Inspiring Canadian Rockies by Rail & Alaska with Explora Journeys (Tour code: 15810)

Picture yourself onboard the world’s leading luxury rail experience. From the moment you set foot onboard, experience hosts that will go above and beyond to make your journey as comfortable as it is unforgettable. The custom-designed glass-dome coaches provide you with panoramic views – or get a bit closer by stepping into the outdoor viewing area. See the sights by day, sleep in a hotel at night. With Rocky Mountaineer, you get the best of both worlds: maximum views, and maximum comfort.

GoldLeaf Service Inclusions:

• Bi-level dome with seating above and dining below
• Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views
• Gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room
• Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Attended by up to four Hosts, plus a full culinary team
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gourmet sweet and savoury snacks
• Large exclusive outdoor viewing platform
• Luggage handling

Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Explora III brings a new level of contemporary European luxury to the ocean, blending elegant design with relaxed sophistication. With refined dining, curated enrichment, and immersive destination experiences, the ship offers a boutique resort-style atmosphere where every detail is crafted for comfort and discovery.

The Ocean Terrace Suite provides one of the most spacious entry-level retreats at sea, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a private sun terrace with a dining area and daybed. Inside, guests enjoy an elegant lounge space, personalised minibar, espresso machine, and a welcome bottle of champagne, along with a generous walk-in wardrobe, bespoke king-size bed, and a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, premium Mandala Blue amenities, and a Dyson Supersonic™ hairdryer.

Ocean Terrace Suite | Credit: Explora Journeys

Arrive in Calgary and spend time exploring this cosmopolitan city on your own. That could be going to the top of the Calgary Tower, exploring Prince's Island Park or much more.

Overnight in Calgary at the Fairmont Palliser

Calgary | Credit: Kelly Hofer Tourism Calgary

Depart Calgary this morning for a full-day transfer concluding in Banff. Journey to Banff on a sightseeing transfer including a stop at the Banff Gondola (cost of admission included). Highlights include Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Your tour ends on arrival in Banff late this afternoon.

Overnight in Banff at the Rimrock Resort

Banff Gondola | Credit: Pursuit

Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Banff has activities for all, from Relaxing in the Banff hot springs, exploring the bustling town, to outdoor wildlife adventures.

Overnight in Banff at the Rimrock Resort

Aerial of Banff Townsite | Credit: Paul Zizka

Enjoy a sightseeing transfer from Banff to Lake Louise today, with stops including Emerald Lake. The tour ends in Lake Louise where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location.

Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Credit: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or book optional activities as you wish. With its rich history and breathtaking alpine scenery, Lake Louise is a destination that never fails to inspire. Learn about local wildlife, take to the turquoise waters by canoe, or simply soak up the natural beauty surrounding the lake.

Included today is access to BASIN Glacial Waters, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s immersive wellness experience. Inspired by the pure elements of the Canadian Rockies, BASIN offers a transformative journey rooted in thermotherapy. Guests enjoy three hours of access to the thermal circuit, moving at their own pace or following curated Trails designed to support specific wellness outcomes.

Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Credit: BASIN Glacial Waters | Travel Alberta / Devon Rogers

Departing early in the morning, travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. Your journey takes you through ever-changing scenery as you travel between the iconic glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior. Today's highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. You will arrive in Kamloops in the evening.

Overnight in Kamloops

Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Early in the morning, your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today's journey, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the B.C. Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Cascade and Coast Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Overnight in Vancouver at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing your pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Vancouver at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Freedom of Choice Options

• Vancouver City Highlights Tour including Capilano Suspension Bridge:

  Explore the urban elements of downtown Vancouver and immerse yourself in the wilds of Vancouver’s rugged North Shore. Combine the highlights of downtown Vancouver with a stop at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Drive by some of the most renowned sights including historic neighborhoods, scenic beaches, and a picturesque harbour and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples’ Totem Poles, and spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Take in the jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the city and beyond from Vancouver Lookout's Observation Deck, and wander through the charming farmer’s market at Granville Island.

