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North America

Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey

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7 days From $3,995 $3,695 per person
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
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An escorted tour through the heart of Alaska’s snow-covered interior providing great opportunities to witness the incredible Northern Lights

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save up to $500

Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on 2025 & 2026 Winter Vacations. Ends May 16th.

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Mobility Rating 3

2026 Tour code: AKW26

About the tour

Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali.

An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the culture and character of the Last Frontier.

Riding the aerial tramway up Mount Alyeska reveals stunning views of Turnagain Arm before encounters with the state's famed wildlife are enjoyed at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

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Unforgettable Experiences

Look for the Northern Lights at Aurora Pointe
Look for the Northern Lights at Aurora Pointe
Head into the snowy Alaskan wilderness for a great opportunity to witness the incredible natural spectacle of the Northern Lights, with a guide on hand to provide expert insights
Enjoy a dog-sled ride at the Happy Trails Kennel
Enjoy a dog-sled ride at the Happy Trails Kennel
Glide across the pristine countryside hauled by a pack of energetic dogs experiencing beautiful scenes of wintry forests, frozen lakes and wide-open tundra under the direction of a professional dogsledder
Travel through Denali National Park on the Aurora Winter Train
Travel through Denali National Park on the Aurora Winter Train
Admire sensational views of North America’s highest mountain on a wonderful journey from Fairbanks to Talkeetna, winding through 250 miles of evocative scenery.
View amazing animals at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center
View amazing animals at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center
At the end of beautiful Turnagain Arm, this wildlife refuge contains some of the state’s most iconic animals, such as bears, wolves, lynx and elk, which can be seen on a guided tour.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Fairbanks

Your wonderful Alaskan winter vacation begins as you arrive in Fairbanks and make your way to the downtown hotel, which operates an airport shuttle service.

If you arrive early, the day is free to explore Fairbanks at leisure. Despite being the largest city in Alaska's frozen interior, Faribanks has a charming small-town feel to it. Set beside the winding Chena River that freezes over during winter, the town has many cultural attractions reflecting life in the Last Frontier. There is also a great selection of dining options you might like to try, from Greek to Thai and local cuisine. Regional specialties that you could hunt out include reindeer sausage and excellent seafood, particularly grilled Alaska salmon.

This evening, we gather at the hotel to meet the Tour Manager and the rest of our group.

Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 2 - Northern Lights viewing experience at Aurora Pointe

Ahead of an exciting evening, this morning is a relaxed affair. Breakfast is served in the hotel but there is free time to unwind until around midday.

Our first destination in the wintry north is a great ice-breaker - a fun curling lesson at the Fairbanks Curling Club. Originally played on frozen rivers or ponds, curling has been a popular activity in countries such as Scotland and Canada for centuries. We learn all about this enjoyable sport and its terminology while trying to 'sweep the stone into the house'.

A highlight of our vacation awaits after dinner tonight as we seek out the magical Northern Lights. Aurora Pointe is located northeast of Fairbanks in the wilderness with minimal light pollution. Our chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon are increased at this isolated but cozy facility. With a guide on hand to explain more about the Northern Lights and how to photograph them, we settle in and hope to witness the enchanting performance of colorful lights dancing across the night sky.

Overnight Fairbanks.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Incredible ice sculptures and Museum of the North

Having potentially had a late night viewing the Northern Lights, we enjoy another laid-back morning after breakfast today.

The World Ice Art Championships have been hosted in Fairbanks each February since 1990. Hundreds of professional ice artists from all across the world gather here to create stunning sculptures and the finished products go on display all through March. This afternoon, we visit Ice Alaska - the site of the championships - to admire the ephemeral beauty of this year's ice sculptures, marveling at the incredible creations.

Later, we uncover the state's fascinating native and natural history at the Museum of the North. Millions of artifacts relay the biological diversity and cultural traditions of Alaska. During the visit, we can view ancient carvings and contemporary paintings, a large gold exhibit, and a 36,000-year-old mummified bison called Blue Babe.

This evening, you are free to dine independently. There are many cuisines to cater for all tastes, and the 49th state is also known as a seafood-lover's paradise, so you can find king crab and halibut in Fairbanks' restaurants.

Overnight Fairbanks.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Riding the Aurora Winter Train through Denali National Park

Leaving Fairbanks after breakfast, we board one of Alaska's most-loved trains for a fantastic all-day journey south to Talkeetna.

The Aurora Winter Train plows gently through the thick winter snow as it winds its way along nearly 250 miles of outstanding scenery. Settling into our comfortable seats, wide open wilderness, thick arboreal forests and icy rivers line the route. Lunch is served on board, so we can dine while viewing the dramatic landscapes of Denali National Park from large picture windows. Denali stands more than 20,000 feet tall and is the state's landmark icon. On a clear day, jaw-dropping views of North America's tallest mountain can be seen from the train - and we can keep our eyes peeled for Alaska's amazing wildlife such as moose and bears.

Continuing south through the pristine, snow-covered backcountry, the Winter Train passes the ghost town of Curry - once a luxury wilderness resort - before reaching Talkeetna. We have dinner after checking in to our hotel on the edge of town. Surrounded by thick forests, the hotel provides a good opportunity to view the Northern Lights.

Overnight Talkeetna.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Dogsledding across snow-covered tundra

An enchanting excursion awaits after a leisurely breakfast today. Leaving Talkeetna with a picnic lunch provided by the hotel, we travel along Parks Highway by motorcoach. Spectacular wintry vistas guide us southward into the heart of dog-mushing country.

