Anchorage

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is a thriving metropolis amid a somewhat unlikely setting among the Chugach Mountains and the vast wilderness beyond. The city does, however boast many restaurants, art galleries and shopping opportunities as well as a growing arts and music scene. The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Centre showcase an impressive display depicting 10,000 years of Alaskan history and culture.

As you may expect in Alaska, away from the bustling city centre, the opportunities to view wildlife are plentiful. Make sure to visit the resident 1,000-strong moose population as well as Alaska Conservation Centre and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. You can also go fishing for world-famous Alaskan salmon at Ship Creek or go “skijording” (skiing whilst being towed by a dog!). Whilst here, don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery of Chugach State Park from Flattop Mountain, pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine or take a day trip to Prince William Sound, a 3,125 square mile area of protected waterways, islands, fjords and glaciers. From here, you may be lucky enough to spot whales, sea otters or bears.

Seward

127 miles

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward is a scenic and historic town with a lively harbour and unparalleled natural beauty. Take a wildlife and sightseeing cruise over to the Kenai Fjords National Park and witness calving glaciers and an abundance of  wildlife, including wolves, black and brown bears, sea lions, otters and whales. As many as 191 species of birds have also been seen here. Snow and ice cover 60% of the park, and lining the edge is the vast Harding Icefield. From the massive icefield, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving valleys that fill with seawater to form stunning fjords and icebergs the size of small houses. Also make sure to visit Exit Glacier, a road-accessible glacier that offers an impressive up-close view as well as many hiking trails. In Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can also go kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and dog-sledding; also worth a visit is the Alaska SeaLife Centre.

Girdwood

95 miles

Girdwood is home to Alaska’s only resort, Alyeska. Ride the tram at the Resort to the top of Mount Alyeska. The fine dining restaurant and museum here overlook dramatic views of the Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers. In the winter, ski down or take an easy stroll to the bottom or take the tram.

The most impressive hike in the area is known as the Crow Pass Trail, a stunning alpine hike that features gold mining relics, a glacier and alpine lake; you can usually see Dall sheep grazing on the slopes above. You can also go mountain-biking, rock-climbing, para-gliding and dog-sledding, even in the summer. Girdwood also hosts the annual Girdwood Forest Fair, a popular summer festival held the first weekend of July, which features crafts and artwork by the abundance of artists who live in the area as well as food, games and home-grown music.

Talkeetna

155 miles

Located in the Matanuska (Mat-Su) Valley, Talkeetna is a town not to miss. The town rests in the shadow of the mighty Mount Denali and was once a gold-mining centre. It has proudly held onto much of its authentic Alaskan ‘flavour’ from that time; Main Street, at the centre of town is the only paved street here!

Whilst in Talkeetna, keen hikers may want to take on the challenge of climbing the imposing Mount Denali. The history of Denali and the first brave enough to scale the peak are well preserved in the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum. You can also take the opportunity to take a “flight-seeing” tour from the local airstrip; these scenic flights of the mountain and the Alaska Range are awe-inspiring; many also offer glacier landings. Whilst Denali is the areas’ biggest attraction, there are many other activities to tempt visitors, including boat tours up Talkeetna and Devils Canyon, fishing opportunities and horseback excursions along trails with fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Denali National Park

153 miles

This morning, make the drive to Denali National Park, comprising an area larger the entire state of Massachusetts, for what is sure to be a highlight of the trip. “Denali” is the Athabascan name for Mount McKinley, meaning “the high one”. There are so many opportunities for fun here, including hiking, rock- and ice-climbing, photography, wildlife viewing, nature walks, horseback treks and river excursions. During the winter, visitors can often also see the Northern Lights.

Take a guided tour into the park’s wilderness, on the 91-mile scenic road through the park you’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful views surrounding Wonder Lake, Savage River, Polychrome Pass, the Outer Range, Sanctuary River and Muldrow Glacier. You could also choose to walk or bike or take a bus through the park but the park is closed to private vehicles. Whilst travelling, look out for some of the 37 species of mammals found in the park, including lynx and showshoe hares. If you see wolves, grizzly and brown bears, caribou and moose during your trip, you’ll have scored a “Denali Slam” of the top five animals to see in the park. Up to 130 different bird species can also be found here throughout the year including bald eagles, great-horned owls and ptarmigan. Make sure visit the Eielson Visitor Centre to learn about the cultural and natural resources of the area; with viewing areas, exhibits and interpretive displays, a stop here would greatly enhance your visit.

