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Northern Lights and the Arctic Circle with Alaska Railroad in Winter - Anchorage to Fairbanks

Independent winter rail trip: Arctic Circle and dog sledding, Anchorage to Fairbanks

Illustration of Northern Lights and the Arctic Circle with Alaska Railroad in Winter - Anchorage to Fairbanks

Railbookers operates this 5-day independent rail vacation that begins in Anchorage and ends in Fairbanks, using the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train. The first two days are free time in Anchorage, with the choice of exploring the city or relaxing indoors by the fireplace. Day 3 covers the trip's rail leg north to Fairbanks, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains along the way. Day 4 brings a dog sled ride with champion Alaskan Huskies across snow-covered forests, open snow fields, and a frozen river, and day 5 is a tour to the Arctic Circle, stopping at the banks of the Yukon River before returning to Fairbanks under the Northern Lights, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Only the one-way Anchorage to Fairbanks rail journey is included, not a return trip. This itinerary suits travelers who want the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights alongside a dog sled ride, without extra sightseeing stops.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities; your final hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose.
  • The evidence states this trip is 4 nights, but the included list separately states 5 nights of hotel accommodations, and the itinerary shows an overnight stay through day 5; confirm the total number of nights with Railbookers before booking.
  • The included list states only rail travel and hotel nights; the Arctic Circle tour and dog sled ride appear as itinerary activities and trip highlights but are not repeated in the included list, so confirm cost inclusion with Railbookers.
  • Only one-way rail travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks is included; the return journey is not part of the package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Your Journey Begins in Anchorage

    Arrive in Anchorage and check in to your hotel. Then begin exploring the city or relax indoors for the evening by a cozy fireplace.

  2. Day 2overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage

    Today, you have a full free day to discover Anchorage! Explore the great outdoors or the great indoors with local shops and restaurants.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Enjoy the day relaxing onboard Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train as you travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska's backcountry and on a clear day, you can even enjoy views of Denali (also known as Mt. McKinley) and Alaska's Mountains.

  4. Day 4overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Experience the thrill of mushing on an Alaskan Dog Sled Ride with champion Alaskan Huskies. Explore snow covered forests, vast open snow fields, and even sledding on a frozen river!

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Today you will enjoy a spectacular tour to the Arctic Circle. Stop along the way at the banks of the Yukon River gazing at the scenic landscapes. As you head back to Fairbanks, the Northern Lights will be out in the sky and you will have plenty of photo opportunities from the best viewpoints.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Aurora Winter Train travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains on a clear day.
  • Day 4A dog sled ride with champion Alaskan Huskies crosses snow-covered forests, open snow fields, and a frozen river.
  • Day 5A tour to the Arctic Circle stops at the banks of the Yukon River, then returns to Fairbanks under the Northern Lights with plenty of photo opportunities.

Included

  • One-way Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Alaska Railroad travel in Adventure Class from Anchorage to Fairbanks is included; the return journey is not included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Day 1 and day 2 in Anchorage are free time, while the dog sled ride on day 4 and the Arctic Circle tour on day 5 are guided.
Which train is used?
The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, in Adventure Class, from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across Anchorage and Fairbanks, including Hilton Anchorage, Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage, and Westmark Fairbanks.
What is not included?
The included list states only rail travel and hotel nights; the Arctic Circle tour and dog sled ride are not repeated in the included list.

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