Broaden Your Horizons: The Best Places to Visit in Alaska Beyond the Sea
The best places in Alaska to visit sit on both sides of the shoreline. From the water, Alaska glaciers meet the sea, and forested slopes drop to the tide line. Inland, the scenery opens into tundra, braided rivers and a mountain that keeps its snow all summer. Explora Journeys connects the two with Pre- and Post-Journey Destination Immersions, guided land programmes that join an Alaska Journey aboard EXPLORA III at Vancouver or Seward. Guests choose three nights through Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna, four nights through Fairbanks, Denali and Girdwood, or five nights in the Rockies..
Many travellers begin by searching for the best Alaska cruise excursions. These immersions are a longer, slower answer: days of rail, wilderness and wildlife in Alaska, rather than a single day ashore. What follows sets out each route, the best time to go and how to choose between them.
What Are Explora Journeys' Pre- and Post-Journey Destination Immersions
A Destination Immersion is a guided land programme arranged by Explora Journeys and timed to meet the ship at Seward or Vancouver.. Before a Journey, guests travel inland first and finish at the port. After a Journey, they step off the ship and head north. Rail, accommodation and guided experiences are built into each programme, so nothing is left for a guest to piece together alone.
Three lengths are offered. Traversing Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna keeps to three nights. Four nights reach further, through Fairbanks, Denali and Girdwood. Those seeking a deeper adventure into the North American wilderness can cross the Canadian Rockies aboard Canada’s most luxurious railway, discover the pristine beauty of Banff National Park, and unwind in Vancouver and Calgary across five nights. Guests who want to see how each fits their dates can look through Explora Journeys' Pre- and Post-Journey Immersions, then decide whether a tighter or a more layered route suits them. Both rest on the same belief: that Alaska's interior deserves as much unhurried attention as its coast.
Three Nights Into Alaska's Wild Heart
The three-night immersion begins in Anchorage, a compact city set against the Chugach Mountains. On the pre-Journey route, a visit to Iditarod Headquarters introduces Alaska's sled-dog heritage. Then the Dome Rail turns north towards Denali, and the pace changes. Glass-domed carriages frame the scenery without interruption; a transfer becomes the first real hour of the trip.
In Denali, a naturalist guide leads a wilderness experience across tundra and spruce forest, reading the landscape aloud and pointing out what a quick glance would miss. The route ends in Talkeetna, a small rail town where, on a clear day, Denali rises above the horizon. At 6,190 metres, it is the highest peak in North America. Guests travelling after their Journey follow the same sequence in reverse, leaving Seward for the central region and finishing in Anchorage.
Four Nights Deeper Into the Interior
The four-night immersion travels through Fairbanks, Denali and Girdwood, and gives Denali two nights rather than one. Fairbanks sits in the heart of Interior Alaska, a river city where summer light barely fades. The extra time in the park changes how the days feel. A second morning in the tundra, and an evening barely reaches dark, even in midsummer.
The route then turns south towards Girdwood, where glaciers lie in the mountains above the valley. Nearby, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center cares for moose, bears and wood bison, a close and thorough look at animals that guests may see only from a distance in Denali. Those arriving after their Journey travel the route the other way, from Girdwood through Denali to Fairbanks.
Aboard the Alaska Dome Rail
Both immersions share one pleasure. Glass-domed carriages lift the view above the treeline, framing mountains, rivers and distant ice. The train moves slowly enough that, on a fortunate day, a moose at the edge of a wetland is something to be watched rather than passed.
It is Alaska's own take on luxury rail travel: calm and comfortable with panoramas of breathtaking scenery. Explora Journeys offers the same idea in the Canadian Rockies, where its immersions travel by Rocky Mountaineer. Both treat the railway as the best seat from which to read a landscape.
Denali National Park and the Wildlife of the Interior
Denali National Park anchors both immersions. Its 24,000 square kilometres hold what are known as the ‘big five’ of Alaskan wildlife: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Naturalist guides know where each tends to appear at a given point in the season, and which sightings reward a longer wait.
Wildlife in Alaska favours patience over proximity, and Alaska’s heartland suits that approach. Open tundra gives long sightlines, so a grizzly working a hillside can be watched from a respectful distance. Bear watching here is among the most rewarding in the state, though sightings, as with all wild animals, are never promised. The coast offers its own encounters, but the sweep of the Interior is where a guest can follow an animal for an hour without losing it.
