There are cruise destinations people love – and then there’s Canada and Alaska.
After joining an educational trip through Banff, Jasper and the Alaskan wilderness, our Cruise Experts came back saying the same thing: photos do not prepare you for the scale of it all. The glaciers feel bigger, the wildlife sightings feel more personal, and every journey between destinations becomes part of the experience itself.
For travellers used to Mediterranean Cruises, Caribbean Cruises or Canary Islands Cruises… a visit to Canada and Alaska offers something completely different. It’s not about beach days or city hopping. It’s about raw landscapes, unforgettable rail journeys, towering mountains, and the kind of scenery that makes people stop talking for a minute.
What our Team thought...
“Before I went, I knew the scenery and backdrops would be amazing, but the sheer scale of them was what blew me away. It’s hard to get this across with words and photos, and I know it’s a cliché for a trip of this magnitude… but it really doesn’t do itself justice until you see it with your very own eyes.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertMore Than a Cruise: Canada and Alaska Is About the Journey
One of the biggest surprises from the trip was how immersive the entire experience felt from start to finish. Before even reaching the cruise element, the journey through the Canadian Rockies completely transformed expectations of what the itinerary for Alaska Cruises can look like.
Highlights from the Rockies experience included:
Bow Falls and the iconic Banff postcard viewpoints
What our Team thought...
“May was an amazing time to go! Seeing the white-topped mountains and everything still frozen in places gave the trip a completely different feel. When you stand there, you get the full backdrop behind Banff. It really is a picture moment. Because Bow Falls is a river, it was flowing, whereas every lake we’d seen was frozen, so it was nice to see that contrast on one trip!”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertThe Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Surprise Corner Lookout
What our Team thought...
“Everyone’s obsessed with the Banff Springs Hotel – it’s just absolutely massive and definitely worthwhile seeing in person. Even if that’s not your cup of tea, I would still suggest a trip to Surprise Corner – it was particularly lovely because you had all that scenery behind it as you overlook the mountains, and it felt away from the more touristy spots.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertTwo Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka
What our Team thought...
“When you step off the bus, you’re just like, “wow” – the backdrop beside the lake makes it feel so picturesque, and the air is just that extra bit fresher here! By chance, Two Jack Lake was half frozen, half water when we went, which made it even more interesting to see.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertThe Banff Gondola with panoramic mountain views
What our Team thought...
“We weren’t overly excited about the gondola before we did it, but once we got to the top, it completely exceeded expectations. Everywhere you looked, it was stunning – that was a total highlight of the trip. The boardwalk lets you feel as though you’re right on the mountain, with views the whole way round. I’d never have thought to add it on, but having done it, I’d say it’s totally worth it and would recommend this right away to others!”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertSpecial Moments That Are Unlike Any Other
From Banff to Jasper, every stop felt cinematic with so much to see and do. The images alone don’t tell the full picture – you need to feel the atmosphere and breathe in the air to deeply appreciate the beauty!
More highlights include:
Lake Louise and Bow Lake along the Icefields Parkway
What our Team thought...
“Lake Louise is obviously the one everybody goes to… but seeing it frozen was really special. That’s the iconic picture everyone knows – and we were standing right on it. Having said this, Bow Lake was my ultimate favourite! There wasn’t another person there when we stopped, so we could just take it all in. It felt quieter and a bit more off the main tourist trail, which made it stand out even more.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertColumbia Icefield Ice Explorer Experience
What our Team thought...
“I know I’ve said it before… but the pictures honestly don’t do it justice – I couldn’t believe how blue it was. I’ve never seen a colour quite like it! Stepping off onto the glacier and realising you were actually standing on it was such a “wow, is this really happening?" moment. It was 100% the highlight of the entire trip for me. We didn’t want to waste a minute of it – we just wanted to soak up every second.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertGlacier Skywalk suspended above the Valley Floor
What our Team thought...
