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  6. NLRF01 Fairbanks Aurora Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

NLRF01 Fairbanks Aurora Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

  • end: Anchorage
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  • Code: NLRF01

NLRF01 Fairbanks Aurora Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

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Winter has finally reached Alaska. That means stunning snowy scenery, festive events throughout the state, and long, comfy nights with log-burning fires. This northern lights and rail combo tour is the perfect winter getaway. Put on your snow boots and step on the crunchy snow! The most common place to see the aurora is under the famed auroral oval, a several-hundred-mile-wide, doughnut-shaped ring that encircles the earth’s magnetic north pole. The auroral oval encompasses tried-and-true destinations like Chena Hot Springs in the Fairbanks region and Coldfoot in the Brooks Range. During big geomagnetic substorms, the auroral oval stretches southward and the northern lights can be seen flickering above the Alaska Range in places like Denali, Cantwell, Paxson and Tok. Some of the best shows have been even farther south - around Talkeetna, Hatcher Pass and Anchorage - but these events are less common. Join the nightly excursion from Fairbanks to an aurora viewing lodge and to Chena Hot Springs Resort, where an exciting but relaxing range of activities await you. Discover the wondrous sculptures at the local Aurora Ice Museum, then relax in the resort's legendary mineral water baths. Your tour guide will take you to the best places to watch the gorgeous Northern Lights with a warm drink in your hand. Then it is time to catch the Alaska Winter Train for a scenic ride to Anchorage. While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow. Passengers may enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining. On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali rises into view above the Susitna River as you leave Fairbanks and make your way towards Anchorage. 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

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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 (City Tour & Northern Lights Viewing) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Join this morning the Fairbanks & area sightseeing tour - combining fun with Fairbanks history, Alaskan craftsmanship and Alaska winter activities. Your first stop is the Santa Claus House in North Pole where you can shop for Christmas decoration and visit the reindeer. Continue to the Trans Alaska Pipeline viewpoint and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Return to your hotel at 1 PM. Rest for the remaining afternoon. 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. Return transfer to your hotel around 2 AM.

Fairbanks (Chena Resort Northern Lights Viewing) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Sleep in late this morning. During the day you have time to join a sled dog tour, go ice fishing or explore the Alaska University Museum. At 5 PM you'll be picked up from your hotel for your visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake (adult only) and numerous hot tubs are providing a great opportunity to soak, swim or rejuvenate until the Northern Lights appear in the evening. Included is the visit to the famous Aurora Ice Museum and Stoli Ice Bar. Dine at the restaurant serving everything from hamburgers to Alaskan King crab, or choose to join the free geothermal tour. Enjoy Northern Lights viewing opportunities after darkness at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Return to Fairbanks between 3 and 4 AM.

Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Spend you day in Fairbanks and join today a sled dog tour (optional). 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 is an activity nobody should miss on an Alaska winter vacation. All our Dog 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 adventures. Break away, and mush with us into the twilight of the Alaskan wilderness.

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
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
September 1 - September 15 $2372 $1553 $1307 $1184 $605
September 16 - April 15 $1651 $1206 $1081 $1018 $593
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
September 1 - September 15 $2938 $1836 $1478 $1295 $605
September 16 - April 15 $2112 $1437 $1221 $1117 $605

What’s included

5 Nights Comfort or First-Class Hotel Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Reservation Fee

Fairbanks City Sightseeing Tour

Fairbanks Northern Lights Viewing Tour

Chena Hot Springs Resort Aurora Tour including Ice Museum Tour, Hot Springs Pool Pass, Geothermal Tour

Deluxe Continental Breakfast in Fairbanks (First Class only)

Alaska Railroad Transportation from Fairbanks – Anchorage

Reserved Seating

Fairbanks Railroad Station and 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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Emma, DE: What an amazing aurora trip to Alaska ! We went to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights and the tour was so great. Our guide during the aurora tours was very knowledgeable about anything whether the lights, Alaskan culture, nature, you name it. The Chena Hot springs was pretty cool as well as the Ice Museum. The Alaska Railroad ride to Anchorage was a beautiful trip with beautiful scenery plus sightings of moose and coyote. Best of all was the weather cleared and Denali came into total view! Gorgeous! The train engineer stopped the train and allowed the conductor to open the window in the vestibule so all who wanted could take an unobstructed photo!