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Canadian Train Odyssey with Alaska Cruise

Tour/Cruise

22 days from Toronto to Vancouver
This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and is filled with stunning scenery, spectacular national parks and some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. Enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars. Marvel at thunderous Niagara Falls on your included boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer—an all-terrain vehicle—on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 750-feet thick! Stop in Lake Louise, where its gorgeous turquoise waters mirror the surrounding glacial peaks. Visit Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Also travel through stunning Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park. From the Pacific Coast, sail across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. Spend two nights in this charming city then ferry to vibrant Vancouver where your adventure continues on a 7-night Alaska cruise through the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most picturesque sea lanes. Hear the roar as ice breaks off and “calves” into the sea—it’s spectacular! Your cruise stops include Juneau; Skagway, an important town during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898; and Ketchikan. Majestic mountain scenery, pristine glacier-fed lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities – experience it all on this unforgettable rail adventure across Canada with an Alaska cruise!
All This. Included
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
• Orientation tours of Toronto, Jasper, Banff, and Victoria
• Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise
• Travel on VIA Rail’s the Canadian® train from Toronto to Jasper in Sleeper Plus class.
• Entrance fee to Jasper National Park and Banff National Park
• Tickets for the Icefields Explorer Experience at Columbia Icefields
• Scenic drive through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park
• Ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island
• Guided city sightseeing in Vancouver
• Cruise on Holland America’s MS Zaandam with Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package,’ featuring a signature beverage package, dinner in a specialty restaurant, $100 shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi package.

Notes:
  • Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield which opens in early May or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion which opens in late May to early June. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

  • Furnishings in your VIA Rail train cabin are arranged in armchair style by day. By night, beds are configured to upper and lower bunkbed-style arrangement requiring one guest be able to climb a ladder to the upper bed.

  • At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.

  • Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.

  • Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

  • Per Holland America Line, July and August departures will not cruise through Tracy Arm Inlet.

From price

$11,573
$11,323
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Cosmos
Number Of Days
22
Start Location
Toronto, Canada
End Location
Vancouver, Canada
Age Range
Avg. 40+
Group Size
20 to 48
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
River/Small ship/Barge
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
28 May 2027 18 Jun 2027 Available $11,573
$11,323
02 Jul 2027 23 Jul 2027 Available $11,658
$11,408
30 Jul 2027 20 Aug 2027 Available $11,673
$11,423
27 Aug 2027 17 Sep 2027 Available $11,678
$11,428

Inclusions

  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1 - TORONTO
    Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

    Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world with its population representing a wide range of ethnicities and languages. Once checked into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby Eaton Centre or venture a little further and check out the Hockey Hall of Fame or try some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark over two centuries old.

    Day 2 - TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS
    Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto that includes seeing City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the stunning CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls where you’ll take an exhilarating cruise to see the thundering Falls up close. Fall even more in love with the Falls on an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto and have time this evening to explore this vibrant city on your own.

    NOTE:
    Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

    Day 3 - TORONTO–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
    This morning, transfer to Union Station for a departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail’s premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada’s heartland. Your Sleeper-Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario’s landscapes. Chef-prepared meals offer a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. (L,D)

    Day 4 - VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
    Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway’s breathtaking mainline. (B,L,D)

    Day 5 - VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
    The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba’s prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 - VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
    Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of your day is free to explore the ambiance of this wonderous mountain setting. Perhaps go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River to take in the natural beauty and look for wildlife along the shoreline.

    Day 7 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK
    Today is at leisure. Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. This afternoon, perhaps hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of downtown Jasper.

    *This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

    Day 8 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
    Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet (250 meters) thick! Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.

    Day 9 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK
    The day is free for independent exploration. Perhaps start your day with an awe-inspiring optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Or hike in some of the surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland which are home to wildlife, including elk, deer, and grizzly bear. Your Tour Director can offer many suggestions for activities and dining.

    Day 10 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK–YOHO NATIONAL PARK–GLACIER NATIONAL PARK–KAMLOOPS
    This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.

    Day 11 - KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
    As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, take time to smell the roses on an optional excursion to see the 55 acres of incredible floral displays at world famous Butchart Gardens. Later, enjoy sightseeing in Victoria including the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade. (B)

    Day 12 - VICTORIA
    Enjoy a day at leisure with time to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, tour the Parliament Building, have Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, or shop along Government Street. Perhaps have an adventure at sea on an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise.



