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Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp

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4.7 stars(3 reviews)
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Let your wildest Alaskan dreams come to fruition on this journey that includes northern light viewing in your own private igloo at Borealis Basecamp, a ride on the iconic Alaska Railroad, a floatplane excursion past Mt. Denali and plenty of time to immerse yourself in the wonders of two of the state’s greatest cities.

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8 days From $2,248 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: AT-BBCS-23

About the tour

Forget everything you have heard about northern lights viewing and come along for this independent adventure into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel offers an aurora borealis experience like no other. Watch hues of red, green and purple undulate across the night sky from your cozy, private igloo accommodations. Sixteen-foot domed fiberglass provides you with panoramic views of the colorful skies without even stepping foot out of bed. Your stay also includes a scenic sunset toast with champagne and the chance to set out into the boreal forest aboard a dogsled, snowmobile or ATV. Following your time at Borealis Basecamp, spend a day exploring Fairbanks, and do not forget to look up at night; even being surrounded by city lights and buildings, Fairbanks is an idyllic place for northern lights viewing. The trip presses forth toward Anchorage aboard the iconic Alaska Railroad, specifically, its Aurora Winter Train. The all-day route showcases little-seen Alaska and places where the roads simply do not reach. Your time in Anchorage brings its share of adventure, opt to add in a flightseeing tour of Mt. Denali and its surrounding glaciers and foothills or enjoy ample time to sightsee through the city on your own terms. Complemented by optional excursions and some of the vastest and impressive scenery in the U.S., this vacation is one that won't be forgotten. 

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fairbanks

Arrive in Fairbanks, one of Alaska's oldest, coldest and largest cities. Known fondly as the Golden Heart City, this destination is your gateway to the breathtaking colors of the aurora borealis. The city is beloved for its unique art installations and historic buildings that date back to the height of the Gold Rush. Transfer to your hotel independently, then enjoy the rest of the day to get acquainted with Fairbanks. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 2 - Transfer to Borealis Basecamp

You are welcome to continue your explorations in downtown Fairbanks this morning. Coffee lovers rejoice; there are several boutique coffee roasters throughout the city, in addition to numerous coffee shops. Diverse restaurants and art galleries speak to the city's love of the unique abound. And, of course, you cannot leave before checking out Golden Heart Plaza.

Head back to your hotel early this afternoon to await your transfer to Borealis Basecamp. A shared van picks you up at the designated meeting point and commences the journey out into the wilderness. Borealis Basecamp is set less than an hour outside the city yet feels worlds away with its wide-open skies and 100-plus acres of boreal forest. On arrival, you are shown to your accommodations for the next two nights: a fiberglass dome. These private domes are crafted to be cozy, personal nests for northern lights viewing with all the amenities of home. You may also wish to unwind post-transfer with a heavy dose of relaxation at Latitude 65. The main hub of Borealis Basecamp, this yurt is home to the onsite gourmet restaurant and open lounge areas in which guests are welcome to interact with each other, play board games or simply marvel at views of the White Mountains while sipping a drink. After the sun sets, get cozy in your dome to watch for the northern lights above. Overnight Borealis Basecamp.

Day 3 - Borealis Basecamp at Leisure

Today is yours to explore the snow-clad terrain and soak in the serenity of your surroundings. Enjoy a continental buffet breakfast as you wake and then your choice of excursions. During the fall touring season, you may select either an ATV ride through the surrounding forests and mountains or a dogsledding tour. Come November, those options change to dogsledding or snowmobiling through the snowy landscape. While your vacation includes just one option, others are available to fill your day further (payable locally). The evening includes a 2-hour sunset tour. Aboard a Borealis Basecamp vehicle, ride to a scenic hilltop lookout and toast with a complimentary glass of champagne as the sun sinks behind the trees. Return to your dome in time to watch the reds and greens of the aurora dance across the sky from the comfort of your bed. Overnight Borealis Basecamp.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Fairbanks

After breakfast this morning, bask in the beautiful forested scenery of the White Mountains during your transfer back to Fairbanks. Spend the day sightseeing and exploring as you please after you check-in at your downtown hotel. Perhaps find yourself immersed in Alaskan culture at the Museum of the North or visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum to set your sights upon over 70 beautifully preserved vintage cars. Get your picture taken under the iconic moose antler arch for a quintessential Fairbanks souvenir. A walk along the frozen Chena River is also a marvelous way to pass the time. Overnight Fairbanks.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Aurora Winter Train to Anchorage

Today, a new adventure beckons as you transfer to the Fairbanks train station and board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train.  This 12-hour journey takes you through the snowy backcountry, some of which is entirely unreachable by road. Enjoy distant views of Mount Denali and picturesque vistas of the Susitna River. If you look closely, you may even catch glimpses of moose, caribou or bear wandering near the waterline or amongst the evergreen trees. On its southerly route, the train passes through Talkeetna and Wasilla and makes its way along the incredibly scenic Knik Arm before arriving in Anchorage. Make your independent transfer to your hotel, and feel free to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant or settle in for the night. Overnight Anchorage.

Day 6 - Explore Anchorage

Explore Anchorage at your leisure or opt to add in an activity for your first free day in the city. If you'd like to explore more in and around Anchorage, consider adding in a day trip to Matanuska Glacier where you will begin with a scenic drive through Matanuska Susitna valley with plenty of opportunities for photos during the stops along the way before embarking on a guided glacier walk of a lifetime. Overnight Anchorage

Day 7 - Anchorage at Leisure

There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your a free day in Anchorage. The city is incredibly walkable, offering you easy access to public art installations, wonderful restaurants and beautiful parks - even in the winter. The Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center are great places to explore the region's culture, whereas the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the ideal spot to learn more about the state's animals. Downtown is brimming with art galleries and cute boutique shops in which to find a variety of souvenirs and artwork. Perhaps set out on a whale watching tour or venture into one of the nearby national parks for a day to remember. Overnight Anchorage.

Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

Your Alaska adventure concludes this morning. Transfer to Anchorage's airport for your return flight home or continue your expedition through America's Last Frontier on your own.

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train
Alaska Railroad's Denali Star

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 3 reviews

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

BRENDA PENNOCK

4 stars

Submitted 20/Apr

Everything about Aurora Borealis Base Camp was fabulous. There were so many activities. We rode the dog sled which was exhilarating. Snow mobiles, snow shoe hikes, and cross country skiing was also available. The only exception was the restaurant. The food was less than expected. I don't mind paying the high price if the quality is high. I had the baked chicken pasta. The chicken was very dry and the pasta tasted like it came from a can. The salads were fresh. I would definitely recommend going to the camp, but I suggest taking some of your own food.

Collected by Trustpilot

VICTOR LEGASPI

5 stars

Submitted 28/Jan

Wonderful all around experience. Basecamp was amazing. The people, activities, accommodations and amenities alike. Great time was had. Northern Lights made a grandiose appearance. The train ride was very enjoyable and you could not have more beautiful scenery. Highly recommended experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

CHARLOTTE PREWIT

5 stars

Submitted 12 Dec 2022

Vacation planners were a bit delayed in sending confirmation of travel details. Thus causing me to miss out on economical airfare. Remainder of trip was wonderful. Hotel reservations, train tickets were in place. Independent travel enabled us to schedule tours in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Basecamp was a perfect destination for grandmother and granddaughter to experience the Northern Lights and Alaska. Hope to return with another grandchild next year for another Alaskan adventure. Thank you.

Collected by Trustpilot

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