Alaska Train Vacation | Best of Alaska by Train

Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival Arrive in Anchorage and transfer independently to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Alaska’s largest city, set between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. Stroll the downtown streets, walk part of the coastal trail, visit local galleries or settle in with views of the surrounding mountains as your Alaska rail vacation begins.

Day 2 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 11 Excursions Depart Anchorage aboard Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train and travel south on one of the most spectacular rail journeys in North America. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, watch the city give way to the tidal flats of Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Mountains rise sharply from the water and the railway curves along the coast. Continue past forested valleys, waterfalls, hanging glaciers and the wild backcountry of the Kenai Peninsula before arriving in Seward, a dramatic harbour town set between Resurrection Bay and snow-capped mountains. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.) This afternoon, choose one included Seward excursion. Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 4. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 5. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 3 Seward | Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise Set out from Seward on a full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, travelling beyond Resurrection Bay into a world of steep coastal cliffs, alpine ice, tidewater glaciers and rich marine habitat. The Northwestern Fjord route reaches deeper into the park than standard cruises, giving you more time among the remote glacier-carved landscapes that define this part of coastal Alaska. Watch for Steller sea lions, harbour seals, puffins, humpback whales, orcas and sea otters as your vessel follows the rugged shoreline and approaches the ice. (A continental breakfast and deli-style lunch are included onboard today.)

Day 4 Seward to Anchorage | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Depart Seward and begin the journey north with a stop for views of Exit Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glacier landscapes. Continue through the Kenai Peninsula and along the mountain-framed Seward Highway toward the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where injured and orphaned animals are cared for in a spacious natural setting. Look for bears, moose, bison, caribou, musk oxen and other northern wildlife before continuing to Girdwood. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for sweeping views over Turnagain Arm, hanging glaciers and the peaks of the Chugach Mountains, then return to Anchorage in the late afternoon. (Lunch is included today.)

Day 5 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Alaska Railroad Travel from Anchorage toward Whittier, following the scenic Turnagain Arm corridor where mountains, tidal flats and coastal water create one of Southcentral Alaska’s classic journeys. Board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and enter a sheltered marine world of fjords, waterfalls, floating ice and tidewater glaciers. As the vessel travels deeper into the sound, watch for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds, bears and mountain goats, with glacier faces and icefields rising from the surrounding mountains. After returning to Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the scenic evening rail journey back toward Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 6 Anchorage | Floatplane Fly-in Bear Viewing Excursion Today, fly from Anchorage by floatplane into one of Alaska’s remote bear-viewing regions. Depending on season, weather and bear activity, your destination may be Redoubt Bay, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark or Chinitna Bay. From the air, Alaska opens into a vast landscape of coastline, rivers, mountains, wetlands and wilderness valleys. After landing, join professional guides for a bear-viewing experience in natural habitat, with opportunities to watch brown or black bears fishing, foraging or moving through the landscape. (Lunch is included today.)

Day 7 Anchorage to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad | Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing Depart Anchorage aboard Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and travel north into the broad, open landscapes of Southcentral Alaska. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, the city quickly gives way to forest, wetlands, braided rivers and mountain horizons. The route follows the Knik Arm area before crossing river country near the Eklutna, Knik and Matanuska rivers, with the Chugach Mountains behind you and the Talkeetna Mountains rising to the north. Continue through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, where open sky, distant ridgelines and long stretches of wilderness create a powerful sense of Alaska’s scale. On clear days, watch for Mt. Susitna, known locally as Sleeping Lady, and possible views of Denali as the train approaches Talkeetna and the Susitna River. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.) Arrive in Talkeetna, a characterful Alaska rail town with a frontier feel and a long history as a gateway for Denali climbers. This afternoon, take to the air on an included Denali Flightseeing experience with a glacier landing, weather permitting. Fly toward the Alaska Range, where rivers and forest give way to immense glaciers, granite walls, snow-covered peaks and ice-carved valleys. Land on a glacier and step out into one of Alaska’s most dramatic mountain landscapes before returning to Talkeetna for the evening.

