Friday, March 29, 2024
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  • Self Drive Tours

    Our extensive selection of Alaska and Northern Canada custom self drive tour packages include a choice of moderate and first-class hotels and lodges, a rental car and sightseeing tours. All packages are well designed to provide a maximum of convenience and comfort and may be the perfect way to explore the "Land of the Midnight Sun" after your cruise or rail tour.  
  • Alaska Rail Tours

    We are featuring one of the largest selection of comprehensive and affordable standard or first-class rail tour packages in Alaska. Our destinations include: Anchorage, the Denali - and Kenai Fjords National Parks, Talkeetna & Fairbanks. Choose between luxurious dome and vintage car options, a large hotel selection and sightseeing tours throughout the State of Alaska.
  • Wildlife Observation

    We provide an extensive selection of world-class outdoor soft adventure tours. Among them are: Bear Viewing at Brooks Lodge, Rafting on the Tatshenshini - and Alsek Rivers, Kayak Tours at Glacier Bay, Hking Trips throughout the remote Brooks Range and many Wilderness and Fishing Resorts accessible only by floatplane. The choice for unlimited adventure is yours
  • Custom Tour Packages

    We provide the freedom to design your own group - or individual tour package. Choose your preferred hotels, transportation, sightseeing tour and other additional programs for a totally personalized tour itinerary within Alaska and Canada's Yukon Territory. Our comprehensive rates are widely recognized as the best within the Alaska tourism industry.
  • Individual Winter Tours

    The 1149-Mile Iditarod from Anchorage to Nome along the Bering Sea as well as the 1000-Mile Yukon Quest from Whitehorse to Fairbanks are recognized as the most competitive and challenging sled dog races in the world. The winter months are also the best time for Northern Lights  viewing and Heli or downhill skiing at the Alyeska Resort.
  • National Park Adventures

    The customized "Discover National Parks" multiple day travel packages are available with flight, car and railroad transportation options throughout Alaska and the Yukon. Our tours including first-class wilderness lodging, national park sightseeing, wildlife viewing, guided hiking and backcountry lodging at Denali, Glacier Bay, Katmai and Kluane.

Alaska Rail Tours | FAQ

For additiiona tour package information please  refer to each individual Alaska Rail Tour.

Alaska Rail Tour Services

Our Alaska Rail Tours are available with the following classes of service: Denali Star & Coastal Classic Regular Service - Many people prefer the standard class for its single level stability, generous seating and the ability to easily walk between different cars on the train. Gold Star Dome Cars - Are the newest first-class rail cars in Alaska with large picture windows and fine dining options. Upper level dome car 360-degree viewing seating, priority check in, outdoor viewing deck. The lower level provides a restaurant, bar and gift shop. Midnight Sun Express Dome Cars - These 2-story dome cars with large multiple outside viewing platforms are operated by a private company. Enjoy the full-time 360-degree view dome seating with plenty of leg – and storage room. Additional features are: GPS assisted monitors, restaurant, bar and gift shop. 1950’s Vintage Cars - The 1950's-era vintage railcars built by the well known Budd Company were some of the last reminders of the Golden Age of rail. A private company began acquiring Budd dome cars for passenger service on the McKinley Explorer train in Alaska. The seven cars the: Matanuska 508, Chena 509, Chulitna 510, Tanana 512, Talkeetna 513, Kashwitna 553 and Eklutna 554 were purchased and completely refurbished. These railcars were to become the most historic and elegant way to travel through America's Last Frontier. Mc.Kinley Explorer Dome Cars – Are the largest domed cars ever build with plenty of legroom, wide isles and additional luggage storage space. The seats are on the upper level – with restaurant, gift shop and bar downstairs - providing a 360-degree view through the glass windows around and the glass dome above you. All seats are wired so you may listen to music and recorded narration. GPS assisted monitors in each car are tracking the exact location. The covered outside viewing platform is a great feature for a breath of fresh air.
 