At the Happy Trails Kennel, we embark on a thoroughly enjoyable drive across beautiful, remote scenery hauled by a team of energetic dogs - and we also get to visit the kennels to meet the dogs and their puppies. Guided by a professional dogsledder, we glide through stunning spruce forests and over frozen lakes - the only sounds coming from the boisterous dogs and the crunch of powder under our sleds. Look out for moose and fox roaming the snowy tundra and eagles soaring overhead. This is a delightful way to experience the Alaska wilderness.

Back on the motorcoach, we continue southward to Anchorage, the state's largest city with nearly 40% of the population. After checking in to our downtown hotel, you are free to dine independently tonight and can enjoy fresh seafood followed by a refreshing local beer made with crisp glacial water.

Overnight Anchorage.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Alyeska Aerial Tramway and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Turnagain Arm serves up stunning views after breakfast as we embark on a scenic drive along the Seward Highway. Basking in sensational scenery as the route clings to the shoreline, we gaze in wonder across the fjord-like inlet to Mount Alpenglow and its neighboring peaks.

In Girdwood, the enclosed aerial tramway carries us more than 2,000 feet up Mount Alyeska. With glaciers and deep snow surrounding us, it's no wonder this is the state's premier winter sports resort. Lunch is included, and there is also time to explore and admire the views.

This afternoon is focused on the amazing animals of Alaska. During a motorcoach tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a guide details the inspiring work of this scenic refuge. For 30 years, some of Alaska's most loved animals have been rescued and cared for here, including bears, wolves, bison, lynx, elk and many more. In suitable areas, we can also step off the bus for a closer look.

Returning to Anchorage this evening, we gather for our final dinner as a group.

Overnight Anchorage.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Homeward bound

Your incredible Alaskan adventure comes to and end after breakfast today. You are free to transfer to Anchorage airport independently for your flight home.

A winter wonderland of icy rivers, thick snowfields and astounding mountain views has guided us from charming Fairbanks to Anchorage. Along the way, we have experienced some unforgettable moments - hopefully including witnessing the unpredictable but magical Northern Lights.

We have taken part in memorable activities from a curling lesson to an enjoyable dog-hauled sled ride through the tundra, learned about the state's history at the Museum of the North and marveled at sensational ice sculptures. Fantastic views were provided on the Alyeska Aerial Tramway and the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali, while our trip culminated in a captivating encounter with Alaska's wonderful wildlife at a rescue center where everything from bears to bison are being cared for.

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Hotels

Anchorage Marriott Downtown

Anchorage Marriott Downtown, Anchorage

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Springhill Suites

Springhill Suites, Fairbanks

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Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Talkeetna

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Train

Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train

Reviews

4.8 stars4.8 / 5 · 34 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (27)
  2. 4 stars
    (6)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Charlene M Moody

5 stars

Submitted 10/Apr

We enjoyed the whole trip. The tour guide Shari Osterude and Larry the bus driver were just amazing. The food was fantastic, the rooms were great, and all the excursions were wonderful. I am looking in the near future for another trip with Vacation by Rails!

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Charlene - Thank you for providing such a positive review - it sounds like you had a blast! Let us know when you're ready for more delicious food, unique excursions and top-notch accommodations - just pick the time and place!
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Lynne Dinsdale

5 stars

Submitted 9/Apr

Great trip, I initially thought it would too cold, but it was not . The train ride and other activities were unique and fun

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Lynne - Thank you for checking in and sharing such cool (pun intended) photos! It's nice to hear that you had a great trip - - we hope travel with you again soon!
1 comment

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Lynne Dinsdale
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Sherry Lindgren

5 stars

Submitted 9/Apr

Shari Osterude was such a wonderful guide and asset to your company that I want to make sure that she gets the credit due her. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a 5 star experience. Even when we were disappointed by your company (dog sledding) she got to work on her own time and got us information we could use to make sure we got what we were promised. The accommodations were great, the bus and train exceeded expectations, it was the perfect number of days, and the activities were delightful. The biggest surprise was that we all had a blast at curling. I think we all expected it to be dull.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Sherry - thank you for sharing your thoughts about the tour (yet again!) I'm sorry if you feel pestered by these requests - the first questionnaire stays "in house" and is used by our planning and logistics teams to help fine tune the itinerary. We use Trustpilot reviews such as this to help give prospective adventurers an idea of what to expect. We never alter or edit these reviews, and your honest, open and direct feedback is always welcome. Thank you again - we sincerely appreciate your time and opinions.
Thanks for letting me know. I updated the review to take out the snarky comments. Knowing this information going into the review would have helped.
2 comments

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Kim Singleton

5 stars

Submitted 6/Apr

Even the activities I was not excited about turned out to be fun! Great tour guides and driver!

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Kim - It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your escorted Alaskan vacation! The photos you captured are terrific! We hope to help plan your next rail adventure with you!
1 comment

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Kim Singleton
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Jaclyn Schertle

5 stars

Submitted 2/Apr

A wonderful experience! We saw the Northern Lights multiple times! We saw Mt. McKinley right out our window at Talkeetna Lodge! Fun activities, good pace, great lodging and food. We enjoyed meeting the other guests, all really nice and interesting. Our tour director Cheryl was knowledgeable and took care of everything. And riding the train through the winter wonderland was endlessly beautiful! Loved it!

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Jaclyn - thank you for the review and for sharing the photos! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour!
1 comment

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Jaclyn Schertle
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Anthony Davis

5 stars

Submitted 2/Apr

Great tour. Showed all the great attributes of Alaska.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Anthony - We're very glad to know you enjoyed the tour! Thank you for taking the time to provide such a positive review. We certainly hope to travel with you again soon!
1 comment

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