ALASKA BY RAIL
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the rugged beauty of Alaska! Start in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, enjoying traditional songs, stories, and captivating dance performances. From there, embark on a scenic journey aboard the Alaska Railroad to Denali, with incredible views of Mt. McKinley and the Susitna River, keeping an eye out for migrating caribou and other wildlife. In Denali, you’ll explore the wilderness where grizzly bears, moose, and wolves roam free, and experience a thrilling wildlife tour. Then, continue to Fairbanks, where you’ll cruise the historic Chena and Tanana Rivers on an authentic sternwheeler, visit an Athabascan village, and indulge in a mouthwatering salmon dinner paired with lively entertainment. Each day is filled with spectacular scenery, unique cultural experiences, and delicious Alaskan cuisine, making this the ultimate Alaskan adventure you won’t forget!
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Start Location: Anchorage
End Location: Fairbanks
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Gold Mining Dredge
- Top of the World Highway
- Alaskaland & Palace Grand Theatre
- Sternwheeler Discovery Cruise
- Chena Native Village
- Denali National Park
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
ITINERARY
Day 1: Anchorage, AK
Welcome to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Explore the past and experience the first people at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, Anchorage’s premier cultural attraction. Hear the songs and stories and see the dancers. This evening enjoy a group dinner with your new friends.
Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Denali begins here—a transfer to the train station this morning.
A quick stop in Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Mt. McKinley emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. The train moves into Broad Pass, at 2,363 feet it's the highest point on the railroad, and where caribou migrate through during the fall. Thousands of travelers visit Denali National Park and Preserve to see wildlife like wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and bear, and, of course, Mt. McKinley.
Check in to your accommodations and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Denali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Denali, AK
Today's morning, a sightseeing tour to view the abundant wildlife that thrives in Denali will be a trip highlight. You'll enjoy sightings of moose, black and grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, coyotes, foxes, and possibly wolves, while bald and golden eagles soar overhead. Tonight, enjoy a group Dinner at a local Dinner Theatre.
Overnight: Denali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Fairbanks, AK
This morning you will enjoy at leisure and board your train this afternoon. Onboard the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Upon arrival into Fairbanks, a transfer will be waiting for you from your accommodation.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Fairbanks, AK
This Morning after breakfast, a transfer will bring the group to the Sternwheeler Riverboat Tour. Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery Vessel for an unforgettable cruise into the history of interior Alaska. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area’s natural history and the Athabascan Native Culture. You will see a floatplane take off, meet sled dogs, witness the “wedding of the rivers”, and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Native guides will lead a tour of the Chena Indian Village. Tonight, step back in time and visit Alaskaland (Pioneer Park) for a delicious baked salmon dinner, followed by a musical revue at the Palace Theatre and Saloon.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Day of Depart
The group will receive a transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
BOOK
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Small Group Tours
Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.Experienced Tour Leaders
Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)
Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.
Without the distractions of tipping.Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.
(Not as add-ons.)Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Service of a professional Tour Leader
- Comfortable Coach
- 5 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
EXCLUSIONS
- 15% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
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Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
AKRL
Alaska by Rail
6 days
Created On: 25 Oct 2024
Highlights
- Gold Mining Dredge
- Top of the World Highway
- Alaskaland & Palace Grand Theatre
- Sternwheeler Discovery Cruise
- Chena Native Village
- Denali National Park
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
Inclusions
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Service of a professional Tour Leader
- Comfortable Coach
- 5 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
Exclusions
- 15% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
Dates & Prices
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
AVAILABLE
Sun, 01 Jun 2025
Fri, 06 Jun 2025
$4,395 USD
$5,895 USD
$500 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: Anchorage, AK
Welcome to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Explore the past and experience the first people at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, Anchorage’s premier cultural attraction. Hear the songs and stories and see the dancers. This evening enjoy a group dinner with your new friends.
Overnight: Anchorage
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Denali begins here—a transfer to the train station this morning.
A quick stop in Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Mt. McKinley emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. The train moves into Broad Pass, at 2,363 feet it's the highest point on the railroad, and where caribou migrate through during the fall. Thousands of travelers visit Denali National Park and Preserve to see wildlife like wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and bear, and, of course, Mt. McKinley.
Check in to your accommodations and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Denali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Denali, AK
Today's morning, a sightseeing tour to view the abundant wildlife that thrives in Denali will be a trip highlight. You'll enjoy sightings of moose, black and grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, coyotes, foxes, and possibly wolves, while bald and golden eagles soar overhead. Tonight, enjoy a group Dinner at a local Dinner Theatre.
Overnight: Denali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Fairbanks, AK
This morning you will enjoy at leisure and board your train this afternoon. Onboard the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Upon arrival into Fairbanks, a transfer will be waiting for you from your accommodation.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Fairbanks, AK
This Morning after breakfast, a transfer will bring the group to the Sternwheeler Riverboat Tour. Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery Vessel for an unforgettable cruise into the history of interior Alaska. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area’s natural history and the Athabascan Native Culture. You will see a floatplane take off, meet sled dogs, witness the “wedding of the rivers”, and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Native guides will lead a tour of the Chena Indian Village. Tonight, step back in time and visit Alaskaland (Pioneer Park) for a delicious baked salmon dinner, followed by a musical revue at the Palace Theatre and Saloon.
Overnight: Fairbanks
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Day of Depart
The group will receive a transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