On foot, Denali National Park hikes range from the Savage River Loop, a gentle walk of about three kilometres, to the Mount Healy Overlook trail, a climb of around nine kilometres that opens onto the Nenana River valley. Guides can suggest which suits the weather and the mood of the day.
Choosing the Best Places in Alaska to Visit: Three Nights or Four
The two routes differ in reach more than in quality. Three nights suit guests who want the essentials of the Alaska Interior in a compact rhythm: Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna, joined by the Dome Rail. Four nights suit those who prefer to linger, with a second night in Denali, a stay in Fairbanks and the glacier country near Girdwood. Denali sits at the centre of both routes, which makes the choice one of pace, not destination. It is also why the question of the best Alaska cruise extensions has a different answer for each travel style.
Denali sits at the centre of both routes, which makes the choice one of pace, not destination
For many guests, the best way to experience Alaska is to see it twice, from the water and from the land. The ship brings fjords, glaciers and the coast. An immersion adds mountains, rivers and tundra. The activities in Alaska that fill those days on land include rail journeys, naturalist-led wilderness experiences, hiking and time among sled dogs.
The best time to visit Alaska runs from late May to mid-September, when days are long and wildlife is active. June and July bring the longest light. By late August, the tundra turns red and gold and bears feed on ripening berries.
A Natural Continuation of the Explora Experience
The immersions carry the Ocean State of Mind onto land. The pace stays slow, the comfort stays refined and attention stays on discovery rather than distance covered. As each programme in Alaska begins or ends at Seward and the Canadian Rockies immersion sets off either in Calgary or Vancouver, the move between ship and shore asks very little of a guest. The coast belongs to EXPLORA III. The interior belongs to rail, road and a guide who knows it well.
Guests ready to plan can discover Alaska aboard EXPLORA III and decide how far inland their Journey should reach, or browse Explora Journeys' Alaska Journeys for Summer 2027 to find the sailing that suits.
Immersive Experiences
Land and rail moments that extend a Journey through Alaska. Discover our pre- and post-Journey immersions.
Discover the Majesty of Alaska
Pre-Journey Immersion: Three Immersive Nights in Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna
DAY 1 - FLYING INTO ANCHORAGE
Flying into Anchorage – Alaska’s largest city – embraced by the Chugach Mountains.
You will be met at the airport, and after a transfer to your hotel (checking in any time from 16:00), you will explore at leisure. Summer evenings in Anchorage are long and golden.
Take full advantage with a stroll or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or pop into the Anchorage Museum.
Pause for a rooftop cocktail and dinner, then catch a show at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Or simply savour a nightcap as the sun sets over the Cook Inlet, close to midnight.
DAY 2 - DENALI
Today’s rail journey passes through some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes, offering awe-inspiring panoramas of rivers, forests, wildlife and – on clear days – Mount Denali itself.
You will board your Deluxe Dome Rail train at the Anchorage Rail Depot in time for breakfast served on board. Then simply sit back and appreciate the 360-degree vistas. Lunch is also served onboard.
On arrival in Denali, you will relax in your hotel room before an evening reception with cheese and wine at the Denali Visitor Center. Dinner can be enjoyed back at the hotel or in your choice of restaurant nearby.
DAY 3 - INTO ALASKA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES
A hearty hotel breakfast fuels a day of adventure, starting with a luxury coach tour of Denali National Park, and ending with an atmospheric dinner in quaint Talkeetna.
The half-day Tundra Wilderness Tour is one of the most iconic ways to experience Denali National Park, taking in Cathedral Mountain, Sable Pass, East Fork River and Murie Cabin. Guided by a certified naturalist, it includes plenty of rest stopswith the chance to spot shaggy grizzly bears, browsing moose and rare Dall sheep.
Lunch on return if you wish, then board your luxury coach bound for Talkeetna, a scenic drive to the south taking just under three hours.
On arrival, get settled into your hotel then wander the town’s friendly streets, admiring spectacular views of Mount Denali.
DAY 4 - FROM TALKEETNA TO SEWARD
After breakfast in Talkeetna, your transport will carry you just over an hour south to the Iditarod Headquarters. Here, sled dogs train year-round for the Last Great Race, an annual 1,000-mile endurance event started in 1973.
