Once in a Lifetime: The Rockies and Alaska and the Trip We’ll Never Forget

Some holidays are enjoyable. Others stay with you forever. Our recent journey with Regent Seven Seas through Canada, Alaska and Seattle belongs firmly in the latter category – a trip full of unforgettable landscapes, wildlife encounters, and moments that made us pause and take it all in.

Vancouver: Coastal Charm and City Buzz

We began in Vancouver – a city that blends natural beauty with urban energy. Staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, perched right on the harbour. It offered spectacular views and easy access to everything we wanted to see.

The city’s sea walls were a highlight – miles of scenic walking paths along the waterfront and around Stanley Park. We strolled, took in the views, and explored food markets (Granville Island was a favourite). The Capilano Suspension Bridge gave us that classic Canadian thrill – forest, mist, and a slightly wobbly crossing high above the river below.

Banff and the Rockies: A True Canadian Welcome

From Vancouver, we flew to Calgary and began the land-and-sea package arranged through Panache Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. First up: a couple of days exploring Banff before joining the Rocky Mountaineer – and what a start.

Banff is majestic – a picture-perfect alpine town that feels like it was made for a film set. Surrounded by mountains, it’s full of character, great places to eat, and a beautiful river that winds through the heart of town. One of our standout moments was visiting Lake Louise – still frozen in mid-May, the lake was eerily still and stunningly beautiful, like something from another world. Another must-see was Surprise Corner, with its postcard-perfect view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel framed by trees and river below.

Rocky Mountaineer: Rail Travel at Its Best

Then it was time to board the Rocky Mountaineer – two days of luxury rail travel through the Canadian Rockies, travelling from Banff through Kamloops and back to Vancouver. The glass-domed carriages gave us uninterrupted views of snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers and vast forests.

The journey itself was just as memorable as the scenery. The service was impeccable – warm, attentive, and effortless – and the food was restaurant quality. Every meal had a local story behind it, and the wine pairing was a lovely touch. We were also joined by Regent staff on this leg of the journey, who were a friendly, familiar presence and helped everything run smoothly.

Alaska by Sea: Regent Seven Seas Explorer

On 14 May, we boarded the Seven Seas Explorer in Vancouver for a seven-night cruise to Whittier, Alaska. Having sailed on Explorer before, we knew we were in for something special – and it exceeded even our high expectations.

We visited Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Straight – each with its own charm. Ketchikan offered colourful houses and rich Native heritage. In Juneau, we were surrounded by snowy mountains, and in Skagway, we rode the White Pass Scenic Railway, which offered yet more jaw-dropping views.

Cruising past the Hubbard Glacier was a true highlight – a silent, icy giant stretching out into the sea. But the most unforgettable moment? Seeing whales for the first time. Both orcas and humpbacks, gliding and breaching just metres from the ship – it was pure magic.

Life onboard felt like perfection. Breakfast in Compass Rose was a relaxed, elegant start to the day. We enjoyed the odd afternoon tea in the lounge, took in some excellent live entertainment in the evenings, and spent time unwinding in the spa and lounges. And then, of course, there were the dinners – especially at Chartreuse, our favourite onboard restaurant, where every dish felt like an occasion. The food across the ship was consistently outstanding.

What really stood out, though, was the crew. Every member of staff was not only professional and friendly – they genuinely cared. From remembering our names to going the extra mile to make things special, it felt less like being guests and more like returning home.

Seattle: A Laid-Back Finish

After disembarking in Whittier, we flew to Seattle for a final few days. We stayed near Pike Place Market, right in the heart of the action. The city has a laid-back, creative feel – perfect for unwinding. We wandered the waterfront, sampled the seafood, explored the market stalls, the Can-Can from its French connections and enjoyed Seattle’s relaxed charm.

Final Thoughts

This was more than just a holiday – it was an experience we’ll never forget. From the icy beauty of Alaska to the mountains of Banff and the buzz of Vancouver and Seattle, every part of the journey brought something memorable.

The land-and-sea package from Panache Cruises and Regent Seven Seas made the trip seamless and stress-free – with perfect service and thoughtful touches from start to finish. We were glad to add our own flavour at the beginning and end with extended stays in Vancouver and Seattle, but the heart of the journey – from the Rockies to the Inside Passage – was what made it truly special.

If you’re after a journey that delivers luxury, nature, and once-in-a-lifetime moments, this is it.