Alaska and Canadian Rockies
via train, coach and cruise ship
See the best of west on this spectacular 19 day journey.
From AUD$11649
28 Aug 2027
19 nights
Mixed company
Rail Inclusions
Cruise Inclusions
Land Inclusions
Trip Options
Travelling solo?
You’ve got a few great options:
- Come to a Ladies Who Travel Meet Up and find a travel partner
- Pay the $3391 AUD single supplement for your own private interior cabin
- Share a cabin: we’ll match you with another Ladies Who Travel member
- Or bring your partner, friend, or family member – this trip is open to male companions!
If the Canadian Rockies and Alaska have been on your travel bucket list, this is a truly spectacular way to experience them.
This incredible 19-day journey combines three unforgettable travel experiences into one: exploring vibrant Vancouver, travelling through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train, and finishing with a stunning cruise along the Inside Passage in Alaska.
You’ll experience dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise glacier lakes, charming alpine towns, wildlife-filled national parks and some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. From the famous Lake Louise to the glaciers of Alaska, this journey is filled with unforgettable moments.
This trip will be hosted by fellow LWT member Joanne Brooks, creating a lovely opportunity to travel with like-minded people while enjoying the security and organisation of a fully guided tour.
Male partners are also very welcome to join.
Welcome to Vancouver, a city celebrated for its dramatic natural setting and multicultural vibrancy.
Your Tour Director is available from 3–6 p.m. to answer questions and help you get oriented as you settle into your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, you might explore the city’s downtown, framed by the Pacific Ocean and the forested slopes of the North Shore Mountains.
The harbourfront is an easy stroll away and offers sweeping views of Burrard Inlet, seaplanes taking off and landing, and the iconic sails of Canada Place.
This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner included with your tour, a lovely opportunity to meet your fellow Ladies Who Travel companions and get to know the group before your adventure through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska begins.
Your morning begins with an included sightseeing tour of Stanley Park, known for its towering cedars, scenic seawall, and cultural landmarks. The tour also showcases the harbour, beaches, and other key districts, giving you a broad sense of the city’s layout and character.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore. You might take a water taxi to Granville Island, famous for its lively public market, artisan studios, street performers, and waterfront cafés.
Alternatively, you could wander through Gastown, where cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, Indigenous art galleries, and the famous steam clock blend history and modern creativity.
Today, you board the Rocky Mountaineer for the first day of your two‑day, all‑daylight rail journey—one of the most scenic rail experiences in the world.
The route follows the Fraser River, carving its way through steep‑walled canyons, and later the Thompson River, known for its swirling rapids and rugged desert‑like landscapes.
Along the way, you may spot bald eagles, bighorn sheep, or even the occasional black bear along the riverbanks. The commentary on board highlights the region’s Gold Rush history, Indigenous heritage, and geological features.
By late afternoon, the train arrives in Kamloops, a city set amid rolling grasslands, sagebrush, and wide‑open skies. After checking into your hotel, you can relax, stroll along the riverside, or enjoy dinner in town.
As the train departs Kamloops, the scenery shifts quickly from sagebrush‑covered hills to the rising silhouettes of the Selkirk Mountains, a range known for its rugged peaks and deep forested valleys.
The daylight‑only travel ensures you won’t miss a moment of the dramatic terrain, and the panoramic windows make it easy to take in every glacier‑fed river, canyon wall, and distant summit.
The route continues toward Yoho National Park, an area celebrated for its towering rock faces, waterfalls, and emerald lakes.
You’ll wind through the famous Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel completed in 1909 to help trains safely navigate the steep grades of Kicking Horse Pass.
As you cross the Continental Divide, you officially enter Alberta and the world‑renowned Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival in Banff, you’ll settle into your hotel surrounded by some of the most iconic mountain scenery in North America.
Today is yours to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes of Banff National Park, a region defined by glacier‑carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and wildlife‑rich forests.
The town of Banff itself sits amid dramatic peaks, and it’s not uncommon to spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, or even black bears in the surrounding meadows and hillsides.
With a full day at leisure, you can choose how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the alpine environment.
You might stroll along Banff Avenue, visit local galleries, or take advantage of the area’s extensive network of walking trails.
For a more elevated perspective, optional excursions include a helicopter flightseeing tour, offering sweeping aerial views of the Canadian Rockies’ jagged ridgelines and glacial valleys.
Alternatively, you could relax at the historic hot springs or simply enjoy the crisp mountain air and spectacular scenery that make Banff one of Canada’s most beloved destinations.
