Alaska Rail Adventure: From Anchorage to Fairbanks

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city nestled on the shores of Cook Inlet. Sandwiched between rugged peaks and tranquil water, this urban sprawl is home to nearly half of the state’s population. Don’t be surprised to see bears and moose sauntering across private yards or public parks – it’s a way of life here! The Alaska Native Heritage Center is your one-stop source for all things cultural with its traditional craft displays and dance performances. Top it off with a trip to the local museum for your fill of the region’s history. Kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching tours let you explore the area by water, while scenic flight tours are a great way of discovering glaciers. Dog sledding remains a favorite pastime of visitors, followed closely by gold panning at the local mines. Back in town, dining experiences turn into gourmet feasts with fresh seafood and local produce dominating the culinary scene.

Discover Anchorage’s past and present on this fully narrated red trolley deluxe city tour. Start this scenic 20-mile ride by taking the red trolley in downtown Anchorage. Learn about local culture and history through the animated stories narrated by the guide onboard. Journey through the historic sites and admire the city’s landmarks from large picture windows. Hop off the trolley at Ship Creek to watch king salmon jumping, swimming and spawning. At Earthquake Park, learn about the devastating earthquake of 1964. Visit Point Woronzof for magnificent views of Anchorage city and the surrounding mountain ranges. If you’re lucky, you may encounter the mighty moose, Anchorage’s favorite resident, within the protected parkland. Finally, watch the frenzy of seaplanes landing and taking off when you stop at the Lake Hood and Lake Spenard Seaplane Base. (Duration: 1.5-2 hrs; Shared Guide; Available daily between June 1st & Oct 31st; Time: hourly from 1000-1500 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Group size: max 36 ppl.)

Talkeetna is all that you would expect in a typical Alaskan small town. Tucked into the Mat-Su Valley, this picturesque town with its colorful old buildings gives off an artsy vibe. Nestled at the foothills of majestic Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, it is a convenient base camp for climbing expeditions to major peaks. Log cabins and clapboard storefronts testify to its past as a gold mining center. The small museum in town chronicling the adventures of early climbers is worth a visit. Flightseeing tours offer panoramic views of the mountains and can even include glacier landings. Riverboat and jet boat tours enable you to explore the waterways and navigate deep into the canyons. Fishing and horseback riding are some of the activities that let you soak in the scenic beauty of the region. Sampling the local specialties at cozy cafes and browsing local galleries are excellent ways of unwinding after a busy day of outdoor fun.

This 1.5 hour flying tour gives you a unique perspective on the highest peak in North America and bring into focus the scale of the Alaskan range. Fly up to six miles’ distance from Denali’s summit, before swooping down through Ruth Amphitheater and Great Gorge. Gaze upon the stunning Tokositna and Ruth Glaciers and see the hanging glaciers of Mount Hunter. See the sharp ridges of Mount Huntington and view the summit of the famous Moose’s Tooth, one of the toughest climbs in the range. (Duration: 1.5 hrs flying time + 30 min check-in time; Shared Activity & Transfers; Group size: up to 10 people; Meals Not Included, Glacier Landing Included. Please note that this activity is weather-dependent and may get cancelled should conditions not permit a safe flight. USD 15 per person national park fee is not included and payable on site.)

Denali National Park and Preserve, with its primeval landscape and untamed wilderness, promises a one-of-a-kind adventure. Located in the Interior Alaska region, it is home to Denali, the tallest peak in North America. This nature lover’s paradise offers an endless sequence of breathtaking vistas all around. Free-roaming moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves make for excellent wildlife viewing. Hiking along marked trails or going off the beaten path top the list of activities for visitors to Denali. Bicycling and bus tours are other ways of exploring the major attractions of this sprawling reserve. Entertaining sled dog demonstrations provide a peek into the life of park rangers and their canine partners. For a rush of adrenaline, go whitewater rafting over the rapids in the many rivers across the park. Aerial tours are also available to give you a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape with its mountains and glaciers.

Fairbanks is the second largest city in the state of Alaska with all the charms of small town life. It is a favored base camp with adventure-seekers and explorers en route to the Alaskan Interior or the Arctic region. An excellent year-round destination, there is plenty to keep you busy come summer or winter! Rafting and kayaking down the Chena River appeal to adventure lovers while golfing and fishing are for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Pioneer Park stands as testimony to the city’s historic past of gold mining, and art galleries are filled with exquisite displays of local handicrafts for you to browse. The onset of winter brings with it dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing expeditions. Meanwhile, the hot springs are perfect for rejuvenating with a leisurely soak after every exciting adventure. Fairbanks makes for an especially unique destination during the Fall and Winter months, with the Northern Lights shining through the darkness!

Experience the magic of flying over the Arctic Circle! Board a flight and journey north from Fairbanks over vast and remote lands. Witness the remnants of gold mining activity, which continues nearly a 100 years after the late 1800s Alaska Gold Rush. Fly over the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a remarkable feat of engineering which brought immense changes to Alaska after the discovery of oil over 30 years ago. Cross the scenic Yukon River Valley which is home to traditional Alaskan tribes who have preserved their lifestyle and culture for centuries. Experience the thrilling moment of flying over the Arctic Circle and get a bird's eye view of the magnificent, craggy peaks of Brooks Mountain Range. Your flight route will pass just south of the gates of the Arctic National Park. Land on the Middle Fork Koyukuk River amidst a wilderness community where you can participate in an orientation tour. Return to Fairbanks and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate! (Duration: Half Day; Afternoon Departure; Shared Activity & Transfers not included; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes; Don't forget your camera and binoculars; Please note that a minimum of 4 people is required for the tour to operate.)