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  6. NLRF04 Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

NLRF04 Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

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NLRF04 Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

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Whether you call them Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis, these dancing ribbons are truly a magical sight. Alaska is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to enjoy this unique experience, and Bettles Lodge is one of them. Built in 1951, Bettles Lodge is located 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle, halfway between Anchorage and the Arctic north coast of Alaska. Bettles officially has the most clear weather days in the entire state, which means more cloud free nights of opportunity to see the majestic Lights dance in the sky. It located directly under the Auroral Band, the highest aurora activity in the Northern hemisphere. Little to no light pollution makes for great photography opportunities and optimal viewing. The lodge offers two accommodations with modern amenities and a rustic Aurora observation cabin next to a beautiful lake. The cabin is located two miles from the cabins in an area completely free of light pollution. Transport to and from the cabin can be arranged, but guests are also welcome to cross-country ski or snowshoe if they prefer. During the day you can explore the area on snowshoes or cross country skis. Part of the package is a tour through the village of Bettles, evening fires and all the clothing visitors need to brave the cold weather. Then it is time to discover the beauty of the Alaskan winters aboard the Alaska Railroad. Travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage in a train with large panoramic windows and on-board dining. See the untouched snow of the hinterland on this all-day trip. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild. During winter month Anchorage hosts the annual Fur Rendezvous, Ice Carving Festivals, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and other super natural winter events.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

  • Information

  • Reviews

Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Arrive in Fairbanks. Complimentary transfer to your first class hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, Fairbanks is tucked into miles of unexplored wilderness only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. Fairbanks offers many winter activities; from the Open North Sled Dog Race Championship to the World Ice Art Championship - Ice Alaska. Relax during your first evening in Fairbanks and get ready for a few days of winter fun and adventure within the Last Frontier. You may watch the Aurora Borealis at night dancing on the northern sky and/or enjoy a dinner at the popular Pump House fine dining restaurant.

 

Fairbanks – Flight to Bettles Lodge ( Overnight: Bettles Lodge )

Transfer to the airport and scenic flight across the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge - located just outside of the world renowned Gates of the Arctic National Park. Enjoy your stay 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and within Alaska's magnificent Brooks Range. The lodge is a refurbished building originally set up in 1948 and provides a dining room, lounge and bar. The Historic Lodge and the Aurora Lodge feature cozy guest rooms with all the amenities you need while you stay in our remote location including a sauna! Guests can choose between the Jacuzzi rooms with private bathroom and Jacuzzi bathtub or the standard rooms. The four standard rooms share four bathrooms. A delicious dinner is served in the evening. Enjoy the breathtaking Northern Lights viewing opportunities during the night.

Bettles Lodge ( Overnight: Bettles Lodge )

Bettles Lodge is a designated National Historic Site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Day at leisure and for outdoor adventures: Guided Sled Dog Trips, Snowmobile Tours and a variety of flightseeing adventures. Other winter activities (included): x-country skiing and snowshoeing through the pristine wilderness. Enjoy a guided tour of the Bettles area including the Inupiaq Eskimo village of Evansville. Evening dinner followed by another night of exciting and outstanding Northern Lights viewing. Bettles sits under what is called the "Auroral Oval", a ring-shaped region around the North Pole. The location offers a great balance of occurrence, frequency and activity. Intensity varies from night to night, with the best viewing from late evening through the early morning hours.

Bettles Lodge – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Breakfast at the lodge. Return flight to Fairbanks and transfer to your hotel. Rest of this day at leisure. Fairbanks offers a variety of excellent gift shops and galleries such as the "Roseberry Art Gallery" with some tasteful gifts for your friends at home. If you travel during February or March - Fairbanks hosts the World Ice Art Championships, exciting professional Sled Dog Races such as the All American Sled Dog Race Championship and a variety of other winter carnival activities. Optional: Evening transfer from your hotel to a prime Northern Lights viewing lodge in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree Aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of a heated cabin or outside. Return transfer to your hotel.

 

Fairbanks - Anchorage | By Alaska Railroad ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Transfer to the Fairbanks rail station for your 8:30 AM departure on a scenic, full-day rail journey to Anchorage. Settle into your pre-reserved, comfortable train seat and relax as you enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered Alaska Range, with the majestic Mt. Denali towering at 20,320 feet. As the train winds through vast wilderness, you'll witness untouched landscapes of alpine meadows, sparkling rivers, and dense forests teeming with wildlife. The journey includes brief stops at Denali National Park and the quaint town of Talkeetna. Arrive in Anchorage at 8:00 PM, check into your downtown hotel, and cap off your day with a delicious seafood dinner at one of the city's top restaurants.

