Alaska Expedition & Rocky Mountaineer

Today, fly to Anchorage, Alaska. Upon arrival, make your own way to your accommodation for the night.

Anchorage is packed with places to explore and enjoy from restaurants and galleries to sports venues and shops. If you can, it's worth extending your time here to visit the Anchorage Museum and the Native Heritage Centre for a taste of local culture (charges apply).

Overnight: Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport or similar,

Meals included: In-Flight

At the appropriate time, make your own way to the transfer pick up location at the Anchorage airport. From here, you’ll enjoy a scenic transfer to Seward. The route goes through the Kenai Peninsula, considered by Alaskans and visitors alike to be some of the world’s most awe-inspiring backcountry scenery.

Wind your way to the Pacific coast where your expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen, awaits. Once you board MS Roald Amundsen, locate your cabin and explore this spacious and comfortable expedition ship which will be your home for almost two weeks.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today is a day all about glaciers as Prince William Sound is home to 150 of these rivers of ice, including 17 incredible tidewater glaciers. Your Captain will choose the best location for the day based on the conditions.

You'll get as close to the glaciers as the ship safely can before heading out into the fjord on Zodiacs or kayaks if conditions permit. From the water, you might catch sight of Humpback whales, Bald eagles, otters and harbour seals.

Complimentary Optional Activity: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruising
With 17 tidewater glaciers and dozens of valley glaciers, there are several epic locations to explore on this small boat cruise through the fjords of Prince William Sound. The Captain will set the route on the day based on the conditions.

Activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle
Wheelchair accessible: No

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today is an exploration day in Icy Bay. The three glaciers of Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall each feed ice into the bay’s waters to give it its name. If conditions allow, you’ll explore the area by Zodiac or kayak.

From Icy Bay, you can admire striking, jagged Mount Saint Elias. Known for its steep vertical relief, it is the second tallest peak in the US and third tallest in the US and Canada at over 5,400 metres.

In the Gulf of Alaska, you'll scout for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and harbour seals which are often seen in these waters.

Complimentary Optional Activity: Icy Bay Small Boat Cruising
Join a thrilling, freestyle adventure as you head off the beaten track and cruise through Icy Bay. The Captain will set your route on the day, based on the conditions.

Activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle
Wheelchair accessible: No.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today is another day of exploration as you sail into Icy Strait and take a closer look at some of the islands and islets. As before, the weather and other conditions will decide the best location.

Using the Zodiacs, you may get close to some of the rocky shores with the possibility of a landing and nature walk. The coast in this region grows more rugged the closer you get to the open sea, with rocky pinnacles and sea caves galore.

In the evening, pass by Point Adolphus, located on the northern tip of Chichagof Island across from Glacier Bay National Park. The nutrient-rich waters are known for attracting humpback whales and other marine life, so be sure to get out on deck and have your camera ready.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Near the head of Lynn Canal lies the frontier town of Haines, originally home to the Chilkat Tlingit people. They are renowned for their weaving skills with mountain goat fur and cedar bark woven into intricate designs.

Haines has a flourishing art scene with galleries and workshops showcasing totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures. Taking home some Alaskan arts and crafts is a great way to support local creators. The beautiful landscapes here are also ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Optional Activity: Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float
Take a transfer to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and, after a safety talk and lifejacket fitting, your river adventure begins. Float silently downstream aboard inflatable rafts to spot predators drawn by the salmon. This includes eagles, bears and maybe even wolves. Admire the preserve’s incredible beauty with its towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Requirements: A picnic lunch is provided. Restrooms are available at the pier and there are outhouses at the river put-in and take-out. Warm and weatherproof layers are recommended.
Walking information: Approximately 50 metres
Wheelchair accessible: No

Optional Activity: Inside Passage Sea Kayaking
Your two-person kayak awaits on the beach next to the ferry pier. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, you’ll set off with your paddling partner, looking for eagles and marine life along the way. You’ll likely stop at a remote beach to stretch your legs before heading back for a picnic lunch. In the case of unsuitable ocean conditions, you'll head to the backup location of Chilkoot Lake. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Requirements: Kayak, PFD, spray skirt and paddle are included. A a picnic lunch is provided. Weatherproof layers are recommended.
Walking information: Approximately 400 metres
Wheelchair accessible: No

Please note: Due to timing, it is not possible to book both optional activities.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Discover Alaska in true expedition style on today’s exploration day in this magical corner of the Inside Passage. This is an area where old-growth forest dominates, meaning there’s abundant wildlife and a spine-tingling feeling of wild nature.

Conditions permitting, you'll take to the water in the Zodiacs to seek out secluded coves and thickly forested shorelines. You may catch a glimpse of some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife including bears, Bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and moose. If it’s safe to do so, you might be able to land and explore the shore.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Holkham Bay is home to two beautiful fjords, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. The aim is to visit either of the two, depending on the changing ice conditions. The Captain will decide which offers better exploration options on the day.

