Alaskan Cruise Tips: Canadian Rockies Tours
Most people planning an Alaskan cruise tour tend to choose between the many options available to or from the ports of Whittier and Seward, both on the northern mainland of Alaska, south of Anchorage. But in order to take one of these tours, your cruise must follow a northbound or southbound one-way itinerary. Therefore, for those taking round-trip cruises from Vancouver and Seattle, one of these traditional Alaska cruisetours is not an option.
What many people don’t know is that another wonderful inland tour option exists, one that can be combined with the round-trip cruises out of both Seattle and Vancouver. This option is a Canadian Rockies cruisetour.
Though unknown to many Americans, the Canadian Rockies region, which straddles the border between the provinces British Columbia and Alberta, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on Earth. With stunning turquoise lakes and snow-capped alpine peaks, this mountain range truly makes a memorable and spectacular addition to your Alaska cruise itinerary.
These Canadian Rockies cruisetours visit such unforgettable and amazing locations as Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park. All three parks are located in the vicinity of the picturesque town of Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park is home to Lake Louise, which is, quite simply one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and picture-perfect alpine backdrop. The mineral content of the water gives it its brilliant color, which is unlike anything you have ever seen.
Jasper National Park is home to the vast Columbia Icefields, one of the few such icefields in the world that can be accessed by road. Get out and explore this breathtaking glacial environment - it’s really quite amazing.
The third park in this region, Yoho National Park, is perhaps less well known than its two neighbors but it is no less spectacular. The smallest of the national parks in this region, Yoho nonetheless includes incredible scenery: soaring peaks, incredible waterfalls, and vast glaciers.
Many Canadian Rockies cruise tours include passage on the Rocky Mountaineer Rail, which is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. I highly recommend a tour of the Canadian Rockies for anyone considering an Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver or Seattle. It’s more than a great alternative to Denali and inland Alaska tours — it might just be the most memorable and dramatic trip you ever take.
Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and frequent traveler. He is also an editor of http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com, which provides information on all aspects of Alaskan cruises, including details on Canadian Rockies tours and inland Alaskan tours.
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