Pioneers Trek With Alaska Cruise
Holland America Zaandam, Rocky Mountaineer Rail & Coach Tour (16 Days / 15 Nights)
Cruise Alaska’s breathtaking Inside Passage aboard Holland American Zaandam, then journey deep into the Canadian Rockies and back by rail and road — the Columbia Icefield, Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Falls, turquoise Lake Louise, and the peaks of Banff, with the Rocky Mountaineer carrying you both ways in one unforgettable adventure.
ABOUT THIS TOUR
- Combined Alaska cruise aboard Holland America Zaandam, 2-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Jasper, 3-day guided coach tour through the Canadian Rockies, and 2-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Lake Louise back to Vancouver
- Service Level: SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf
- Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
- Locations: Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise
- Suitable for: All ages
- Hotels: Vary based on selected service level
- A deposit is required to book — see Terms & Conditions for full details
Starting Tour Rate
Configure Your Package
Itinerary
Day 1 - Embarkation (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
Your Alaska cruise begins in Vancouver, one of Canada’s most beautiful coastal cities. After boarding your Holland America Line ship, settle into your stateroom and take time to become familiar with the onboard amenities before departing in the afternoon. As the ship sails away, enjoy views of Vancouver’s skyline, Stanley Park and the surrounding Coast Mountains.
Day 2 - Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
Spend today cruising the renowned Inside Passage, a sheltered network of waterways stretching along the Pacific Northwest coast. Relax on deck as you pass forested islands, rugged shorelines and dramatic mountain scenery. Keep watch for marine wildlife such as whales, sea lions, porpoises and bald eagles while enjoying a full day at sea.
Day 3 - Juneau, Alaska, USA
Arrives: 3:30 pm – Departs: 11:00 pm
Arrive in Alaska’s capital city, where towering mountains, glaciers and pristine wilderness surround the downtown waterfront. Juneau offers a variety of optional shore excursions, including whale watching, glacier visits, scenic helicopter flights and outdoor adventures. If you prefer to explore independently, the town features local shops, restaurants and historic attractions within walking distance of the cruise terminal.
Day 4 - Skagway, Alaska, USA
Arrives: 6:00 am – Departs: 9:00 pm
Step ashore in the historic Gold Rush town of Skagway, where colourful buildings and wooden boardwalks reflect its fascinating past. Explore the town at your own pace or choose from a range of optional excursions, including the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, scenic sightseeing tours and outdoor experiences showcasing Alaska’s spectacular landscapes.
Day 5 - Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Arrives: 6:00 am – Departs: 3:30 pm
Today is dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, one of Alaska’s most remarkable natural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains and untouched wilderness as your ship navigates this protected region. National Park Rangers typically join the voyage to provide commentary on the area’s geology, wildlife and history. Be sure to keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea otters, mountain goats, bears and bald eagles.
Day 6 - Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Arrives: 11:00 am – Departs: 6:00 pm
Known as Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan is celebrated for its rich Native Alaskan heritage, colourful waterfront and thriving fishing industry. Spend your time exploring Creek Street, browsing local galleries and souvenir shops, or join one of the many optional excursions available, from wildlife cruises and rainforest adventures to fishing and cultural experiences.
Day 7 - Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea as your ship makes its way south through the scenic Inside Passage. Take in the ever-changing coastal views from the deck, savour the onboard dining options or make the most of the entertainment and activities available throughout the ship. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind before returning to Vancouver.
Day 8 - Disembarkation (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
Arrives: 7:00 am – Departs: Disembarkation
Your cruise returns to Vancouver this morning. After breakfast, disembark the ship and continue with your onward travel arrangements or the next stage of your holiday.
Day 9 - Free Day in Vancouver
A free day to discover Vancouver on your own terms. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 10 - Vancouver to Kamloops by Rocky Mountaineer
Board the Rocky Mountaineer and journey from the Pacific coast into BC’s interior. Pass through the lush Fraser River Valley, dramatic river canyons, coastal mountain peaks, and the arid Thompson interior. Highlights include Hell’s Gate in Fraser Canyon and the snow sheds along the Thompson River. Overnight in Kamloops. [B] [L]
Day 11 - Kamloops to Jasper by Rocky Mountaineer
Continue north and east into the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains toward the Continental Divide. Highlights include Mount Robson (3,954 m / 12,972 ft — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies), Pyramid Falls, and the climb over Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Overnight in Jasper. [B] [L]
Day 12 - Jasper to Banff by Coach
Begin with a hike through Maligne Canyon — one of the world’s largest limestone gorges. Then head south along the Icefields Parkway, taking in Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, and Castle Mountain. At the Columbia Icefield, ride the Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier or walk the Glacier Skywalk*. Overnight in Banff. [B]
Day 13 - Banff National Park & Lake Louise
A full day of sightseeing in Banff National Park. Hike Johnston Canyon, stroll the shores of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and visit the iconic Banff Springs Hotel and Bow Falls. Optional activities include the Upper Hot Springs* and the Sulphur Mountain Gondola*. Overnight in Banff. [B]
Day 14 - Banff to Lake Louise (Free Day)
Check out of your Banff hotel at 12:00 pm and transfer to your Lake Louise hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Lake Louise at your own pace — whether that’s a lakeside stroll, a paddle on the water, or simply taking in one of the most photographed views in the world. Overnight in Lake Louise. [B]
Day 15 - Lake Louise to Kamloops by Rocky Mountaineer Rail
Board the Rocky Mountaineer once more, this time heading west. The journey retraces the dramatic Rocky Mountain landscapes in reverse — a completely different perspective on the same spectacular scenery. Overnight in Kamloops. [B] [L]
Day 16 - Kamloops to Vancouver by Rocky Mountaineer Rail
Your final day on the Rocky Mountaineer carries you back through the canyons and valleys of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver, where your tour concludes. Drop-off available at selected downtown hotels. [B] [L]
*Departure and arrival times may vary subject to rail/road conditions. *Optional activities at additional cost. [B] = Breakfast | [L] = Lunch | [D] = Dinner
PLEASE USE BLUE TABS TO NAVIGATE
GoldLeaf Rail Service
Relax and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views from a custom-designed, two level, glass-domed GoldLeaf coach. For more information about the GoldLeaf Service click HERE.
