Grand Journey on Canada's Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan Cruise
Grand Journey on Canada's Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan Cruise
Grand Journey on Canada's Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan Cruise
16 Days Starting in Calgary, AB, Canada and ending in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Visiting: Calgary, Banff, Rocky Mountaineer Train Station, Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CAC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
9-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$6874 (USD) including Flights from the UKNB: Prices correct on 09-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The Canadian Rockies, coupled with an Alaskan cruise, must surely rank amongst the very finest scenic and wildlife holidays on earth! Combining Canada, the world's second largest country, with a cruise to Alaska, the largest state in the US, our tour has been designed to showcase the very best that such an enormous area can offer.
The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada's crowning glory: home to bears, majestic elk, moose and beaver, with vast forests that seem to go on forever. Opaque lakes of stunning emerald green and turquoise reflect the magnificent scenery like no other place on earth. Carpets of wild flowers bedeck the green meadows spread beneath the towering glaciers - huge expanses of brilliant white ice and snow, contrasting with the muted greys and pinks of the jagged peaks. We stay in Banff, the very heart of the mountains, then travel along a monument to man's engineering prowess, the 'road of steel' that is the great Trans-Canadian railway, on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train. Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia.
Finally, we arrive in Vancouver, nestling beside the immense majesty of the Pacific Ocean, which ranks alongside Sydney, Cape Town and San Francisco as one of the world's most naturally beautiful panoramas. With its gleaming glass skyscrapers reflected in the azure-blue ocean, Canada's third largest city is a fascinating and cosmopolitan metropolis encircled by water and mountains.
Our seven-night cruise with Holland America Line to Alaska is available as an extension on all departures. The cruise includes two days at sea sailing the calm, sheltered waters of the famed Inside Passage. In Alaska, we visit the historic ports of Skagway and Ketchikan, where the prospectors of the 1890's Klondike gold rush took their first steps towards riches or heartache!
We spend a whole day cruising the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, travelling through a landscape that was completely covered by a 20-mile wide glacier just 200 years ago! The park contains eight tidewater glaciers, extraordinary twelve-storey walls of ice in countless shades of blue and white, creaking and groaning their way to the sea where huge blocks up to 200 feet high break loose and crash into the chilly waters.
On board you will enjoy unparalleled service and extraordinary sights coupled with exciting and unique experiences via the many shore excursions on offer. So, come join us on this wonderful Canada tour and explore one of the most exciting places in North America, located in truly awesome scenery, with enchanting wildlife and welcoming people. You are sure to return with some amazing lifelong memories!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3* Superior Delta by Marriott Calgary
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive at the airport for your direct flight to Calgary.
Day 2 : Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: 3* Superior Delta by Marriott Calgary
Meals Included: No Meals
Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Carpets of wild flowers bedeck the green meadows spread beneath the towering glaciers - huge expanses of brilliant white ice and snow,
contrasting with the muted greys and pinks of the jagged peaks.
Day 3 : Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: 3* Superior Banff Park Lodge
Meals Included: No Meals
This morning our breathtaking journey is along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. We then take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles with depths of over 1,000 feet. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
Day 4 : Free Day
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: 3* Superior Banff Park Lodge
Meals Included: No Meals
Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain at 7,500 feet on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with an open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
Signature Experience:
Go beyond nature’s edge on a thrilling adventure along the Colombia Icefield Skywalk. Step out onto a cliff edge walkway nearly 300 meters above the valley and discover one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Learn about how the Rockies were formed from the interactive displays and enjoy jaw-dropping views of waterfalls and fossils below and the ice-capped mountain peaks above you.
Day 5 : Rocky Mountaineer Train
Location: Rocky Mountaineer Train Station
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we set off on what is one of the world’s greatest train journeys! Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of
Alberta and British Columbia. Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned comfortable reclining seats, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows.
The train begins its spectacular two day 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, and as we follow the Columbia River we cross the dramatic 500-foot steel span of Stoney Creek bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns en route and the building of the railway itself.
Meals in SilverLeaf Class include excellent hot meals served at your seat on each day including complimentary snacks, tea and coffee, non-alcoholic drinks, plus beer and house wine with lunch, all served at your seat (bar service at extra cost). Upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Services and their impressive Dome carriages. Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.
Day 6 : Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon, we criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Day 7 : Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Vancouver regularly features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue of the Pacific Ocean with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure - there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. The path continues along the seashore and offers stunning vistas across the bay until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot to watch the sunset.
