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Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

At a glance:

Length

14 days / 13 nights

Time on train

2 days

Length

14 days / 13 nights

Time on train

2 days

Train type

Destinations

When to go

April – September

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

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Choose your own activities and experiences
Have all the details of your trip arranged for you

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Overview

FAQs

Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

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Combined small ship Alaska cruise and Rockies train trip

Marvel at the beauty of iconic Lake Louise, before a luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train journey to Vancouver. Travel to Sitka, Alaska where your small ship crew will sail you into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Here, a team of guides lead you into the remote bays and fjords of Alaska, with a daily menu of adventure only a small ship experience can offer.

Route map of Essential Rockies by Rail with Alaska Small Ship Cruise from Calgary to Vancouver and Alaska

Highlights of your trip

Spectacular rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train

Choice of adventures in the Canadian Rockies

Explore beautiful Vancouver

Explore Alaska on a small ship vessel

Whale watching, glacier viewing, kayaking, hiking, and more

Expert guides, hosts, and activity coordinators on your cruise

See inside the train and cruise ship

Rocky Mountaineer train rounding a bend in the track with a mountain range in the background.

Enjoy a 2-day train journey on Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer is an all-daylight luxury train between the Rockies and Vancouver, with the choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service.

Onboard Host speaks about the scenery from GoldLeaf dome on the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Glass-domed upper level on Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service

Relax in luxury on GoldLeaf’s bi-level coach, as you take in the spectacular panoramic views and enjoy premium beverages and snacks.

Couples enjoying breakfast together in GoldLeaf dining room on the Rocky Mountaineer Train

GoldLeaf’s dedicated lower dining room

Dine on elegant meals prepared with local ingredients and watch the passing mountain scenery through the oversized windows.

Socializing over drinks on the Rocky Mountaineer

Oversized glass-dome windows in Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service

SilverLeaf’s single-level dome coach offers outstanding views as Rocky Mountaineer’s hosts entertain you with stories.

Chef serving breakfast seat-side in the SilverLeaf coach of the Rocky Mountaineer train

SilverLeaf’s in-seat meal service

Enjoy drinks, snacks and regionally inspired gourmet meals served in the comfort of your plush reclining seat.

Small expedition ship sails the waters of Southeast Alaska at dusk with snowy mountains in the background.

Explore Alaska's coast in an agile, small ship vessel

Your small ship, the Safari Endeavour, typically hosts around 90 guests. Enjoy well appointed private cabins, first class dining, as well as common areas to mingle with fellow adventurers.

Expedition style cabin aboard the Safari Endeavour, bedding and cupboard

Navigator Cabin on the Safari Endeavour

The comfortable Navigator Cabin features a fixed queen or two fixed twin beds, a view window or porthole, and an en-suite bathroom with shower.

Cabin on cruise ship with window looking out to mountains and ocean.

Pathfinder Cabin on the Safari Endeavour

The beautiful Pathfinder Cabin features one king bed or two twin beds, a view window, and an en-suite bathroom with shower.

A large cruise bar in a restaurant with bottles on it

Upscale amenities on the Safari Endeavour

There is no shortage of places to relax on the Safari Endeavour! The vessel features a roomy lounge with library, wine bar and dining room with open seating, two on-deck hot tubs, a sun deck and more.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation

Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey

Private cabin on small ship cruise

Choice of unique guided activities

All meals onboard your cruise and on the train

Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights

Train station transfers

Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants

Electronic travel documentation package

Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 01

Your adventure begins – Calgary to Banff

Travel from Calgary to the Canadian Rocky Mountain town of Banff. Your vacation is off to the best start. We've taken care of all the details. Banff is a unique destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the charm of a small mountain community. Breathe deep — you’ve arrived!

Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff

Feature Dinner in Banff

Day 02

Explore Banff

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration. The town of Banff, established in 1885, is the main hub in Banff National Park, as well as a centre for visitor activities and cultural events.

You have 4 options to choose from today:

Three Sisters Peaks Helicopter Tour

Sunshine Gondola and Guided Alpine Nature Walk

Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff

Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride

Day 03

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

Today you travel from Banff to Lake Louise. Gaze at the turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by glacier-clad mountains. This is the picture-perfect overnight stop in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Transfer

Day 04

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train

This morning you'll begin the first day of your Rockies train adventure onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station

Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

Day 05

Onboard Rocky Mountaineer

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning for the second part of your train journey towards Vancouver.

Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel

Day 06

Vancouver to Sitka

Today, fly to Sitka, Alaska, to begin your cruise adventure. Sitka is Alaska’s most charming seaside town, surrounded by misty islands and soaring, snow-capped mountain peaks. Discover the influence of Tlingit, Russian, and American culture at the Cultural Center, or relax in your hotel.

Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport

Day 07

Cruise embarkation from Sitka, Alaska

Feel the excitement build as you are led to your small ship vessel. Step onboard for a champagne welcome.

Alaska Cruise Begins

Day 08

Discover Alaskan wildlife

Your first day of adventure - drop anchor and venture off the beaten path.

Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds

Day 09

Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows

Navigate through Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows — the Narrows squeeze to just 300 feet wide at some points.

Baranof Island and Peril Strait

Day 10

Deeper into Alaskan wilderness

Explore the coastline of Chichagof Island — home to one of the world's highest concentrations of coastal brown bears.

Chichagof Island

Day 11

Venture into whale territory

Keep alert for tell-tale fin slaps or spouts as today's adventure has you searching for whales in the Icy Strait.