Silverleaf Rail Car
Take in the awe-inspiring scenery through the windows of a custom-designed, single-level dome coach. For more information about the SilverLeaf Service click HERE.
While you are on the tour, you have the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Although optional, our mountain tour guides recommend following activities to enhance your Canadian Rockies experience:
– Columbia Ice Explorer Tour
– Glacier Skywalk
– Sulphur Mountain (Banff) Gondola Ride
– Canoeing on Lake Louise
For more information on above activities (and their costs), click HERE.
Neptune Suite
Holland America’s Neptune Suites are the pinnacle of verandah suite living aboard the Zaandam, located on the exclusive Deck 7 Navigation Deck. At approximately 558–566 sq. ft. including your private verandah, these spacious suites feature a king-size bed, whirlpool bath, dressing room, sitting area with sofa, mini-bar, refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Neptune Suite guests also enjoy exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge, a private concierge space reserved for suite guests only.
Both SA and SB share identical amenities — the difference is location. SA suites run along the mid-ship starboard side, while SB suites are positioned forward near the bow, with just a handful of suites in the category sitting steps away from the ship’s iconic Pinnacle Suite.
Vista Suite
Vista Suites offer a generous step up from a standard verandah stateroom, with more space, a sitting area, and a full suite feel at a more accessible price point. At approximately 297–379 sq. ft. including your private verandah, each suite features two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, whirlpool bath, sitting area, mini-bar, refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Vista Suites are spread across Deck 6 (Verandah Deck) and Deck 7 (Navigation Deck), with sub-categories indicating location on the ship:
- A — Mid-ship, considered the most desirable for their central location and easy access to onboard amenities. Available on both Deck 6 and Deck 7.
- AA — Slightly aft of mid-ship, same amenities as A. Available on both Deck 6 and Deck 7.
- B — Further aft, quieter surroundings with beautiful wake views. Available on both Deck 6 and Deck 7.
- BB — Aft section of Deck 7, steps from the stern.
- BC — Very stern of Deck 7, wrapping around the aft corners of the ship.
All Vista Suite guests enjoy the same core amenities regardless of sub-category.
Ocean View Stateroom
A comfortable stateroom with a picture window framing Alaska’s stunning coastline — a great option for those who prefer to spend their time on deck soaking in the scenery rather than on a private balcony. At approximately 140–319 sq. ft., the Category C stateroom is the highest ocean view category on the Zaandam, located on Deck 2 (Main Deck), featuring two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, private bathroom with tub and shower, mini-bar, mini-safe, and telephone.
FAQ's
We recommend booking your tour as soon as your plans are confirmed, since departure dates are quite popular and can fill up quickly. Essentially, book early to avoid disappointment!
The tour will begin at the Cruise Terminal in Vancouver (999 Canada Place). Individual transfers are not included, as most guests simply take a taxi from their hotel to the terminal.
On the cruise portion, GoldLeaf accommodation means a Verandah Cabin, and SilverLeaf accommodation means an Oceanview Cabin. In the Rockies, SilverLeaf hotels are mountain lodge-style, while GoldLeaf hotels are resort-style. SilverLeaf accommodation is very clean and comfortable, and travellers will get their own private room and washroom. If you prefer GoldLeaf accommodation, be sure to book early as these hotels sell out quickly – availability is limited within 6 months of departure!
Gratuities are not included in the prices (unless indicated). On the cruise portion, Holland America will charge gratuities separately on your credit card. On the train and coach portion, gratuities will be at your discretion. While it is neither our place nor our wish to tell you how much to tip, gratuities in Canada are often given in recognition of service excellence.
This depends on the day. If you are travelling from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff, it will be a minimum of 10 hours. However, every 2-3 hours, you get out of the bus for mini breaks. During the sightseeing days, you will spend little time on the bus as you will be walking/sightseeing/hiking & etc.
“Excellent tour and saw amazing places and experienced lovely things. It met our needs of visiting the Rockies and was well priced for what it had offered. Well worth the money. Brad was very well spoken and knowledgeable with all the information he provided. He knew his information/history and provided us with all necessary information. Len was very friendly and professional one of the best drivers from a tour company we have experienced.”
Ronald & Amanda Mallia Swansea, NSW, Australia