Anchorage

The remainder of your day in Anchorage is free to explore at your own pace. Take advantage of the many outdoor activities Alaska's largest city offers during the winter months. Enjoy a stroll along the scenic Coastal Trail, which follows Cook Inlet to Earthquake Park, providing stunning views of the snow-capped Alaska Range in the distance. If you're visiting in February or March, don't miss the vibrant Fur Rendezvous, impressive Ice Carving Festivals, the legendary Iditarod Sled Dog Race, and other extraordinary winter events. You can schedule your flight home for any time today, or consider extending your stay with additional tours or sightseeing options.
Rates in US $ / per Person
  Room Category (Bettles) Single Double Triple
October 01 - April 15 Standard Room $2640 $2020 $1995
October 01 - April 15 Jacuzzi Room $3170 $2360 $2130
Additional Night at Bettles Lodge - $350 $200 $200

What’s included

5 Nights Superior or First-Class Hotel Accommodation

All Taxes

Flight Fairbanks – Bettles - Fairbanks

Guided Evansville Village Tour

Arctic Circle Certificate

Bettles: Use of Arctic Gear, Snowshoes, X-country Ski Equipment

Deluxe Continental Breakfast in Fairbanks (First Class only)

3 Meals/Day at Bettles Lodge

Alaska Railroad Transportation from Fairbanks – Anchorage

Reserved Seating

Fairbanks Railroad Station & Airport Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Tour Departures

From  August 21  – September 16  |   Tour Start : Daily

From September 17 – April 21 | Tour Start : Every Wednesday

Fairbanks: Northern Lights Viewing Tour

You will be picked up at 10 PM for your northern lights viewing tour. Enjoy the transfer to a prime aurora viewing lodge, located in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge or outside. Once the lights are out, you want to step outside onto the large deck to soak in the view. And if you get cold, just go back in and help yourself to a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa, available self-serve. Return to your hotel at 2:30 AM.

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Fairbanks: Ice Fishing

Your Ice Fishing day trip begins with the pick up from your hotel. While catching fish in a warm hut on a beautiful lake you can still safely enjoy the brisk, clear air and peaceful environment of Interior Alaska, the home to some of the best ice fishing this state has to offer. Learn the old native skill of ice fishing from our experienced ice fishing guides. Hot drinks and grilled fish for a late lunch are served while fishing. Warm arctic gear is available and our heated van is always close by. Please provide each participant’s height, weight, and shoe size for the arctic gear. The tour price includes: hotel transfer, arctic gear, fishing license, tackle, hot beverages and lunch.

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Fairbanks: Dog Mushing - Sled Dog Tour (1 hr)

Dog Sledding is Alaska's official sport - have you ever seen a state with a more original sport? It is the only means of transportation through the snow lands of old time Alaska. Dog Mushing / Sledding is an activity nobody should miss on an Alaska winter vacation. All our Dog Mushing / Sledding Tours are designed into a spacious time frame. We do not hurry you in and out of the sled or run circles on a field but give you a real Dog Mushing experience on trails used by Alaskan mushers. There is plenty of time to make your favorite Dog Mushing pictures and play with our Alaska huskies. Arctic gear (parka, pants, boots, mittens) is provided for all our Dog Mushing / Sledding adventures. Break away, and mush with us into the twilight of the Alaskan wilderness.

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Benjamin, TN: Thank you for a most fabulous holiday! We had great pleasure of spending two nights at Bettles Lodge and got a chance to see the Northern Lights. So great to see what Alaska is like in the winter. Very comfortable accommodation, good food, friendly staff. We had a little tour in Bettles and borrowed artic wear including bunny boots, balaclava and a parka from the items that are available to borrow free of charge. We took the Aurora train to Anchorage and it was more than we hoped it would be. The flag stop was like going back in time to the glory days of the railroad when it was the way people traveled. This is a must see adventure with many exciting stops and sights, do not miss this! Alaska in the winter had been a bucket list item and was far better than we had ever imagined.