Best Alaska Cruise and Train Tours

Glide through the Rockies on a sightseeing train with panoramic views. Explore charming mountain towns, unwind in a luxury lodge and tour famous waterfalls or glaciers. Discover Canada's pristine wilderness before embarking on a cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. 

Alaska cruise and train tours allow you to combine high-end rail travel with whale watching and seaside excursions, creating a unique perspective on what makes the North so beautiful. Indulge yourself on a large luxury vessel or board a smaller expedition-style ship to explore Alaska's coves and inlets. 

At Canadian Train Vacations, our agents are travel experts who know all the ins and outs of planning an Alaska cruise with train excursion. Coordinating an Alaska cruise and train ride does require careful planning. Look through the sample trips below for inspiration and then contact us if you need help putting everything together.

Immersive Scenery 

Embarking on an Alaska cruise and train tour means you’ll get to experience Alaska's breathtaking landscapes. From the expansive decks of a cruise ship to the panoramic windows of a train, travelers are treated to unparalleled views of Alaska's rugged coastlines, towering glaciers, and majestic mountains. It is undoubtedly the best way to see Alaska. 

Convenience and Expertise 

Opting for Alaska cruise and train packages means you won’t have to worry about logistics and lodging. Pre-arranged packages ensure a stress-free Alaska travel experience, allowing travelers to focus solely on soaking in the beauty of the journey. As well, Alaska tour packages and curated activities led by knowledgeable guides on your trip will allow you to delve deeper into Alaska's rich history, culture, and natural wonders. 

Diverse Experiences 

On an Alaska cruise and rail vacation, you can experience the best of both worlds. Blending onboard luxury with land-based adventures, you can indulge in exquisite dining options to world-class entertainment and thrilling shore excursions while a train tour offers wildlife sightings and encounters with historic towns. Whether it’s taking in the coastline from the cruise, to exploring charming local communities, every moment promises a new and unforgettable experience. 

• The rail portion of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. 
• There are two types of cruise ships to choose from: a larger, more luxurious vessel or a smaller ship that allows you to visit more coves and inlets. 
• Depending on the route you select, the Rocky Mountaineer stops for the night in either Kamloops, Quesnel or Whistler. 
• There are two levels of service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer: Goldleaf and Silverleaf. 
• You have a good chance of spotting wildlife as the Rocky Mountaineer winds through the Rockies. There are 53 different species of mammals here, including wolves, bighorn sheep, black bears, elk and mountain goats. 

Train and Cruise Experiences

Take a train through the Canadian Rockies to an Alaska cruise to blend two unique experiences into one seamless trip. Dense forests, sky-piercing mountain peaks, icebergs floating in the Inside Passage. Combine an Alaska cruise with a train ride to get the best of both worlds.

Alaska Cruise 

The rail portion of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. There are two types of cruise ships to choose from: a larger, more luxurious vessel, or a smaller ship that allows you to visit more coves and inlets. Each type of ship has advantages, and it depends on your style of travel and what you want to get out of your Alaska cruise adventure. 

VIA Rail Train 

The VIA Rail trains connect Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, with four different train routes. Major city stops include Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. The trains run year-round. Depending on the route, they offer daylight or overnight sleeper train experiences. 

[Explore: The Canadian Train ]

Cabins on VIA Rail Canadian Train

You can choose from two types of private sleeper cabins on VIA Rail’s Canadian train. Sleeper Plus Class cabins are for one, two, or four people. You’ll have upper and lower bunk-style beds, a private toilet and sink, plus access to a shower that is shared with a few other people. Enjoy access to the train’s viewing cars, priority boarding, and hot meals served in the dining car. Non-alcoholic beverages are included, while alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

For an all-inclusive sleeper-train experience, opt for Prestige Class. These luxury cabins have 50% more space than the Sleeper Plus Class cabins and include a double bed next to a larger picture window — perfect for enjoying the views as you travel across Canada! Other perks of Prestige Class include personal concierge service, exclusive access to the Prestige Park Car, priority reservations in the dining car, and pre-dinner appetizer service. All meals and drinks are included, too. 

Rocky Mountaineer 

The Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. The train runs from mid-April until mid-October. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities. 