All Alaska Rail Tours are including a pre-confirmed and assigned seat as well as on-board narration services. MAP – Modified American Plan (Breakfast & Dinner) is available upon request.
 

Rate Information

We provide a reduced tour rate for children and young adults up to 11 years. Please refer to each individual tour for more information. Children will be accommodated in parents room

Dining

The Midnight Sun Express, the McKinley Explorer and the Alaska Railroad Gold Star Dome Cars are offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner options (all custom made to order) at the on-board restaurants. You will have the opportunity to visit the dining room and order freshly prepared food from the menu. Since all of our dishes are prepared to order we will do our best to accommodate all dietary concerns. Please notify us of any special dietary requirements at the time of reservation.

Gratuities

Recommended gratuities to the on-board train staff and host guides are $3.00 to $5.00 per person and day. Gratuities for meal and bar service are entirely discretionary, but 15% is customary in most Alaskan restaurants. All tipping is a matter of your individual preference and is of course - always voluntary.

Accommodation Choice

For additional information and addresses on hotels, lodges and resorts included in your railroad tour package, please check the individual tour package websites

Luggage Handling

Passengers are limited to two pieces of checked baggage, not to exceed 50 pounds, that must be checked with the railroad operator without charge. Each passenger may also take one carry on, not to exceed 2 '' x 14'' x 17'' which will stored under your seat on the viewing level. Please pack any medications, cameras, binoculars or valuables in your carry-on

Traveling with Pets

Pets are not allowed onboard (except assistance dogs)

Smoking

Is not permitted on-board the trains. Smoking is allowed outside on the platforms. Ashtrays are available on the outside viewing platform.

Sightseeing Tours

Most of our tours are including scheduled sightseeing trips. For more information please refer to each individual tour package. In addition to these scheduled tours we also provide a variety of exciting optional sightseeing trips with a great value. Please Note: Optional sightseeing tours are only available in connection with a confirmed rail tour package reservation.

Travel Documents

You receive your boarding passes, travel documents and additional tour information on the departure day at the rail station. Ticketless travel options are available upon request.

Transfers

Most scheduled transfers indicated within the itinerary are included in our rail tour packages. Optional pre/post hotel tour accommodation are including transfers from/to the airport. Private limousine and/or group coach transfers are available for an additional charge.

Travelers with Disabilities

Each train has at least one rail car that this fully accessible to wheelchairs. A specially designed lift makes getting on and off the train easy and safe. There are also accessible restrooms on each of the accessible rail cars.

Rail Tour Travel Destinations

Anchorage to Talkeetna: Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Fairbanks begins here. Several miles into the trip, the heavy birch forests of Eagle River and Chugiak lead to the Knik and Matanuska Rivers.The expansive watershed harbors wildlife like moose, bear, the occasional wolf and abundant waterfowl. About 40 miles from Anchorage comes the Matanuska Valley, Alaska's agricultural center and home to the towns of Palmer and Wasilla. Just south of Talkeetna, 70 miles further, the first view emerges of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak. The train takes its first stop in Talkeetna, a small town with a mining history and now, a popular takeoff point for climbers to Mt. McKinley. Talkeetna to Denali: From 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. Black and brown bear frequent the sandbars and scuttle into the brush as the train approaches. Next, the Indian River Canyon is home to many beavers and beaver lodges can be seen in the ponds along the way. The track climbs toward tree line, first crossing Hurricane Gulch, the longest bridge on the railroad just over 914 feet and 296 feet above Hurricane Creek.  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. Denali to Fairbanks The coal-mining town of Healy follows after a 10-mile jaunt through Healy canyon, where the surging waters of the Nenana River cuts through the steep-sided cliffs. As the track levels out, Nenana comes into view. It is home to one of the remaining original Alaska Railroad Depots, now a museum and gift shop. The track cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska. Birch, aspen and willow fill this landscape where gold miners first came to seek their fortunes. Fifty-eight miles from Nenana, Fairbanks, the - Golden Heart City - signals the end of the line - but just the beginning for more adventure, culture and history in the Last Frontier.