Day 8 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad Rejoin Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star and continue north from Talkeetna toward Denali National Park Entrance. This is a wilder, more remote stretch of the rail journey, where the line moves beyond the main highway corridor into backcountry landscapes of river valleys, forest, mountain views and open northern sky. Watch for views toward the Alaska Range as the train travels through country shaped by rivers, glaciers and long Alaska winters. The route includes some of the railroad’s most memorable scenery, with clear-day chances to see Denali and the surrounding peaks before arriving near the entrance to Denali National Park. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the mountain setting. (Lunch is included onboard the train today.)

Day 9 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 10 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad Enjoy a relaxed morning near Denali before boarding Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for the final rail journey north to Fairbanks. The scenery changes again as the train leaves the mountains around Denali and travels into Interior Alaska, where broad river valleys, boreal forest, open sky and northern light give the landscape a quieter, more expansive feel. Settle into the dome car, step onto the outdoor viewing deck and watch the route unfold through river country, small communities and remote forest before arriving in Fairbanks this evening, where your Alaska rail journey comes to an end. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali National Park | Alaska Railroad Board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in Fairbanks and travel south into the changing landscapes of Interior Alaska. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, the route moves through river valleys, boreal forest, broad northern sky and small Interior communities as the Alaska Range begins to draw closer. Arrive at Denali National Park Entrance later this morning, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the mountain setting or choose an optional activity. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.)

Day 2 Denali National Park | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today, enjoy a full day in the Denali region and choose the experience that best matches your travel style. Travel the legendary Denali Highway, journey into Denali National Park by coach, or upgrade to flightseeing over the Alaska Range or a helicopter glacier landing. Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in “Drives of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway - this time by Jeep. This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 217 km/135 mi gravel road and takes you off the beaten path in a 4x4 to enjoy sweeping views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers, tundra and possible wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour Travel into Denali National Park on a narrated coach tour along the park road, where the landscape opens into tundra, braided rivers, mountain valleys and wildlife habitat. Watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and other wildlife while learning about the park’s geology, ecology and wilderness character. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Fly toward Denali and the surrounding Alaska Range for a dramatic view of snow-covered peaks, glacier-filled valleys and rugged ridgelines. From the window seat of a small aircraft, this upgrade gives you a powerful sense of the scale of North America’s tallest mountain. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Fly by helicopter across the Denali region toward the Yanert Glacier, passing tundra, mountain terrain and glacier-carved valleys along the way. Land on the glacier for a spectacular high-alpine Alaska experience.

Day 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad This morning is open for optional Denali-area activities before you board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star for the southbound journey to Talkeetna. Leaving Denali National Park Entrance, the route passes through backcountry landscapes of river corridors, forested valleys and mountain views as the Alaska Range recedes behind you. On clear days, Denali and the surrounding peaks may appear above the horizon before the train arrives in Talkeetna, a relaxed rail town known for its river setting, local character and deep connection to Denali climbing and flightseeing. (Lunch is included onboard the train today.)

Day 4 Talkeetna to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad | Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing Spend time in Talkeetna, a historic Alaska rail town with river views, local character and a deep connection to Denali climbing and flightseeing. Today also includes Denali Flightseeing with a glacier landing, weather permitting. Fly toward the Alaska Range, where rivers, forests and foothills give way to immense glaciers, granite walls, ice-carved valleys and snow-covered peaks. Land on a glacier for time on the ice before returning to Talkeetna. Late afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star in GoldStar Service for the southbound journey to Anchorage. From the dome car or outdoor viewing platform, watch the broad Matanuska-Susitna Valley, braided rivers, wetlands and mountain profiles shift in the long evening light as the train returns toward Anchorage. (Dinner is included onboard the train today.)

Day 5 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Coach | Alaska Railroad Travel from Anchorage toward Whittier, following the scenic Turnagain Arm corridor where mountains, tidal flats and coastal water create one of Southcentral Alaska’s classic journeys. Board the Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and enter a sheltered marine world of fjords, waterfalls, floating ice and tidewater glaciers. As the vessel travels deeper into the sound, watch for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds, bears and mountain goats, with glacier faces and icefields rising from the surrounding mountains. After returning to Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the scenic evening rail journey back toward Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard today.)

