Explore Canada’s most scenic routes by rail and cruise!

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Explore Canada’s most scenic routes by rail and cruise!

Canada is famous for its picture-postcard landscapes. Imagine exploring the Canadian Rockies before hopping on a cruise to discover the delights that Vancouver and Alaska have to offer. Embark on an incredible two-day journey on Rocky Mountaineer’s “First Passage to the West” beginning in Banff, before travelling to the magical city of Vancouver. Continue your journey on the majestic Holland America Line cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. It will be a holiday never to be forgotten!

Rockies and Alaska Cruise Extravaganza Holiday

Our Rockies and Alaska Cruise holiday gives you the best of both worlds. Your international flights are provided by Air Transat and you’ll board from London’s Gatwick Airport before landing in Calgary. Your stay will also include 17 days of accommodation – plenty of time to soak up all that the Rockies and Alaska have to offer

Travel back home with this beauty!😉 📷@iamkevvlavoie Revenez à la maison avec cette beauté 😉

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Things to do in Banff

Throwback to the mountains…tad bit homesick for them 🏞 #mybanff #banffnationalpark #sulphurmountain #banff

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Bejewelling the province of Alberta, located within the National Park, Banff provides a fantastic range of activities. Take a gondola up Sulphur Mountain – you’ll have a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges and will ascend 7,846 feet. The Boardwalk experience offers even more scenic wonders. Later, warm up in the sensational state-of-the-art facility summit. With a horde of restaurants, a multi-sensory theatre and a staggering 360-degree rooftop observation deck, experience your exhilarating surroundings from every angle. The town of Banff also offers fantastic views of Castle Mountain, located in Banff National Park. We also recommend a daytrip to Bow Valley Parkway. Snuggled between Banff and Lake Louise, the drive is a wild labyrinth, bursting with wildlife, scenic views and picnic spots. Here you can hike, fish and wildlife watch.


The Rocky Mountaineer will then head towards the Pacific Coast; they even transport your luggage to your next hotel room for you, leaving you free to relax.

Days 8-9: Travel to Vancouver

The journey leads through mountains, canyons and rivers with a small section of ranch land as you leave Kamloops. Also known as the ‘meeting place’ of the North and South Thompson rivers, Kamloops sits in over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. This makes it a perfect location for hiking, mountain biking or soaking up some sun. The copious amounts of sun make Kamloops a budding wine industry promising plenty of Pinot Gris to enjoy! Your journey to Vancouver will reach its climax as you pass the Thompson and Fraser Rivers and approach the coastal mountains surrounding Vancouver. It’s one of the happiest cities in the world, and perhaps by no coincidence it’s also a city that is encircled by water almost everywhere you look. It’s the perfect combination of cosmopolitan and serene with its majestic mountains and calming ocean.

Cruise to Alaska

Now it’s time to board your cruise to Alaska. See the incredible Sawyer Glacier, a jaw-dropping sight, which will be a treat for nature-lovers! Head to the Tracy Arm Fjord to spy black bears, moose, deer and wolves! You’ll briefly stop at Alaska’s capital Juneau – make time to go and see the Mendenhall Glacier. It gives you the chance to experience spectacular views of the Mendenhall Glacier up close and watch blue icebergs floating in the lake. On Day 17, it will finally be time for your trip to come to an end and you will board your return flight for London. With all this and more, what are you waiting for? Book now for a dual extravaganza that you and your family will never forget.

Playing dodge the ice #sawyerglacier #southsawyerglacier #travelalaska #tracyarmfjord #glacier

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Canada and New England Cruise

Another fantastic opportunity to see a variety of places! Collect new experiences and memories as you fly from London to Boston’s Logan International Airport, before taking a 7-night cruise through New England and Canada. You’ll complete your trip by boarding a train to Toronto. With four nights’ hotel accommodation provided, you’ll have plenty of time to see all the sights.

Boston has a rich colonial history to explore. Why not try walking through history by completing the 2.5 mile trail, which leads to unique historical sites? During your cruise, you will take in exciting Eastern Cities in the US and Canada, including the maritime capital of Halifax, Nova Scotia (“New Scotland”) and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where you will cruise along the St Lawrence River. Watch out for the magical Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay. The castle’s enchanting exterior is no front—George C. Boldt, proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel, had it built to exhibit his love of his wife. How chivalrous! It’s also fantastic spot for whale watching and has a diverse range of species from the all-year-round beluga to the white-beaked dolphin.

Quebec and Toronto

The fairy-tale-like city of Quebec has so much to offer, from the towering turrets of the Chateau Frontenac to the resplendence of Montmorency Falls, a large waterfall surrounded by picturesque parkland. In the final leg of your journey, you will board the train to Toronto. It’s a famous tourist hot-spot for a reason. A trip up the CN tower is a must. As well as offering fantastic views of the city, if you’re the daring type you can take part in the EdgeWalk – the world’s highest full circle, hands-free walk.


After that adrenaline rush, it’ll be time to transfer independently to Toronto International Airport and fly to London. We know we’ve spoilt you for choice– but rest assured that this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the fantastic scenic routes and activities that we can offer.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful way to explore Canada; cruise and rail are by far the most scenic ways to see the sublime country and experience the great outdoors in its true natural form.

If you want to learn more about exploring Canada by train, take a look at our amazing Canadian rail holidays and ask one of our travel experts to tailor make a package for you.

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