Alaska Northern Lights

Get ready for Northern Lights, native cultures and astounding natural beauty as you discover the diversity of Alaska. Your winter Alaska tour begins in Fairbanks where you’ll enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers, raising a glass to adventures to come. Your first evening is off to a big start as you head out after 10pm to chase the iconic Northern Lights.

Unlock the best of Fairbanks on the first full day of your Alaska tour. Your Travel Director reveals the must-sees of the city on an orientation tour before a stop at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Through films and life-sized dioramas, feel the mood of the seasons and see displays featuring artwork, objects and learn information about the cultural and economic history of the state. In the exhibit depicting summer, walk through a display of a rural fish camp at Nuchalawoyya. In the fall exhibit, see a grizzly bear digging for ground squirrels just outside of a camp. Continue your discovery of Fairbanks' icons by stopping at the Museum of the North, the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. Rest up, as later tonight you have a second opportunity to take in the Northern Lights.

The real Alaska springs to life over a one-of-a-kind experience aboard the Alaska Railroad, from Fairbanks to Denali. Feel like you’re in a postcard as winter scenery unfolds around you. On a clear day, you’ll get a spectacular view of Denali above the Susitna River. You may even be rewarded by spotting a moose in the wild. Arrive at Murie Science and Learning Center to unlock the stories and science of Denali. Complete your day at an epic Stays with Stories, overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, just south of Denali. The night is young: Over a Be My Guest experience, learn from photographer ‘Aurora Dora’ about how to take the best photos at night and hear Dora’s story. Then test your knowledge with another chance to see the Aurora Borealis from the deck of the lodge.

See how Talkeetna is in a league of its own with a day at leisure on your Alaska tour. Explore the town and the Talkeetna Historical Society and Museum or talk to your Travel Director about joining an optional tour. Explore your natural surroundings on a three-hour snowshoeing tour. Or, join a flightseeing tour for Denali National Park, taking in amazing views from your window seat as your pilot narrates your journey. You can even join a dog sledding tour and unlock the secrets of dog sledding and mushing on private trails. You'll have time to take photos with the dogs and replica Burled Arch from the finish line of the Iditarod.

Dive into Culture on your Alaska tour today at the Musk Ox Farm. View the Artic musk oxen, an Ice Age mammal that once roamed alongside saber-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths, learning how they were able to withstand the harsh arctic extremes. Next, up at Alaska Native Heritage Center on a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. You’ll unlock 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, exhibits, traditional Native dwellings, films and more.

Alaska brings new sights, foods and traditions with every leg of your journey. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where a Local Specialist reveals the role of this wildlife rehabilitation center and the local animals. Complete your day with dinner with your fellow travelers, toasting to exciting adventures on your Alaska tour.

Your adventure through Alaska’s winter beauty has come to an end. After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travelers and depart Anchorage at leisure.