What to pack for Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise

Packing for the Rocky Mountaineer

The Golden Rule: Keep it with you

Your main suitcase travels separately from the train and will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive. This means you'll only have access to what you carry onboard with you during the day. Bring a small day bag or backpack – compact enough to sit at your feet, as there is no overhead or under-seat storage on the train.

Pack this carry-on bag with everything you need for a full and wonderful day: medications, phone, camera, charger, sunglasses, a light layer, and any travel documents.

What to wear onboard

The dress code on the Rocky Mountaineer is casual and comfortable. Think smart-casual rather than formal – and absolutely leave the heels at home. The train moves with a natural sway, and flat-soled shoes with a grip are far more practical (and sensible) than anything with a heel.

The coaches are temperature-controlled, but stepping out onto the outdoor viewing platform means you'll encounter wind and cooler air regardless of the season. Layers are your best friend. A lightweight, breathable base layer topped with a fleece or mid-layer, plus a light jacket or zip-up, gives you the flexibility to adjust as the day unfolds – from the lush Pacific coastline near Vancouver to the crisp mountain air around Banff and Lake Louise.

Rocky Mountaineer Packing List

Wear / Carry Onboard:

• Comfortable trousers, jeans, or smart leggings (nothing too restrictive)
• Lightweight, breathable layers – a t-shirt or long sleeve top plus a fleece or mid-layer
• A light jacket or cardigan (air conditioning can be chilly for some)
• Flat-soled shoes with grip – trainers or comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses and a hat or cap (the panoramic glass-dome coaches let in a lot of light)
• Small day bag or backpack (to sit at your feet)

Pack in Your Day Bag:

• Camera or phone with plenty of storage – you will not want to stop taking pictures
• Portable phone/camera charger
• Medications and any personal health essentials
• A warm scarf or thin gloves (especially for spring or autumn departures)
• Travel documents and passport
• A light snack if you have specific dietary requirements (though meals and snacks are included in your service)

What you don't need to worry about

Leave the laptop at home. The scenery passing by the windows – from the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the dramatic Kicking Horse River gorge – will hold your complete attention. Trust us.

Gourmet meals, snacks, and drinks are all served onboard, so there's no need to fill your day bag with food.

Packing for the Alaska Cruise

Expect the unexpected - and layer for it

Alaska is famously unpredictable. Along the Inside Passage, which runs through a coastal temperate rainforest, the weather can shift from warm sunshine to wind and rain within the same hour. The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, and while you won't experience the depths of a Canadian winter, you will encounter a wide range of conditions – sometimes all in the same day.

The mantra for your Alaska cruise wardrobe is simple: layers, waterproofing, and versatility.

What to wear onboard and ashore

Onboard your cruise ship, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Smart casual is perfectly appropriate for evenings – think neat trousers or jeans with a blouse or collared shirt. Most Alaska cruises include one or two slightly more formal evenings, for which a smart dinner outfit will serve you well.

For shore excursions in ports such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, dress for the outdoors. Comfort and practicality are everything when you're whale watching, exploring glaciers, or walking the boardwalks of charming Alaskan port towns.

Alaska Cruise Packing List

Clothing Essentials:

• Moisture-wicking base layer tops (long and short-sleeved)
• Fleece mid-layer or insulating gilet/vest
• Packable, waterproof outer jacket – this is the single most important item you will pack
• Water-resistant or waterproof trousers (especially useful for excursions)
• Smart-casual evening outfit (trousers/blouse or collared shirt – one or two outfits is sufficient)
• Comfortable jeans or smart casual trousers for daily wear
• Swimsuit (cruise ships have pools, hot tubs, and spa facilities)

Footwear:

• Waterproof walking or hiking boots – essential for shore excursions
• Comfortable everyday trainers or walking shoes
• One pair of smart shoes for evening dining

Accessories:

• Warm hat and lightweight gloves (particularly for glacier viewing in the early morning)
• Wool or moisture-wicking socks
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (sun reflecting off ice and snow can be strong)
• Insect repellent (useful for some inland or forested shore excursions)
• A compact, water-resistant day pack or rucksack for port days
• Binoculars – one of the most rewarding items you can bring for wildlife spotting: humpback whales, bald eagles, bears, and orcas are all possible sightings along the Inside Passage

Technology & Essentials:

• Camera with a good zoom lens, or a high-quality smartphone camera
• Portable charger/power bank
• Hand sanitiser
• Seasickness remedies (the Inside Passage is generally calm, but it's always wise to be prepared)
• All medications in carry-on luggage

What You Don't Need to Bring

You won't need bulky ski-style winter gear or heavy waterproof boots. Outfitters and excursion providers throughout Alaska supply specialist gear – such as waterproof suits for kayaking or glacier walking equipment – so there's no need to pack for every possible scenario.

Ready to start planning your Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise adventure?

Explore our Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise packages to start planning your unforgettable holiday in Canada. Contact our knowledgeable My Canada Trips experts who can help tailor your dream holiday to suit your needs and preferences as you combine the beauty of Rocky Mountaineer with a breathtaking Alaska cruise.