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Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
6 days From $2,978 per person
4.8 stars(19 reviews)
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Experience the peaceful solitude of nature and one of the world’s most amazing natural events, the Aurora Borealis, on this Alaskan expedition.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2025 Tour code: WC-AVBN-25

About the tour

Alaska is a land filled with wild beauty and interesting destinations; enjoy the best of both worlds on this 6-day expedition. Your time here is marked by adventures through two great Alaskan cities and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Your journey begins in Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad bound for Fairbanks. It is in Fairbanks that the true adventure begins, as you travel by plane to Bettles Lodge, just past the Arctic Circle. Here, without the distractions of the modern world, you have a chance to observe nature's most colorful display before traveling back to Fairbanks. Come, see what Arctic Alaska has to offer.

+ Additional nights at Bettles Lodge are available upon request, please ask a Rail Specialist for more details.

++This vacation is available for travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage based on your travel preference and train availabilty.

Unforgettable Experiences

Bettles Lodge
Bettles Lodge
Spend two nights watching the aurora borealis at your Arctic basecamp deep in the Alaskan wilderness, Bettles Lodge.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing
Explore the wintry landscapes on foot on a guided snowshoeing expedition.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights
Join fellow lodgers and newfound friends around nightly bonfires while waiting for the northern lights to appear in the night sky.
Aurora Winter Train
Aurora Winter Train
Follow the Alaska Railroad’s flagship route between Fairbanks and Anchorage aboard the scenic Aurora Winter Train.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage

As your flight lands in Anchorage today, make your way to your centrally located hotel. Spend the remainder of the day exploring this first stop on your Alaskan adventure - perhaps with a tour of the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Alternatively, stroll through the eclectic downtown district, which features an array of locally owned businesses and restaurants. Overnight Anchorage.

There's so much to see and do from Alaska's largest city. Opt to add additional nights and activities like Discover Denali Flightseeing, Glacier & Wildlife Tour Flightseeing, or Matanuska Glacier Walk with Lunch, or check out one of the several local breweries. Speak to your rail specialist for details.

Day 2 - Anchorage to Fairbanks

Travel to Anchorage's train station this morning to board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train bound for Fairbanks. Settle in and enjoy slowing down for the leisurely journey through the state of Alaska. Take in unforgettable vistas of snowy mountain ranges from the large picture windows as you make your way north. Refreshments and hot and cold dishes are available in the Wilderness Cafe. This evening, as the train arrives in Fairbanks, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the amenities of the city. Overnight Fairbanks.

Days 3 & 4 - Bettles Lodge Aurora Viewing

An adventure awaits today, as you make your way to Bettles Lodge. The scenic flight from Fairbanks takes you across the Yukon River and over the Arctic Circle en route to Bettles. As the flight lands, transfer to the resort for a guided tour of Bettles Village. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the untouched beauty of Alaska's wilderness. Your time at Bettles Lodge can be spent cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or embarking on any number of quintessentially Alaskan adventures, such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling or ice fishing. In the evenings, enjoy lodge hosted communal bonfires as the sun goes down and look up for the main event, The Aurora Borealis. Overnight Bettles Lodge.

Includes
  • Day 3 - Dinner
  • Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Return to Fairbanks

Soak in the sights and serenity of nature as you enjoy breakfast at the lodge this morning. Following, check out of Bettles Lodge and board your plane for the return flight to Fairbanks. Transfer to your Fairbanks hotel independently, then enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Tour one of the many museums, meander through downtown to see the public art displays, get a taste of Alaska at one of the fine eateries or breweries, or immerse yourself in the Gold Rush history that can be found throughout the city. Overnight Fairbanks.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Depart Fairbanks

Your vacation concludes as you check out of your hotel this morning and make your way to Fairbanks International Airport for your return flight home.

Additional information

Please note

Luggage restrictions: A maximum of 40 lbs per person is permitted for the stay at Bettles Lodge, and only soft-sided luggage is permitted. It is recommended that guests only bring a carry-on sized bag to Bettles Lodge. The remaining luggage can be stored at your Fairbanks hotel.

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.

Hotels

Bettles Lodge

Bettles Lodge

View hotel

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks

View hotel

Train

Alaska Railroad

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

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Reviews

4.8 stars4.8 / 5 · 19 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (16)
  2. 4 stars
    (3)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Chit Aquino

5 stars

Submitted 3/Apr

Bettles Lodge had a homey, family ambiance. Staff were very friendly and entertained us with their personal stories. I was so happy that the Aurora Borealis did not disappoint me. I will definitely recommend this adventure at Bettles Lodge.

Collected by Trustpilot

ALLISON R

5 stars

Submitted 22/Mar

The was such a great itinerary, I would return on my own to have more days at Bettles Lodge.

Collected by Trustpilot

MYRNA SYLVIA MARIA BUSH BETAN

4 stars

Submitted 11/Mar

For a private tour, I expected more. At the train station in Fairbanks we waited 2 1/2 hours for a ride to the hotel! NO TAXIS available and shuttle took forever to take all the passengers because it filled up quickly. It came back 4 times for passengers and we were the last! I was not told one of the tours at Chena Hot Springs lasted 5 hours in the middle of night. I had a minor with me. The rest was fine. Food was very mediocre everywhere.

Collected by Trustpilot

Janet

4 stars

Submitted 26/Feb

Bettles Lodge was good. Our biggest disappointment was not seeing the Aurora Borealis, but not much you can do about the weather. Second most disappointment was there were no camp fires or toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate. No fireplace either. The food was wonderful and plenty of it. The Snow mobile ride was so much fun and the Dog Sled run was fabulous.

Collected by Trustpilot

CAROLYN MARGARET ERLANSON

5 stars

Submitted 21/Feb

Five star staff and meals and accommodations

Collected by Trustpilot

ERIC HASEMEIER

5 stars

Submitted 11/Feb

This has been on my bucket list for 35 years. It exceeded my every expectation. The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. They go out of their way to make sure you have a great experience. They provided tripods and explained how to use an iphone to capture pictures of the northern lights. The dog sled ride was a lot of fun. All of the staff were fantastic. I would highly recommend this trip to others. In fact thinking about going again sometime

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