Signature Experience:
Soar above Vancouver on a once-in-a-lifetime seaplane ride. During the 20-minute flight we’ll glide over the city’s beautiful skyline, taking in many of the iconic landmarks. We’ll also enjoy a spectacular bird’s eye view of the mountain peaks nearby before an exciting landing in Vancouver’s picturesque harbour.
Day 8 : Embark Ms Koningsdam
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For all those continuing on to our Holland America Line Inside Passage cruise, embarkation begins at 11.30am and cabins are normally available from around 1pm. Our ship sails at 5pm, passing below Vancouver’s spectacular Lion’s Gate suspension bridge.
Day 9 : At Sea
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our first full day at sea and there’s plenty of time to ease into shipboard life and take in the amazing scenery of the Inside Passage. For anyone who prefers a little more activity, there are a huge variety of onboard talks and activities available. This evening is the first formal night of the cruise.
Day 10 : Juneau
Location: Juneau
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We spend the morning cruising to the Tracy Arm Inlet, from here its possible to take an excursion into the Fjord to see the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Hemmed in by near vertical icescoured granite mountainsides, the glaciers are surrounded by a wild and barren landscape – reminiscent of the last Ice Age! Look out for harbour seals basking on the many ice floes in the bay.
After lunch we arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. From here there’s a widely varying selection of shore excursions on offer, ranging from flying to a glacier by helicopter and dog-sledding with teams of huskies, to whale-watching, kayaking, a typical Alaskan salmon bake, fly fishing by sea plane and a variety of hikes in the surrounding area.
Day 11 : Skagway
Location: Skagway
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start today as we arrive in Skagway at 7am. Our ship remains here all day allowing plenty of time to explore this historic gateway to the Klondike, originally a lawless tented city during its gold rush days.
The shore excursions include a number of helicopter glacier sightseeing opportunities, but what makes Skagway unique is that it’s the start of the White Pass and Yukon railroad and there are a number of excursions that include a fascinating ride on the restored carriages of this 100-year old route through the Alaskan wilderness.
The most striking feature of Alaska is the sheer sense of isolation and tranquil beauty. People are a rarity, settlements more so; the land is not farmed or used by man in any way and the forests, seemingly, unmanaged! There’s wildlife galore, safe in the sanctuary of this pristine wilderness - there are few places like this left on the planet.
Day 12 : Glacier Bay
Location: Glacier Bay
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is yet another tour highlight as your cruise-ship slowly enters the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park, with eight actively calving glaciers, more than anywhere else on Earth, access to this amazing spectacle is strictly controlled by the US Parks Service. Surrounded by snow-clad 10,000-foot peaks of the Fairweather Range, the nutrient-rich waters teem with salmon and humpback whales. On-shore it’s also home to black bears, moose and wolves.
Our ship will spend the day cruising this huge area comprising 900 square miles of marine waters and although we do not actually dock anywhere, National Park Service rangers will come on board to provide specialist commentary and answer any questions.
Day 13 : Ketchikan
Location: Ketchikan
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning’s cruising, we arrive at the small town of Ketchikan after lunch, where a number of breathtaking trips are available, via seaplane, into the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument or the remote Tongass National Forest – a perfect environment, only accessible by air, where bears can be spotted fishing for salmon. Amongst the many other activities available, there’s salmon fishing, a crab feast, sea kayaking, and for the really adventurous, a ‘zip-line’ descent through the forest canopy!
Signature Experience:
Gather with fellow travelling companions for a private drinks reception on board the superb MS Koningsdam. Sip on a cocktail in your luxurious surroundings and share stories of your travel adventures whilst taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers - surely there is no better way to round off this holiday of a lifetime.
Day 14 : At Sea
Location: Ketchikan
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our last full day is spent at sea returning through the Inside Passage.
Day 15 : Return Flight
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: No Meals
We arrive back in Vancouver in the morning and spend some free time in the vibrant markets and restaurants of Granville Island before returning to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.
Day 16 : Arrive Home
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: No Meals
We arrive back in the UK, with some wonderful memories.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Seven nights on room-only basis, staying in superior three-star hotels (medium class in Kamloops, Arranged directly by the Rocky Mountaineer)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
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International Travel
Flights to Calgary and returning from Vancouver
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Meals
Two breakfasts and lunches plus selected drinks and staff gratuities on Rocky Mountaineer train
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Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
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All transfers
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All port taxes
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuity
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Flights to Calgary and returning from Vancouver
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that we often enjoy walking tours (sometimes over unmade paths) so this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. Please bear this in mind when considering this holiday
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Sunday
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Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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