Best Alaska Cruise and Train Tours packages

Best Alaska Cruise and Train Package

Best Alaska cruise and train package adds a cruise segment onto a personalized rail vacation with Canadian Train Vacations. The Alaska cruise offers a coastal voyage through sheltered Pacific Northwest waterways and the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska. Scenic highlights of an Alaska cruise include icebergs, glaciers, wildlife island passages. Enjoy calm coastal navigation with extended scenic opportunities from observation lounges, open decks, and waterfront views.

An Alaska cruise is an ideal add-on to travel in Canada because Alaska cruise itineraries commonly begin or end in Vancouver, a Canadian gateway port along the Pacific Coast. Vancouver provides easy connection between scenic rail services and cruises. The city also has frequent direct flights to cruise ports in Alaska.

For the rail segment, enjoy premium daylight sightseeing routes on the Rocky Mountaineer Train, extending travel exploration into forested valleys, river canyons, and the Canadian Rockies. Or add an overnight train across the country with VIA Rail's sleeper train, The Canadian. Packages with Canadian Train Vacations reduce transfers, offer seamless travel, and optimize Canadian sightseeing, creating Alaska cruise and train journeys that showcase Canadian and Alaskan landscapes through connected marine and rail corridors.

The Alaska cruise and train routes

The Alaska cruise and train routes combine a coastal voyage and interior rail travel into a single coordinated journey across Alaska and Western Canada. Depending on schedule and preferences, itineraries have flexibility to include the cruise portion before or after the train journey. Many itineraries begin or conclude in Vancouver, where cruise departures align with major rail corridors into the Rocky Mountains. Some cruises require a connection between Alaska and Vancouver by an easy direct flight. Cruise first itineraries follow an Inside Passage sailing before transitioning to rail travel. Train first itineraries generally start with a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, then connect to Alaska for coastal cruising. Alaska cruise and train routes offer seamless travel through coordinated transfers, aligned departure points, and return travel by air when required to reconnect coastal and inland segments. 

First Passage to the West

Daylight Scenic Rail Journey on Rocky Mountaineer Between Vancouver and Banff through Kamloops

First Passage to the West operates as one of Rocky Mountaineer's iconic daylight scenic rail experience between Vancouver and Banff. The journey is structured around uninterrupted daytime sightseeing through mountain corridors, river canyons, and interior plateaus, rather than overnight rail travel. Nightly accommodations take place in hotels rather than onboard cabins. Two service levels are available, GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf, both include onboard hosting and regionally inspired dining.

Route stops include*: Lake Louise/Banff > Kamloops > Vancouver (Westbound)

*Route can be done in either direction.

Alaska Cruise and train route route map: Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West

Highlights of the First Passage to the West route include: 

  • The Spiral Tunnels

  • Hell’s Gate

  • Craigellachie (The Last Spike)

  • Stoney Creek Bridge

  • Castle Mountain

  • Mount Revelstoke National Park

Your Journey Across Western Canada 

Daylight rail travel through mountain and interior landscapes

Banff or Lake Louise
Day 1

Banff or Lake Louise

  • Travelling Westbound, the trip begins in Banff or Lake Louise with daylight rail travel to Kamloops. You will cross over Stoney Creek Bridge on this segment
  • Overnight hotel stay in Kamloops.

Note that Eastbound journeys start in Vancouver. 

Kamloops
Day 2

Kamloops

  • Daylight rail travel from Kamloops to Vancouver. You will see the mighty Fraser River and Hell’s Gate on this section of the journey.

Journey Through the Clouds

Daylight Scenic Rail Journey on Rocky Mountaineer Between Vancouver and Jasper through Kamloops

Journey Through the Clouds operates as an all-daylight scenic rail journey connecting Vancouver with Jasper through the interior of British Columbia. The experience features big elevation changes, as the train travels between sea level and the mountains, with river canyons, forested interiors, and remote plateau landscapes rather than urban travel. Overnight accommodations take place in hotels rather than onboard cabins, ensuring all rail travel occurs during daylight hours. Both service levels — GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf — include onboard hosting and regionally inspired dining.

Route stops include*: Jasper > Kamloops > Vancouver (Westbound)

*Route can be done in either direction.

Alaska Cruise and train route route map: Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through the Clouds

Highlights of the Journey Through the Clouds route include: 

  • Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies)

  • Pyramid Falls

  • Yellowhead Pass

  • Moose Lake

  • Albreda Glacier

  • Hell’s Gate

Your Journey Across British Columbia
Daylight scenic rail travel with overnight hotel stays

Jasper
Day 1

Jasper

  • Daylight rail travel through the Canadian Rockies.
  • See Mount Robson and Pyramid Falls
  • Overnight hotel stay in Kamloops.

