Aurora Rail Adventure & Bettles Lodge

Day 1 : Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage, make your own way to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights. With almost 300,000 people calling it home, Anchorage is the largest city and cosmopolitan centre of Alaska. While not the capital of the state, it is the self-proclaimed gateway to Alaska for many visitors.

Built originally as a railway depot, the city grew with the development of the farming collective in the Mat-Su valley and the building of Air Force bases. With the discovery of oil, the city became the commercial and financial centre of the state. Situated on the Pacific Ocean on Cook Inlet and moderated by the ocean, the city does not often get the extreme weather that much of Alaska is renowned for. A vibrant and unique city on the edge of the Alaskan wilderness, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring if you choose. The quaint log cabin visitor centre is a good place to start.

Day 2 : Anchorage > Fairbanks

Today enjoy a scenic winter Alaska Railroad trip aboard the Aurora Winter train. Ride in a heated railcar with comfortable seats, large picture windows, and onboard dining options. The full day trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star train and offers spectacular views of the pristine snow-covered landscape. Along the way, the train stops as needed at Talkeetna, Healy and Nenana before arriving in Fairbanks this evening.

Day 3 : Fairbanks > Bettles Lodge

Depart Fairbanks this morning for your scenic flight to Bettles Lodge over the Yukon River and above the Arctic Circle with experienced and knowledgeable Alaskan pilots. The Bettles Lodge staff will greet you at the airplane to take your luggage and show you to the lodge for check in.

Next, enjoy a short guided tour around the village. Bettles is isolated from the outside most of the year, with only an ice road two months in the winter. Find some peace away from cell phone service and the electronic world to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the wilderness. After dinner, you can relax while waiting for the aurora borealis at the lodge or the aurora viewing cabin.

Days 4 & 5 : Bettles Lodge

Enjoy two full days at Bettles Lodge. After breakfast, take a guided snow shoe excursion or a self-guided cross country ski around the lodge. You may also want to enjoy an optional activity in the afternoon (not included). In the evening, enjoy a bonfire out by the fire pit. Stay up tonight for another opportunity to see the northern lights dance across the dark sky.

Day 6 : Bettles Lodge > Fairbanks

After breakfast at the lodge, return to Fairbanks by small plane. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy Fairbanks.

Day 7 : Fairbanks

Arrangements end after check-out.