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

  This 22-day adventure combines 3 nights on VIA Rail, 12 nights in mountain lodges and hotels, and 7 nights cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, offering an ideal mix of travel and leisure time.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Toronto & Niagara Falls

    Start in Toronto to explore this culturally diverse city. "Toronto's St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit. Go early around 8am before the crowds and try the peameal bacon sandwiches." Take a day trip to Niagara Falls for a boat cruise. Visit in the morning when there's less mist and fewer people.

    
  • Days 3-5

    The Canadian Train Journey

    Take VIA Rail's "The Canadian" for a 3-day trip across the country. Book a Sleeper Plus cabin on the left side for the best mountain views near Jasper. Pack layers since the dome car gets cold while the dining car stays warm. "The constantly changing landscape from Ontario's forests to Prairie fields kept us glued to the windows. Don't miss sunrise over Manitoba - absolutely magical."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Jasper National Park

    Spend two full days in Jasper. "Take the Maligne Lake cruise early in the day when the water is calmest and best for photos. Book the 8:30am departure to avoid afternoon winds." Try the Athabasca River float trip for wildlife spotting, especially during dawn and dusk when bears are most active.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Banff National Park

    Drive the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise and Banff. Book the first morning Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer tour around 9am to beat the crowds. "Skip the gondola crowds and hike Tunnel Mountain instead - it's a moderate 2-hour round trip with similar views."

    
  • Days 13-19

    Alaska Cruise

    Your Inside Passage cruise stops at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. For Glacier Bay, a past cruiser notes: "Position yourself on the starboard side of the ship early morning - that's where most calving activity happens. And bring binoculars for spotting mountain goats on the cliffs."

    
  • Days 20-22

    Vancouver

    Finish in Vancouver. "Take the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge early morning before tour buses arrive. And don't miss Granville Island Public Market - go hungry!"

    

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