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Alaska Northern Lights Aurora Train | Winter Delights
INTRODUCTION
Combine Alaska's Northern Lights with Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train.
Located directly under the Auroral Band with the most clear weather days and cloud-free nights, Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the magical Aurora Borealis in Alaska.
On this 7-day trip you'll have multiple chances to see the lights, plus ride the Aurora Winter Train, go dog sledding, Glacier Hike, and explore Anchorage and Fairbanks.
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 | ArrivalUpon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Day 2 Talkeetna Winter Dog Sledding with LunchDog sledding is one of Alaska’s many time-honored traditions and used to be the prime mode of transportation in the state. On this full day excursion to Talkeetna, experience a thrilling dog sled ride through the snow-covered forests and enjoy one-on-one time with the dogs and their puppies to learn more about the history.
Day 3 Matanuska Glacier Guided Walk with LunchToday you’ll have the chance to experience a local favorite, the Matanuska Glacier! This ancient stretch of ice covers 27 miles at the head of the Matanuska Valley and is thousands of years old. Spend 2 hours directly on the glacier with a guide by your side, learning how the Matanuska Glacier was born and how it shaped the landscape in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Explore blue meltwater pools and awesome ice formations while capturing incredible views of the Alaska Range, the Talkeetna Mountains, and the Chugach Mountains. Finish the hike with a relaxing Alaskan lunch overlooking the glacier.
Day 4 Anchorage to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadToday you’ll have the chance to experience a scenic winter Alaska railroad trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train. You’ll ride in a heated railcar with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining options. The full-day railroad trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train and offers spectacular views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and North America’s highest mountain peak. The train will stop as needed in Talkeetna, Healy, and Nenana before arriving to Fairbanks.
Day 5 Day at Leisure | Evening Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights TourPair the Aurora with hotel pools and you get a Northern Lights experience like no other! This night trip from Fairbanks takes you to Chena Hot Springs Resort for an exciting but relaxing array of activities. Discover eye-popping sculptures at the on-site Aurora Ice Museum, then unwind in the resort’s leg-endary mineral water baths. When the conditions are right, lift your eyes to the sky and watch for the ethereal Northern Lights
Day 6 Day at Leisure | Evening Aurora Viewing Lodge TourThis evening, depart Fairbanks to your prime Northern Lights viewing at an Aurora Viewing Yurt. Located outside Fairbanks and away from the city lights, wide open areas ensure a perfect view at Alaska’s winter sky. Guests can marvel at the beauty of the Alaskan northern lights from the coziness of comfortable yurts or step outside and find prime conditions to make amazing pictures of the Aurora Borealis. These yurts are chosen very carefully to ensure that guests can view the Northern Lights from the best possible locations.
Day 7 Fairbanks | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel, it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan Aurora rail adventure.
Day 1 Fairbanks | ArrivalUpon arrival in Fairbanks transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Day 2 Day at Leisure | Evening Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights TourPair the Aurora with hotel pools and you get a Northern Lights experience like no other! This night trip from Fairbanks takes you to Chena Hot Springs Resort for an exciting but relaxing array of activities. Discover eye-popping sculptures at the on-site Aurora Ice Museum, then unwind in the resort’s leg-endary mineral water baths. When the conditions are right, lift your eyes to the sky and watch for the ethereal Northern Lights
Day 3 Day at Leisure | Evening Aurora Viewing Lodge TourThis evening, depart Fairbanks to your prime Northern Lights viewing at an Aurora Viewing Yurt. Located outside Fairbanks and away from the city lights, wide open areas ensure a perfect view at Alaska’s winter sky. Guests can marvel at the beauty of the Alaskan northern lights from the coziness of comfortable yurts or step outside and find prime conditions to make amazing pictures of the Aurora Borealis. These yurts are chosen very carefully to ensure that guests can view the Northern Lights from the best possible locations.
