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 and ending in VANCOUVER
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Kamloops, Vancouver, Gulf Islands, Victoria, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8934-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
21-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the majestic Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer Train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this Western Canada by Rail tour. 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, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, give you time to hike, stroll the townsites, and go to new heights with optional excursions like a helicopter ride with breathtaking views over the Rockies! Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also take a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer to Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. And you’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver. This train ride through stunning 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; magnificent mountain ranges; and turbulent Hell’s Gate. More beautiful scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the picturesque Gulf Islands to Victoria. On the way into Victoria, enjoy sightseeing that includes a trip to 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 a value-minded vacation with an itinerary full of awe-inspiring sights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that is not to be missed!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park
Location: Calgary, Banff National Park
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.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK 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 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.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK 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: Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park
Accommodation Name: Marmot 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.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK 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
Accommodation Name: Marmot 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.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK 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: Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Kamloops
Accommodation Name: Marmot Lodge
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.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS 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. (B,L)
Day 7: Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Vancouver
Location: Kamloops, Vancouver
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.
KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER 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. (B,L)
Day 8: Vancouver,Ferry Crossing,Victoria
Location: Vancouver, Gulf Islands, Victoria
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.
VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA 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: Victoria, Victoria, Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
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.'
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION) 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.' (D)
Day 10: Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation Name: 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.
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE 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. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Juneau
Location: Juneau
Accommodation Name: 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.
JUNEAU 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. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Skagway
Location: Skagway
Accommodation Name: 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.
SKAGWAY 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. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay
Location: Glacier Bay
Accommodation Name: 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.
SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY 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. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Ketchikan
Location: Ketchikan
Accommodation Name: 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.
KETCHIKAN 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. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation Name: 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.
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE 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. (B,L,D)
Day 16: Vancouver (Disembarkation)
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon.
VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfortable hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.
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Meals
Enjoy 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners during your journey.
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Transportation
Travel by motorcoach, Rocky Mountaineer train, and embark on a scenic Alaska cruise.
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Sightseeing and Activities
Includes city tours, visits to national parks, a ride on the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield, and opportunities for wildlife watching.
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Cruise
Your package includes Holland America's 'Have It All Premium Cruise Package' for the Alaska cruise segment.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
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Optional Excursions
Activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, and telephone calls are not included.
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Gratuities
Tips for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included and are at your discretion.
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
Notes
Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.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.Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Glacier Bay|Jasper National Park
Accommodation
Calgary:Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown HotelBanff:Banff High Country InnJasper:Lobstick LodgeVancouver:Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver DowntownVictoria:Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Alaska, Canada, and the USA.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include sightseeing in Calgary, visiting Banff National Park, experiencing the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield, and a 2-day rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast.
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What type of accommodations are included?
Accommodations include the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners.
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What type of transportation is used on the tour?
Transportation includes travel by motorcoach, Rocky Mountaineer train, and a scenic Alaska cruise.
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Are there any UNESCO sites visited on this tour?
Yes, the tour visits UNESCO sites including Banff National Park, Glacier Bay, and Jasper National Park.
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What is not included in the tour package?
Exclusions include international and domestic airfare, travel insurance, optional excursions, personal expenses, and gratuities.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a scenic Alaska cruise with Holland America's 'Have It All Premium Cruise Package'.
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Can I book this tour for a private group?
The information provided does not specify whether a private option is available for this tour.
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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.