Day 6 Anchorage | Floatplane Fly-in Bear Viewing Excursion Fly from Anchorage by floatplane into one of Alaska’s remote bear-viewing regions. Depending on the season, weather and bear activity, your destination may be Redoubt Bay, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark or Chinitna Bay. From the air, Alaska opens into a vast landscape of coastline, rivers, mountains, wetlands and wilderness valleys. After landing, join professional guides for a bear-viewing experience in natural habitat, with opportunities to watch brown or black bears fishing, foraging or moving through the landscape. (Lunch is included today.)

Day 7 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Seward | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 11 Excursions Depart Anchorage aboard Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train and travel south on one of the most spectacular rail journeys in North America. From your GoldStar dome seat or private outdoor viewing deck, watch the city give way to the tidal flats of Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Mountains rise sharply from the water and the railway curves along the coast. Continue past forested valleys, waterfalls, hanging glaciers and the wild backcountry of the Kenai Peninsula before arriving in Seward, a dramatic harbour town set between Resurrection Bay and snow-capped mountains. (Breakfast is included onboard the train today.) This afternoon, choose one included Seward excursion. Option 1. Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure Paddle the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forested shoreline and the wild coastal scenery that makes Seward so memorable. This active sea-kayaking adventure offers a close-to-nature way to experience the bay, with opportunities to explore shoreline areas near Tonsina Point. Option 2. Bear Lake Kayak | Canoe Trip Kayak or canoe on calm Bear Lake, located just outside Seward. With local guides, visit the salmon weir, learn about the salmon life cycle, and watch for eagles, loons and other wildlife in a peaceful mountain setting. Option 3. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour Visit the Seavey family homestead and meet the Iditarod athletes at their summer training camp. Feel the excitement as the dogs are harnessed, then ride through the scenic rainforest on a comfortable summer sled. Option 4. Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Cruise the blue waters of Resurrection Bay, where mountains, glaciers and rugged cliffs create a spectacular coastal setting. Watch for whales, puffins, otters and other marine wildlife, then enjoy lunch on Fox Island during this memorable Kenai Fjords experience. Option 5. Exit Glacier Hike Explore the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to Exit Glacier, where blue ice descends from the Harding Icefield. This is one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Alaska and a strong choice for travellers who want to feel close to the landscape. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Guided Walking Salmon Fishing | Seward Area Walk scenic rivers and streams near Seward with an expert guide and try your hand at salmon fishing in a classic Alaska setting. This is an ideal upgrade for travellers who want a more hands-on outdoor experience. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Kayak among the floating icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where ice breaks from the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield. Paddle through a changing maze of blue and white ice, with possible sightings of harbour seals, black bears and coastal wildlife. Option 8. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Landing Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter adventure, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes. Land on or beside ancient ice, explore the dramatic surroundings and experience the scale and beauty of Alaska from a remarkable perspective. Option 9. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Take a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers before landing on a glacier snowfield for a true Alaska dogsledding experience. Meet an Alaskan sled-dog team and mush across real snow in summer. Option 10. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled with Kenai Fjords National Park Tour Fly above Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on a scenic helicopter journey, taking in glaciers, mountain valleys and remote landscapes before landing at a glacier dogsled camp. Meet the huskies, learn from experienced mushers and drive a dog team across ancient ice. Option 11. Upgrade Option: Helicopter Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Adventure Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over mountains and glaciers, then kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon among monumental icebergs. This is one of Seward’s most dramatic adventure upgrades, combining flightseeing, kayaking and remote glacier scenery.

Day 8 Seward | Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise Set out from Seward on a full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, travelling beyond Resurrection Bay into a world of steep coastal cliffs, alpine ice, tidewater glaciers and rich marine habitat. The Northwestern Fjord route reaches deeper into the park than standard cruises, giving you more time among the remote glacier-carved landscapes that define this part of coastal Alaska. Watch for Steller sea lions, harbour seals, puffins, humpback whales, orcas and sea otters as your vessel follows the rugged shoreline and approaches the ice. (A continental breakfast and deli-style lunch are included onboard today.)

Day 9 Seward to Anchorage | Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Begin your adventure with a short and easy walk to see views of Exit Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range, then continue to Anchorage to arrive late afternoon. (Lunch is included today.)

Day 10 Anchorage | Departure After check-out, your Alaska vacation comes to an end. Depart Anchorage with memories of glaciers, mountain horizons, rail journeys and the wide-open landscapes that make the Great Land so unforgettable.