Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Iditarod & Northern Lights

Vacations By Rail's Ultimate Winter Wonderland tour takes eight days to combine two of Alaska's signature winter experiences: the northern lights and the Iditarod sled-dog race. The tour opens in Fairbanks, one of the world's premier aurora-viewing locations, with days spent on city sightseeing and nights chasing the green curtains of light overhead. A visit to Denali includes a ranger briefing on the park, while the route continues to Healy, another prime auroral-oval location. The centerpiece is a journey on the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train from Healy to Anchorage, offering possible wildlife sightings through the winter landscape. In Anchorage, Vacations By Rail anchors the group for guided city exploration and a visit to Happy Trails Kennel to learn about sled-dog training. The tour culminates with attendance at the Iditarod Mushers Banquet dinner and the Ceremonial Start race in Willow. This trip suits escorted-tour travellers, northern-lights enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Alaskan culture and the famous race.