Rocky Mountains at your own pace & cruise to Alaska

Day 1 – Arrival in Calgary

Overnight in Calgary

Upon arrival in Calgary, you will pick up the rental car and drive to the hotel in the city. Calgary is a modern metropolis with clear roots in Western cowboy culture, which can be seen in its saddle-shaped stadium. Consider going up Calgary Tower for a panoramic view of the city and the distant Rocky Mountains, or take a stroll along Stephen Avenue Walk, the city’s lively pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 2 – Calgary – Banff National Park

Overnight in Banff

From Calgary you will drive westward toward the Rocky Mountains, where the landscape gradually shifts from open prairies to dramatic mountain formations. Upon arrival at Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, a breathtaking landscape of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and dense pine forests unfolds. The park is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and abundant wildlife. One of today’s highlights is Bow Falls, a wide and powerful waterfall where the Bow River rushes through the valley.

Next, you can continue along Tunnel Mountain Drive, a scenic and easily accessible route that leads you around Tunnel Mountain. Along the way, you will pass several viewpoints with panoramic views of Banff town, Bow Valley, and the surrounding peaks. The drive offers a great introduction to the region’s landscape and is a relaxed way to experience the park’s magnificent nature.

The rest of the day can be spent exploring the town of Banff, where the charming main street offers cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Day 3 – Banff National Park

Overnight in Banff

This day is dedicated to experiences in Banff National Park, which is known for its varied nature with deep gorges, forest‑covered mountainsides, and crystal‑clear lakes.

We recommend beginning the day by driving the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. The old route toward Lake Louise winds through forests and open valleys. This stretch is known for good opportunities to spot wildlife along the road. If conditions allow, you can take a side trip to Moraine Lake. Access is limited to a small number of cars each day, so it’s important to be early. If successful, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience at one of Canada’s most iconic natural areas – beautifully framed by the famous Ten Peaks.

From there, continue to the iconic Lake Louise, which impresses with its turquoise‑blue color and dramatic location at the foot of the Victoria Glacier. A visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site provides a fascinating insight into the park’s history. It was here that the hot springs were discovered in the late 1800s, leading to the creation of Canada’s first national park.

After that, you can head to Johnston Canyon, where a well‑developed trail leads you through a narrow gorge with dramatic rock walls and rushing waterfalls. Along the way you’ll cross the canyon via walkways and can experience both the lower and upper falls, which are among the park’s most impressive natural phenomena.

To conclude the day, you can take a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, Banff’s largest lake. During the cruise, the boat glides across clear waters framed by mountain landscapes, and your guide will tell you about the area’s history, wildlife, and the submerged village beneath the lake’s surface. It’s a memorable experience that offers a different perspective on the park’s nature.

After an eventful day, you can return to Banff town, where the evening can be enjoyed in relaxed surroundings with restaurants and cafés.

Day 5 – Yellowhead Highway from Jasper to Kamloops

Overnight in Kamloops

Today offers a beautiful and varied drive from Jasper toward Kamloops, where the landscape gradually changes character. You leave the alpine surroundings of Jasper National Park and move into the interior of British Columbia, where the scenery becomes more open and contrasting.

Shortly after departing Jasper you’ll pass Mount Robson Provincial Park, dominated by Mount Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. On clear days the striking peak rises impressively above the valley, inviting photo stops at overlooks along the road. Continuing southward, the route follows rivers and fertile valleys through Robson Valley, a green rural area surrounded by forested mountainsides. Along the way you can stop at Rearguard Falls, where the water surges through narrow rock formations.

As the journey continues, the landscape changes again, with dense forests giving way to drier, rolling terrain. Upon arrival in Kamloops the transition is clear — the city lies beautifully at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers and is known for its sunny climate and relaxed atmosphere.

The evening is free for you to enjoy a leisurely dinner or a stroll along the river after a day on the roads in western Canada.

Day 6 – Kamloops – Vancouver

Overnight in Vancouver

You depart Kamloops and continue westward toward Vancouver. Along the way the landscape changes dramatically as the dry interior gradually gives way to lush forests, rivers, and mountainous terrain as you approach the Pacific coast.

The drive takes you through the Fraser River Valley, where the river winds through dramatic canyons and green valleys. A natural stop along the way is Fraser Canyon, where tall granite walls flank the Fraser River and give insight into the history of the gold rush at the Yale Historic Site. There’s also an opportunity to stop at dramatic Hell’s Gate. Upon arrival in Vancouver you can visit Chinatown, one of North America’s oldest Chinese districts, known for its colorful facades, markets, and restaurants where the scents and tastes of Asian cuisine create a lively atmosphere.

The journey can continue to historic Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, where cobblestone streets, charming buildings, and the iconic steam clock create a special ambiance. The area offers cozy cafés, galleries, and restaurants — a perfect place to enjoy the evening after the day’s drive.

