Aurora Train to Black Rapids

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. 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 > The Lodge at Black Rapids

This morning travel by shared shuttle van to The Lodge at Black Rapids. Following the Alaska Pipeline and the mighty Tanana River, your stops include the Morris Thompson Cultural Centre, North Pole and Sullivan Roadhouse. Your final destination is The Lodge at Black Rapids, which shares space with the restored Rapids Roadhouse atop a bluff overlooking Black Rapids Glacier and the Delta River. After lunch, explore Black Rapids – snowshoe the trails surrounding the lodge, listen to historic tales fireside, or marvel at the aurora.

Day 4 : The Lodge at Black Rapids

This morning enjoy a guided hike along the cross-country ski trail, offering access to the quartz-streaked bluff that dominates the eastern ridge-line above the lodge. The second part of the day will be spent in search of wildlife with experts from the University of Alaska. Later tonight, visit Black Rapids Lake for an open fire, kick sledding, and an opportunity to snowshoe, ski and view the northern lights.

Day 5 : The Lodge at Black Rapids

Today you will learn about mountain geology and glaciology from the experts at the University of Alaska. Snowshoe up to the famous glacier, see ice caves, and then retreat into the comforts of an Alaskan Arctic Oven tent equipped with a potbelly stove and a gourmet lunch. Tonight, meet two famous dog sled racers along with a world-renowned dog musher who has completed the Iditarod. Finish the night with a ride on a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

Day 6 : The Lodge at Black Rapids > Fairbanks

This morning is at your leisure before your afternoon departure back to Fairbanks. Optional activities include guided hikes, ice fishing or enjoying the sauna. On the scenic shared van transfer back to Fairbanks, you will have a tour of the unseen agricultural areas of Delta Junction, with brief visits to the meat and sausage factory, the local flour company, views of buffalo ranches, farmland, and scenic landscapes. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy Fairbanks.

Day 7 : Fairbanks

Arrangements end after check-out.