By rail and sea

The Rockies and Alaska.
By rail and by sea.

One of the great combinations in travel: the Canadian Rockies by train or road, then a cruise north from Vancouver through the Inside Passage to the glaciers of Alaska. Mountains one week, fjords and whales the next.

Plan a Rockies and Alaska trip with Nancy

A harbour ferry crossing the blue water of Victoria's Inner Harbour in front of Fairmont Empress — Victoria Inner Harbour, British Columbia © Destination Canada

Through the Rockies

Start in the mountains: a few days in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper, then travel west to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer or by road.

A hiker with a pack crossing the Athabasca Glacier — Athabasca Glacier, Jasper

The Rocky Mountaineer curving through the trees with its dome coaches visible — © Destination Canada

A rushing river between rock walls beneath a red bridge in the canyon — © Destination Canada

A turquoise lake below forested hills — © Destination Canada

A grey rocky peak under cloud — © Destination Canada

Rock cliffs and pines in the mountains — © Destination Canada

Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the main starting points for Alaska cruises, and one of the world’s most beautiful harbour cities. A night or two before you sail is time well spent.

Two people watching seaplanes moored in Vancouver harbour at sunset — © Destination Canada

A smiling pilot beside a floatplane on the Vancouver waterfront — © Destination Canada

The Granville Island sign beneath the bridge — © Destination Canada

Stacks of fresh oranges and apples at a Granville Island market stall — © Destination Canada

Tall cedars in the forest of Stanley Park — © Destination Canada

The Inside Passage

The sheltered waterway along the coast of British Columbia and Alaska, lined with forests, islands and mountains, with whales, eagles and sea otters along the way. Cruises usually run for seven nights, either returning to Vancouver or ending in Alaska.

Orcas surfacing in a calm green bay with forested hills behind — Orcas, British Columbia

A yellow harbour ferry flying a Canadian flag on Victoria's Inner Harbour — © Destination Canada

Golden evening light on the buildings of Victoria's waterfront — © Destination Canada

The sun setting over still water with the city skyline beyond — © Destination Canada

A seaside lodge on a rocky headland with snow-capped mountains across the water — © Destination Canada

Glaciers and gold-rush towns

Depending on the itinerary, you might sail close to a tidewater glacier, ride the White Pass railway from Skagway, or explore Juneau and Ketchikan.

The wing of a floatplane over the water and city shoreline below — Flying over the coast, British Columbia

When to go

The Alaska cruise season runs from about May to September, which suits a New Zealand winter escape.

Planned around you

With so many cruise lines, ships and rail options, the choices can be overwhelming. Nancy can match the cruise, cabin and land journey to your interests and pace, and handle every connection in between.

Mountains and glaciers in one holiday?