OR

• Granville Island Market Tour:

  Granville Island is Canada’s second most-visited destination, behind Niagara Falls, and Vancouver’s destination for lovers of food, art and culture. During the tour, guests eat their way through the world-famous Public Market and hear the intriguing stories, culture, and history behind the tasty creations. As the colourful market buzzes around you, step behind the scenes to experience a side that many never see — even the locals. Tuck into savory and sweet bites by renowned culinary artisans, and connect with their passion for food and heritage

OR

• Stanley Park Bicycle Tour:

  Stanley Park is uniquely situated with incredibly scenic views of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, as well as English Bay and the West End. Weave down the pristine forest trails that criss-cross through the park, and receive incisive information about the amazing wilderness in the city. This is definitely more than just a ride in the park. You will walk or ride away with a deeper understanding of both Vancouver and its green treasure. An easy 12 km ride on dedicated bike trails. Tours always ride at a relaxed pace to take in the sights, so anyone with moderate fitness can easily do this ride!

Aerial of Vancouver | Credit: Destination Vancouver / Albert Normandin

Your journey today begins with a scenic ferry ride across the Georgia Strait — keep a lookout for seals and whales as you sail toward Vancouver Island. Once ashore you’ll visit the majestic Butchart Gardens, a 22‑hectare garden wonderland filled with meticulously landscaped grounds, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and award‑winning Rose Garden. Afterwards, enjoy time exploring the historic seaside city of Victoria, British Columbia: stroll the charming Inner Harbour, wander through North America’s second‑oldest Chinatown, and admire landmarks like the provincial Parliament Buildings and the iconic Empress Hotel.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point

Butchart Gardens | Credit: Destination BC / Local Wanderer

Today, you can personalise your day by choosing your pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point

Freedom of Choice Options

• Whale Watching:

  Experience the thrill of whale watching from Victoria, with options to stay dry and comfortable on a covered vessel or get closer to the action aboard a Zodiac. Expert guides share insights into local marine wildlife and their natural behaviours, creating an unforgettable adventure on the waters of British Columbia.

OR

• Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Tour:

  Discover Victoria after dark on the Sip, Savour & Stroll tour, a guided evening experience that combines culinary delights with local culture. Wander the city’s charming streets, stopping at select eateries and artisan tasting spots to sample wines, craft beers, and gourmet bites. Along the way, learn about the city’s history, architecture, and vibrant food scene, making for a relaxed and delicious way to explore Victoria by night.

OR

• Hoods & Legends Cycling Tour:

  Explore Victoria on two wheels with the Hoods & Legends Cycling Tour, a guided ride through the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. Discover hidden laneways, local stories, and architectural gems as you cycle at a leisurely pace, combining active adventure with fascinating insights into Victoria’s culture and heritage.

Credit: Fairmont Empress

Begin your day with a breathtaking floatplane transfer from Victoria to Vancouver, enjoying stunning aerial views of the Gulf Islands, coastal inlets, and the city skyline from above. Upon arrival in Vancouver, make your way to the dock to embark on Explora III, where your luxury suite awaits and the adventure begins. As the ship sets sail, immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty and wild landscapes of Alaska on this Journey of Spectacular Nature & Wild Adventure, combining unforgettable coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and world-class onboard comfort.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Credit: Harbour Air Seaplanes

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Credit: Explora Journeys

In Ketchikan, step back into thousands years of history and discover a landscape that is alive beneath your feet and find moose and mountain goats, brown bears and black-tailed deer; a micro world that reminds us what it is to be wild and free. First steps lead to the picturesque Creek Street Historic District, where bridges cross creeks teeming with salmon during spawning season. Thrills go far beyond: soar in a seaplane to Misty Fjords National Monument, a seldom seen American national treasure with awe inspiring topography of sheer walls of granite plunging 3,000 feet into the fjords, lush forests of spruce, hemlock, and cedar clinging to snowcapped peaks of rugged grandeur. Scout some of the oldest and most beloved Totems of indigenous Tlingit and Haida people.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Ketchikan | Credit: Travel Alaska