At the end of each fjord, fresh icebergs calve from the glaciers against a stunning backdrop of rocky cliffs. This area is a breeding ground for harbour seals who are often seen on the floating ice. You might also see whales, bears and even mountain goats.

Complimentary Optional Activity: Tracy Arm Zodiac Cruising
Sail between craggy lumps of ice as you venture towards vast glaciers where icebergs calve into the sea against a backdrop of sheer mountains. Be on the lookout for playful harbour seals, harbour porpoises and the many roaring waterfalls that tumble into the icy seas.

Activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle.
Wheelchair accessible: No

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today is an exploration day, so the Captain and Expedition Team will use their expertise to choose the best destination. You might take to the water in the Zodiac boats to investigate the secluded coves and forested shorelines of the 240-kilometre-long Chatham Strait. Wherever you explore, keep a lookout for wildlife as Bald eagles, bears and humpback whales can be spotted in this region.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today, visit Klawock which is beautifully situated on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. The small town has a population of around 700 and is known for its array of totem poles. A centre for Lingit culture, the original name of the island was 'Taan' meaning sea lion. At the Totem Park, you’ll see 21 exquisitely carved examples, some of them replicas of the originals that stood in the winter village of Tuxecan.

Complimentary Optional Activity: Klawock Highlights
Klawock is one of the earliest known settlements on the Northwest Coast, with a heritage stretching back more than 10,000 years. Your guided tour begins along the Klawock River Trail where rainforest and history flow side by side. At the carving shed, watch master artists and apprentices shape cedar into towering totems, carrying on a living tradition. Finally, head to Totem Park to see the largest authentic collection in Alaska.

Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on gravel, grass and concrete with slight inclines and declines. Approximately 80 meres of walking.
Wheelchair accessible: No

Optional Activity: Prince of Wales Marine Wildlife Tour
Setting out from Klawock, your guides will take you to some of the area’s best wildlife watching spots. Scan for humpback whales as they feed on herring and look out for rafts of sea otters drifting among kelp beds as your guide reveals how these playful creatures shape Alaska’s marine world. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, with advance notice.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Part of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreen trees and snowcapped peaks. Revered naturalist, John Muir, described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.

Weather permitting, you'll join the expedition team to tour Misty Fjords in the Zodiacs or kayaks. The area is rich in wildlife so enjoy scanning the shores and forests for bears and moose. The waters are also home to Pacific salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises.

Complimentary Optional Activity: Misty Fjords Zodiac
Join a Zodiac adventure through the tree-lined waterways of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the USA. Heading towards Misty Fjord, the Captain will set your exact route on the day, based on the conditions.

Activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle.
Wheelchair accessible: No

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Inside Passage coastal route takes you through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 1,500 kilometres long.

HX Expeditions' smaller expedition ship allows you to reach areas that larger vessels can’t, meaning you’ll get to explore lesser-travelled channels with breathtaking scenery. Keep your camera and binoculars at the ready to catch sight of whales, including humpback and perhaps even orca. In Princess Royal Channel, be on the lookout for the elusive Kermode Bear.

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive at Alert Bay, a scenic village on Cormorant Island that's north of Vancouver Island. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community. Being welcomed by them is a real privilege.

At the U'mista Cultural Centre, you'll see elaborate totem poles, paintings, carvings, ceremonial masks and other meaningful artifacts.

The island’s sheltered waters attract a huge array of wildlife including the Yellow-billed Loon with its distinctive speckled back. Keep an eye out for orcas and humpback whales close to shore.

Complimentary Optional Activity: Cultural Performance
Breathtaking Alert Bay is a Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community. While here, you’ll enjoy a cultural performance and a tour of the U’mista Cultural Centre. This close-knit community's stories, values and traditions come alive in this vibrant display. You’ll experience songs, storytelling and dances passed down through generations, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the land, sea and sky.

Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. Includes a 20-minute walk to the cultural centre. A shuttle service is available for guests with walking difficulties.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Overnight: HX Expeditions MS Roald Amundsen

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Your expedition cruise ends in the beautiful city of Vancouver at the foot of the Rockies.

After disembarkation, please make your own way to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, Downtown Vancouver or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, this city, is yours to explore. You could visit Gastown or climb Vancouver Lookout for a citywide panorama overlooking neon-lit Granville Street, West End beaches and towering cedars of Stanley Park. Vancouver has a flavour all its own so why not dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy as you soak up the city's atmosphere?

Overnight: Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, Downtown Vancouver or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to the train station to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Today, you'll travel from Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior.

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. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along Thompson River.

You will arrive in Kamloops in the evening, where you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

This morning, continue your Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure.

Journey eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again, you will experience ever-changing scenery as you travel across ranch lands, rocky lakeshores, mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels.

Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. You'll also enjoy the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff, where you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Banff Ptarmigan Inn or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today, it's time to begin your journey home.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver and transfer from your hotel in Banff to the Calgary airport for your international flight. The journey is approximately 140 kilometres.

Meals included: None

Meals included: None

Meals included: None