The Ultimate Canada & Alaska Adventure by Rail and Sea

Can’t decide between the wild grandeur of the Canadian Rockies and the allure of Alaska’s glacial coastline? Who says you have to choose when you can do a two-for-one trip, traversing through both?

Travelling through Canada to Alaska may not be the obvious choice for a first-timer, but for discerning travellers looking to uncover hidden corners of the continent with style and ease, it’s a no-brainer. With Rocky Mountaineer and Azamara Cruises, you’re not just hopping from city to city. You’re immersing yourself in iconic landscapes, all while enjoying five-star comfort and service.

Ready for an unforgettable journey along the majestic west coast of North America? Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring its wild heart by rail and its pristine, awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped mountains by sea.

Why Combine Rail & Cruise?

The pairing of Rocky Mountaineer train and Alaska cruise offers the best of slow travel, giving you front-row seats to some of the most breathtaking wilderness in North America. Think glass-domed rail journeys through dramatic mountain landscapes, followed by days spent boutique cruising through remote, glacier-carved fjords. It’s all about rich storytelling, curated excursions and intimate experiences you won’t find on a mega-liner or a standard rail pass.

Rocky Mountaineer is famed for its daylight-only journeys and GoldLeaf Service, where panoramic windows, gourmet cuisine and attentive hosts elevate the rail experience to a moving luxury hotel. Meanwhile, Azamara Cruises sets itself apart with immersive onshore adventures, longer stays in port and elegant shipboard charm. Think less crowds, more character.

Highlights to Look Forward to in Canada and Alaska

As you make your way across these wild and wonderful landscapes, there are countless moments you’ll want to capture. So, keep your camera close — here are some unmissable stops and highlights that will take your breath away:

• Downtown Vancouver: If this is your departure city for the Rocky Mountaineer rail, make sure you take a day or so to explore this lively city. Explore historic Gastown or find something scrumptious to eat in Vancouver’s vibrant food scene.
• Banff and Lake Louise: Known as one of the prettiest places in Canada, Banff National Park is a must-see for nature lovers. See some of the wildlife in the area up close or walk on the stunning lakeshore of Lake Louise to admire its turquoise waters.
• Inside Passage: As you cruise through the iconic Inside Passage in Alaska, make sure you have your camera ready. Here, you’ll see charming coastal villages and lush forests, and could even chance upon dramatic glaciers, too.
• Juneau: The Alaskan capital is a terrific city to see how locals of the state’s coastal villages live their day-to-day lives. You can shop at the rustic boutiques in town, go whale-watching and even kayak and raft in the waters of Mendenhall Lake. Juneau sees more daylight hours than your average city, giving you as much time as you want to explore it.
• Hubbard Glacier: Towering at over 120 metres and stretching more than 120 kilometres, Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s most dramatic natural wonders. As your Azamara ship sails near its brilliant blue face, you may witness the thunderous spectacle of ice calving into the sea, an unforgettable moment and a true highlight of any Alaska cruise.

Best Time of Year to Go on a Rail and Cruise Tour

The ideal time to embark on a Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise is between May and early September. These warmer months offer the most pleasant conditions for travel, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make sightseeing and wildlife spotting even more enjoyable.

Travelling in summer means you’ll experience Canada’s Rocky Mountains in all their splendour. Imagine lush alpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes and crisp mountain air, without the disruptions of winter snow.

Meanwhile, Alaska shines during this season, too, with longer daylight hours, thriving wildlife activity and easier access to its remote coastal communities. You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the views from the ship’s open deck—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of whales breaching or eagles soaring overhead.

Tips for a Seamless Rail-to-Sea Journey

Thoughtful preparation is key if you want to make the most out of travelling through Canada to Alaska. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your trip to make it as enjoyable and comfortable for you as possible:

• Arrive early to settle in: Touch down in your Canadian departure city at least a day or two before your Rocky Mountaineer journey begins. Not only does this give you a buffer in case of unexpected travel delays, but it also lets you ease into the local time zone and explore the city at your own pace, whether that’s wandering Vancouver’s harbourfront or soaking in the buzz of downtown Calgary.
• Pack smart for two climates: While the Canadian Rockies can offer warm, sunny days during the summer, coastal Alaska tends to be cooler and more refreshing, especially in the evenings. To stay comfortable throughout, pack layers and waterproof gear to suit both alpine and maritime climates. A good jacket, sturdy walking shoes and a sense of adventure are must-haves.
• Prepare for limited connectivity: As you journey through remote pockets of the Rockies and Alaska’s coastal regions, Wi-Fi and mobile coverage may be patchy. Download offline maps, tickets and important documents beforehand so you’re never caught out. And don’t forget to savour the digital detox!
• Organise your documents: Make life easier by keeping your passport, travel insurance, cruise and rail confirmations in one organised folder or pouch. When everything’s in one place, check-ins and border crossings are that much smoother.

Go on the North American Adventure of a Lifetime with Entire Travel Group

Combining Canada and Alaska into one extraordinary rail-and-sea adventure is a brilliant way to make the most of your North American holiday. With this journey, you’ll traverse the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, marvel at the turquoise beauty of Lake Louise in Banff and cruise through the iconic Inside Passage, all while soaking in the spellbinding sights of Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska’s most dramatic natural wonders.

It’s more than just ticking off postcard-perfect destinations. Travelling aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer and setting sail with Azamara Cruises means you’ll enjoy world-class service, immersive cultural experiences and ever-changing scenery without ever having to repack your bags. It’s the kind of journey that lingers in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

Ready to explore the wonders of Canada and Alaska in effortless style? Let Entire Travel Group handle the details, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride, from the rails to the sea.