Service Levels Inside the Rocky Mountaineer

On Board the Holland America

Step onto one of Holland America's modern, comfortable vessels and begin your voyage at sea. Cruise along the Inside Passage, a legendary scenic corridor teeming with wildlife and sparkling with icebergs. 

You'll see small fishing villages, hills covered in a dense blanket of pines and whales breaking the surface of the cold, clean waters. Make your way to historic ports of call such as Skagway (outpost of the Gold Rush), Sitka and Ketchikan. 

Services on Holland America: 

• Gourmet dining options on board, featuring steak and fresh seafood. 
• World-class entertainment and enriching on-board activities, including cooking workshops, blues concerts and more. 
• Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining, right in your stateroom. 
• Nightly turndown service. 
• Daily housekeeping, fresh fruit and ice service. 

Luxury Cabins on Holland America

Cabin styles for Holland America Cruises depend on the exact vessel. For example, a Lanai stateroom features two lower beds that convert to one queen bed, as well as sliding glass doors that open onto a promenade deck. Another option would be an ocean view stateroom which has floor-to-ceiling windows, a private verandah, seating area, in addition to the two lower beds/one queen bed. A range of amenities are included in all rooms on Holland America ships.  

Alaska Cruise and Train Routes

Set off on an unforgettable journey through Alaska's pristine wilderness with a combination of cruise and train routes that offer unique and memorable experiences. Depending on your schedule and preferences, you have the flexibility to enjoy the cruise portion before or after your train journey. As cruises depart out of Vancouver, similar to many train routes, you can easily start your trip with the cruise and finish off with a train trip. Alternatively, you can start your journey with a train ride through the Rocky Mountains. Once you arrive at your final destination, you can fly back to Vancouver and head out on a cruise ship adventure. 

The Rocky Mountaineer offers three main routes, which can all be paired with an Alaska cruise: 

First Passage to the West 

This route connects Vancouver and Banff and is the line the company first established when it was founded in 1990. The Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to travel along this famous, historic section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Memorable spots along the way include the charming train station at Lake Louise, the Stoney Creek Bridge, the dramatic Fraser & Thompson River canyons and the location where the Last Spike was added to the railway in 1885. 

Journey Through the Clouds 

This route traverses the latter of the two main Canadian trans-continental railways: The Canadian Northern Railway, which dates back to 1896. It travels between Jasper and Vancouver, taking the breathtaking Yellowhead pass through the mountains. The highlight of the trip is the view of snow-covered Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies.

Rainforest to Gold Rush 

This route connects North Vancouver and Jasper, with stops in Whistler and Quesnel. It was previously known as the "Frasier Discovery Route," and the focus is on discovering British Columbia's wild timber country and Gold Rush history. The train passes through the Fraser River Canyon, and it's not uncommon to spot black bears, bald eagles, ospreys and even grizzly bears.

Cruising Through the Inside Passage 

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 — where enormous chunks of ice make a thunderous roar as they crack, split and crash into the sea.

On Board the Expedition Ships 

Expedition Ships are smaller and more agile vessels, with reduced passenger capacity to allow for larger cabins and a less crowded ship. 

The small size also allows these vessels to travel to tiny inlets and fjords along the Alaskan coastline that cannot be reached by larger ships. These waters are rich with marine life, including sea lions, orcas and humpback whales — so keep your camera at the ready. 

These small ships are always ready for adventure. For example, your vessel may be equipped with a high-tech kayak dock added to the back of the ship, complete with a launching pad that makes it easy for passengers to set off kayaking or stand up paddleboarding in the pristine waters off the Alaskan coast. 

Small Ship Expedition Cruise Cabins

Cabins on expedition cruise vessels often feature a king bed or two twin beds, a private bathroom, and other amenities, including binoculars (for wildlife viewing!), reusable water bottles, toiletries, a TV/DVD player, and more. Some luxury cabin types include a view window next to your bed. 

