to Jasper. Admire the scenery as your train roughly parallels the famed Yellowhead Route, Canada’s historic trail of westward expansion. Arrive in Jasper for an orientation drive and free time this evening.
Day 7: Jasper. Excursion To Maligne Lake
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon to stunning Maligne Lake for lunch and a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own.
Day 8: Jasper,Columbia Icefield,Lake Louise,Banff
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: Banff Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff.
Day 9: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Banff Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guided sightseeing includes Bow River and Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies.
Day 10: Banff,Kamloops
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, travel through the spectacular beauty of Yoho National Park, one of Canada’s most popular recreational areas and site of pre-Cambrian fossil finds. On to Canada’s Glacier National Park, where the motorcoach climbs 4,379-foot-high Rogers Pass, a perfect spot for photos of the surrounding mountain cliffs and glaciers. Continue to your riverside resort at the South Thompson Inn in Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy a [LF] riverside BBQ with S’mores.
Day 11: Kamloops,Victoria
Location: Victoria
Accommodation Name: Inn at Laurel Point
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue west and catch a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island. A city tour of Victoria includes the gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Free time this evening—enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this harbor city.
Day 12: Victoria
Location: Victoria
Accommodation Name: Inn at Laurel Point
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The morning and afternoon are at leisure for independent sightseeing and shopping. For shoppers, Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square’s collection of specialty stores are good places to start. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. Later, visit [LF] Butchart Gardens, followed by a special farewell dinner in the original, now restored, greenhouse.
Day 13: Victoria,Vancouver (Embarkation)
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver where you will begin your 7-Night Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise.
Day 14: Cruising: Inside Passage,Alaska
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. 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.
Day 15: Cruising: Tracy Arm,Juneau,Alaska
Location: Juneau
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank the Tracy Arm fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States. Old-growth trees colonized Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. Continue cruising to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau can hike on a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a capitol building all in one day.
Day 16: Skagway
Location: Skagway
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. 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 colorful history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty.
Day 17: Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park
Location: Glacier Bay National Park
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your cruise to Glacier Bay (A UNESCO World Heritage Site), close your eyes and take in the sounds—the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife sightings. Every experience in this changing biosphere is unique.
Day 18: Ketchikan
Location: Ketchikan
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Visitors can savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants in Ketchikan. The town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. Enjoy a stroll through Totem Bight State Park, kayak at Misty Fjords National Monument or join a salmon or trout fishing expedition to truly experience the beauty of Ketchikan.
Day 19: Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage offers outstanding opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife.
Day 20: Vancouver,Bc (Disembarkation)
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark your ship for a guided sightseeing tour of Vancouver. See the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Free time this evening to explore this vibrant city on your own.
Day 21: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 10 lunches, and 14 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Westin Harbour Castle Toronto, Chateau Jasper, Banff Park Lodge, South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre, Inn at Laurel Point, and Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel.
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Transport
Travel includes a mix of scenic drives, a VIA Rail transcontinental train journey, and a BC Ferry crossing. The tour also features a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours are included in various locations such as Niagara Falls, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Victoria, and Vancouver.
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Special Activities
Special activities such as a thrilling boat ride at Niagara Falls, an Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier, and a scenic cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake are included.
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Cruise
A 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise is included, with opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Glacier Bay, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park are included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a flightseeing trip in Banff are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visas and Travel Documents
Visas and other travel documents are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 10 lunches, 14 dinners
Notes
Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to mid-October. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.Due to the frequent use of this railroad for other services, delays may occur during the journey.One guest will be required to climb a ladder to reach the upper berth in a double cabin.Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.The included sightseeing and overnight in Vancouver will occur post-cruise.At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Glacier Bay|Jasper National Park|Yoho National Park
Accommodation
Toronto: Westin Harbour Castle Toronto, Jasper National Park: Chateau Jasper, Banff: Banff Park Lodge, Kamloops: South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre, Victoria: Inn at Laurel Point, Vancouver: Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a mix of scenic drives, a VIA Rail transcontinental train journey, and a BC Ferry crossing. Additionally, the tour features a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise.
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What types of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, 10 lunches, and 14 dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Westin Harbour Castle Toronto, Chateau Jasper, Banff Park Lodge, South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre, Inn at Laurel Point, and Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, special activities such as a thrilling boat ride at Niagara Falls, an Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier, and a scenic cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake are included.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Alaska Inside Passage cruise?
During the Alaska Inside Passage cruise, you have opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Glacier Bay, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park.
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What should I know about the VIA Rail train journey?
On VIA Rail, during the day your cabin for two offers armchairs, a toilet, and a picture window. By night it transforms into upper and lower beds where guests must be able to climb a ladder to reach the upper bed. If you are a single passenger, your cabin by day features small couch-style seating, a toilet and sink, and a large picture window. By night, an economy of space requires the pull-down bed to fill the space, obstructing the furniture and bathroom facilities. Public restrooms are available on each coach. Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.
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What are some of the highlights of the Jasper National Park visit?
In Jasper National Park, you will travel through its unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon and stunning Maligne Lake for lunch and a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. The park is known for its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights.
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What can I expect during the visit to Banff National Park?
In Banff National Park, guided sightseeing includes Bow River and Falls. You will also have leisure time to explore the park on your own or consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies.
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What is special about the visit to Butchart Gardens in Victoria?
Butchart Gardens is a National Historic site known for its lush treasure of millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens. The visit includes a special farewell dinner in the original, now restored, greenhouse.
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What are some of the activities available in Ketchikan?
In Ketchikan, you can savor fresh seafood at local restaurants, stroll through Totem Bight State Park, kayak at Misty Fjords National Monument, or join a salmon or trout fishing expedition.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus 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 globus 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.