Kamloops to Vancouver
Day 2

Kamloops to Vancouver

  • Daylight rail travel through Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon, with scenic highlights such as Hell's Gate. 
  • View river corridors, steep canyon walls, and interior plateau terrain. Arrive on the Pacific Coast and explore waterfront districts and coastal city scenery.
  • Overnight stay in Vancouver 

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Daylight Scenic Rail Journey on Rocky Mountaineer between Jasper and Vancouver through Quesnel

Rainforest to Gold Rush operates as a daylight-only scenic rail journey linking the Pacific coastal region with the historic gold rush interior of British Columbia, and Jasper. The route moves from coastal mountain environments near Whistler into river corridors, forested plateaus, and remote northern interior regions. Hotels serve as overnight accommodation rather than sleeper cabins, as the route focuses on scenic daylight travel. GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf service levels are available and include onboard hosting and regionally inspired dining.

Route stops include*: Jasper > Quesnel > Whistler > Vancouver (Westbound)

*Route can be done in either direction.

Alaska Cruise and train route route map: Rocky Mountaineer's Rainforest to Goldrush

Highlights of the Rainforest to Goldrush route include: 

  • Howe Sound

  • Cheakamus Canyon

  • Anderson Lake

  • Seton Lake

  • Fraser Canyon

  • Mount Robson

Your Journey Across British Columbia
Daylight rail travel through coastal mountains, interior corridors, and northern landscapes

Jasper to Quensel
Day 1

Jasper to Quensel

  • Take in Jasper National Park's surroundings and alpine scenery. 
  • Daylight rail travel past lakes, waterfalls and the breathtaking Mount Robson. 
  • Overnight in Quesnel. 

Note that Eastbound journeys start in Vancouver. 

Quesnel to Whistler
Day 2

Quesnel to Whistler

  • Daylight rail travel through coastal mountain terrain. 
  • Overnight stay in a resort mountain village setting in Whistler.
Whistler to Vancouver
Day 3

Whistler to Vancouver

  • Daylight rail travel taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
  • Travel along Howe Sound before arriving in North Vancouver.
  • Explore waterfront districts and coastal scenery.

Cruising Through the Inside Passage

Scenic coastal cruise journey in the Northern Passages

This Alaska Cruise journey emphasizes marine scenery, glacier viewing, and access to coastal ports.

Departure from Vancouver (shown): Cruise along the cost of Northern BC all the way up to Alaska. This route is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean winds and waves by large islands, such as Pitt Island and Princess Royal Island. You'll pass remote communities, such as Telegraph Cove, Skagway and Ketchikan, and sail through Glacier Bay National Park.

Departure from Sitka: Alaska cruise routes out of Sitka pass through Sitka Sound and Peril Strait.

Alaska cruise and train tours route: Vancouver to Alaska Inside Passage

Highlights of an Alaska Cruise

  • Glacier Bay National Park 

  • Sitka Sound and Peril Strait

  • Whale watching 

  • Glaciers and iceberg

  • Guided presentations 

Coastal Journey in Pacific Northwest and Southern Alaska
Multi-day cruise travel through protected coastal waterways. Itineraries may vary

Vancouver

Vancouver

  • Depart and conclude from a Pacific Coast port.
  • View harbour scenery and coastal islands.
Inside Passage

Inside Passage

  • Navigate sheltered waterways and island channels.
  • Observe forested shorelines and marine environments.
Juneau

Juneau

  • Visit Alaska’s capital surrounded by coastal mountains.
  • Access glacier-influenced coastal scenery.
Skagway

Skagway

  • Explore a historic port associated with the Klondike Gold Rush.
  • View steep fjords and coastal mountain terrain.
Glacier Viewing Day

Glacier Viewing Day

  • Observe tidewater glaciers and ice fields.
  • Experience slow scenic cruising in protected waters.
Ketchikan

Ketchikan

  • Explore a rainforest coastal town.
  • View totem heritage and island-lined scenery.

Small ship cruises

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Some small ship cruises depart from Juneau or Sitka (Alaska), so you’ll need to fly there. It’s best to arrive at least one day before your cruise starts.

Katherine Foxcroft
Director of Product: Hotels, Tours and Excursions

The Alaska cruise and train stops

The Alaska cruise and train stops include both essential coastal ports and inland rail destinations. These stops shape the cruise-and-train itineraries, which connect coastal gateways with interior wilderness regions and mountain resort communities through coordinated scheduling of cruise sailings, rail travel segments, and ground transfers.

Alaska cruise and train stops: Vancouver, British Columbia

Departure and/or Terminal Point

Vancouver serves as the western gateway for Alaska cruise and train itineraries, aligning Inside Passage cruise departures with major scenic rail corridors into Western Canada.

Best things to do in Vancouver include Gastown, Stanley Park, Capiliano Suspension Bridge and Granville Islan

Tips: Cruise terminals and major rail stations are located near the central waterfront and downtown area, supporting efficient transfers.

