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NLRA07 Arctic Circle Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Anchorage

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NLRA07 Arctic Circle Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Anchorage

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Embark on one of the greatest northern lights journey of your life as you visit two popular aurora destinations in Alaska - Coldfoot, located above the Arctic Circle and Chena Hot Springs Resort. Join our Arctic Circle tour and experience the famous northern arctic region above the Arctic Circle. Your railroad journey starts in Anchorage. Travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks aboard the Alaska Railroad offering 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. We 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. Your guided tour includes the overnight in Coldfoot. The hotel is rustic by urban standards, the hotel is clean and each room has a private bath, a luxury in the wilderness. At night admire the natural spectacle of the aurora borealis with its colourful shining veils. Afterwards we take you to Chena Hot Springs Resort, the most developed year round hot springs resort in Alaska. At night you can relax in the soothing outdoor mineral pools and watch the northern lights in a quiet atmosphere - an unforgettable experience. Hot springs right at your resort, authentic log cabins and the largest ice museum in the world will also delight you. Optional winter activities and warm hospitality will make your stay a very special experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or searching for a bit of adventure, don’t miss the charm and beauty of Chena.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

  • Information

  • Reviews

Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Upon arrival transfer to your downtown hotel. The remaining day is at leisure. Explore Alaska's largest city and visit the many points of interests. Take a walk on the Coastal Trail along Cook Inlet to Earthquake Park with a magnificent view of the snow capped Alaska Mountain Range in the distance, visit Alyeska – Alaska's largest Ski Resort or have a delicious dinner at one of Anchorage's top seafood restaurants. During February and March Anchorage hosts the annual Fur Rondy, Ice Carving Festivals, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and other fun winter events.

 

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

Depart Anchorage at 8:30 AM for a scenic full-day rail tour to Fairbanks onboard the Alaska Railroad. You'll get fantastic views of the snow covered Alaska Mountain Range, a glimpse of Talkeetna and Denali National Park before arriving in Fairbanks at 8:00 PM. Transfer to your hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River. 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 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.

Fairbanks – Van Tour to Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Overnight: Coldfoot )

Depart from Fairbanks in comfortable tour van and travel along the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. You'll follow the famous Dalton Highway, the solitary land route of Alaska's Arctic wilderness. Traverse the frozen Yukon River and enjoy the snow-sculpted forest. Cross the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and receive an official Arctic Circle Certificate. Appreciate the low light on the horizon as it shines on the windswept Arctic Tundra. Arrive Coldfoot in early evening and watch the Aurora Borealis at night dancing on the northern sky. Accommodation: Coldfoot provides an excellent base for travelers in Alaska's Brooks Mountain Range. Although rustic by urban standards, the hotel rooms feature two twin beds and a private bath, a luxury in the remote wilderness of Alaska's Arctic.

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Overnight: Coldfoot )

Depart for an adventurous drive into the Brooks Range to Atigun Pass. This is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year around pass in Alaska. Enjoy an evening aurora viewing expedition to historic Wiseman – an old gold rush town established in 1907 - for a unique cabin visit and an opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the Brooks Mountain Range as you scan the northern sky for Northern Lights activities. Enjoy the spectacular show as they are flipping and waving through the sky in shades of green, purple and red. A spectacle you’ll never forget. Cabin visit includes complimentary hot beverages. Departs at 10:00 PM and returns at 2:00 AM.

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Breakfast at the Truckers Cafe in Coldfoot. Time for another sightseeing activity trip: Dog Sledding Adventures: Enjoy an experience with real Alaskan sled dogs. Learn what it takes to have a dog team in Alaska and enjoy. Fly back to Fairbanks with eagle views of the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline, symbolizing the immense changes brought to Alaska's Arctic by the discovery of oil over 30 years ago. Rest of the day at leisure. You can visit this afternoon the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, offering knowledgeable cultural programs and an interpretive exhibit gallery featuring the land, seasons and people of Interior Alaska and the Arctic.

Fairbanks – Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Morning on your own: explore the city and check out the winter activities or visit the famous Alaska University Museum with the States largest collection of gold, gold mining history and Alaskan heritage. Afternoon transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort - a prime Northern Lights viewing area in the hills about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks. Tonight join the spectacular snow coach tour to see the aurora up close (included). From the resort you travel 30 minutes to the top of a ridge (2600 ft) where no city lights interfere the aurora. After arriving on top you can step inside the heated Mongolian Yurt to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage. For the next few hours you can always step outside and enjoy spectacular 360-degree Aurora displays. Return to the resort at around 2:00 AM.

Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Relax in the large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake and in numerous hot tubs – which are providing a great opportunity to soak or swim until the Northern Lights are appearing in the evening again. You have plenty of time to go dog sledding, visit a sled dog kennel tour, try snowmobiling or join a tour of the Ice Museum. Dinner (optional) at the rustic log lodge restaurant and then take a short walk to a heated cabin for another night of outstanding Northern Lights viewing opportunities. The resort is also known for its healthy outdoor opportunities in the pristine wilderness of Alaska´s great Interior - first discovered by gold prospectors at the turn of the century. In 1912, the geothermal area was the premier place to soak - for residents of the booming town Fairbanks.

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks

After breakfast spend some time to enjoy Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities. Individual transfer to Fairbanks airport or downtown. Flight reservations to your home destination should be arranged preferably after 10:00 am. Please Note: all flights to/from or within Alaska are not included. Rest of the day on your own and tour extensions are readily available.
Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad
September 01 - September 18 $3160 $2350 $2190 $2060
October 07 - December 18
January 01 - January 31
February 11 - February 27
April 01 - April 21    		 $2710 $2150 $2090 $1980
September 19 - October 06
November 18 - November 26
December 19 - December 31
February 01 - February 10
February 28 - March 31		 $2980 $2320 $2270 $2150
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad
September 01 - September 18 $3910 $2760 $2540 $2320
October 07 - December 18
January 01 - January 31
February 11 - February 27
April 01 - April 21    		 $3160 $2370 $2220 $2099
September 19 - October 06
November 18 - November 26
December 19 - December 31
February 01 - February 10
February 28 - March 31		 $3430 $2545 $2420 $2265

What’s included

5 Nights Comfort or First Class Accommodation

2 Night Basic Hotel in Coldfoot *Quad Occupancy = 2 Rooms

All Local Taxes

Deluxe Continental Breakfast in Fairbanks (First Class only)

Escorted Van Transportation Fairbanks - Coldfoot

Full Day Brooks Range Sightseeing Tour

Brooks Range: Northern Lights Viewing Tour including Hot Beverages

Flight Coldfoot – Fairbanks

Round Trip Transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena: Aurora Viewing Snow Coach Tour

Alaska Railroad Transportation from Anchorage – Fairbanks

Reserved Seating

Fairbanks Railroad Station and Airport Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Tour Departures

From  August 21  – September 17  |   Tour Start : Daily

From September 18 – April 21 | Tour Start : Every Friday**

**increased departures : During Peak Season, please contact us. 

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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Coldfoot: Visit Sled dog kennel & sled dog ride

Enjoy an afternoon with real Alaskan sled dogs. Learn what it takes to have a dog team in Alaska. Enjoy a ride, and, if you wish, drive a team of your own. Times will vary and will be arranged by the guide in Coldfoot to fit within your schedule - experience takes approximately 1 hour.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Sled Dog Ride

The Chena Sled Dog Kennel offers guests an exciting Alaskan adventure. During the snowy winter months, guests get a truly authentic taste of dog mushing. Our friendly, experienced guides take you gliding along our serene two mile trail, in one of our locally hand built traditional freight sleds which holds up to four persons. Sharing the sled with other guests may be necessary. After the ride, you’ll have a chance to take a photo with these amazing dogs or warm up in our visitor’s center.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Snowmobile Tour

Take a Guided Snow Machine Tour around the resort! Experienced Tour Guides show you the resort from trails and areas of the resort you haven't seen before. No experience necessary. Tours generally operate during hours of daylight only. Tour times will vary based on sunlight availability. 45 minute tour.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Aurora Snow Coach Tour

Hop on a snow coach to drive out in search of the aurora borealis. Far from the light pollution of the city, you’re in a prime location for seeing these colorful curtains of light as they color the star-studded sky. Seek out remote locations where you can watch the luminous spectacle over snowy fields and the evergreen treeline before your early morning return to Fairbanks.

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DJ, TX: Just a quick note to thank you for all your work in planning our recent aurora trip to Alaska. We had the most fabulous holiday, we saw Aurora Borealis, learnt dog sledding and snow shoeing. The train trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks was breathtakingly beautiful – The view is amazing the entire trip. It is easier to spot moose in the snow. The sun was out the day we went so we got to see Mt. McKinley in all its glory. Although sunlight is in limited supply in the winter, the snow makes it seem much lighter than one would expect. Seats are comfortable. Food is decent and reasonable by Alaska standards. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Chena Resort was absolutely loved. Overall the whole trip was perfect. Thank you again and I will make sure your company will come highly recommended to any friends heading over your way.