Alaska’s Hoonah Island is an epic land of humpback whales, bountiful bears and legends of the indigenous Tlingit told for thousands of years. A rugged paradise big on nature, you can kayak the coast, hike the Tongass National Forest, flight-see Glacier Bay and eye the waves for pods of orca and sea lions on scenic sailings. Cook up a feast with coho salmon or king, snow and Dungeness crab, and take in an eagle’s eye-view of the world while ziplining over the forested slopes of Mount Hoonah.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Icy Strait | Credit: Travel Alaska / Mark Kelley

Massive and magical, Hubbard is considered the mother-of-all tidewater glaciers in North America. Taller than a 30-storey building (above water). Larger than the state of Rhode Island. The marvel is also the most active, with ice chunks regularly sloughing off in massive dimensions. The thunderous roar of cracking ice echoes against a stellar backdrop with five of the ten tallest peaks in America. The most magical moment you’ll ever enjoy on deck.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Credit: Explora Journeys

Since time immemorial, bears and bald eagles have gathered in Haines, where the great Alaskan wilderness meets the fjords and glaciers of the Inside Passage. Humans too now join the migration to fish for sockeye and chinook in paradisical streams or float and hike riverside trails in Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where feathered councils congregate all year round. Chart mankind’s arrival in this northern wilderness in the galleries of Fort William H. Seward and pause to gorge on Alaskan scenery around the lakes and rivers of Chilkoot State Park.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Haines | Credit: Travel Alaska / Brian Adams

Juxtaposed between baby-blue Mendenhall Glacier and rocketing jade mountains, Juneau is an eclectic capital city on the edge of unbridled nature. All the senses are arrested exploring Mendenhall Glacier and hearing the thundering song of Nugget Falls. Follow snowy peaks skyward on the Goldbelt Tram and see the world open atop Mount Roberts. Skirt around islands and ice floes in search of humpback and orca whales, which are regular guests in Juneau’s placid waters. Taste the saltiness of the sea with the freshest fish, smell the pine-scented forests, and ponder totem pole trail lining the sea walk.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Juneau | Credit: Travel Alaska

Endicott Arm is mystic; a wild fjord extending inland some 48 kilometers (30 miles); a photographer's paradise, a naturalist’s Valhalla, and an escapist's Utopia. Sailing between towering rock walls, we slip past unconquered mountains, the tumbling mirth of waterfalls, and forests without footpaths or blemish of an axe. Our quest at the fjord head is the daunting Dawes Glacier— over 182 meters tall (600 ft)—slowly shouldering her way from the Stikine Icefield. She sparkles with an other-worldly blue hue and, with regularity, dramatically calves huge, hulking icebergs into the fjord. Here, Mother Nature presides in all her dignity.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Credit: Explora Journeys

The terrain is big and the crowds are small in this lesser travelled wonder that wholly embraces the ‘Last Frontier’ spirit. Primal nature reigns in the Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory, where both brown and black bears feast on pink salmon during a few frenzied weeks each year. Cosy comforts of town open to adventures beyond: follow a boardwalk to Rainbow Falls; take a jet boat into the great Stikine River; spy Bald Eagles riding air currents between craggy glaciers and jagged peaks. Then ponder the history and mystery of 3,000-year-old messages at Petroglyph Beach, left by the indigenous Tlingit peoples.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Credit: Explora Journeys

Welcome to the ancestral lands of northwestern Canada, where grizzly bears roam the hillsides and maritime history echoes along every inlet. Wild and beautiful, this corner of British Colombia inspires adventure. Hike coastal trails from bustling Cow Bay, where century-old fisheries house restaurants and boutiques, and discover the history of the indigenous Ts’msyen at museums and galleries. Paddle the waters of Prince Rupert Harbour; cast raging rivers for steelhead and wild salmon; or take a seaplane flight or boat ride into the heart of Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Cow Bay Prince Rupert | Credit: Destination BC

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Overnight onboard Explora III

Credit: Explora Journeys

After an unforgettable voyage through the wilds of Alaska and the scenic beauty of Canada, disembark Explora III in Vancouver. Guests will travel independently to the airport or continue their onward journey at leisure, taking with them memories of majestic landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and the luxury and comfort of a truly inspiring Canada & Alaska adventure.