Types of train and cruise experiences

Types of train and cruise experiences vary from daylight trains to sleeper trains or small excursions ships to larger vessels. Each experience differs in pacing, onboard comfort, and scenic access, affecting how travellers view coastal waterways and interior rail corridors. Coordinated land and sea travel programs combine these experiences for a seamless journey

Take a look inside the Alaska Cruise and Train Trips

Take a look inside the Alaska cruise and train trips to see a travel experience centred on interior comfort, panoramic viewing, and seamless transfers by land and sea. Alaska cruise and train trips treat onboard spaces as moving observation areas

Service levels of Alaska cruise and train trips

Service levels of Alaska cruise and train trips offer a range of comfort and onboard service. Each service level reflects verified differences, whether in train seating configuration, window design, dining options, and onboard hosting. The information below details the train service levels available on a combined Alaska cruise and train trip

Quick Facts About Alaska Cruise and Train Tours

Scenic Land & Sea Journey

Coastal Cruise and Rail Experience

Scenic Rail Options

Daylight or Sleeper Train Experiences

Coastal Exploration

Sail the Inside Passage

Seamless Itinerary

Coordinated Land and Sea Transfers

Seasonal Offering

Spring thru Fall

See cruise ships at Canada Place

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If you are visiting Vancouver, walk down to Canada Place, an iconic landmark and the city’s cruise terminal. Enjoy the beautiful views as you stroll along the promenade.

Blog Author - Hannah Poaros-Mcdermott
Hannah Poaros-McDermott
Travel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator

When is the Best Time to Visit Alaska with a Cruise and Train Tour? 

The best time to visit Alaska with a cruise and train tour runs from late May through September, with peak season centred on June, July, and August when Alaska cruise sailings and scenic rail services operate most fully. Alaska cruise and train tours benefit from extended daylight hours that support coastal and interior scenic viewing and from coordinated schedules between cruise departures and both daylight scenic rail travel and long-distance overnight rail routes. Late May and September serve as shoulder travel windows within the operating season, offering cooler conditions, fewer crowds, and potential pricing advantages depending on availability for cabins and rail service levels. Seasonal conditions vary, and Alaska cruise and train tours depend on reliable rail and cruise operations during the defined summer travel window.

Top 6 Places to visit on Alaska cruise and train tours

The top 6 places to visit on Alaska cruise and train tours highlight destinations that connect Alaska coastal sailing with inland rail corridors across Western Canada. The selected locations reflect geographic diversity, scenic value, and rail accessibility, ranging from Pacific gateways to alpine towns and interior river communities that complement Places to Visit in Canada within combined cruise and rail itineraries.

Vancouver, British Columbia
1.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a coastal metropolitan city located in British Columbia between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Vancouver serves as a primary gateway for Alaska cruise and train tours, connecting a major cruise port with established rail corridors into Western Canada. The city is known for natural scenery, cultural diversity, and the integration of urban infrastructure with surrounding outdoor environments. Vancouver combines waterfront districts, forested parks, and modern city areas into a single travel hub commonly used before or after Alaska cruise departures. The top things to do in Vancouver include walking coastal seawalls, visiting large urban parks, and exploring historic and cultural neighbourhoods.

Jasper, Alberta
2.

Jasper, Alberta

Jasper is a mountain town located within Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta. Jasper serves as an inland destination on Alaska cruise and train tours through scenic rail corridors that connect coastal gateways with interior mountain regions. Vast valleys, glacial rivers, alpine peaks, and extensive protected wilderness define the area. Jasper supports immersive nature-focused travel through its remoteness, large park boundaries, and official Dark Sky Preserve designation. Things to do in Jasper include wildlife viewing, glacier sightseeing, stargazing, and mountain exploration.

Banff, Alberta
3.

Banff, Alberta

Banff is a mountain town located within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta. Banff functions as a popular inland destination on Alaska cruise and train tours, connected through scenic rail corridors and mountain highway transfers from nearby rail hubs across Western Canada. The area is defined by alpine peaks, glacial lakes, forested valleys, and a compact townsite surrounded by protected national park landscapes. Banff combines large-scale mountain scenery with walkable streets, visitor services, and historic landmarks. The best things to do in Banff include mountain sightseeing, lake visits, scenic drives, thermal bathing, and town exploration.

Whistler, British Columbia
4.

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a mountain resort town located north of Vancouver in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. Whistler serves as a scenic extension for travellers using Vancouver as a gateway for Alaska cruise and train tours, adding mountain landscapes to coastal itineraries. The destination is known for alpine terrain, a pedestrian-oriented village design, and year-round outdoor recreation. Whistler blends large-scale mountain scenery with a compact resort village atmosphere. The best things to do in Whistler include mountain sightseeing, gondola rides, village exploration, and nature-based activities.

