LOADING








- Home
- Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
INTRODUCTION
In Alaska the land is every bit as beautiful as the sea, and this Alaskan rail adventure gives you the chance to enjoy it all.
Combining Alaska Railroad with Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound and Denali National Park, you'll have Freedom of Choice on three separate days to customize your trip in a way that best suits your interests.
Will it be helicopter flight-seeing, dog sledding, a brewery tour or bear viewing?
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Anchorage|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Kenai Fjord Cruise Board the Coastal Classic Train in the Goldstar Railcar for a breathtaking ride to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay, keep watch for Steller sea lions, seals, puffins, eagles and whales. Cruise past the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. You will stop in front of the glacier to hear it moving and possibly see ice fall into the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 2 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Resurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore! Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventure Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest. Option 4. Exit Glacier Hike This moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.
Day 3 Seward to Anchorage | Private Transfer | Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad This morning set off on a private transfer to Whittier. Along the way, we will experience the famous Anton Memorial Tunnel - the longest one-lane highway tunnel in North America which is shared with Alaska Railroad.In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and cruise deep into Prince William Sound where you will see 26 named glaciers and many more unnamed. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Lunch is included onboard. Back in Whittier, we board the Alaskan Railroad’s Glacier Discovery for our final leg of the tour to Anchorage.
Day 4 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy. Option 2. Eco Nature Tour Anchorage is home to ecological treasures that mirror Alaska’s wild beauty. On this tour, walk through boreal forest, peer into the statewide ecosystem at a fish hatchery and visit a coastal wildlife refuge. Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass. Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour | Additional Cost Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.
Day 5 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad Early this morning take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Arrive mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 6 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Option 1. Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour | Full Day Coach Tour Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience over 65 miles of wilderness and wildlife along the rugged Denali Highway. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas, local guides will ensure you have opportunities to view the region’s best landmarks while introducing you to a host of authentic Alaska activities. See Denali and the other giants of the Alaska Range (weather permitting) and enjoy a delicious lunch at Alpine Creek Lodge. (Lunch and snacks included) Option 2. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road and takes you off the beaten path with your guide in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. (Snacks included) Option 3. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This shorter half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River. Your turnaround point is the Murie Cabin, a rustic shelter with a history befitting the wild and remarkable Denali National Park. (It is recommended to take snacks on this excursion)
Day 7 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad This morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska Railroad This morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)
Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Option 1. Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour | Full Day Coach Tour Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience over 65 miles of wilderness and wildlife along the rugged Denali Highway. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas, local guides will ensure you have opportunities to view the region’s best landmarks while introducing you to a host of authentic Alaska activities. See Denali and the other giants of the Alaska Range (weather permitting) and enjoy a delicious lunch at Alpine Creek Lodge. (Lunch and snacks included) Option 2. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road and takes you off the beaten path with your guide in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. (Snacks included) Option 3. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This shorter half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River. Your turnaround point is the Murie Cabin, a rustic shelter with a history befitting the wild and remarkable Denali National Park. (It is recommended to take snacks on this excursion)
Day 3 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad This morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or grizzly bears & moose along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Kenai Fjord Cruise Board the Coastal Classic Train in the Goldstar Railcar for a breathtaking ride to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise through Resurrection Bay, keep watch for Steller sea lions, seals, puffins, eagles and whales. Cruise past the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. You will stop in front of the glacier to hear it moving and possibly see ice fall into the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 5 Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Resurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore! Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventure Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey Family Homestead in Seward and tour the beautiful tether free summer camp for Iditarod athletes! Meet the dogs, feel their excitement as teams are hitched to comfortable summer sleds, then mush for two miles through the scenic rainforest. Option 4. Exit Glacier Hike This moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.
Day 6 Seward to Anchorage | Private Transfer | Prince William Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad This morning set off on a private transfer to Whittier. Along the way, we will experience the famous Anton Memorial Tunnel - the longest one-lane highway tunnel in North America which is shared with Alaska Railroad.In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and cruise deep into Prince William Sound where you will see 26 named glaciers and many more unnamed. Get face to face with these towering masses of ice, so close you can “hear” the glaciers move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you’ll see several types of glaciers, including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Lunch is included onboard. Back in Whittier, we board the Alaskan Railroad’s Glacier Discovery for our final leg of the tour to Anchorage.
Day 7 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour
Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.
Option 2. Eco Nature Tour
Anchorage is home to ecological treasures that mirror Alaska’s wild beauty. On this tour, walk through boreal forest, peer into the statewide ecosystem at a fish hatchery and visit a coastal wildlife refuge.
Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.
Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.
Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour | Additional Cost
Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.
After your tour today your incredible Alaskan adventure comes to an end.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 6 nights
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Seward Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Kenai Fjord National Park Cruise with deli-style lunch
-
Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
- Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip
- Wilderness Dog Sled ride Tour
- Exit Glacier Hike
- Private transfer Seward to Whittler
- Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + Lunch onboard the cruise
- Whittier to Anchorage onboard Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train
-
Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
- Anchorage Brew Tour
- Anchorage Eco Nature Tour
- Hatchers Passs Hike and History Tour
- Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
- Upgrade Option: Alaska Bay Bear Viewing Excursion
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) -
Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
- Denali Backcountry Full Day Adventure Tour
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Reduced Price
- Tundra Wilderness Tour | Reduced Price
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabins
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Deluxe Room
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
- Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
Alaska Railroad | Goldstar All our itineraries except the Glacier Discovery Train includes Gold Star Dome Service. These railcars feature large, curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360 degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The service is inclusive of all meals that are served in the lower-level dining room.
Alaska Railroad | Glacier Discovery Train The Glacier Discovery train between Anchorage to Whittier (Prince William Sound) only offers the Adventure Class. These single level railcars with a shared vista dome have high ceilings, large windows, as well as a truly surprising amount of leg room. Most seats recline and have foot rests. Meals can be purchased on-board.
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Rail Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily (16 May - 07 Sep)(Tour Code: MPANC25)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily (20 May - 10 Sep)(Tour Code: MPANC25R)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
20 May 22 - 31 May 22 01 Jun 22 - 31 Aug 22 01 Sep 22 - 10 Sep 22 |
$4,101 $4,316 $4,204
| $6,300 $6,616 $6,504
| $3,430 $3,610 $3,498
| $1,446 $1,497 $1,446
|
Superior Grade | ||||
20 May 22 - 31 May 22 01 Jun 22 - 31 Aug 22 01 Sep 22 - 10 Sep 22 |
$4,212 $4,478 $4,366
| $6,521 $6,940 $6,828
| $3,509 $3,724 $3,612
| $1,446 $1,497 $1,446
|
STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS RAIL VACATION
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE
per person


Alaska Land Tour with Denali, Glaciers and the Arctic
8 Days / 7 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska Stillpoint Lodge with Denali by Train
8 Days / 7 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska’s Lodges, Glaciers & Denali
10 Days / 9 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Best of Alaska Rail & Glaciers | First-time Favorites
6 Days / 5 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Denali Alaska Railroad Highlights
3 Days / 2 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Kenai Fjords Denali Explorer | Alaska Rail Tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Prince William Sound Denali Explorer | Alaska Favorites by Rail
7 Days / 6 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
Start planning your tailor-made rail vacation in Alaska by contacting our rail specialists
Call 1 800 686 1694
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm PST Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm PST Sunday: CLOSED
Send an email sales@alaskarail.com
Or send a message