As the train travels westward, watch Canada's diverse landscapes unfold—from Ontario's sparkling lakes and forests to the sweeping prairies of Manitoba and Alberta, and onward to the dramatic read more peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Continue by coach through Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Glacier National Parks, where glacier-carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and towering mountain vistas showcase some of Canada's most spectacular scenery.
Along the way, cruise across Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially designed Ice Explorer, and experience the unique character of destinations including Kamloops, Victoria, and Vancouver.
Your adventure concludes with a leisurely Alaska cruise through the scenic Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and Tracy Arm. Explore the historic ports of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan while enjoying dramatic coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and some of North America's most remarkable glacier landscapes.
With iconic rail travel, legendary national parks, and an Alaska cruise all in one seamless journey, this vacation offers an extraordinary way to experience the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Canada and Alaska.
PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Victoria so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Toronto!
At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink.
Taking the Plunge
Drive along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Take a Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Enjoy lunch in Niagara Falls, then return to Toronto for an orientation tour and evening at leisure.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The famous natural wonder of Niagara Falls consists of three massive waterfalls – Rainbow Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls – plummeting at the southern end of Niagara Gorge. Take an exciting sightseeing cruise on the waters below the thunderous cascades of Niagara Falls and feel the mist and magic of this stunning spectacle of nature.
All Aboard in Toronto!
After breakfast, head to Union Station for departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - All aboard for a 3-day/3-night journey by train on this classic trip across Canada's heartland, courtesy of VIA Rail's Sleeper Plus service. Ride in nostalgic style in the comfort of refurbished 1950s art-deco-style interiors and domed observation cars providing panoramic views of Ontario's beautiful landscapes and Canadian countryside.
Riding the Rails
Your rail journey aboard The Canadian continues through Ontario and Manitoba.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Watch the scenic countryside from your train as you glide past sparkling lakes and sun-dappled forests of Ontario. Try the observation dome for unparalleled views or enjoy quiet conversation in one of the comfortable lounges. Enter Manitoba with its endless golden prairies and vast cultivated fields.
Spectacular Saskatchewan
Continue through the picturesque prairies and winding rivers of Saskatchewan and Alberta.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - View the ever-changing landscape with ease and comfort as you meet and mingle with fellow passengers and enjoy freshly prepared meals that showcase Canadian cuisine and regional specialties courtesy of your VIA Rail train service.
Rocky Mountain Trails
Admire the scenery as your train follows the Yellowhead Corridor, Canada's historic trail of westward expansion. Arrive in Jasper for an orientation drive and free time this afternoon and evening.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - Explore more in Jasper with free time to taste the traditions of Alberta's gorgeous town nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Consider an optional excursion float trip on the Athabasca River or visit the Jasper SkyTram for marvelous views from Whistlers Mountain. Take your pick of an abundance of local eateries serving everything from Mediterranean cuisine and wood-fired pizza to hearty comfort foods like smokehouse brisket, mac and cheese, venison sausage, bison short ribs, and baked beans. Your Tour Director can recommend the best spots to satisfy your adventurous appetite, and provide tips for stargazing at night in Jasper, a designated Dark Sky Preserve nights.
Untamed Beauty
Travel through Jasper's unspoiled wilderness to Maligne Canyon and beautiful Maligne Lake, where you'll enjoy lunch and a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper, where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible sky to thrill stargazers as well. A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is an exceptional sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty.
Moving Mountains and Lifting Hearts
Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, where turquoise waters form a perfect mirrored reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier! Traverse this massive ice field aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the glacier's surface and witness the powerful forces that continue to shape the Rocky Mountain landscape. Feel the force of nature on an ancient glacier that continues to shape the Rocky Mountain landscape today.
Breathtaking Banff
Guided sightseeing includes Bow River and Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird's-eye view of the Rockies, scenic stroll along the Bow River and downtown, or a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada's national parks.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Journey into the heart of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, where towering Rocky Mountain peaks frame shimmering turquoise lakes. With breathtaking vistas at every turn, this immersive experience showcases the timeless beauty and grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.
Heavenly Heights
This morning, travel through Yoho National Park, one of Canada's most popular recreational areas and site of Cambrian fossil finds. On to Canada's Glacier National Park, where the motorcoach climbs 4,364-foot-high Rogers Pass, a perfect spot for photos of the surrounding mountain cliffs and glaciers. Visit Sicamous, British Columbia, for a sweet treat at a local dairy. Continue to Kamloops for western hospitality, dinner, and a relaxing evening at your riverside resort, South Thompson Inn.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Put your feet up in historic elegance in this beautifully rugged setting at the South Thompson Inn in Kamloops. Once home to a thoroughbred-racing stable, the 55-acre riverfront property retains its original Manor and Carriage Houses, renovated into first-class luxury lodging.