Icy Strait

Day 12

Discover Glacier Bay

Today you sail into the vast, icy wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Glacier Bay National Park

Day 13

Explore North America’s deepest fjord

Your captain picks the prime spot for adventure as you explore the rugged natural beauty of Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait.

Captain’s Choice

Day 14

Depart with fond memories

Savour your last breakfast onboard the ship before disembarking in Juneau.

Juneau – Disembarkation

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 1

Your adventure begi...

Your adventure begins – Calgary to Banff

Day 2

Explore Banff

Day 3

Travel from Banff t...

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

Day 4

Board the Rocky Mou...

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train

Your adventure begins – Calgary to Banff

Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff

Feature Dinner in Banff

Explore Banff

You have 4 options to choose from today:

Three Sisters Peaks Helicopter Tour

Sunshine Gondola and Guided Alpine Nature Walk

Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff

Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

Today you travel from Banff to Lake Louise. Gaze at the turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by glacier-clad mountains. This is the picture-perfect overnight stop in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Transfer

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train

This morning you'll begin the first day of your Rockies train adventure onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station

Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

Onboard Rocky Mountaineer

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning for the second part of your train journey towards Vancouver.

Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel

Vancouver to Sitka

Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport

Cruise embarkation from Sitka, Alaska

Feel the excitement build as you are led to your small ship vessel. Step onboard for a champagne welcome.

Alaska Cruise Begins

Discover Alaskan wildlife

Your first day of adventure - drop anchor and venture off the beaten path.

Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds

Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows

Navigate through Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows — the Narrows squeeze to just 300 feet wide at some points.

Baranof Island and Peril Strait

Deeper into Alaskan wilderness

Explore the coastline of Chichagof Island — home to one of the world's highest concentrations of coastal brown bears.

Chichagof Island

Venture into whale territory

Keep alert for tell-tale fin slaps or spouts as today's adventure has you searching for whales in the Icy Strait.

Icy Strait

Discover Glacier Bay

Today you sail into the vast, icy wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Glacier Bay National Park

Explore North America’s deepest fjord

Your captain picks the prime spot for adventure as you explore the rugged natural beauty of Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait.

Captain’s Choice

Depart with fond memories

Savour your last breakfast onboard the ship before disembarking in Juneau.

Juneau – Disembarkation

Scheduled Departure Dates

Trip Direction

June 2025

Our itineraries are planned around train-service schedules. Ask one of our Canadian Insiders about available dates and the different ways to personalize this trip - including adding days in select destinations.

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.

Comfort Level

Hotel Accommodation

Rocky Mountaineer Service

Cruise Accommodation

Navigator Cabin

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Superior Level

Hotel Accommodation

Rocky Mountaineer Service

Cruise Accommodation

Pathfinder Cabin

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Deluxe Level

Hotel Accommodation

Rocky Mountaineer Service

Cruise Accommodation

Pathfinder Cabin

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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

blue Lake Louise with trees and Fairmont Hotel in background

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Lake Louise

Located in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, a sparkling turquoise lake, and the impressive Victoria Glacier. Explore the area’s outstanding beauty on horseback, or paddle on the lake in a canoe.

Rimrock hotel in banff with flowers and trees in the foreground and mountains behind

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Example of a Superior hotel in Banff

Built into the side of a mountain, the Rimrock Resort Hotel sits high above Banff town and provides guests with spectacular views of the Bow River Valley. Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola are a short walk from the hotel, while other attractions are minutes away by car.

Elk and Avenue Hotel in Banff in the summer with mountains behind

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Example of a Comfort hotel in Banff

Conveniently located in downtown Banff, the Elk and Avenue Hotel combines Banff’s alpine history with a sleek modern design. After a day of exploring, unwind in the hotel’s jacuzzi or dry sauna, then enjoy fresh Canadian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Celebrate an occasion

Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or the fulfillment of a lifelong goal, our team is ready to make it a celebration to remember. From arranging a bottle of champagne to putting together a helicopter picnic for two on top of a mountain at sunset, we're ready to make your dreams a reality.

Travel in a private group

Exploring with friends and family is the best way to create lasting memories and reconnect. Organizing once-in-a-lifetime trips for families and small groups of friends is a particular passion for us. Ask us about how our itineraries can be customized to work for your group.

Visit Victoria, BC

Add a night or two to explore the old-world charm of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Visit the famed Butchart Gardens, go whale watching, or explore the seafront parks and museums. We recommend a stay at the Fairmont Empress - Victoria's stately crown jewel. Photo credit: Destination BC

Explore on a self drive

For the days you're not onboard the train, ask us about adding a car rental and exploring on your own. We'll provide points of interest, admission to attractions, and information on all the best places to visit along the way.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 3 reviews

It was a great trip!

Choosing our favourite part of our trip is very hard, from our accommodations to the food, and the GoldLeaf service on the train was all up to a 5 star review. Great Job!

Joseph, Renee and Party

CT, USA

You helped make memories for a life time

The whole trip from the first minute to the last was a highlight. Our experience on the train was tremendous. We agree that all was a "10". You helped make memories for a life time...

Susanne and Robert

CA, USA

The entire experience was awesome!

Our vacation was so much more than I expected! The entire experience was awesome! The region was beautiful, the glaciers and waterfalls were amazing, and we saw lots of wildlife up...

Sue and Mark

IL, USA

See more customer testimonials

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