It is possible to experience a summer sled dog cart ride for an extra fee (subject to availability), before travelling on to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife, the center provides quality care and spacious enclosures for injured and orphaned animals ranging from brown bears and wood bison to muskox, wolves and porcupines.
After a delicious lunch, the Kenai Peninsula provides a glorious backdrop for the last 90 minutes of your overland journey, which comes to an end in the picturesque port of Seward. Here you will board your Explora Journeys home at sea.
See full Terms & Conditions here.
Explore the Alaskan Wilderness
Post-Journey Immersion: Three Extraordinary Nights in Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage
DAY 1 - A JOURNEY THROUGH ALASKA’S WILD HEART
Leaving your ocean home behind, a whole new adventure awaits as you board your luxury coach in the picturesque coastal port of Seward.
Crossing the spectacular Kenai Peninsula, your first stop is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Witness wolves, bears, elk, moose and more thriving in this sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals, then savour a delicious lunch before your next stop.
At the Iditarod Headquarters, you will learn all about Alaska’s annual, 1,000-mile sled dog endurance race, before continuing to Talkeetna for the night.
DAY 2 - INTO DENALI: EXPLORING ALASKA’S UNTAMED WILDERNESS
A quaint town known for its feline mayors, Talkeetna offers spectacular views of Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak and the focal point of Denali National Park. This is your destination today, fulled by a hearty breakfast.
On arrival at the Park’s entrance, hop aboard an ingeniously converted school bus – your transport for the iconic half-day Tundra Wilderness Tour. Taking in Cathedral Mountain, Sable Pass, East Fork River and Murie Cabin, the tour is guided by a naturalist and includes plenty of rest stops for taking photos or enjoying your snack box. Expect to see moose and elk, even bears and rare Dall sheep with their young, all relishing summer’s bounty in their pristine natural habitat.
After the tour, enjoy a reception and presentation at the Denali Visitor Center. Relive the day’s sightings over an evening at leisure in Denali’s convivial atmosphere.
DAY 3 - DELUXE RAIL TO ANCHORAGE
Today’s rail journey to Anchorage passes through some of Alaska’s most photogenic landscapes, offering mesmerising panoramas of glaciers, peaks and forests as you leave Mount Denali behind.
As you settle into your carriage at the Denali Rail Depot, the full-length windows that curve overhead hint at the cinematic experience to come. Alaska’s 7.5-hour Deluxe Dome Rail journey is famed for providing scenic, 360-degree vistas, complemented by satiating onboard cuisine.
Lunch and a multi-course dinner are served before your arrival in Anchorage.
DAY 4 - ANCHORAGE FINALE: CITY, CULTURE, AND COASTLINE
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out, either transferring directly to the airport or taking the opportunity to explore a bit of Anchorage before you fly home.
Encircled by the Chugach Mountains on the shores of the Cook Inlet, this friendly city is known for its parks and coastal trails, its vibrant Downtown dining scene, and its cultural attractions including the Anchorage Museum.
See full Terms & Conditions here.
Alaskan Adventure
Pre-Journey Immersion: Four Immersive Nights in Fairbanks, Denali and Girdwood
DAY 1 - FRONTIER BEGINNINGS IN ALASKA’S HEARTLAND
Touching down in Fairbanks offers a bird’s-eye view of the rugged beauty of Alaska’s interior. Here, wide river valleys meet forest-cloaked hills and the distant White Mountains. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred smoothly to your hotel.
With the summer sun shining well into the night, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore. A gateway to the Arctic famous for its Aurora-filled winter skies, Alaska’s second largest city has the spirit and confidence of a true frontier town. Discover its gold rush roots in fascinating museums and heritage sites.
Stroll along the Chena River that winds through the city’s heart and dine at an atmospheric waterside eatery. Catch a local event, whether an art walk or music festival, before getting a good nights’ sleep in preparation for your rail journey ahead.
DAY 2 - RAILS TO DENALI
After boarding your Deluxe Dome Rail train at the Fairbanks Rail Depot, savour a delicious breakfast as you glide south through some of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring scenery.
With glass windows curving overhead, you’ll not miss a single vista of boreal forests, glacier-carved river valleys and mountain-ringed tundra. This half-day rail journey ends at Denali, where you will be transferred to the Denali Visitor Center for a reception and an illuminating presentation on Denali National Park.
Explore at leisure before checking in to your hotel – your home for the next two nights.
