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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp

Eight-day Alaskan adventure from Fairbanks to Anchorage by train

Illustration of Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp

Vacations By Rail's Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp is an 8-day independent vacation starting in Fairbanks and ending in Anchorage. The centerpiece is a two-night stay at Borealis Basecamp, a remote lodge 25 miles outside Fairbanks where you will sleep in a private fiberglass dome under the northern sky, enjoy a sunset tour with champagne, and choose a seasonal activity such as dogsledding or snowmobiling. From there, you return to Fairbanks for a night of city exploration, then board Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train on Day 5 for a 12-hour passage south through mountain and valley country to Anchorage, where you have two free days to visit museums, galleries, parks, and local restaurants or take optional excursions to Matanuska Glacier or a glacier and wildlife flightseeing tour. This trip suits independent travelers comfortable organizing their own days and seeking exposure to Alaska's interior and coast without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Alaska and airport transfers are not included in the from-price.
  • Only two breakfasts are included; most other meals are at your own expense.
  • The basecamp stay includes a choice of seasonal activity, but additional activities in Anchorage (Matanuska Glacier trip, flightseeing tour) cost extra.
  • Northern lights viewing depends on weather and solar activity; the itinerary does not guarantee sightings.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks

    Arrive in Fairbanks and transfer to your hotel independently, then enjoy the rest of the day to get acquainted with the city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Borealis Basecamp

    Transfer to Borealis Basecamp

    Explore downtown Fairbanks in the morning, then transfer by shared van to Borealis Basecamp for a two-night stay in a private fiberglass dome.

  3. Day 3overnight: Borealis Basecamp

    Borealis Basecamp at Leisure

    A free day at Borealis Basecamp with a choice of seasonal excursion (UTV ride or dogsledding in fall; dogsledding or snowmobiling in November) and a 2-hour sunset tour with champagne toast.

  4. Day 4overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks

    Transfer back to Fairbanks and spend the day sightseeing and exploring, checking in at your downtown hotel.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Anchorage

    Aurora Winter Train to Anchorage

    Board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train for a 12-hour journey south through Talkeetna and Wasilla to Anchorage.

  6. Day 6overnight: Anchorage

    Explore Anchorage

    Explore Anchorage at leisure or add an optional activity such as a Matanuska Glacier day trip or a Glacier & Wildlife Tour flightseeing excursion.

  7. Day 7overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage at Leisure

    A free day in Anchorage to explore the city's art installations, restaurants, parks and museums.

  8. Day 8

    Tour Conclusion

    Transfer to Anchorage's airport for your return flight home or continue your expedition independently.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Transfer to Borealis Basecamp and settle into a private fiberglass dome.
  • Day 3Day 3: Choice of seasonal excursion, such as dogsledding or snowmobiling, plus a 2-hour sunset tour with champagne toast.
  • Day 5Day 5: Board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train for a 12-hour southbound journey through Talkeetna and Wasilla to Anchorage.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 7 nights, including two nights at Borealis Basecamp in fiberglass domes
  • Travel on board Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Anchorage
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Sunset tour at Borealis Basecamp
  • Choice of seasonal activity at Borealis Basecamp

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is an independent rail vacation. You follow a planned itinerary but travel on your own. Transfers are arranged between Fairbanks and Borealis Basecamp by shared van, but city exploration days are unguided.
Which train am I on?
You travel on Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train from Fairbanks to Anchorage on Day 5. The journey takes 12 hours and passes through Talkeetna and Wasilla.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights of hotel accommodations (including two nights in a private fiberglass dome at Borealis Basecamp), rail fare, two breakfasts, a sunset tour at Borealis Basecamp, and a choice of seasonal activity. Flights, airport transfers, and most meals are not included.
When does this trip run?
The trip operates during aurora season, roughly September through March, with seasonal activity options varying by month.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Days include independent city exploration and optional activities such as dogsledding or snowmobiling. The tour includes van transfers and unguided sightseeing.

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