The rental car is returned upon arrival in Vancouver.

Day 7 – Experiences in Vancouver

Overnight in Vancouver

Today is free for experiences in Vancouver, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world, framed by the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Coast Mountains. The city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, green spaces, and unique combination of urban life and spectacular nature — all of which make Vancouver something truly special.

Start the day in Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, where lush nature, old trees, and impressive views make for a peaceful stroll. Along the park’s paths you can see the iconic totem poles, which tell stories of the region’s Indigenous peoples — including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil‑Waututh nations — who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Today these totem poles are among the city’s most photographed landmarks and an important symbol of Canada’s Indigenous cultural heritage.

Later in the day you might visit Granville Island, a lively and creative district beneath the Granville Bridge. The island was once an industrial area but has since been transformed into one of Vancouver’s most popular gathering places. Here you’ll find the famous Public Market with fresh produce, local specialties, and delicacies side by side with small artisan shops, galleries, and cozy cafés.

Day 8 – Start of the Cruise in Vancouver

Overnight on board the ship

After a week filled with magnificent natural experiences in the Rocky Mountains and along Canada’s west coast, it’s now time to prepare for the next chapter of the journey. The morning can be spent taking in a few last impressions of the city or enjoying a relaxed breakfast before heading toward the cruise terminal. The harbor area buzzes with life, and the sight of large cruise ships with the mountains as a backdrop creates a truly special atmosphere.

When the ship later departs the harbor, one of the trip’s most memorable moments awaits: sailing beneath the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. Here the ship quietly glides out toward the Pacific Ocean as Vancouver slowly disappears on the horizon, and the city’s skyline, forests, and mountains form a beautiful backdrop for departure.

With the wind in your hair and the view from deck, the cruise truly begins — full of new experiences, relaxation, and anticipation for the destinations that lie ahead.

Day 9 – Sailing Through the Inside Passage, Alaska

Overnight on board the ship

You wake up to your first full day aboard the cruise ship. After many experiences on land, the day at sea is a welcome opportunity to settle into the comfortable surroundings and enjoy the ship’s many amenities at your own pace.

Today offers an unforgettable voyage through the legendary Inside Passage. The ship glides silently through narrow fjords surrounded by forested islands, steep cliffs, and snow‑topped peaks. You can relax by the pool and enjoy life on deck while keeping an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and seals. On board there’s a wide range of activities and entertainment — from lectures and shows to fitness, shopping, and cozy lounges.

You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the ship’s restaurants and bars before the evening brings entertainment, live music, or a memorable dinner. The day at sea gives you the chance to recharge and fully enjoy the comfort of the cruise — ready for the experiences that await in upcoming ports.

Day 10 – Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Overnight on board the ship

Welcome to Icy Strait Point on Chichagof Island — one of the most authentic stops on the trip. Here you encounter the original Alaska far from mass tourism and large cities. The area is owned and operated by local Tlingit people, and their culture is palpable in the craftsmanship, dance, and stories.

The landscape here is unique to this part of the world. Here, ocean and land meet in the temperate rainforest where dense cedar and spruce forests extend all the way down to the water’s edge. The damp climate creates a lush and green landscape where moss, ferns, and old trees create an almost fairytale expression.

This area is in constant flux, driven by dramatic tides that can vary by 3–4 meters in some places. When the water level changes, rocky shores and tidal zones are exposed, revealing starfish, mussels, and seaweed before the sea returns. The tide is an essential part of the ecosystem here and has shaped both the landscape and coastal life for centuries.

The waters off the coast are also known for their rich wildlife. Here you can find orcas, which are often seen gliding silently through the water in their distinctive black‑and‑white pattern. The sight of these impressive marine mammals moving in pods along the coast is one of the most memorable natural experiences of the cruise. Icy Strait Point is a perfect place to book a whale‑watching adventure.

Day 11 – Sailing by Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Overnight on board the ship

Today awaits one of the most unforgettable days of the trip as the ship slowly sails into Disenchantment Bay, the fjord that leads directly to the mighty Hubbard Glacier. Along the way the surroundings change — tall mountains rise steeply around you, the air becomes cooler, and the sea takes on an intense blue‑green hue created by meltwater from the enormous ice mass ahead.

The ship slows down and maneuvers gently in the fjord to come as close to the glacier as the ice in the water allows. There is plenty of time to enjoy the incredible sight, whether you’re standing on deck or watching the movements of the ice masses through the large panoramic windows inside.

