Discover mountain towns, jaw-dropping landscapes, abundant wildlife, ancient glaciers, cosmopolitan cities and much more on this Unbeatable tour, rail and cruise package through Canada & Alaska.
Start your trip in Calgary, Alberta, known to Canadians as ‘cowtown’ for its famous Stampede and rodeos. Swap bustling city life for the peaceful waters of Lake Louise, and its blue-turquoise waters. Next, take what is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world: travel north from Canmore towards the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, along the famous Icefields Parkway and Jasper National Parks. The breathtaking scenery features over 100 glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock sprees and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys with views of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Summit and Mistaya Canyon.
On day 4, begin your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. The custom-designed glass-dome coaches will give you a truly panoramic view of your surroundings and the oversized windows make photography a snap. Take it all in from the comfort of your reclining chair as delicious meals and beverages are brought right to your seat by friendly hosts. During the train journey, you will experience amazing service and expansive views of highlights such as Pyramid Falls, just past Blue River, and Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, all the way to British Columbia.
In Vancouver, embark on a 7-day cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage with Princess Cruises.
Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, the Ruby Princess is a jewel on the seas and a romantic destination itself. The ship offers nearly 900 balconies from which to view the world, an array of entertainment options including Movies Under the Stars®, and sumptuous dining options, from Crown Grill to exciting new top-deck dining venues, such as Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones.
The Inside Passage includes islands, coves, bays, national parks and fjords, allowing you to explore remote towns only accessible by boat or plane. Travel to picturesque Juneau, the historically rich Skagway, and the breathtaking Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier (or Glacier Bay National Park) to reach Ketchikan, a place built from timber, salmon and idyllic scenery. Humpback whales, belugas, grey and killer whales, seals, dolphins, puffins, bald eagles and caribous call this area home and are a highlight of the sailing experience.
With return international full-service flights, 2 days onboard a Rocky Mountaineer train in SilverLeaf Service, a 7-night Inside Passage cruise with Princess Cruises, 5 nights of quality hotel accommodation, 28 meals including all meals while on rail and cruise, this is an unbeatable experience you cannot miss!
Want more? Upgrade your Princess cruise cabin or your Rocky Mountaineer rail experience to GoldLeaf Service.
Please note: Extra charges may apply. See Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.
Today, you will depart from Australia for Calgary, Canada.
Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel for check-in.
Check-in is from 15:00 onwards, and luggage storage will be available for any travellers with an early arrival.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites Calgary Airport or similar, Calgary, Alberta
Meals included: In-Flight
Your adventure begins with an early morning meet and greet at the hotel lobby before driving approximately 180 kilometres to Lake Louise.
Prepare yourself for one of the highlights of your journey, Canada’s 'Diamond in the Wilderness', the gorgeous Lake Louise.
Spend time relaxing and exploring the surroundings of this iconic and beautiful area. Take a walk around the edge of the lake and gaze at the towering mountains, or venture inside the phenomenal Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.
Afterwards, continue approximately 60 kilometres onto the resort town of Banff and enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls, before finishing approximately 25 kilometres away in Canmore, where you will check in and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Canmore Inn & Suites, or similar, Canmore
Meals included: None
This morning, drive along the famous Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and Jasper National Parks from Canmore north towards the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre on a journey of approximately 210 kilometres each way.
Considered the most beautiful drive in the world, the jaw-dropping scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock sprees and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. Views of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Summit, and Mistaya Canyon are sure to please all who journey to this amazing part of the world.
Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, take an opportunity to ride on the specially designed 'Ice Explorer' (not included, bookable on tour), which takes you onto the surface of the stunning Columbia Glacier. Alternatively, spend time at leisure exploring and admiring the breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, continue onwards to Jasper.
Please note: The Icefield Snowcoach is subject to favourable weather conditions, and if it’s closed, you will have free time to explore Banff and take a chance to enjoy the famous Banff Gondola (not included).
Overnight: Tonquin Inn or similar, Jasper
Meals included: None
Today you will be met by a representative and transferred to the train station for your adventure onboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior.
Throughout the morning, you will be treated to breakfast and coffee as you awaken your senses to your newfound surroundings. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.
As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today's highlights include Pyramid Falls, just past Blue River where you will get an exclusive view of these amazing falls only accessible by rail and Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
You will also enjoy a gourmet lunch inspired by the diverse local ingredients of Western Canada and you will also hear about the incredible history of the railway and landmarks along the way.
Your day concludes as Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops, where you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation where you may spend the evening exploring the town or relaxing at your hotel.
Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops or similar, Kamloops
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
This morning, continue your Rocky Mountaineer adventure and enjoy another delicious breakfast on board.
On today's journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior.
Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon as well as the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Enjoy another delicious lunch onboard and finish the day in the coastal city of Vancouver where you will be met and transferred to your centrally located downtown accommodation to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Sandman Suites Vancouver-Davie Street or similar, Vancouver
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Depart 16:00
This morning make your own way to Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver for your Alaska cruise onboard Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’.
Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, Ruby Princess is a luminous jewel on the seas and a romantic destination in itself. She offers nearly 900 balconies from which to view the world, an array of entertainment options including Movies Under the Stars®, now with the industry's best 7.1 surround sound for an immersive audio experience, and sumptuous dining options from Crown Grill to exciting new top deck dining venues including Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Dinner
Prepare to be awestruck by the unparalleled splendour of Alaska's Inside Passage as you embark on a journey through its captivating islands. Witness an astonishing array of wildlife that is unlike anything you've seen before – orcas, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters, and more – thriving in this diverse habitat. The intricate network of fjords and bays serves as a haven for majestic whales and playful sea lions during the summer months. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking spectacle of 40-ton whales leaping out of the water, defying gravity with their colossal bodies. Prepare to be awestruck by the unparalleled splendour of Alaska's Inside Passage as you embark on a journey through its captivating islands. Witness an astonishing array of wildlife that is unlike anything you've seen before – orcas, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters, and more – thriving in this diverse habitat. The intricate network of fjords and bays serves as a haven for majestic whales and playful sea lions during the summer months. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking spectacle of 40-ton whales leaping out of the water, defying gravity with their colossal bodies.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 13:00 - Depart 22:00
In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans."
From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually, the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska, and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.
Some 30,000 people live in Juneau. Its total area makes it one of the biggest towns, in size, in the world. Only Kiruna, Sweden, and Sitka, Alaska, exceed Juneau's 3,248 square miles.
Today, Juneau is famous not only for gold and government but also for its breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and stunning views of both water and mountains.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 20:30
Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest.
Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail.
The gold rush was a boon, and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest town, with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome.
Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavour of the Gold Rush era.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Please note the area visited today will vary depending on the specific sailing. You will visit either Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park.
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising), Alaska - 07:00 - 12:00
Departure Dates: 25 April 2024, 9 May 2024, 23 May 2024, 25 July 2024, 8 August 2024
This narrow fjord is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Juneau and is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Breathtaking Endicott Arm extends over 30 miles long, with nearly one-fifth of its area covered in ice. At the head of the fjord, tidewater glaciers, such as the Dawes Glacier, regularly expel enormous chunks of ice into the waters below in a magnificent process known as calving. During the summer, when Princess ships visit, icebergs float along the surface of the glistening water in an array of sizes, from just a few inches up to three stories wide.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbour seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area.
As you glide through the pristine fjord, you'll first pass by a lush forest where a number of beautiful waterfalls cascade down, and then you'll be treated to views of snow capped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers more spectacular than you could ever imagine.
Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising), Alaska - 06:00 - 15:00
Departure Dates: 2 May 2024, 29 August 2024
Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, the highlight of this Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. Just west of Juneau, this breathtaking national park boasts some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers, such as Margerie Glacier, which often drops colossal chunks of ice into the sea. Not surprisingly, Glacier Bay National Park and its epic ice giants are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Alaska's magnificent park system.
During your scenic cruise, friendly Park Rangers will join the ship to share their knowledge of this amazing place and host a fun Junior Ranger program for kids. They may even be able to help you identify Glacier Bay's abundant wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, porpoises, harbour seals, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and large colonies of seabirds.
Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy an unforgettable day of sailing through this dazzling park, where you'll glide along emerald waters and past calving icebergs and can breathe in the crisp, fresh air to your heart's content.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 18:00
Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travellers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.
In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage Port Alaska's fourth-largest city.
Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colourful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Prepare to be awestruck by the unparalleled splendour of Alaska's Inside Passage as you embark on a journey through its captivating islands. Witness an astonishing array of wildlife that is unlike anything you've seen before – orcas, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters, and more – thriving in this diverse habitat. The intricate network of fjords and bays serves as a haven for majestic whales and playful sea lions during the summer months. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking spectacle of 40-ton whales leaping out of the water, defying gravity with their colossal bodies.
Overnight: Princess Cruises ‘Ruby Princess’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:30
After breakfast, disembark and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Please note that some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at both the cruise port and Vancouver International Airport (fees apply).
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: see checkout for live dates and availability.
Surcharges
Please note:
• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $350 per person.
• dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $600 per person.
High season dates range up to $700 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If selecting an arrive early package to a different city from where the tour starts, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season arrive early can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
10th November 2023 - 9th February 2024
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
10th September 2024 - 20th October 2024
10th November 2024 - 28th February 2025
Stay Behind Options
High season dates: up to $700 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If selecting a stay behind package to a different city from where the tour ends, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season stay behind can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
10th November 2023 - 9th February 2024
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
10th September 2024 - 20th October 2024
10th November 2024 - 28th February 2025
Stopover Packages
Not available
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room.
Balcony Cabin
This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.
Mini Suite
Choose a luxurious Mini Suite which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.
Please note: Cruise timetables are subject to change. Some cruise cabins may have restricted views, based on availability.
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
Triple Share
Not available
Bedding Configuration
Twin or double bedding (subject to availability).
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