NLRF01 Fairbanks Aurora Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks
- end: Anchorage
- map/image selection: Map
- Code: NLRF01
NLRF01 Fairbanks Aurora Explorer - Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks
Winter has finally reached Alaska. That means stunning snowy scenery, festive events throughout the state, and long, comfy nights with log-burning fires. This northern lights and rail combo tour is the perfect winter getaway. Put on your snow boots and step on the crunchy snow! The most common place to see the aurora is under the famed auroral oval, a several-hundred-mile-wide, doughnut-shaped ring that encircles the earth’s magnetic north pole. The auroral oval encompasses tried-and-true destinations like Chena Hot Springs in the Fairbanks region and Coldfoot in the Brooks Range. During big geomagnetic substorms, the auroral oval stretches southward and the northern lights can be seen flickering above the Alaska Range in places like Denali, Cantwell, Paxson and Tok. Some of the best shows have been even farther south - around Talkeetna, Hatcher Pass and Anchorage - but these events are less common. Join the nightly excursion from Fairbanks to an aurora viewing lodge and to Chena Hot Springs Resort, where an exciting but relaxing range of activities await you. Discover the wondrous sculptures at the local Aurora Ice Museum, then relax in the resort's legendary mineral water baths. Your tour guide will take you to the best places to watch the gorgeous Northern Lights with a warm drink in your hand. Then it is time to catch the Alaska Winter Train for a scenic ride to Anchorage. While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow. Passengers may enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining. On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali rises into view above the Susitna River as you leave Fairbanks and make your way towards Anchorage. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild. During winter month Anchorage hosts the annual Fur Rendezvous, Ice Carving Festivals, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and other super natural winter events.