Your first stop today is Lake Louise, famous for its striking blue‑green waters that reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers with mirror‑like clarity. This glacial lake is one of the most photographed places in Canada, and its serene beauty sets the tone for the journey ahead.
From here, you travel along the Icefields Parkway, often described as one of the world’s most scenic highways. Towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and ancient icefields line the route as you approach the Columbia Icefield, home to ice more than 200 metres thick.
An included ride on the all‑terrain Ice Explorer takes you onto the Athabasca Glacier itself, offering a rare opportunity to stand on one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle.
Continuing north, you arrive in Jasper National Park, known for its expansive wilderness and dark‑sky preserve.
An orientation tour introduces you to the town of Jasper, after which you may choose to join an optional Athabasca River float trip, a gentle and scenic way to experience the park’s landscapes from water level.
Our morning begins with the option to take a Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most iconic and frequently photographed locations in the Rockies. This excursion offers a peaceful glide across glacial waters surrounded by towering peaks.
Departing Jasper, you travel toward the base of Mount Robson, which holds the title of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Its sheer vertical relief and often cloud‑shrouded summit make it a dramatic highlight of the day’s journey.
The route then leads you through British Columbia’s historic Fur Trade and Cariboo regions, areas once traversed by traders, prospectors, and early settlers. Granite mountains, dense forests, and fast‑moving rivers accompany you as you continue toward Sun Peaks, an internationally known mountain resort. Here, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in a peaceful alpine setting, surrounded by the natural beauty that defines this part of British Columbia.
Today you’ll follow the route of the Cariboo Wagon Road, once a lifeline for prospectors heading north during the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860s.
Your first major stop is Lillooet, known as “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” a title that reflects its role as a staging point for miners, traders, and supply caravans. The surrounding landscape is striking—dry, dramatic, and carved by the powerful Fraser River.
From here, you follow the rushing waters of Cayoosh Creek, a twisting mountain stream that guides you through deep valleys and past sheer rock faces as you approach the Coast Mountains.
By afternoon, you arrive in Whistler, one of Canada’s premier mountain resort towns. An orientation tour introduces you to the pedestrian‑friendly village, framed by the twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb. The town’s alpine architecture, lively plazas, and surrounding wilderness set the stage for a relaxing and scenic overnight stay.
You have a full day at leisure to enjoy Whistler, a resort community known for its outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and welcoming mountain atmosphere.
There are two optional activities: the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is an engineering landmark, holding the record for the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind. It connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, offering sweeping views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and deep valleys.
If you prefer to stay grounded, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre provides an enriching introduction to the traditions, art, and history of the local Indigenous communities. Exhibits, carving demonstrations, and guided interpretive experiences offer insights into the region’s deep cultural roots.
Of course, you may also choose to explore Whistler Village at your own pace—its cafés, shops, walking trails, and scenic lookouts make it easy to enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by mountain beauty.
Depart Whistler this morning and travel toward the Pacific Coast, where you board a ferry for the scenic crossing of the Strait of Georgia.
The journey across these sheltered waters offers expansive views of forested islands, rugged shorelines, and the distant silhouettes of coastal mountain ranges. It’s not uncommon to spot seabirds gliding overhead or seals resting on rocky outcrops as the ferry makes its way toward Vancouver Island.
Upon arrival, continue to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia and a city known for its blend of historic architecture, manicured gardens, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Your sightseeing includes a visit to the world‑renowned Butchart Gardens, where themed landscapes, seasonal blooms, and peaceful pathways create one of Canada’s most beloved horticultural attractions.
You’ll also see notable landmarks such as the Empress Hotel, the Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park, each reflecting a different chapter of Victoria’s cultural and architectural heritage.
As evening settles in, the city’s Inner Harbour becomes a beautiful place for a stroll, with sailboats, street performers, and waterfront restaurants adding to the inviting atmosphere.
Spend a full day enjoying Victoria at your own pace. The city’s mild climate, walkable streets, and elegant waterfront make it an ideal place to explore.
You might choose to indulge in high tea at the Empress Hotel, a long‑standing tradition that reflects Victoria’s British‑influenced character.
Government Street offers an array of boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops, perfect for browsing or picking up local crafts and gifts.
For those drawn to nature and wildlife, an optional marine wildlife and whale‑watching excursion ventures into the waters surrounding the San Juan and Gulf Islands. These nutrient‑rich channels are home to a variety of marine species, and sightings may include whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Another optional outing, the Malahat SkyWalk, provides a gentle spiral ascent above the treetops, culminating in panoramic views of coastal inlets, forested hills, and distant mountain ranges.