DAY 3 - EXPLORING DENALI
Tuck into a hearty hotel breakfast before setting off on your luxury coach tour of Denali National Park. Guided by a certified naturalist, the half-day Tundra Wilderness Tour offers a comprehensive and inspirational experience of the Park, with plenty of rest stops and photography breaks.
Your route will take in Cathedral Mountain, Sable Pass, East Fork River and Murie Cabin, as well as plenty of wildlife spotting – grizzlies with their rambunctious cubs, regal moose and elk and rare Dall sheep and their young.
On your return to Denali, spend the latter half of your day at leisure before reliving the day’s sights and scenes over dinner.
DAY 4 - FROM DENALI TO THE COAST
On the move once again after breakfast, today will see you transported south via luxury coach to the adventure hub of Girdwood. Home to the Alyeska Ski Resort and its famous spa, this mountain-held town rests above the Turnagain Arm – a branch of the Cook Inlet known for its dramatic coastal scenery.
But before you reach this laidback town, enjoy lunch and visit the Iditarod Headquarters of Alaska’s most iconic race. The Last Great Race is an annual 1,000-mile endurance sled dog event that began in 1973. At its Iditarod Headquarters, learn about its heroes, pick up a souvenir and experience the thrill of a summer sled dog cart ride, when available, for an additional fee.
Spend the final night of your overland adventure exploring Girdwood and anticipating your ocean Journey to come.
DAY 5 - COASTBOUND THROUGH THE HEART OF KENAI
After breakfast at your hotel in Girdwood, set off across the beautiful Kenai Peninsula to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife, AWCC provides quality care and spacious enclosures for injured and orphaned animals ranging from brown bears and wood bison to muskox, wolves and porcupines.
This is your last tour stop before your coach reaches Seward, the picturesque port where your Explora Journeys home at sea awaits.
See full Terms & Conditions here.
Into the Alaskan Wilderness
Post-Journey Immersion: Four Memorable Nights in Girdwood, Denali and Fairbanks
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO ALASKA
After disembarking, the charming coastal port of Seward is the perfect place to stretch your legs before boarding your luxury coach and heading north. Leaving the magnificent scenery of the Kenai Peninsula behind, your first stop is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary for rescued animals where wolves, bears, elk, moose and other intriguing residents thrive.
The day will end in the adventure hub of Girdwood, home to the Alyeska Ski Resort and its famous spa. This mountain-embraced town rests above the Turnagain Arm – a branch of the Cook Inlet known for its dramatic coastal scenery. Enjoy the long summer evening at leisure.
DAY 2 - ON THE TRAIL TO DENALI
A hearty breakfast and lunch enroute will fuel an exciting day of northbound travel from Girdwood all the way to Denali – the gateway to Denali National Park.
The half-day luxury coach journey will pause at the Iditarod Headquarters, where you will learn all about Alaska’s annual, 1,000-mile sled dog endurance event, known as the Last Great Race. Pick up a souvenir or two and meet the friendly sled dogs on site, before continuing north to Denali.
On arrival, a reception and presentation at the Denali Visitor Center will impart fascinating information on the National Park, its flora, fauna and migratory birds. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.
DAY 3 - A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDLANDS OF DENALI
Tuck into a delicious hotel breakfast before setting off on your luxury coach tour of Denali National Park. Guided by a certified naturalist, the half-day Tundra Wilderness Tour offers a comprehensive and inspirational experience of the Park, with plenty of rest stops and photography breaks.
Your route will take in Cathedral Mountain, Sable Pass, East Fork River and Murie Cabin, as well as plenty of wildlife spotting – grizzlies with their cubs, noble moose and elk and rare Dall sheep.
On your return to Denali, spend the latter half of your day at leisure, reliving the day’s memorable sights and scenes.
DAY 4 - FROM WILDERNESS TO CITY LIGHTS
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day with breakfast at the hotel and perhaps a last wander around Denali. In the afternoon, board your Deluxe Dome Rail train at the Denali Rail Depot, and ready yourself for a cinematic afternoon and evening of breathtaking scenery.
With glass windows curving overhead, you won’t miss a single mountain peak, glacial ravine or icy river cutting its way through verdant boreal forests.
Dinner is served onboard before you glide into Fairbanks and are transferred to your hotel. Take full advantage of this northern city’s midnight sun by strolling the banks of the Chena River or having a nightcap at a waterside bar.
