4-Week Canada Alaska Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week Canada Alaska tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCanada Alaska travel expert at TourRadar

• 22 Days in Canada & Alaska, incl. Vancouver and Inside Passage

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Vancouver

    Begin your journey in Vancouver. Plan for an afternoon arrival to avoid morning traffic from YVR airport. On day 2 explore Stanley Park and Granville Island. Visit the Public Market early before 10 AM to beat the tourist rush.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rocky Mountaineer Journey

    Take the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train through the Canadian Rockies. Book a bi-level glass-dome car for optimal views but bring layers since the AC runs cold. Stay overnight in Kamloops then continue to Banff, passing through the impressive Spiral Tunnels.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Banff & Lake Louise

    Spend three days exploring the Rockies. Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the "Castle in the Rockies." One traveler advises: "Get to Moraine Lake before 7 AM - the parking lot fills up incredibly fast and the morning light on the water is unforgettable." The Lake Louise gondola offers beautiful valley views but watch the forecast since summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Icefields & Jasper

    Drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most beautiful routes. Pack warm clothing for the Ice Explorer tour of Athabasca Glacier. Look for elk in Jasper, especially on hotel grounds in early morning.

    
  • Days 10-12

    British Columbia Coast

    Head to Sun Peaks and Whistler through historic gold rush country. Allow extra travel time on the busy Sea-to-Sky Highway. Schedule the Peak 2 Peak Gondola early in your Whistler stay since weather can affect operations.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Vancouver Island

    Take the ferry to Victoria but book ahead. Visit Butchart Gardens first thing. A recent visitor notes: "Book the early access breakfast at the original Butchart residence - it's worth getting up at dawn to have the gardens almost to yourself."

    
  • Days 15-22

    Alaska Cruise

    Depart Vancouver for a week on the Inside Passage. Secure a good viewing spot for Glacier Bay National Park. Book shore excursions in advance for ports like Juneau and Skagway since popular tours fill quickly. Bring binoculars for whale watching and rain gear since southeast Alaska sees frequent precipitation.

    

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• 27 Day Canada & Alaska Itinerary, incl. Toronto and Vancouver

  

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  • Days 1-8

    Eastern Canada Highlights

    Start your journey in Toronto before heading to Niagara Falls. Take a boat cruise in the morning to avoid the crowds. Travel through the beautiful Thousand Islands area to Ottawa. If you want to tour Parliament Hill, book 3 months in advance. Next up is Quebec City with its French-Canadian culture. One visitor shared: "The cobblestone streets of Old Quebec transported me straight to Europe - don't miss sunset views from Dufferin Terrace." End this section in Montreal, where you can escape to the Underground City during extreme weather.

    
  • Days 9-15

    Rocky Mountain Adventure

    Take a morning flight to Calgary to avoid typical afternoon storms. Your journey into Banff National Park includes the stunning Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Stop often for photos and wildlife watching. Visit Lake Louise before 8am for the best views and fewer tourists. Continue through Mount Robson Provincial Park to Blue River, where you can spot grizzly bears on river safaris from May to October.

    
  • Days 16-19

    West Coast Exploration

    Vancouver is your starting point for British Columbia. Take a drive up the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, but plan for possible construction delays. Cross by ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria. A recent visitor noted: "The Butchart Gardens are spectacular at dusk when they light up the fountains - book the evening dining experience for the best views."

    
  • Days 20-27

    Alaska Cruise

    Spend your final week exploring Alaska's Inside Passage. Visit Gold Rush sites in Juneau and Skagway. For the best glacier views in Glacier Bay National Park, stay on the starboard side in the morning. A previous cruiser suggests: "Pack binoculars and layer your clothing - the weather can change drastically throughout the day, even in summer."

    

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• 25 Days in Canada & Alaska, incl. Canadian Rockies and Inside Passage

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Victoria

    Your journey begins on Vancouver Island at the Fairmont Empress. Plan to arrive before 5 PM for the welcome dinner. Visit Butchart Gardens in the early morning to avoid tourist crowds and bring a light jacket for the morning fog. The 3-hour Zodiac whale watching tours get you closer to marine life than bigger boats, but expect some choppy waters in the afternoon.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Whistler

    Take the 2-hour ferry to mainland BC, followed by a 2-hour drive to Whistler. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers stunning valley views between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Plan for early afternoon when skies are usually clearest. Join Michael Allen's bear tours in early morning or dusk for the best wildlife spotting.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Okanagan Valley

    The 5-hour Whistler to Kelowna drive via Duffey Lake Road can be winding. Bring motion sickness medication if needed. Wine tours are excellent but summer gets hot, often above 90°F (32°C). Pack sunscreen and water.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Banff & Lake Louise

    Experience the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. As one visitor said: "The morning light on Lake Louise was magical - definitely worth getting up at 6 AM to see the turquoise water without crowds." Schedule the Bow River float trip early since afternoon storms are common in summer.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Rocky Mountaineer & Vancouver

    The train journey offers incredible mountain views from glass-dome cars. Pack different layers for the temperature changes between the air-conditioned cars and outdoor areas. Visit Capilano Bridge early before the 10 AM crowds arrive.

    
  • Days 13-19

    Inside Passage Cruise

    Watch Alaska's coastline from your balcony stateroom. Plan shore excursions for Ketchikan and Juneau ahead of time since stops are brief. For the best Glacier Bay views, get to the forward deck early mid-morning when the ship approaches closest.

  • Days 20-25

    Interior Alaska

    Explore Denali National Park and beyond. One traveler noted: "The Tundra Wilderness Tour was long (8 hours) but worth it - we saw 12 grizzlies! Bring binoculars and snacks." Book flightseeing tours early in case weather causes cancellations.

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