Alaska Excursions

Throughout your cruise, you’ll have opportunities to do daily shore excursions and discover more of the area’s land and sea. The onboard staff will help you choose what activities are right for you. Choose from sea kayaking and skiff rides to local village visits and guided hikes through the lush, temperate rainforest. Depending on your exact itinerary, you might explore Glacier Bay National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Tongass National Forest, Denali National Park and more. Every day will be a new adventure!

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Alaska is spring through fall but it does depend on what you’re looking to see and do. The peak season in Alaska runs during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is the warmest and all of the tours and summer activities are available. You’ll also get more hours of light, even past 10pm during these months, which means more time to enjoy activities and excursions. Summer in Alaska is also the best time for wildlife viewing. 

The peak season also brings in the crowds and the heat, with June /July tending to be the hottest months. If you don’t like crowds or the hotter weather, you might want to visit during Alaska’s shoulder season. Shoulder season in Alaska falls in May (before peak season) and September (after peak season). You’ll likely find discounts for hotels and accommodations during these months. There are also fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. 

Not sure when to travel? Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities are available in every month of the Alaska cruise season and you can expect to see whales, bears, birds, and spectacular scenery. Some of the seasonal highlights include:

April, May: Spring flowers, migrating shorebirds, gray whales

June, July, August: Ice calving, brown bears, spawning salmon, humpback whales

September: Dark skies and Northern Lights, gray whales

Booking 

If you are looking to plan a trip, it is important to book early for any Alaska cruise and train tours for 2025. This will ensure that you are able to secure your desired dates, cabins on the cruise and accommodation. In doing so, you’ll also avoid any stress related to tight deadlines. As well, by booking early, you may get some potential early-bird discounts, which can maximize your trip. 

Packing Essentials 

When embarking on an Alaska cruise and train tour, it’s best to pack accordingly for changing weather, outdoor activities, and layers that are suitable for both cruise and train. See below for some suggested items to pack. 

• Waterproof and windproof jacket 
• Insulated, moisture-wicking layers like fleece or wool sweaters 
• Quick-drying, breathable shirts and pants  
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• Hat for sun protection or warmth 
• Sunglasses with UV protection 
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 
• Daypack or backpack for excursions 
• Binoculars (for wildlife spotting) 
• Insect repellent 
• Medications and first aid kit 
• Travel pillow for comfort during longer train rides 
• Books or an e-reader for leisure time onboard the cruise and train 

Places to Visit

Canada was built along the historic Canadian Rail system, so it makes sense that many major Canadian cities are easily accessible by train. With train stations often centrally located within these cosmopolitan cities or remote towns, it is easy to explore the best of Canada by train. 

Vancouver 

Many Alaska cruise and train packages begin in Vancouver, a vibrant city with high-end restaurants, museums and cultural attractions. Vancouver combines world-class city amenities with hiking trails and other outdoor adventures, making it one of the best places to begin an Alaska cruise and train trip. If you visit during the summer, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the mild climate. 

Jasper 

Enhance your Alaska train/cruise combo with a stop in Jasper, one of Alberta's most beautiful destinations. Jasper is known for its mountain peaks, turquoise waters and hiking trails. The mountain town is also ideal for travellers who want to relax before embarking on an Alaskan cruise. 

Banff 

Banff is a lively town filled with restaurants and activities for travellers of all ages. It's also the hub of Banff National Park, which is known for its waterfalls, glaciers, lakes and mountain peaks. Banff is a great stop for any Rockies train and Alaska cruise vacation. 

Whistler 

Some Canadian Rockies train and Alaska cruise vacations include stops in Whistler, a resort town located in British Columbia. Whistler comes alive in the winter due to its popular ski slopes, but it also has golf courses, spas and activities suitable for laid-back travellers. After a day of sightseeing or shopping, unwind at one of Whistler's restaurants. 

Kamloops 

Kamloops’ first inhabitants were members of the Secwepemc nation of Interior Salish-speaking peoples and the town served as a trading post before it was incorporated. Whether you visit before or after your Alaskan cruise, Kamloops is a great place to stop on your Canadian rail tour.

Quesnel 

If your Alaska cruise and train vacation includes a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer, you'll need a place to stay overnight. Quesnel, a popular destination for nature lovers, fits the bill. It's one of the main stopping points on the route to the Yukon and offers plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and canoe.