DAY 5 - A LAST GLIMPSE OF ALASKA’S WILD HEART
On your final morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel then before heading to the airport or, time permitting exploring a little more of Fairbanks. A gateway to the Arctic famous for its Aurora-filled winter skies, Alaska’s second largest city feels more like a vibrant frontier town, in keeping with its gold rush roots.
Brimming with interesting museums and heritage sites, it’s also home to a buzzing Downtown. When you finally take off, appreciate the rugged beauty of Alaska’s interior from the air.
See full Terms & Conditions here.
Cross the Canadian Rockies
Pre-Journey Immersion: Six Scenic Days, from Calgary to Vancouver
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO CALGARY
Welcome to Calgary, Alberta’s largest city and a cultural crossroads where ranching heritage meets modern energy. Upon arrival, a private transfer will deliver you to the Fairmont Palliser, a landmark hotel in the city’s vibrant downtown.
With time to spare and a leisurely summer evening ahead, stroll Stephen Avenue, lined with heritage buildings and buzzing patios, or visit the Glenbow Museum to learn about Indigenous cultures and early western pioneers.
As dusk settles over the foothills, choose from one of Calgary’s many exceptional restaurants for dinner, perhaps sampling local Alberta beef. Round off your day with a visit to the acclaimed Sky 360 for skyline views from the Calgary Tower.
DAY 2 - NATURE’S MASTERPIECE
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the drive westward into the Rocky Mountains – the scenery growing ever more spectacular as you approach Banff National Park. A fairytale landscape of rugged peaks, glacial rivers and abundant wildlife, Banff National Park is one of the world’s oldest – established in 1885 – and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your day will include an exhilarating ride aboard the Banff Gondola, ascending 2,292 metres to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From here, sweeping views stretch across six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley below.
Afterwards, explore the alpine town of Banff, filled with art galleries, cafes and outfitter stores, before checking into the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, often referred to as Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’.
DAY 3 - ELK, FALLS, AND THE VALLEY OF THE TEN PEAKS
This morning’s guided exploration reveals some of the most fabled landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. Travel along the Bow Valley Parkway, watching for elk and black bears on your way to Lake Louise. Framed by glaciers, this beautiful lake is renowned for its striking turquoise hue.
Continue to Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, where aquamarine water reflects the surrounding summits. After a lakeside lunch, stop at Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls plunging over 300 metres from a glacier-fed stream.
Return to Banff in the late afternoon where you canopt for a gentle riverside walk, browse local shops or unwind with a spa treatment before a delicious dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4 - RAILS THROUGH THE ROCKIES
This morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer, Canada’s most celebrated luxury train, for the first leg of your rail journey. Settle into your seat beneath its glass dome and prepare for a day of spectacular rail travel following the historic Canadian Pacific Railway’s original route.
Over the course of this 10-to-11-hour journey, you will climb through the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide via Kicking Horse Pass, an engineering marvel with steep gradients and stunning scenery. As you descend into British Columbia’s interior, watch the landscape shift from alpine to rugged ranch land.
Onboard, you will enjoy a multi-course breakfast and lunch made with regional ingredients, complemented by storytelling and attentive service. After arriving in Kamloops, you will be transferred to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
DAY 5 - CANYONS, COASTLINES, AND THE CALL OF VANCOUVER
Today you will rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer for another day of immersive scenery and culinary indulgence.
This second stage of your rail journey traces the Thompson River through steep canyons and rolling hills before entering the dramatic Fraser Canyon. Keep an eye open for bald eagles circling over the water and marvel at Hell’s Gate, where the river funnels through a narrow gorge with roaring rapids.
The landscape softens as you approach the fertile Fraser Valley, entering coastal rainforest as you near Vancouver. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to the Fairmont Waterfront, an elegant hotel overlooking Canada Place and the harbour beyond. Make yourself at home and spend the evening exploring or relaxing.
DAY 6 - VANCOUVER VIEWS AND A VOYAGE AHEAD
After a hearty hotel breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided tour of Vancouver, one of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities. Options include driving the seawall of Stanley Park, exploring the First Nations totem poles and wandering the vibrant stalls of Granville Island Public Market.
Then head to the Vancouver Lookout, ascending over 160 metres to take in panoramic views of the city, ocean and North Shore Mountains.
After the tour, a private transfer will deliver you to the cruise terminal, where your ocean adventure will begin.