Seward - Your journey starts in Seward, the southern terminus of the railroad. It quickly begins its climb through primeval forests of Sitka spruce. After crossing Snowy River, Kenai Lake comes into view, set off with its stunning aqua color and surrounded by soaring mountains. Moose Pass - Thirty miles into the trip, the track winds through Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp on the shores of Trail Lake. As the rail ascends into the Kenai Mountains, it leaves behind the forests and reveals mountain meadows and streams of gin-clear glacial waters. Trail Glacier appears on the right and soon after, the summit of Grandview at 1,063 feet and the historic Loop District - named for a complex series of
trestles built to handle the steep grade in the age of steam engines. In the same stretch, Bartlett Glacier crowds the track just 800 feet away. Placer River Valley - After passing through a series of short tunnels, the track descends to the Placer River Valley near Spencer Glacier. Moose, bear and wolves populate the valley among the willow and alder trees. Trumpeter swans migrate through in spring and fall and arctic terns hover above the ponds and river looking for small fish and insects. Twelve miles later Turnagain Arm appears, where 40-foot tides rush into the narrow confines of the Chugach Mountains. Beluga whales pursue salmon and other schooling fish. Next comes Girdwood, home to Alaska's premier ski
resort, a 40-mile commute from Anchorage. Chugach National Forest - The Chugach National Forest borders Turnagain Arm, some six million acres, the second largest in the U.S. Bald eagles cruise the thermals above and Dall Sheep come to feed on the low plants growing on the cliffs bordering the track. Next comes Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Anchorage is the final stop, 114 miles out of Seward

Module Variations

There are 10 stylistic module class suffixes, these add a unique style variation to the module: box1-6 and title1-4; and 25 structural suffixes, these affect the layout and metrics of the module.

Alaska Travel Service | Destination Blogs

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Southeast Alaska Ferry Trips

A new ferry service is in the works for Alaska's rainforest islands. Stretching out through the pristine waters of the Inside Passage, the rainforest islands offer access to glaciers, mountains, ancient forests and caves and is a destination known for fishing and bear viewing opportunities. The 70-passenger, 14-vehicle ferry features an observation deck, recliner lounge, coffee shop and food and beverage service.

 

Alaska Ferry Service Bellingham to Whittier

June 4 is the departure date from Bellingham, Washington State., for the first-ever Alaska Marine Highway ferry run directly to Southcentral Alaska that won't require a highway trip from Haines to Valdez and a change of vessels in Southeast Alaska. The MV Kennicott will stop en-route from Bellingham in Ketchikan, Juneau and Yakutat before crossing the Gulf of Alaska to Whittier bi-weekly reports the Turnagain Times Newspaper.

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More Gray Whales in Alaska

Recent scientific reports show that more gray whales were spotted this summer off the coast of Alaska than in any other year. The previous record for a full season from July through October was 18 calves, but in July 2012 alone, researchers counted more than 50 calves, according to the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. That's good news for travelers who may have whale watching on their Alaska must-see list.

The Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is entirely north of the Arctic Circle, in the center of the Brooks Range; at 8.2 million acres, it's the size of four Yellowstones. This is parkland on a scale suitable to the country. It includes the Endicott Mountains to the east and the Schwatka Mountains to the southwest, with the staggeringly sharp and dramatic Arrigetch Peaks in between. To the north lies a sampling of the Arctic Alaska foothills.

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RokSprocket

A powerful content-centric addon with multiple layouts, such as Tabs or Lists.A powerful content-centric extension with Mosaic, Lists, Headlines, Tabs and Features layout modes.RokSprocket has a combined and intuitive administrative inferface for all layout types, for quick and easy setup.

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RokSprocket

A powerful content-centric addon with multiple layouts, such as Tabs or Lists.A powerful content-centric extension with Mosaic, Lists, Headlines, Tabs and Features layout modes.RokSprocket has a combined and intuitive administrative inferface for all layout types, for quick and easy setup.

Read More