Alaska to the Canadian Rockies by Sea, Rail and Road

A scenic journey brings you to the charming coastal town of Seward, set on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula. Here, Crystal Serenity awaits, ready to set sail later that evening.

At 76 miles in length and with an ice face towering to the height of a 30-storey building, North America's largest tidewater glacier is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Sail alongside this remarkable natural wonder and witness its raw power as chunks of ice calve off and crash into the waters below. Spot sea lions lazing on drifting icebergs and humpback whales breaching against one of Alaska’s most breathtaking backdrops.

Arrive in Skagway, once a booming frontier town where thousands sought their fortune during the Klondike Gold Rush. The historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a popular excursion, its winding route climbing thousands of feet through spectacular scenery to the summit of the White Pass. Other options include hiking, biking and wildlife adventures, while helicopter flightseeing offers incredible views across the remote wilderness.

Home to the Huna Tlingit people, Icy Strait Point offers an authentic glimpse into Alaska's Native culture. Yet with brown bears roaming the forests and humpback whales, sea otters and sea lions inhabiting the surrounding waters, it is the area's wildlife that often steals the spotlight. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, soar high above the rainforest at speeds of up to 60 mph on the World’s Largest ZipRider!

Your next stop is one of Alaska's most fascinating ports, the scenic city of Sitka. Once the capital of Russian America, its unique heritage is reflected in landmarks such as the onion-domed St Michael's Cathedral, while its spectacular natural setting makes it one of the state's most picturesque destinations. In Sitka National Historical Park, the lush coastal forests are a haven for bald eagles and intricately carved totem poles stand as powerful reminders of the region’s Indigenous culture.

Cruise onward to Wrangell, the charming harbour town at the northwest tip of the island that shares its name. Surrounded by snowy peaks and verdant forests, it's the perfect base for exploring Alaska's great outdoors. Hike scenic nature trails, experience the thrill of a jet boat adventure across the wild Stikine River Delta, or soak up the spectacular scenery as you journey through glassy fjords to a majestic glacier. There is also the opportunity to delve into Wrangell's rich history, with towering totem poles and ancient petroglyphs offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's Indigenous heritage.

Pass through Seymour Narrows, one of the most famous waterways of the Inside Passage. Notorious in the past for its treacherous tidal currents and underwater hazards, a planned explosion of Ripple Rock, a submerged twin-peaked mountain, in 1958 transformed the channel into a much safer route. Today, you can simply sit back and enjoy mesmerising views of emerald-green islands, forest-clad shores and the swirling waters of this remarkable passage.

Your cruise comes to an end this morning as you arrive in one of Canada's most spectacular cities. Disembark and check into your hotel in downtown Vancouver, where the harbourfront setting and mountain views provide a serene backdrop to a city renowned for its cosmopolitan charm. The day is yours to explore at leisure – wander through Stanley Park, browse boutiques in characterful Gastown or treat your taste buds at the Granville Island food market. Just north of the city, the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a thrilling perspective on the area's rugged natural beauty, suspended high above a spectacular forested gorge.

Depart Vancouver and journey through an ever-changing tapestry of landscapes on what is widely considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America. As you weave your way towards Jasper, with an overnight stay in Kamloops en route, the scenery transforms from lush river valleys and dramatic canyons to towering peaks and rugged mountain terrain. The panoramic full-length domed windows of your GoldLeaf carriage ensure you never miss a moment of the surrounding splendour, while gourmet cuisine and complimentary beverages elevate the experience further.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and glistening crystal-clear lakes, your hotel for the next two nights offers a luxurious base in a glorious setting. On day 12, marvel at the striking turquoise waters of Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, before taking in far-reaching views across Jasper National Park from the panoramic viewpoints of the Skyline Trail.

Collect your hire car and drive into the heart of Banff National Park to your hotel on the shores of Moraine Lake. Complimentary canoeing invites you onto the lake's iridescent waters. Meanwhile, the lodge's prime location allows you to savour the tranquillity of this spectacular setting long after the day visitors have departed.

Continue to Fairmont Banff Springs. Resembling a grand Scottish baronial castle, this iconic hotel is every bit as impressive inside as it is out, with five-star facilities and impeccable service to match its striking architecture. Tee off on the superb golf course, where immaculate fairways are framed by the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies, unwind in the award-winning spa, and savour exceptional cuisine and fine wines across the hotel's collection of bars, lounges and restaurants.

Drive to Calgary, drop your hire car off and depart on your international flight home.