“It’s total scenery non-stop. Right from the off, there is a new “postcard-like” backdrop just waiting to take full control of your attention. I loved it! The views were amazing, and the walk out over the valley was really cool. On the way up, there were different experts talking about the rocks, the ice and the wildlife, so it added more to the experience.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertRather than simply arriving in Alaska, the itinerary built anticipation every day. That’s what makes these cruise tours so memorable – the land journey becomes just as important as the sailing itself.
The Scenery Feels Completely Different to Traditional Cruise Destinations
The Mediterranean charms you with culture and coastline. The Caribbean delivers beaches and sunshine. Canada and Alaska feel wild and off the beaten track.
Towering glaciers replace beach resorts. Dense forests stretch for miles. Mountains rise directly from the waterline. Even seasoned cruisers on the trip admitted they’d never experienced scenery quite like it.
One moment our team were standing beside bright turquoise lakes in Banff, the next they were crossing vast icefields surrounded by snow-capped peaks in The Last Frontier. The scale is difficult to explain until you’re there.
And, unlike more built-up cruise regions, there’s a genuine sense of remoteness. You feel connected to nature in a way that’s rare in modern travel.
What our Team thought...
“Don’t get me wrong… I love nothing more than a chilled-out beach break, sipping on a cocktail, watching the waves go by. However, this trip just felt that bit more exciting… and once you’ve felt that, it’s hard to look back. I’m fortunate in this role to get to explore lots of the world, and this was without doubt one of those experiences that was quite simply a level above… endless excitement, adventure and stories to share – all behind some of the most amazing backdrops in the world!”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertWildlife Encounters Become Core Memories
Canada and Alaska aren't just visually impressive – they are alive.
Throughout the Rockies and Alaska journey, wildlife sightings became some of the biggest talking points among the team.
Seeing grizzly bears in their natural habitat felt very different to spotting wildlife on a planned excursion elsewhere. There’s unpredictability to Canada and Alaska that makes every day exciting.
Guests can also expect opportunities to see:
- Whales breaching beside the ship
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
- Moose, bears and mountain goats inland
- Sea otters and seals along the coastline
It adds an adventurous edge that many traditional cruise destinations simply can’t replicate.
What our Team thought...
“We actually saw not 1, but 2 grizzlies – how lucky! Seeing them in their natural habitat, just eating and doing their own thing, was magical. As you drive into Jasper, you start seeing wildlife more often – we saw elk there, too, which was cool! Just watching them all in real time – it was quite a surreal experience and without doubt memories I’ll cherish forever.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertRocky Mountaineer Was a Standout Experience
One experience our team kept praising was the iconic Rocky Mountaineer Train.
Travelling through the Canadian Rockies in GoldLeaf Service turned the transfer itself into a luxury travel experience.
Glass-domed carriages offered uninterrupted views of rivers, forests, and mountain ranges, while the elevated dining and service added a premium touch without feeling formal or stuffy.
For many travellers, this part of the itinerary becomes a genuine bucket-list moment... particularly in GoldLeaf Service:
- Outdoor viewing platform for photos and wildlife spotting
- Gourmet à la carte dining onboard
- First-class service with spacious reclining seating
It’s common for people to struggle choosing between SilverLeaf Service vs GoldLeaf Service. Regardless of which level of service you decide on, from a travel planning perspective, it’s exactly the kind of added experience that elevates an Alaska cruise into something far more immersive than a standard sailing.
What our Team thought...
“GoldLeaf is 100% worth the money – it’s a completely different experience from SilverLeaf. The floor-to-ceiling windows can be tinted on and off, offering protection from the sun and unspoiled views whenever there is something of interest to see. I also loved how the seats in GoldLeaf were spinnable, meaning you didn’t even need to turn your neck to see the views! The outdoor viewing platform alone is worth it. Getting out there in the fresh air and seeing the views properly was one of the best parts. The staff couldn’t do enough for you, and the variety of dining options was genuinely superb! It was really sociable too – when you stepped outside, people were chatting and sharing what they’d spotted. What a difference.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertWhy Canada and Alaska Appeal to Travellers Looking for Something New
One thing our experts noticed during the trip was how often this adventure surprised people who normally choose sunshine destinations.
