Wildlife & Wilderness: Where Nature Steals the Show from Canada to Alaska

For nature lovers chasing wild beauty and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, there’s nothing quite like travelling through Canada to Alaska on a journey that blends comfort, luxury and the great outdoors. The combined experience of the Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise with Azamara Cruises takes you from the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the remote fjords and glacial bays of Alaska, seamlessly and in style.

Where many tours offer a surface-level itinerary, this one goes deeper. Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury experience built for slow travel, with panoramic glass-domed coaches, gourmet meals and an all-daylight route that winds through untouched mountain scenery.

Azamara Cruises, on the other hand, is in a league of its own when it comes to Alaskan cruising. With smaller ships that can access lesser-visited ports and longer stays ashore, you’ll connect with coastal communities and natural wonders in ways that bigger cruise lines simply can’t offer.

What You Can’t Miss When Travelling through Canada to Alaska

There are plenty of opportunities to be at one with nature when you’re exploring Canada and Alaska, whether it’s with animals in the region or seeing stunning landscapes by rail or sea. Here are some encounters you might want to put on your bucket list if you’re travelling the coast with Rocky Mountaineer and Azamara Cruises.

Grizzlies and Bighorn Sheep in the Canadian Rockies

Along the Rocky Mountaineer’s legendary routes keep your eyes peeled for two of Canada’s most iconic residents: grizzly bears and bighorn sheep. In spring and early summer, grizzlies are often seen foraging along riverbanks, especially during salmon runs, while bighorn sheep traverse rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops with ease. These moments feel almost cinematic, especially when viewed from the comfort of your glass-domed carriage, as the train gently winds its way through alpine wilderness.

Animals in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is one of the best parks to see wildlife in Canada, and you shouldn’t miss it when you’re aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. It’s home to over 300 species of birds, 53 species of mammals (like wolves, cougars, grizzlies and wolverines) and 844 species of plants. It’s a nature lover’s dream come true! The park has diverse ecosystems, from dense, coniferous forests to open tundra, creating many prime habitats for the variety of wildlife that call it home.

Moose and Elk in Jasper National Park

In Jasper National Park, both moose and elk roam the wild. Elk are more common and visible throughout the park, often seen grazing in meadows. Meanwhile, moose are far more elusive. There are only around 150 moose in the area, and they are seen near wetlands and lakes. Because they’re so hard to find, every encounter with them feels like such a special moment in nature.

Humpback Whales in Alaska’s Inside Passage

Once you board your Azamara Cruises voyage, your focus turns seaward. The iconic Inside Passage, renowned for its sheltered waters and stunning scenery, is a haven for marine life. From June to August, this stretch of ocean becomes feeding grounds for hundreds of humpback whales. Watching them breach, fluke or dive beneath the surface is nothing short of magical, especially when witnessed from Azamara Cruises’ open deck or your private balcony, just metres from the action.

Hubbard Glacier & Remote Fjords

No Alaskan cruise is complete without an awe-inspiring glacier encounter, and few are as grand as Hubbard Glacier. Thanks to Azamara Cruises’ smaller, boutique ships, you’ll venture deeper into narrow, lesser-travelled fjords that larger liners simply can’t reach. As you glide silently toward the towering wall of ice, there’s a distinct hush in the air, only the sound of calving ice and the ripple of waves. It’s a rare, immersive moment where nature truly takes centre stage, and you’re right there to witness it in all its grandeur.

Travel Tips for a Wildlife-Filled Journey

To truly make the most of this nature-rich journey through Canada and Alaska, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you're gazing at glacier-carved fjords or hiking the Canada Rocky Mountains, these tips will help you stay comfortable, safe and ready for adventure:

• Pack smart: The climates across the Canadian Rockies and coastal Alaska can vary wildly, even within a single day. Pack lightweight layers that you can easily add or remove, and don’t forget waterproof gear for unexpected showers or misty glacier visits. If you’re planning on hiking the Canada Rocky Mountains, sturdy footwear with good grip is a must, along with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you feeling fresh on the trail.
• Respect the wildlife: From grizzlies and elk to whales and sea otters, the chance to spot wildlife is a major highlight of this trip. Observe animals from a respectful distance. Binoculars and zoom lenses will give you a front-row seat without disturbing their natural behaviour. Stick to marked paths or travel with a guided group, particularly in national parks.
• Download the essentials: Wi-Fi and mobile reception can be patchy in remote areas, particularly when you’re deep in the Rockies or cruising through Alaskan fjords. Download your travel documents, maps and any vital info ahead of time so you can access them offline.
• Arrive early: Give yourself a stress-free start by arriving in your Rocky Mountaineer departure city—whether that’s Vancouver or Calgary—a day or two early. This provides a helpful buffer in case of flight delays and gives you extra time to explore the city before embarking on your rail adventure.

When’s the Best Time to Spot Wildlife?

The best time to embark on a Rocky Mountaineer and Azamara Cruises rail-to-sea journey depends on the landscapes and wildlife experiences you’d most like to prioritise.

If you want to witness the vibrant alpine wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, like grizzlies, moose and mountain goats, then late spring to early autumn (May to September) is ideal. During this period, the forests are lush, the weather is pleasantly mild and animal activity is at its peak, making for unforgettable sightings from the comfort of the train.

Prefer marine encounters? Then, a mid-year cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage (June to August) offers the best opportunity to see humpback whales breaching, orcas slicing through the water and playful sea otters along the rugged shoreline. The long summer daylight hours also mean more time to soak up the extraordinary scenery each day.

See It All with Entire Travel Group

From the thunderous splash of breaching whales to the enigmatic energy of a grizzly bear in the woods, this journey from the Canadian Rockies to Alaska’s coastline is the kind of adventure that leaves a mark. At every turn, from rail to sea, you’ll be reminded how beautiful and majestic nature can be. If you’re a nature lover, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you can’t afford to miss.

Want to enjoy a front-row seat to North America’s raw natural beauty with Rocky Mountaineer and Azamara Cruises? Book your Canada-to-Alaska holiday with Entire Travel Group today!