Meet Our New Tour: Canadian Rockies & Alaska’s Inside Passage

From rich cultures to stunning landscapes and unique adventures unlike what you can find at home, Australian travellers love exploring North America. But when it comes to making that 15-hour flight from Sydney to Vancouver and spending multiple weeks in an unfamiliar place, you need to go with the experts.

Collette is North America’s longest running tour operator. As the leaders in guided travel since 1918, we know a thing or two about thoughtfully curated trips. But we also know that Australian travellers want more.

Here are the ways this adventure was designed to meet your unique needs:

Fully Guided Tour in Canada and Alaska

There’s a lot to explore in this corner of North America. Over 15 days, this tour covers two countries and about two thousand kilometres. There is so much to see and experience, which is why you explore in different ways: by motorcoach, by train, and by ship.

We don’t want you to miss a thing, and that’s why there’s an expert guide by your side for every part of the journey. Your Tour Manager is there to support you 24/7, whether it’s to answer your questions or provide insightful commentary that only a local expert would know.

Touring by Land and Sea

You’re headed to some of North America’s most storied landscapes. This is an adventure that brings together the soaring majesty of the Canadian Rockies, the emerald-green forests of British Columbia, and the grandeur of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

It only makes sense that you would be travelling in premium comfort and style. Here are some of the highlights you’ll experience along the way:

Rocky Mountaineer Train

All aboard! There’s no better way to take in the Canadian Rockies than onboard a deluxe railcar with Rocky Mountaineer’s famed SilverLeaf service included.

Beyond your sparkling glass window, history comes alive as you travel the legendary rail route that united Canada as a nation, through the century-old Spiral Tunnels, and along the powerful Kicking Horse River. Traverse the Continental Divide and keep an eye out for moose, elk, and bighorn sheep – not to mention osprey, soaring eagles, and even the occasional bear.

Catch a glimpse of that train ride here!

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Settle in the picturesque village of Lake Louise and get to know the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This is a stunning property nestled on the banks of the lake and surrounded by the soaring peaks of Banff National Park. You’ll spend the night at this 5-star property, and savour world-class cuisine at one of the hotel’s on-site restaurants.

Holland America Alaskan Cruise

From Vancouver, you’ll embark on your Holland America cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage. This 7-night cruise takes you along an extensive coastal route known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the water alongside the ship, bald eagles soaring overhead, and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

Personalise Your Tour

This tour was designed to be an inclusive, immersive journey on its own. But we know that some Australians want to elevate their tour experience even further. Whether you want upgraded accommodation or to add some optional excursions, there are ways to enhance your tour and make it uniquely yours.

Accommodation Upgrades

There are unique opportunities to up the ante on the train and cruise elements of this tour.

Whilst SilverLeaf service is included in your Rocky Mountaineer experience, maybe you want to go for the Gold. Pamper yourself with panoramic views from your luxurious seat in the upper level of a bi-level glass domed coach with full-length windows. This upgrade offers access to the private dining room downstairs where you'll enjoy gourmet, a la carte meals; a large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform; and complimentary beverages.

Cruising fans may prefer to step away from their inside cabin. You’ve come so far; may as well treat yourself to a bit more comfort, right? You may opt to enhance your Alaskan cruise with an upgrade to an Ocean View Stateroom or a Verandah Stateroom. Relax after a day exploring. Just imagine gazing out from your Ocean View Stateroom or on your private verandah as the Alaskan waters dance in the distance, framed by the incredible scenery.

Optional Excursions

Tours are built to give you free time to explore how you choose. When we find something that we think could enhance your experience or speak to certain special interests, we offer optional excursions.

This tour features three optional tours during the Alaska leg of the journey: a jet boat whale watching tour in Juneau, a Skagway city tour and summit overlook visit, and a Misty Fjord National Monument sightseeing tour by plane.

Nature lovers and photographers may especially be drawn to these experiences!

Booking with Confidence

You want to be comfortable when you’re chasing your curiosity across the world. When it comes to travelling all the way to Canada and the United States, Australians know to go with a travel provider you can trust every step of the way, from the second you choose your tour to the end of your journey.

Expertly Planned Tours

Our tours are designed by travellers, for travellers. You want to dive in deep, and we’re right there with you. With local experts curating every experience, our tours take a typical experience like a meal, hotel stay, or transport and create experiences that dive into the local culture.

Guaranteed Departures

Booking a trip is exciting, but it can be daunting. The part that shouldn’t be concerning? Wondering whether or not it's going to happen! Book that far-flung tour to North America’s outdoors confidently knowing your tour will run. The majority – over 70% – of the departure dates of this tour are guaranteed to operate. That means no rescheduling and no changing plans – unless it’s on your terms.

Cancelation Waiver

When you purchase a Collette Tour, our cancellation waiver is included which means you can cancel for any reason and get a full cash refund, minus deposit – all the way up to 24 hours before your trip departs. We’ve offered this waiver for decades to give our travellers assurance every step of the way – with no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.

Learn more about our industry-leading waiver here.