British Columbia Treasures
Continue west and catch a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island. A city tour of Victoria includes the gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the Fairmont Empress hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Free time this evening to enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this harbor city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Cruise on the BC Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria for a 90-minute journey across the water and keep a watchful eye on this bracing crossing to spy sea birds, seals, dolphins, or maybe even a humpback whale or a pod of orcas. Arrive in the very British city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, known as the Garden City for its stunning array of blooming flowers. Wander the quaint downtown core with its British colonial architecture, heritage buildings, and beautiful gardens before relaxing over a proper British afternoon tea.
Spend your day your way in Victoria
Explore more of Victoria with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon for independent sightseeing and shopping. Start with Government Street's elegant boutiques and Market Square's specialty shops. Later, visit Globus Local Favorite The Butchart Gardens, then gather for a special farewell dinner in the beautifully restored original greenhouse.
LOCAL FAVORITE - The Butchart Gardens, created by visionary Jennie Butchart in 1912, is a National Historic Site celebrated for its extraordinary horticultural beauty. With millions of blooms, more than 900 plant varieties, and exquisitely designed landscapes, this botanical oasis feels straight out of a fairytale.
Alaskan Adventure Awaits!
Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver, wave goodbye to your Tour Director, and begin your 7-night Alaskan Inside Passage cruise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - You're in for one wild and wonderful week on a roundtrip cruise through the incredible Inside Passage, visiting the spectacular ports of Alaska. Cruise from Vancouver to discover spellbinding scenery from narrow fjords to scattered islets and towering peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park for the chance to witness ice calving from the glaciers and plunging into the ocean.
Glacial Fjords & Grand Forests
Alaska's Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of southeast Alaska. 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Coastal Cliffs & The Catch of the Day
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank Tracy Arm, a capitivating fjord fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the United States. Continue cruising to Juneau, Alaska's remote capital city, where visitors can hike on a glacier, enjoy fresh-caught seafood on a seaside patio, and tour the Capitol building—all in one day.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometers) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest). Visitors often see bears, whales and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area—not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes. Summer temperatures average 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 16 degrees Celsius), so pack warm clothing and waterproof gear in preparation for the more than 1 ½ meters of rainfall each year!
The Rush for Gold
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska's largest settlement. It was a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for modern explorers to discover Alaska's colorful history, pristine wilderness habitats, and unrivaled natural beauty.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - At every turn, you'll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in Skagway, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon and its tales of Wyatt Earp to the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which winds through rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its historic journey into the Yukon.
Making a Splash
Cruise Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, and the splash of a breaching humpback whale provide a breathtaking spectacle of nature's power. Frosted peaks tower over mossy forests, while wide tidewater glaciers and abundant marine wildlife create unforgettable scenery in this ever-changing wilderness.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier for the chance to witness ice calving. Wildlife abounds in Glacier Bay —you never know when you will see the fluke of a humpback breaking the surface, or a lone brown bear patrolling a windswept beach.
Salmon Capital
Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and salmon-packing industries. Visitors can savor fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. The town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. Enjoy a stroll through Totem Bight State HistoricalPark, kayak at Misty Fjords National Monument or join a salmon or trout fishing expedition to truly experience the beauty of Ketchikan.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich culture of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Historical Park, while the attractions of Saxman Native Village just outside of Ketchikan offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house.
Where the Wild Things Are
Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage offers outstanding opportunities to spot some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Savor time onboard, enjoying the amenities and relaxing on the observation deck while looking for humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ship, bald eagles soaring overhead, and brown bears lumbering along the shoreline.
