Why combine Alaska & Canada?
The fact that these destinations share a border makes Western Canada and Alaska a natural pairing for explorers. Their proximity means the two have a lot in common — vast wilderness, abundant wildlife and a shared gold-rush history — yet each adds something unique to your trip. From cosmopolitan cities like Vancouver, nestled among hiking trails and sandy beaches, to Alaska's national parks, larger than some European countries, the scale and diversity of the landscapes are breathtaking.
Travelling through Alaska and Canada lets you enjoy Alaska's wild coastline and the majestic Rockies all in one journey. Picture spotting pods of whales breaking the surface, grizzly bears fishing for salmon in rushing streams or a moose wandering across a forest road — wildlife encounters like these are just some of the highlights of the trip.
Ultimate Cruising has curated this combination to make these incredible places easy to explore. From travelling through Alaska's wilderness by rail and road, to cruising along its stunning coastline, then discovering the Rockies aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, every part of your journey has been carefully planned to create an unforgettable adventure.
From Anchorage to Seward: Discover Alaska's Wilderness
Your journey begins in Anchorage, a lively city where you'll be welcomed by your Tour Director. Enjoy its vibrant dining scene or take a stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail before your adventure truly begins.
From Anchorage, board the Wilderness Express glass-domed railcar and travel north towards Denali. Along the way, rivers, forests and mountain scenery unfold around you through panoramic windows. On arrival, the afternoon is free to explore the trails around the Denali National Park Visitor Center or enjoy an optional rafting adventure on the Nenana River.
The following day, experience the Denali Natural History Tour, exploring vast taiga forests and sweeping tundra while keeping watch for Alaska's iconic wildlife. Grizzly bears, moose, caribou and eagles are often spotted in this untouched wilderness. In the afternoon, continue to Talkeetna, a charming frontier town with spectacular views of Denali, North America's tallest peak. Relax at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or take an optional scenic flight over the Alaska Range for breathtaking aerial views.
Your journey continues south to Alyeska (Girdwood), travelling via Anchorage and the scenic Turnagain Arm. Surrounded by mountain landscapes, enjoy panoramic views from the Alyeska tramway or simply relax amongst the natural beauty of the region.
From Alyeska, travel along the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Alaska SeaLife Center before arriving in Seward, where you'll board Celebrity Solstice for your 7-night cruise along Alaska's Inside Passage.
Cruise the Alaskan Coastline Aboard Celebrity Solstice
From Seward, your adventure continues aboard Celebrity Solstice as you sail through Alaska's breathtaking Inside Passage — a labyrinth of fjords, forested islands and glacier-carved waterways framed by snow-capped mountains. From the ship, enjoy uninterrupted views of towering glaciers, waterfalls, misty coves and remote wilderness.
One of the first major highlights is Hubbard Glacier, where massive walls of ice dramatically calve into the sea. Continue to Juneau, Alaska's capital, where glacier landscapes meet rugged mountain scenery, followed by Skagway, a historic Gold Rush town filled with restored buildings and railway heritage.
Further along the route, visit Icy Strait Point, home to rich Indigenous culture and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities including humpback whales, orcas, seals and bears. In Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World", discover colourful waterfronts, towering totem poles and rainforest landscapes.
Sailing the Inside Passage offers one of the most beautiful cruising routes in the world, with endless opportunities to spot wildlife such as whales, eagles, sea otters and more. Your cruise concludes in Vancouver, a vibrant coastal city surrounded by mountains and ocean, where you'll have time to explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown or simply enjoy the city's scenic waterfront before continuing your journey into the Canadian Rockies.
Celebrity Solstice offers a relaxed and comfortable way to experience Alaska's wilderness, featuring upgraded staterooms, reimagined restaurants and lounges, and a redesigned spa.
Ride the Rockies on the Iconic Rocky Mountaineer
From Vancouver, your journey continues onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world's most iconic rail experiences. Travelling by daylight only, the experience is designed so you don't miss a moment of the scenery.
As the train departs Vancouver and travels towards Kamloops, you'll witness dramatic changes in landscape — from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley to winding river canyons, forests and mountain ranges. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes along the Thompson River.
The following day, continue eastward towards the Canadian Rockies, passing ranchlands, rocky lakeshores and high mountain passes. Along the way, you'll experience iconic sights including Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels, remarkable engineering feats surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
Arriving in Lake Louise, you'll stay surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the Victoria Glacier and the lake's famous turquoise waters. Enjoy time at leisure to soak in the scenery, paddle across the lake by canoe or simply relax in this spectacular alpine setting.
Your journey then continues through Yoho National Park, where highlights include Emerald Lake and natural rock formations carved by the Kicking Horse River, before arriving in Banff.
In Banff, enjoy time to explore one of Canada's most famous mountain towns. Relax in the hot springs, browse the charming streets or take in the surrounding wilderness. Your final day includes sightseeing highlights such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos and the Banff Gondola, where panoramic views stretch across the Rockies and surrounding valleys.
Your journey concludes in Calgary, a cosmopolitan city known for its vibrant culture and easy access to the Canadian Rockies. By combining Alaska's wilderness, an Inside Passage cruise and the iconic Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies, this itinerary brings together some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. From wildlife encounters and glacier landscapes to mountain towns and rail journeys, every stage of the trip offers something different — showcasing the very best of both Alaska and Canada.