It attracts travellers who want:
- Scenic cruising instead of pool days
- Adventure and exploration
- Wildlife and nature experiences
- Cooler climates and dramatic landscapes
- Multi-destination touring
- Meaningful, experience-led travel
There’s also a strong emotional side to this jounrey. People remember how it felt standing beside glaciers or watching landscapes roll past from the train. It’s the type of trip travellers talk about for years afterwards.
What our Team thought...
“The term bucket list gets flung about quite freely in our industry at times, but having now experienced this trip first-hand for myself… I cannot stop shouting about it! I can clearly see why it sits so high on so many bucket lists, and I cannot wait to return in the near future with my partner so we can experience it together.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertFirst-Hand Knowledge Matters When Booking Canada and Alaska
After experiencing these routes themselves, our team came away with a much clearer understanding of what makes a successful Canada and Alaska itinerary. That includes:
Choosing the right cruise and land tour combination
Not all Alaska itineraries are equal. Adding destinations like Banff and Jasper completely changes the experience.
Understanding timing and wildlife seasons
Different months bring different scenery, temperatures and wildlife opportunities.
Knowing which experiences are genuinely worth it
Excursions like the Ice Explorer, Glacier Skywalk and Rocky Mountaineer consistently stood out as trip-defining moments.
Helping travellers prepare properly
Packing advice, layering for changing temperatures and understanding excursion activity levels all make a huge difference.
It’s this kind of first-hand insight that turns a good holiday into an unforgettable one.
What our Team thought...
“Layers are the way to do this trip. You’re constantly on the move, and being stuck in a huge puffer jacket isn’t what you want. The absolute must-pack is a good phone charger and a power bank. You’ll regret it if you can’t capture the views in front of you… I’ve not stopped looking at mine since coming home! In short, there are so many factors that come together to make this a genuine once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I would love to go through them in more detail if you are looking to book this sort of experience for yourself. Please get in contact with me and let me help you make it as unforgettable as mine.”
Nicola Boyd – Cruise ExpertSo… Is a Journey to Canada and Alaska Worth It? Absolutely.
For travellers who have already experienced the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Canary Islands, a jounrey through Canada and Alaska offers something refreshingly different.
It feels bigger. Wilder. More immersive. You’re not just visiting destinations – you’re travelling through landscapes that genuinely stop you in your tracks.
And after experiencing it themselves, our Cruise Experts completely understand why Canada and Alaska trips sit so high on so many bucket lists.
Alaska Cruise FAQ
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May to September. Peak Summer months offer longer daylight hours and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Is Alaska better as a cruise or land tour?
A combination cruise and land tour offers the best overall experience. Travellers can experience glaciers and coastal scenery alongside inland highlights like Banff, Jasper and the Rocky Mountaineer.
What wildlife can you see in Alaska?
Common sightings include whales, grizzly bears, bald eagles, moose, seals and sea otters – depending on the season and itinerary.
Is Alaska suitable for first-time cruisers?
Yes – especially for travellers more interested in scenery, exploration, and experiences than traditional beach-focused cruising.
What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?
Layers are essential. The weather can change quickly, especially during excursions in the Rockies or glacier regions. Waterproof outerwear and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended… but remember to pack lighter gear as well!
Why combine the Canadian Rockies with an Alaska cruise?
Adding Banff, Jasper and the Rocky Mountaineer creates a far more immersive journey, combining iconic rail travel, mountain scenery, and glacier experiences with coastal Alaska cruising.
Looking for Even More Inspiration?
Check out our Rocky Mountaineer experience.
Start Planning Your Own Adventure
Looking to explore Banff, the Rocky Mountaineer or Alaska for yourself?
