Canada Alaska Tours from Vancouver

What our customers ask about Canada Alaska Tours from Vancouver

• What's the best time of year to start a Vancouver-Alaska tour?

  Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable conditions with May through September being the main travel season. July and August bring warmer temperatures that average 65-75°F (18-24°C). May shows Vancouver and Butchart Gardens in full bloom while September presents fall foliage and occasional Northern Lights displays in Alaska. Consider that summer months draw larger crowds but offer longer daylight hours. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in July - perfect weather in Vancouver and amazing glacier views in Alaska."

• What's the typical length of Vancouver Canada Alaska tours starting in Vancouver?

  These combination tours generally span 16-20 days blending land exploration with sea voyages. Travelers often spend time at landmark properties like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel in the Canadian Rockies. This is followed by a week-long Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver's Canada Place terminal. As one TourRadar traveler noted "An excellent tour combining both the Canadian Rockies and Alaska cruise - the perfect mix of adventure and comfort."

• What are the most popular starting locations within Vancouver for these tours?

  Tours commonly begin at three key Vancouver points: The Canada Place cruise terminal where vessels like Holland America's MS Koningsdam set sail the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel for pre-cruise stays and Stanley Park for initial city exploration. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The convenient downtown location made it easy to explore Vancouver before embarking on our Alaska adventure."

• What unique experiences are available in Vancouver before heading to Alaska?

  Vancouver presents several notable pre-cruise activities. Visitors can see the traditional totem poles in Stanley Park walk through Gastown's historic streets and take in city views from the Grouse Mountain Skyride. The 450-foot-long Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Vancouver Lookout offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As noted by a TourRadar reviewer: "Starting in Vancouver was perfect - we got to experience the city's amazing culture before heading to Alaska."

• How long is the cruise portion from Vancouver to Alaska?

  The voyage through the Inside Passage takes 7 nights with stops at key Alaskan ports including Juneau Skagway and Ketchikan. Ships leave from Vancouver's Canada Place sailing past coastal fjords and glacier formations. According to a TourRadar review: "The 7-night cruise from Vancouver gave us plenty of time to enjoy both the scenery and port stops."

• How much time should I allow in Vancouver before the Alaska portion begins?

  Standard itineraries include 2-3 days in Vancouver for visits to Stanley Park Granville Island and local food experiences. Higher-end tours often add extra nights at properties like the Fairmont Waterfront. This allows time to adjust to the time zone and explore the city properly. One TourRadar reviewer recommended: "The three days in Vancouver were perfect for adjusting and exploring before our cruise."