Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise (8934)

16 days from Calgary to Vancouver

2027 Tour Details

Create lasting memories traveling through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska.

The adventure begins in Calgary, home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede, and continues to Banff National Park, stunning Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway, where you’ll ride the all-terrain Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier.

Continue to the dramatic landscapes of Jasper National Park before experiencing a two-day, all-daylight rail journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver. Pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, wild rivers, mountain ranges, and the Hell’s Gate rapids on the Fraser River.

See Stanley Park and other highlights in Vancouver before crossing by ferry through the Gulf Islands to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Visit beautiful Butchart Gardens, then enjoy free time to explore Victoria before returning by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver to board your Alaska cruise.

Cruise the spectacular Inside Passage, watching for whales, bald eagles, seals, and other wildlife. Marvel at Alaska’s glaciers and, if conditions allow, witness the dramatic spectacle of ice calving into the sea. This value-minded tour of Western Canada with an Alaska cruise is an unforgettable vacation!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

Your Tour Includes:

• Entrance fee to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, home to glacier-fed lakes, mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife
• Orientation tours of Banff, Jasper, and Victoria, introducing each destination's scenic and historic highlights
• Ticket for the Icefields Explorer Experience at Columbia Icefield to travel onto the Athabasca Glacier
• 2-day, all-daylight rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service, following rivers, canyons, and mountain passes through western Canada (GoldLeaf Service upgrades are available)
• Guided city sightseeing of Vancouver, featuring Stanley Park and other city highlights
• Ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island, sailing through the scenic Strait of Georgia
• Admission to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, featuring 55 acres of spectacular floral displays
• Alaskan cruise on Holland America’s MS Zaandam including Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package,’ featuring a signature beverage package, dinner in a specialty restaurant, $100 shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi package.
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Freedom to Travel: Save $200 per couple on select 2027 Cosmos vacations worldwide*
Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners


Notes:

• Visting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and dates of operation.

• Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield (opens in early May), Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion (opens late May to early June), or Moraine Lake optional excursion (opens in early June).

• At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.

• Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.

• Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

 Itinerary

Day 1 CALGARY

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

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Day 2 CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Home to the Calgary Stampede, Calgary was transformed by the discovery of oil from a ranching town into a thriving city. See many of downtown Calgary’s attractions on today’s sightseeing tour, including The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains into Banff National Park. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival. The evening is at leisure.

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Day 3 BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy the day exploring Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through Banff townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. For a different perspective, choose an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. If you prefer to stay on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit gorgeous Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.

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Day 4 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK

First stop is stunning Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then travel the Icefields Parkway, crossing three mountain passes as gorges, snowcapped peaks, and glacier-fed lakes come into view. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a tour highlight – a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Late this afternoon, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper National Park, enjoy an orientation tour of the townsites.

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Day 5 JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Immerse yourself on a memorable optional narrated cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island*. Along the way, see Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Then perhaps hike one of the park’s trails or browse the shops in the Jasper townsite.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

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Day 6 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS

Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all-daylight rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and follow the North Thompson River with views of the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening.


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Day 7 KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER

This morning, continue your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Travel through the Fraser Canyon and see the powerful whitewater of Hell’s Gate on the Fraser River. Arrive in Vancouver this evening and transfer to your hotel.

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Day 8 VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA

Morning sightseeing highlights Stanley Park and other Vancouver landmarks. Afterward, sail through the Gulf Islands, to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. Visit Butchart Gardens and its 55-acres of floral displays, then continue sightseeing in Victoria, including Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, and Thunderbird Park home to an impressive collection of totem poles. This evening, perhaps enjoy a stroll along Victoria’s Inner Harbour and dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

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Day 9 VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION)

Sail via ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver this morning. After arriving, transfer to Canada Place and bid farewell to your Tour Director and board your Holland America cruise ship for a 7-night voyage through the Inside Passage. Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.'

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Day 10 SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most scenic coastal waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for marine life, including orcas and humpback whales.

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Day 11 JUNEAU

Located at the foot of mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau is home to Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield. Browse the shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. With long daylight hours, you'll have even more time to enjoy Juneau’s outdoor adventures.

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Day 12 SKAGWAY

Skagway is known as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, when thousands of prospectors passed through town on their way to the Yukon Territory. Visit the Trail of ’98 Museum or the historic Red Onion Saloon to learn more about Skagway’s Gold Rush history, including stories of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other colorful characters. Or stroll the wooden boardwalks and browse the shops of this historic frontier town.

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Day 13 SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY

Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park, where snow-capped mountains, forests, and tidewater glaciers create one of Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as you sail to Margerie Glacier, where you may have the chance to witness the dramatic spectacle of ice calving. Watch for wildlife along the shoreline and in the water, including humpback whales, grizzly bears, and other native species.

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Day 14 KETCHIKAN

Named Alaska’s “First City” as the first major port of call for many cruises sailing the Inside Passage, Ketchikan sits along the Tongass Narrows and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. Known for its salmon fishing and Native Alaska heritage, Ketchikan offers opportunities to try your luck on an optional sport-fishing excursion, savor fresh local seafood, or learn about the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

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Day 15 SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE

Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

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Day 16 VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon.

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 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

MARK LOVE

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

Travel has always been my passion. After completing my degree in Tourism, I lived overseas and had the opportunity to visit numerous countries and experience different cultures. My background in the travel industry has enabled me to realize how invaluable a respected and experienced tour operator is. I have 5 years of experience as a Tour Director with Globus family of brands and am proud every time I represent the company and travel with my guests. The Canadian Rockies are my home and I can not imagine a better office space in the world. Regardless if I am viewing wildlife with my group, telling a story of historical significance, or just standing close by as guests enjoy the beautiful scenery of Western Canada, I love my role as a Tour Director. Being a part of a guests travel experience is the best reward that I can ask for!

Tour Director - MARK LOVE

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Banff
Jasper

Banff

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

Discover unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park region by helicopter. There are several options to choose from, but all deliver spectacular opportunities for a once in a lifetime experience in the Rockies.

Price Range: $$$$

Canyons & Peaks of the Canadian Rockies with Moraine Lake

Canyons & Peaks of the Canadian Rockies with Moraine Lake

Visit the world-famous Moraine Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks - a truly iconic and exclusive destination in the Canadian Rockies. With personal vehicle access no longer permitted, reaching Moraine Lake is now a privilege reserved for the select few, making our visit all the more special! Often called the Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake's striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting make for an unforgettable alpine adventure.

Price Range: $

Jasper

Athabasca River Float Trip

Athabasca River Float Trip

Enjoy some of Jasper National Park's very best scenery from water level on this exciting rafting float trip along the Athabasca River!

Price Range: $$

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Immerse yourself in the very essence of the Canadian Rockies on this exceptional cruise across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island!

Price Range: $$

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot. This guided nature walk will feature a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and stunning glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead this leisurely walk as you explore the abundant flora and fauna along these routes that often offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. Marvel at snow-capped peaks during the months of May and early June, in mid-summer the forest and alpine meadows are ablaze in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August and through the month of September, the mountain landscapes glow with the red, orange, and gold of the Larch and Aspen trees.

Price Range: $$



The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).