Prior to many travellers' first time to Canada and Alaska, there is often conjecture around the famous Rocky Mountaineer and equally famous Inside Passage, and how amazing they could actually be. And for most it lives up to the hype. From the moment you step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, experience superb customer service, delicious meals, luxurious train carriages and ‘that’ scenery - spectacular, ever changing, and breathtakingly beautiful. The train winds through the Canadian Rockies, alongside turquoise lakes and fast-flowing rivers and, depending on the time of year, past snow-covered mountains and waterfalls. With two levels of service onboard, Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf, whichever one you choose, the rail journey remains unparalleled.
Not to be overlooked by any means, is the coach journey through British Columbia and Alberta which allows you to explore regions not accessible by train. The picture postcard perfect towns of Banff, Whistler, Jasper and Lake Louise are wonderful to explore and the friendly Canadian locals are sure to welcome you. Sightseeing in and around the towns is outstanding with glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and rivers. Wildlife abounds here, from the grizzly and black bears, bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes, moose and beavers, to the osprey and cheeky chipmunks. Not too be missed is a visit to nearby Vancouver Island and its capital Victoria, from where you visit the famous Butchart Gardens, created over 100 years ago and now designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Created from the remains of limestone quarry, there are millions of plants and various displays including the Japanese and Sunken Gardens.
A cruise to Alaska completes what is sure to be a holiday of a lifetime. Cruising from Vancouver though the Inside Passage, ports along the way include Skagway and Ketchikan. Skagway resembles an old mining town, with wooden boardwalks along the main street and gold-rush-era buildings, preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. From here you can ride on the White Pass Rail, built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. Ketchikan is known for its displays of totem poles, waterfalls and salmon spawning streams, along with its rich wildlife including black bears, wolves and bald eagles. A cruising highlight for many is the visit to spectacular Glacier Bay, a World Heritage Site with dynamic glaciers, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords which attract marine animals such as whales, sea lions, porpoises and otters.
Canada and Alaska are always at the top of any travel ‘bucket list’. Being a region of natural beauty with abundant wildlife and hospitable locals who delight in sharing their homeland with visitors, why wouldn’t it be?
Click here for our holidays featuring Canada and Alaska or contact the Holidays of Australia & the World team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