Day 4 Fairbanks to Anchorage | Alaska RailroadToday you’ll have the chance to experience a scenic winter Alaska railroad trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train. You’ll ride in a heated railcar with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining options. The full-day railroad trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train and offers spectacular views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and North America’s highest mountain peak. The train will stop as needed in Nenana, Healy and Talkeetna before arriving to Anchorage.
Day 5 Talkeetna Winter Dog Sledding with LunchDog sledding is one of Alaska’s many time-honored traditions and used to be the prime mode of transportation in the state. On this full day excursion to Talkeetna, experience a thrilling dog sled ride through the snow-covered forests and enjoy one-on-one time with the dogs and their puppies to learn more about the history.
Day 6 Matanuska Glacier Guided Walk with LunchToday you’ll have the chance to experience a local favorite, the Matanuska Glacier! This ancient stretch of ice covers 27 miles at the head of the Matanuska Valley and is thousands of years old. Spend 2 hours directly on the glacier with a guide by your side, learning how the Matanuska Glacier was born and how it shaped the landscape in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Explore blue meltwater pools and awesome ice formations while capturing incredible views of the Alaska Range, the Talkeetna Mountains, and the Chugach Mountains. Finish the hike with a relaxing Alaskan lunch overlooking the glacier.
Day 7 Anchorage | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel, it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan Aurora rail adventure.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- 3 nights accommodation in Anchorage
- 3 nights accommodation in Fairbanks
- Matanuska Glacier Guided Walk with lunch
- Winter Dog Sledding Excursion with lunch
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Fairbanks Aurora Winter Train
- Evening at Chena Hot Springs with Aurora Northern Lights & Ice Museum Tour
- Evening Aurora Lodge Viewing Tour
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade:
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Fairbanks - Pikes Waterfront Lodge | Riverview Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade:
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Fairbanks - Pikes Waterfront Lodge | Fireplace Room
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Porterage 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: Wednesday(Tour Code: TRAW1)Departs from Fairbanks: Thursday(Tour Code: TRAW2)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
01 Dec 22 - 31 Mar 23 | $2,492 | $3,248 | $2,296 | $1,489 |
Superior Grade | ||||
01 Dec 22 - 31 Mar 23 | $2,622 | $3,507 |
| $1,489 |
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REVIEWS
1 of 9
"We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. "
We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way.
Nick Florida, United States
2 of 9
"Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. "
We had a fantastic time. Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. We cannot thank everyone enough for their professionalism and organisational skills. To top everything off we saw the most amazing display of the Northern Lights, something I will never forget.......we certainly will be back.
Hazel Scotland
3 of 9
"Loved this vacation!"
We just came back from our winter adventure 5 days/4 nights in Alaska. We had such a nice time. Everything was great. We saw the Northern lights, which was very special to start into the New Year, connected with the universe. We went dog sledding and snowmobiling all the tour guides were always on time, had knowledge and made an extra step to make the clients happy. Also the hotel is a beautiful place with nice, warm beds. Loved this vacation!!!
Ina Dominican Republic
4 of 9
"Excellent Trip and loved Alaska Railroad"
Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.
Paul Williams Canada
5 of 9
"Nothing was too much trouble for Mandy or Kris when we were planning our holiday."
Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday. They were able to tailor our trip to what we wanted. We have recommended Alaska Rail Vacations to our friends and they also had an amazing experience.
Anne Mathews Australia
6 of 9
"Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes."
Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes. All my clients have enjoyed their trips thanks to the arrangements made by there amazing team
Tracey Los Angeles, CA
7 of 9
"Excellent services!"
Excellent services!Our clients were extremely satisfied with the itinerary, hotels and tours you have offered.We will contact you again for our next clients.Thanks again for all!
Polona Australia
8 of 9
"I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail vacations"
I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail Vacations, I was introduced to them by Debra Roberts and Karen did a great job for me with a couple of my reservations
Haleh M California, USA
9 of 9
"Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!"
The team at Alaska Rail Vacations never fail to off excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience! Our go to company for Alaska
Tina M Los Angeles, CA