Kamloops, British Columbia
5.

Kamloops, British Columbia

Kamloops is an interior city located at the confluence of the North Thompson River and South Thompson River, which form the Thompson River in British Columbia. Kamloops serves as a common overnight and transition stop on Alaska cruise and train tours that connect the Pacific coast with the Canadian Rockies through established rail corridors. The surrounding region features semi-arid terrain, river valleys, rolling hills, and open plateaus that create a clear contrast with coastal forests and alpine mountain environments. Kamloops has a long-standing role as a rail transportation hub in Western Canada. The top things to do in Kamloops include riverfront walks, cultural attractions, and wide landscape viewing.

Quesnel, British Columbia
6.

Quesnel, British Columbia

Quesnel is a northern interior city located at the confluence of the Fraser River and the Quesnel River in British Columbia. Quesnel functions as a historic inland community along long-distance rail corridors that traverse the interior of the province, reflecting British Columbia’s Gold Rush era and transportation history. The surrounding region features river valleys, forested landscapes, and interior plateau terrain rather than coastal scenery. Quesnel’s role in inland travel developed through rail and river routes that supported settlement and resource movement. The best things to do in Quesnel include heritage exploration, riverfront walking, and regional history discovery.

What popular Alaska Cruise and train tour itinerary is best for you?

The popular Alaska cruise and train-trip itinerary best for you is listed below.

Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

The Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise combines a scenic rail journey through the Canadian Rockies with a coastal Alaska cruise, linking inland mountain landscapes with marine travel through the Pacific Northwest and Southeast Alaska. The rail segment focuses on Western Canada’s mountain corridors, interior valleys, and alpine regions, providing structured access to iconic Rockies scenery. The journey then transitions to a cruise experience through sheltered coastal waterways and the Inside Passage, highlighting glaciers, island passages, and coastal environments. Coordinated rail and cruise segments create continuity between inland and coastal landscapes, supporting extended scenic viewing across connected rail and marine routes. The experience emphasizes large-scale geographic transitions between the Canadian Rockies and Alaska’s coastal regions that define the Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise.

  • Available:

    April – September
  • Length:

    14 days
  • Time on train:

    2 days
  • Price from:

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  • Train type:

    Rocky Mountaineer

Across Canada by Train

Across Canada by Train combines a long-distance rail journey across the country with coordinated planning by specialist travel designers, highlighting Canada’s vast geographic scale and regional diversity. The rail segment travels aboard VIA Rail’s flagship service, The Canadian, linking the Pacific Coast with Central Canada over an extended cross-country route. The journey passes through coastal mountains, interior plateaus, prairie landscapes, boreal forests, and major urban centres, showcasing the breadth of Canada’s landscapes. Sleeper accommodations, onboard dining, and panoramic observation cars define the rail experience, supporting continuous scenic viewing throughout the journey. The experience emphasizes large-scale geographic transitions and uninterrupted rail travel that characterize the Across Canada by Train itinerary.

  • Available:

    May – September
  • Length:

    13 days
  • Time on train:

    5 days / 3 nights
  • Price from:

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  • Train type:

    VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer

Complete Canadian Rockies by Train

Complete Canadian Rockies by Train features an extended rail itinerary through Western Canada, focusing on the Canadian Rockies and surrounding interior regions. The itinerary combines scenic rail travel on iconic routes with stays in key mountain destinations, linking alpine valleys, mountain passes, and interior landscapes. Rail segments travel through forested corridors, river canyons, and mountain terrain that define the Rockies region. Coordinated accommodations and rail connections support continuous scenic exploration, while onboard services and daylight viewing enhance the experience. The journey highlights the scale and diversity of the Canadian Rockies through connected rail routes and carefully paced regional travel that define the Complete Canadian Rockies by Train experience.

  • Available:

    April – October
  • Length:

    8 days
  • Time on train:

    2 days
  • Price from:

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  • Train type:

    Rocky Mountaineer

Why should you book your Alaska cruise and train tour with Canadian Train Vacations?

You should book your Alaska cruise and train tour with Canadian Train Vacations for the reasons listed below.

  • Comprehensive Booking Support: Every aspect of the journey is arranged in advance by Canadian Train Vacations, including rail tickets, hotel accommodations, planned tours and activities, selected meals, and private transfers. The goal is to eliminate logistical stress during travel.
  • Independent Travel with Local Guidance: Travellers follow a customized itinerary created through expert consultation. Preferences are taken into account while offering the freedom of self-paced travel supported by ongoing professional assistance.
  • Reliable Assistance Throughout the Journey: Detailed information about each destination is provided before arrival. A dedicated support team remains available by phone, ensuring all concerns are addressed promptly.

Alaska cruise and train Package FAQs

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