This morning begins with a scenic ferry crossing from Vancouver Island back to the mainland. The sailing offers a peaceful transition from Victoria’s gentle coastal landscapes to the busier waterways surrounding Vancouver. As the ferry weaves through the Gulf Islands, you may spot seabirds, forested shorelines, and the occasional marine mammal surfacing in the calm straits.
Upon arrival, you transfer to the cruise terminal to board your ship, marking the beginning of the Alaska portion of your adventure, combining rugged wilderness with the comfort and amenities of a premium cruise experience.
Your fare includes Holland America’s Have It All Premium Cruise Package, which features a signature beverage package, specialty dining, Wi‑Fi, and a shore‑excursion credit.
After settling into your stateroom, take time to wander the decks, enjoy the sail‑away views of Vancouver’s skyline, or simply relax as the ship begins its journey north toward one of the world’s most celebrated cruising routes.
Today is devoted entirely to the serene beauty of the Inside Passage, the longest sheltered inland waterway on Earth. This remarkable route threads between the British Columbia mainland and a chain of forested islands, creating calm waters and uninterrupted views of steep fjords, dense evergreen forests, and remote coastal inlets.
As the ship glides north, keep an eye on the water for orcas and humpback whales, which are commonly seen feeding or travelling through these nutrient‑rich channels. Bald eagles often perch on shoreline trees or soar overhead, and the occasional harbour seal or porpoise may appear near the ship.
The Inside Passage is also dotted with small communities, lighthouses, and fishing vessels, offering glimpses of coastal life in this remote region.
Your first Alaskan port of call is Juneau, the state capital and a city accessible only by air or sea. Nestled between steep mountains and the waters of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau blends Gold Rush history with dramatic natural surroundings.
Travellers often choose to explore the compact downtown area, where historic buildings, shops, and cafés line the streets. Juneau is also known as a gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, and many visitors opt for excursions that showcase its icy blue face and surrounding trails.
Others may choose wildlife‑focused outings, cultural experiences, or scenic flights that reveal the vastness of the surrounding wilderness.
With its combination of frontier heritage and spectacular landscapes, Juneau offers a memorable introduction to Alaska’s unique character.
Today brings you to Skagway, a town that still carries the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush. Wooden boardwalks, restored historic buildings, and dramatic mountain backdrops create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time.
Many visitors choose to ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a narrow‑gauge railroad originally built in 1898 to serve stampeders heading toward the Yukon. The route climbs steep grades and passes waterfalls, gorges, and rugged peaks, offering a vivid sense of the challenges faced by early prospectors.
Skagway’s compact downtown is easy to explore on foot, with museums, saloons, and shops that reflect the town’s colourful past.
Today’s voyage takes you into Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for having more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. The park is a place of immense natural drama, where massive rivers of ice descend from the mountains into deep fjords.
As the ship enters the bay, park rangers typically come aboard to share insights about the region’s geology, wildlife, and glacial history. The highlight is watching for calving events, where chunks of ice break from the glacier face and crash into the water with a thunderous roar.
Wildlife is abundant here—harbour seals rest on floating ice, mountain goats cling to steep cliffs, and bald eagles circle overhead. The stillness of the bay, broken only by the sounds of ice and wildlife, creates one of the most awe‑inspiring experiences of the entire cruise.
Your journey continues to Ketchikan, a town known for its deep Indigenous heritage, colourful waterfront, and strong ties to fishing and logging. Often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan sits at the southern entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage and is surrounded by lush rainforest.
Visitors often explore the historic Creek Street district, where wooden boardwalks line a salmon‑filled stream, or visit cultural sites showcasing the artistry of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Ketchikan is also renowned for its impressive collection of totem poles, which can be seen in parks and cultural centres throughout the area.
Your return journey through the Inside Passage offers another opportunity to appreciate one of the world’s greatest cruising routes. This stretch of coastline is defined by towering cliffs, narrow channels, and vast stretches of temperate rainforest. The route extends from the dramatic landscapes of Misty Fjords National Monument to the glacial grandeur of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Wildlife sightings are common—humpback whales and orcas may surface near the ship, bald eagles often soar overhead, and brown bears can sometimes be spotted foraging along remote shorelines. The combination of calm waters, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife makes this one of the most iconic segments of the Alaska cruise experience.
Your cruise concludes this morning as the ship returns to Vancouver, bringing your 19‑day Canadian and Alaskan adventure full circle.
After disembarking, you’ll make your way to the airport or onward destination. Travellers are advised to schedule afternoon departures to allow ample time for disembarkation.
With memories of mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers, wildlife, and historic coastal towns, you leave with a rich tapestry of experiences that span two remarkable regions of North America.