See full Terms & Conditions here.
Explore the Canadian Rockies
Post-Journey Immersion: Six Spectacular Days
DAY 1 - VANCOUVER UNVEILED
After disembarking your ship, you will begin this new adventure with a half-day guided city tour introducing Vancouver’s many highlights. Meander through Stanley Park, visit the vibrant stalls of Granville Island Public Market and take in sweeping views of the city, ocean and North Shore Mountains from the 160-metre Vancouver Lookout.
Later, check in to the Fairmont Waterfront, ideally located along the scenic waterfront. The rest of the evening is yours to do with as you choose.
Dine at one of the city’s renowned restaurants or relax with a stroll along the Seawall, where sunset paints the harbour in myriad pinks and gold.
DAY 2 - A DAY ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
This morning, a private transfer will take you to the Rocky Mountaineer station for the start of your rail journey aboard Canada’s most luxurious train.
Enjoy breakfast on board as you depart the coast and enter the fertile Fraser Valley, passing through canyons carved by the mighty Fraser River. Watch out for soaring bald eagles and marvel at Hell’s Gate, where the river funnels roars through a narrow gorge.
As the train ascends into British Columbia’s interior, admire dramatic shifts in terrain – from temperate rainforest to the sagebrush-studded plateaus of the Thompson Okanagan. Lunch is served as you near Kamloops, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
DAY 3 - INTO THE CANADIAN WILDERNESS
The second stage of your rail journey follows the North Thompson River through mountain valleys and forests cloaked in morning mist. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as the train crosses the Canadian Rockies over the course of this revelatory 10-to-11-hour journey.
You will travel through the Spiral Tunnels, past the historic site of Craigellachie and up Kicking Horse Pass, where towering cliffs and waterfalls mark the Continental Divide. After arriving in Banff, a seamless transfer will find you at the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs for a restful evening surrounded by alpine grandeur.
DAY 4 - FROM LAKE LOUISE TO TAKAKKAW FALLS
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then depart on a full-day guided excursion of Banff National Park – one of the world’s oldest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, shimmering in unreal hues of turquoise and sapphire, and admire the majestic Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, tumbling 300 metres from a glacier-fed stream.
After a lakeside lunch, return to Banff for a relaxed afternoon. Whether you visit the hotel’s spa, take a scenic walk along the Bow River or browse Banff Avenue’s local boutiques, savour this free time before returning to the hotel for a multi-course dinner showcasing regional ingredients.
DAY 5 - FROM WILDERNESS TO URBAN WELCOME
Fuelled by a energising hotel breakfast, embark on today’s scenic drive east, first stopping to ride the Banff Gondola. From the summit of Sulphur Mountain drink in sweeping panoramas of Bow Valley before descending to continue your journey. This unfolds across Alberta’s rolling foothills, the mountains eventually giving way to ranch lands before the Calgary skyline appears on the horizon.
Check in to the elegant Fairmont Palliser and enjoy some free time exploring the city at leisure.
Take a stroll to nearby landmarks such as Olympic Plaza or the Peace Bridge then find a restaurant of your choice for dinner.
DAY 6 - A FINAL GLANCE WESTWARD
After breakfast at your hotel, a private transfer will deliver you to Calgary International Airport for your flight home, no doubt filled with memories of Canada’s wide skies, mountain air and soul-stirring landscapes.
See full Terms & Conditions here.
The three-night immersion follows Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna, while the four-night option continues through Fairbanks, Denali and Girdwood. Both travel by Dome Rail and centre on Denali, but the four-night route gives Denali two nights and adds a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Girdwood. The five-night immersion sets off from either Vancouver or Calgary and crosses the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, Canada’s most luxurious train, to Banff National Park and Kamloops.
Guests can choose an immersion before their Journey, after it, or both, depending on how much time they wish to spend inland. Each runs in a set direction, so it is worth speaking to a Travel Advisor about which pairing suits your dates.
Denali National Park offers some of the most rewarding bear watching in the state, and both Immersions reach it. Naturalist guides lead wilderness experiences across the tundra, watching for grizzly bears alongside moose and Dall sheep. Sightings are never guaranteed.
The Alaska Dome Rail is a scenic rail journey with glass-domed carriages that lift the view above the treeline. It carries guests between the interior stops of both Immersions and sits alongside Explora Journeys' Canadian Rockies Immersions by Rocky Mountaineer.
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