    Day 13 - VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
    This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands. After arrival in Vancouver, say goodbye to your Tour Director and transfer to Canada Place and board your cruise ship. Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.' (D)

    Day 14 - SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
    Spend the day cruising one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales. (B,L,D)

    Day 15 - JUNEAU
    Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There is no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours. (B,L,D)

    Day 16 - SKAGWAY
    Skagway is historically considered the gateway to the Gold Rush of 1898 when thousands of men with dreams of striking it rich poured into the city and withstood treacherous winter conditions traveling on to the Yukon Territory. Explore gold rush lore at the Trail of ’98 Museum or at the Red Onion Saloon, with its treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. Or simply walk on the boardwalks along the dirt streets and enjoy perusing the shops. (B,L,D)

    Day 17 - SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY
    Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How ds it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder and the impact shoots water hundreds of meters into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment on camera, then wait for it to happen again! (B,L,D)

    Day 18 - KETCHIKAN
    Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries, visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. (B,L,D)

    Day 19 - SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
    Arguably 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 & Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. (B,L,D)

    Day 20 - VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)
    Your cruise ends this morning. Sightseeing in Vancouver includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location. (B)

    Day 21 - VANCOUVER
    Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés. Elevate your adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge.

    Day 22 - VANCOUVER
    Your vacation ends this morning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This tour offers a comprehensive and diverse experience across Canada and Alaska, combining a premier 3-night rail journey on VIA Rail's 'the Canadian' in Sleeper Plus class with a 7-night premium Alaska cruise on Holland America's MS Zaandam. You'll experience a wide variety of landscapes, from the thundering Niagara Falls and the rugged Canadian Rockies to the scenic Inside Passage, all while benefiting from seamless transportation and expert guidance.
    This tour is designed for value-minded travel lovers who appreciate a blend of organized sightseeing and independent exploration. It is ideal for those who enjoy diverse modes of transport—including luxury trains, motorcoaches, and cruise ships—and those who want to see the major highlights of Canada's national parks and cities in one epic journey.
    Pros include a highly inclusive itinerary with hand-selected accommodations, expert Tour Directors, and a premium cruise package featuring beverages and Wi-Fi. A major highlight is the unique rail and sea experience. A potential con is that some activities, such as the Columbia Icefield or Maligne Lake excursion, are seasonal and may not be available on early departures due to weather or vendor operating dates.
    This tour is a great option for couples and groups, though it is open to various traveler types. Please note that for families, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older. Additionally, the VIA Rail cabins use a bunkbed-style arrangement at night, which may be a consideration for different group dynamics.
    This tour is excellent for first-time visitors to Canada and Alaska, as it covers the most iconic landmarks—such as Niagara Falls, Banff, and Jasper—and provides the security of escorted travel with professional guides to introduce them to the region.
    The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. However, there are specific requirements to consider: the VIA Rail sleeper cabins require one guest to be able to climb a ladder to reach the upper bunk, and the tour reaches a maximum elevation of 7,500 ft.
    This tour provides a balanced mix of all three. It focuses heavily on sightseeing through Canada's national parks and the Inside Passage, offers cultural experiences in diverse cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and includes adventurous activities like riding an all-terrain Ice Explorer on a 750-foot thick glacier.
    The pace is generally balanced. While it covers a vast distance from Toronto to Vancouver, it includes leisurely segments such as the 3-day train journey and several days at leisure in Jasper, Banff, and Victoria, allowing guests to relax and explore at their own speed.
    The itinerary feels thoughtfully paced, blending structured orientation tours and guided sightseeing with ample free time. With multiple days spent in key locations like Jasper, Banff, and Victoria, as well as a relaxing 7-night cruise, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in each destination without feeling rushed.
    Yes, the tour includes many of Canada and Alaska's most famous highlights, including Niagara Falls, the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Glacier National Parks), Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefield, Victoria, Vancouver, and several Alaskan ports including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
    Yes, the tour includes expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides who manage the logistics and sightseeing, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers as they move through different regions.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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