Hubbard Glacier has sculpted the landscape over thousands of years and is still in constant motion. It creeps slowly forward and calves frequently. Smaller pieces of ice can drop into the water multiple times an hour, while the larger calvings — which occur less often — are truly spectacular. They can be heard as a deep rumble followed by a thunderous crash when massive ice blocks break off and plunge into the sea, sending waves through the fjord. This unpredictability makes the experience intense and fascinating — you never know when nature will next display its full power.

The silence is broken only by creaking ice, birds in the air, and the sound of ice slowly shifting. Many passengers choose to stay out on deck for a long time, bundled warmly, to watch the glacier’s smallest movements, capture photos of the dramatic formations, or simply let the moment sink in. For most, Hubbard Glacier will stand out as one of the absolute highlights of the trip and a memory that lingers long after the ship turns back toward open sea.

Day 12 – Juneau, Alaska

Overnight on board the ship

Welcome to Alaska’s charming capital, Juneau — a city that can only be reached by ship or plane and is beautifully framed by mountains, glaciers, and ocean. The sense of adventure, untamed wilderness, and gold rush history is felt immediately upon arrival.

Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska to see whales. With a little luck, you might see massive humpback whales surface alongside the ship or on an excursion into the fjord — a magical moment when the silence is often broken by a powerful breath and the sight of a dark back slowly sliding beneath the surface. The impressive Mendenhall Glacier lies just a short drive from town and stretches like a frozen river between the mountains. Here you’ll see the glacier’s intense blue hues, hear meltwater trickle, and get a powerful impression of nature’s immense forces — and its continual transformation.

Juneau is also deeply rooted in Alaska’s dramatic gold rush era when the region transformed from wilderness to a bustling mining town in the late 1800s. Remnants of this time remain in the city’s historic buildings, old mine installations, and stories of hope, hardship, and the pursuit of wealth. A walk through downtown offers a vivid insight into the pioneers’ lives and the dreams that once drew adventurers here from around the world.

A day in Juneau is a perfect blend of spectacular nature, wildlife, and fascinating history.

Day 13 – Ketchikan, Alaska

Overnight on board the ship

The small, colorful town of Ketchikan lies beautifully situated between the sea and the dense, green temperate rainforest. The town is known as one of the wettest in Alaska, with an average of over 3,000 mm of rain each year — a climate that supports the lush green surroundings in rich hues. 

The lively waterfront, with historic wooden buildings, small shops, and local galleries, creates a cozy atmosphere. A stroll along the famous Creek Street, which winds along the water on wooden boardwalks and pilings, provides a glimpse into the town’s colorful past. In days gone by these old houses once housed both merchants and questionable entertainments during the gold rush, and today the area is filled with charm, craft shops, and stories from a bygone era.

Ketchikan is also known as the world’s totem capital, and the town’s impressive totem poles bear witness to the region’s rich Indigenous culture. The carved figures tell stories of clans, myths, and traditions and provide a fascinating insight into the lives and beliefs of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

Day 14 – Sailing Through the Inside Passage, Alaska

Overnight on board the ship

The sailing through the Inside Passage provides a beautiful and atmospheric setting for the cruise’s last day at sea. Here the ship glides through calm waters where the pace slows, and there’s time to enjoy both the scenery and the final day at sea.

Along the coastline, forested mountains rise straight from the water, often shrouded in light mist, lending an almost dreamlike quality to the landscape. Narrow straits, islands, and bays pass by in a peaceful rhythm, and the views constantly change — like a living panorama that beautifully concludes the journey.

For many passengers, this last day on board becomes one of the most relaxing. It’s the day to find your favorite spot on deck, enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and let the memories of the trip settle in.

Day 15 – Disembarkation in Vancouver, British Columbia

Overnight before flight

The journey reaches its beautiful conclusion in Vancouver, where the ship docks early in one of Canada’s most spectacularly situated cities. With mountains as a dramatic backdrop and the Pacific Ocean as its nearest neighbor, you’ll have one last chance to enjoy the impressive surroundings that have accompanied you on this journey through North America’s wild nature.

After disembarkation there’s time to explore Vancouver at your own pace before the journey home. The city offers a relaxed, international atmosphere where nature and city life merge. A walk through historic Gastown invites a coffee break at one of the cozy cafés while the cobblestone streets, small boutiques, and iconic steam clock set the scene for your final experiences. For those who wish, there’s also time for a bit of shopping — whether it’s souvenirs, Canadian design, or the last gifts to bring home.

As departure time approaches, the journey continues toward the airport, from which you’ll fly from Vancouver to Copenhagen Airport. With your suitcase filled with memories, natural wonders, and impressions from Alaska and Canada’s west coast, the journey home begins — and you return a little richer in adventure.

Day 16 – Back in London

You arrive in London after an experience‑rich journey filled with breathtaking nature, fascinating culture, and unforgettable moments. The memories from Alaska — glaciers, whales, and fjords — live on long after the suitcase has been unpacked.