Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Your Canadian Rockies Train Journey Begins – Calgary
Arrive in Calgary and spend your day exploring the city of Calgary at your own pace.

Day 2 – Venture into the Canadian Rockies – Calgary to Lake Louise
Today you embark on a full day tour transfer to Lake Louise. On the way, enjoy a stop in Kananaskis where you’ll take a 12 minute Summit Helicopter Tour. Experience a bird’s eye view of the Rockies and be sure to have your camera ready! The tour continues on to Banff to enjoy the sights of Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, Surprise Corner & Lake Minnewanka. Also included is a Banff Gondola ride. You will be dropped off at your first stop in the Rockies, Lake Louise.

Day 3 – Deeper into the Rockies – Travel to Banff & Helicopter Tour
Waking in the Canadian Rockies and breathing in the fresh air is invigorating. Today you are bound for Banff on a sightseeing transfer. Travel beyond the Saskatchewan River Crossing to Cline River where you embark on an exciting helicopter tour above six spectacular glaciers from Mount Resolute to Whitegoat Peaks. A local ranch stop is also included to allow you to discover walking trails and spend lunch at your leisure. This afternoon, you will be dropped off in the charming mountain town of Banff.

Day 4 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Banff to Kamloops
Enjoy the beginning of your Canadian train vacation as you board the scenic Rocky Mountaineer! This sightseeing train is designed with your comfort in mind. Relax today over coffee with old friends and new, and enjoy delicious meals and snacks. The on-board attendants will cater to your every need, but you’ll be too busy staring out the window at the staggering Canadian Rockies scenery to want for much.

From the onboard guide, you will learn the history of Canada rail, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears, elk and other mountain residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.

Day 5 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
Return to your relaxing seat on board the Canadian Rockies train. Today you will be struck by the diversity of Canada’s scenery as you move from the arid interior of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver. The lush farmland of the Fraser Valley implies your approach to Vancouver, your final stop on the Canadian rail portion of your train and cruise trip.

A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance is cool, and the residents are friendly.

Day 6 – Vancouver
You have a free day to explore Vancouver. With the city’s relaxing charms, it will revitalize you in anticipation of your next adventure – an Alaska cruise.

Day 7 – From the Canadian Rockies to Alaska – Board Alaskan Cruise
Early this afternoon you will be transferred by taxi to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal where you board Holland America’s grand ms Zuiderdam. This elegant ship is beyond all expectations, there is fine artwork everywhere you turn, and the service is top-notch.

Day 8 – Into the North – Cruise the Inside Passage
Enjoy an entire day on the spectacular ms Zuiderdam. Relax beside the sea water pool, enjoy delicious first-class cooking and watch the sights pass by. Staying so close to the shore, with the shelter of many islands, ensures very smooth sailing. Wind your way along the coast of Northern British Columbia and Southern Alaska.

Day 9 – Into Port – Juneau, Alaska
Step onto land this morning in the beautiful Alaska capital, Juneau. Shadowed by grand mountain peaks and located along the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is the ideal picture of an Alaskan city. Outdoor activities from whale watching, kayaking and fishing to hiking and rafting are at your fingertips today. Explore the Tongass National Forest, the Mendenhall Glacier, and the vast Juneau Icefields.

Or if you feel like a little less adventure today, spend your day in town where you can wander in and out of Juneau’s quaint shops. After an exciting day, re-board the ms Zuiderdam for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Day 10 – Into Port – Skagway, Alaska
Step off the ship and back in time to the days of the Gold Rush. Over a century ago, men arrived on this very shore with only one thought, GOLD! The buildings look as though they were built in that day. Characters dressed in clothing over a century old, bring the town’s history to life. Grab a pan and start sifting!

Day 11 – On the water – Glacier Bay Scenic Cruise
Today is a unique opportunity to travel back and get a small glimpse of the last ice age. This area was once completely covered with ice but much of it now flourishes with mature spruce and hemlock forests. With an ever changing glacial landscape, a distinctive ecosystem of plants and animals has formed. Surrounded by tide water glaciers, you cannot keep your camera down as you hear the deafening crack of a glacier splitting. Retreat to your warm ship cabin for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Day 12 – Into Port – Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is an opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s rich heritage. The Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian were the first peoples to live on this land and their culture still flourishes. Home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles, Ketchikan has a powerful spirit that you won’t want to leave behind. Capture the moment with some spectacular photographs or bring home a mini totem pole of your own. The totem poles are not the only beauty to be found here; explore Creek Street and the Tongass Historical Museum. Here is a place to take in all the sights and sounds that make Alaska so special. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening.

Day 13 – Southbound – Cruise the Inside Passage
If you didn’t catch all the sights the first time, today is your second opportunity to see the stunning Inside Passage. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and evening on the ms Zuiderdam.

Day 14 – With Fond Memories – Depart Vancouver
Enjoy a lovely breakfast before disembarking what has become a second home these last days.

Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada and Alaska behind as your Canadian train and Alaskan cruise vacation comes to an end.