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NLRF02 Magic Alaska in Winter - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

  • end: Anchorage
  • map/image selection: Map
  • Code: NLRF02

NLRF02 Magic Alaska in Winter - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks

Each winter, the skies above Alaska light up with psychedelic colours that shimmer and dance. Any nature lover who has experienced it once will be able to confirm: The Dance of the Northern Lights is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles ever. Alaska has the best box seats to witness this sky spectacle. Ribbons in all colours perform a wondrous dance in the night sky. Visitors from all over the world come to Alaska especially because of the northern lights and combine their journey with snowmobiling, dog sledding or skiing. Overnight in Fairbanks and enjoy the aurora tour to Chena Hot Springs Resort the following day. Relax in natural hot springs and go hunting for the Aurora Borealis. This package also includes a visit to the year-round Ice Museum, which houses the Ice Bar. The following day, experience the legendary Aurora Borealis while crossing the Arctic Circle. From Fairbanks follow the Dalton Highway, which has also become known to us through the "Ice Road Trucker" series, in the direction of the Arctic Circle. During the trip your guide will introduce you to the history of Alaska and the peculiarities of life in Alaska. Enjoy the impressive landscape of Central Alaska, such as the Yukon River, Finger Mountain or the Trans Alaska Pipeline and look out for moose, lynx and foxes that are at home here. Then it is time  for “All aboard the Alaska Railroad” - board in the morning the Aurora Winter Train in Fairbanks, setting off south towards Anchorage. Starting in late summer, the spectacular natural landscape is bathed in colourful autumn colours before the first snowfalls turn the country white for the coming months. 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. 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 (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 (Arctic Circle Northern Lights Viewing) ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Morning at leisure. Your tour to the Arctic Circle departs today at 1:30 PM. Your guide will engage in informative conversation about the Northern Lights as you travel north on the famous Dalton Highway. Departure in daylight allows for the opportunity to enjoy the stunning winter landscape and wildlife of interior Alaska. Moose, lynx and fox are often sighted as we move through their natural habitat. Informative stops at the Trans Alaska Pipeline and the mighty Yukon River Bridge offer perfect opportunities for photographs. When we cross the Arctic Circle your guide will award you a personalized Arctic Circle Certificate. After photographs at the Arctic Circle sign, we begin the return journey and take time to view the amazing Northern Lights! We return to the hotel in Fairbanks at around 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 $2397 $1578 $1332 $1209 $675
September 16 - April 15 $1676 $1231 $1106 $1043 $675
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
September 1 - September 15 $2963 $1861 $1503 $1320 $675
September 16 - April 15 $2137 $1462 $1246 $1142 $675

What’s included

5 Nights Comfort or First-Class Hotel Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Reservation Fee

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

Arctic Circle Northern Lights Viewing 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.

More Details & Pricing

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

More Details & Pricing

Fairbanks: Snowmobile Tour (1 hr)

Guided Snow Machine Tour around the Chena Lakes Recreational area only accessed by snowmachine. On this snowmobile tour, your guide will lead you through a true winter wonderland you haven't seen before. Explore Fairbanks’ breathtaking surroundings by snowmobile through a beautiful winter wonderland, crossing frozen lakes and rivers, scenic mountains, endless remote trails and hopefully wildlife such as moose, fox or snowshoe hare. The Chena Lakes Recreation area offers a variety of beautiful and well-maintained trails, lakes and rivers ensuring an adventure of a lifetime. No experience is necessary.

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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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Noah, IA: Highly recommend this tour!!! Our Alaska winter vacation was amazing - the scenery, our driver/guide and of course the Northern Lights, which we were lucky enough to see on our very first evening. Great drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Saw a moose eating in a lake. Great dinner at the resort, fab time in the hot springs and saw the northern lights! On our drive to the Arctic Circle, we didn’t see any wildlife this time around, but were absolutely delighted and totally satisfied with the drive and the northern lights display. We got lucky and chose a perfect clear, high index night. The train ride to Anchorage was a perfect finale to our tour.