British Columbia Treasures
Disembark your ship for a guided sightseeing tour of Vancouver. See the waterfront, Chinatown, Robson Street, the Gastown neighborhood, and Stanley Park, with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Free time this evening to explore this vibrant city on your own.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Created in 1888, Stanley Park is considered the "crown jewel" of Vancouver. Spanning more than 1,000 acres beside downtown Vancouver, the park offers dramatic natural beauty, old-growth evergreen forests, and a remarkable collection of First Nations totem poles. Carved from western red cedar, each pole tells the story of a real or mythical event and reflects important cultural traditions and beliefs.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Discover Toronto's iconic landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour
- Experience the power of Niagara Falls on an exhilarating cruise
- Travel aboard VIA Rail's legendary Canadian in Sleeper Plus Class, featuring private accommodations, regional cuisine and exclusive lounge access
- Cruise the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Canadian Rockies
- Venture onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially designed Columbia Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield
- Travel the spectacular Icefields Parkway and visit iconic Lake Louise, including a heritage walk along its stunning shoreline
- Explore Banff National Park on guided sightseeing featuring Bow Falls and the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies
- Journey through Yoho and Glacier National Parks with scenic drives and photo stops showcasing mountain peaks, waterfalls, and alpine landscapes
- Visit a local dairy in Sicamous and enjoy a sweet treat while experiencing a taste of British Columbia's agricultural heritage
- Discover Victoria's British heritage and historic charm on a sightseeing tour, including a visit to the [LF] Butchart Gardens
- Globus Choice Excursion in Victoria – included in your tour, your choice of a visit to the Royal BC Museum and Thunderbird Park or a historic walking tour of Victoria with a Local Guide
- Guided sightseeing in Vancouver, including Stanley Park's scenic waterfront vistas and renowned totem poles
- Enjoy a 7-day Holland America Line cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and Tracy Arm, featuring the ‘HaveIt All Premium Cruise Package' featuring a signature beverage package, dinner in a specialty restaurant, $100 shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi package
- Breakfast daily, 11 Lunches, 13 Dinners
- Toronto: Westin Harbour Castle Toronto (Deluxe):
The Westin Harbour Castle Toronto Hotel is located on the vibrant waterfront of Lake Ontario and within short walking distance to the theatre and entertainment districts. The hotel features two restaurants, a lounge, coffee bar, full service fitness center and spa, as well as full service concierge services. This Four diamond property is a landmark downtown Toronto Hotel. - Jasper National Park: Chateau Jasper (First-Class):
The Chateau Jasper offers an excellent variety of accommodations and facilities. This conveniently located hotel offers 119 fully air-conditioned guestrooms and suites, pleasantly furnished with mountain decor in mind. - Banff: Banff Park Lodge (First-Class):
The hotel offers an indoor pool, steam room, Jacuzzi, Hot Plunge Pool, several boutiques, concierge desk, restaurant, and room service. Guestrooms feature cable TV, coffee maker, Internet access, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, and in-room safe. - Kamloops: South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre (Superior First-Class):
Quietly nestled on 55 scenic acres in the Thompson Valley, this riverfront hotel offers 57 individually decorated guestrooms and is beloved for its southern Kentucky style, western hospitality, and cozy atmosphere. - Victoria: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour (Superior First-Class):
Ideally located in downtown Victoria, Marriott Inner Harbour is within walking distance to all there is to see and do in Victoria BC. Stroll to the famous Inner Harbour for Victoria attractions, musicians, artisans, and whale watching tours. - Victoria: Inn at Laurel Point (First-Class):
Located in downtown Victoria, the Inn at Laurel Point balances clean, classic design elements with a modern style. The hotel features guestrooms that offer private balconies with harbor views, indoor pool, on-site restaurant and bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi. - Vancouver: Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel (Moderate Deluxe):
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the hotel is a short walk to business and entertainment neighborhoods. Traditional Rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, signature Sheraton Signature Beds, and crisp linens. Each guestroom has been revitalized to offer a sophisticated, classic look with a modern touch and elegant feel. These guestrooms feature a 55-inch flat screen LCD television and seating area to enjoy the views of Vancouver.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
- Maximum elevation on tour is 7,500 ft (2,286 m).
- Due to the frequent use of this railroad for other services, delays may occur during the journey.
- One guest will be required to climb a ladder to reach the upper berth in a double cabin.
- Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to mid-October. When the weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
- The included sightseeing and overnight in Vancouver will occur post-cruise.
- At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Canada & Alaska through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Canada & Alaska. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Cruise Line
Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium read more massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 143–225 sq. ft.
These expansive staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with read more plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 175–282 sq. ft.
Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, read more two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed - Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed - with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 213-379 sq. ft. including verandah.
Trip Reviews (14)
Butchart garden's was a highlight on Vancouver island. What a magnificent garden. A must. Our final part of the tour was the inside passage on Holland America Line. The ship was great. The restaraunts and entertainment were great. We were lucky enough to see whales breaching. Seals and sea otters. I could go on and on but I recommend that if you get a chance to see Canada this is the perfect tour to take. Thank you Globus.
When there was a meal supplied the food was excellent. The only negative was the staff on the train. The dining staff were excellent from Toronto to Edmonton but the new dining staff from Edmonton to Vancouver were rude, especially the man who was in charge of the dining car. On the cruise ship the only downer was the overcharging of the helicopter tour in Skagway. Got charged extra USA$130.00 for being 2kg overweight with most of my extra layers on due to the fact you are going on a freezing glacier so had to rug up. Then they tried to charge me twice for that tour, which was prepaid before I left Australia. (Globus has no control over the cruise, my negative about the cruise is aimed at Holland America). Over all had an excellent time with my fellow travellers on this holiday.
The Rockies were spectacular and the sites we visited were breathtaking. Butchart Gardens in Victoria on Vancouver Island are a "must see". Alaska looks like the "last frontier" and Glacier Bay offered sights we'll never forget. We went Dog-sledding in Skagway which was a unique experience. All in all it was a wonderful holiday. Thank you Global Journeys.
The coach trips were interspersed with interesting inclusions and more than our fair share of roadside wildlife - bears, mountain goats and a herd of 50+ elk. Our tour guide was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this tour.
Dates & Pricing
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