Fairbanks

125 miles

Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city and is known for its extremes of light, warmth, dark and cold. Temperatures as low as -52°c have been recorded here in the winter months. In the summer, temperatures as high as 27°c are possible. Fairbanks also enjoys up to 22 hours of sunlight per day in the summer. The city offers much for visitors to see and do throughout the year, from watching spectacular Northern Lights to going rafting down the meandering Chena River. Make sure to visit Pioneer Park, celebrating the area’s gold-mining history and the University of Alaska Museum of the North, widely regarded as one of the best museums in the state.

As it is further north, Fairbanks also acts as a gateway to the Interior of Alaska and the Arctic. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is accessible by small plane and any trip along the famous Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay – also known as the “Haul Road” – begins here. This road is one of the most challenging roads in Alaska but if you choose to brave it, you will be rewarded with several exciting sites along the way, including crossing the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle. The Chena River State Recreation Area is a great place to hike, eight miles from the park, hikers will find Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can rest tired feet!

McCarthy/Kennicott

314 miles

Kennicott and McCarthy are located deep within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and are a 30 minute flight from Chitina, which has a small airport ready to ferry you to experience a true taste of Alaska’s historic mining era. After copper was discovered here in 1900, the Kennecott Copper Corporation was formed and headquartered here. If Kennicott was the town where employees worked, McCarthy was sent up as the town where they could play. Today, Kennicott is a ghost town frozen in time; when the Corporation abruptly left the town in 1938, they left behind their equipment, buildings and personal belongings. See what it is like to live and work in this remote wilderness as you tour the town-site.

Ice climbing is also possible here, the Root Glacier within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers the perfect venue for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in this exhilarating sport. There are several hiking trails which lead from the mine ruins, including the Root Glacier Trail and the Old Mine Trail, a challenging four-mile hike straight up the side up the side of mountain.

Palmer

232 miles

The town of Palmer, fourteen miles east of Wasilla, is known as Alaska’s ‘bread-basket’ and produces up to 75% of the state’s total agricultural output. The area has the striking appearance of a Midwestern farming community juxtaposed with alpine paradise. The downtown area of Palmer is very much still in keeping with its 1930s origins; the Colony House Museum is an original farmhouse from the time and is still decorated as it was. To the south of Palmer is the Knik Glacier, which is best experienced on a day trip on an airboat up the Knik River. Many visitors also like to cruise Palmer's back roads past original colony farms. Begin by heading nine miles northeast on the Glenn Highway and then hop on Farm Loop Road and, if it’s mid- to late summer, keep an eye out for roadside vegetable stands.

Anchorage

50 miles

Today, make your way back to Anchorage for your onward flight home. Once you arrive, take the opportunity to visit some of the attractions and sights that you may have missed earlier in your trip. Visit the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Centre or go hiking or biking along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Spend your last two nights in Anchorage soaking up the views and atmosphere offered by Alaska's largest city. We're sure you will be back!

Anchorage

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is a thriving metropolis amid a somewhat unlikely setting among the Chugach Mountains and the vast wilderness beyond. The city does, however boast many restaurants, art galleries and shopping opportunities as well as a growing arts and music scene. The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Centre showcase an impressive display depicting 10,000 years of Alaskan history and culture.

As you may expect in Alaska, away from the bustling city centre, the opportunities to view wildlife are plentiful. Make sure to visit the resident 1,000-strong moose population as well as Alaska Conservation Centre and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. You can also go fishing for world-famous Alaskan salmon at Ship Creek or go “skijording” (skiing whilst being towed by a dog!). Whilst here, don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery of Chugach State Park from Flattop Mountain, pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine or take a day trip to Prince William Sound, a 3,125 square mile area of protected waterways, islands, fjords and glaciers. From here, you may be lucky enough to spot whales, sea otters or bears.

Denali National Park

"273 miles"

This morning, make the drive to Denali National Park, comprising an area larger the entire state of Massachusetts, for what is sure to be a highlight of the trip. “Denali” is the Athabascan name for Mount McKinley, meaning “the high one”. There are so many opportunities for fun here, including hiking, rock- and ice-climbing, photography, wildlife viewing, nature walks, horseback treks and river excursions. During the winter, visitors can often also see the Northern Lights.

Take a guided tour into the park’s wilderness, on the 91-mile scenic road through the park you’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful views surrounding Wonder Lake, Savage River, Polychrome Pass, the Outer Range, Sanctuary River and Muldrow Glacier. You could also choose to walk or bike or take a bus through the park but the park is closed to private vehicles. Whilst travelling, look out for some of the 37 species of mammals found in the park, including lynx and showshoe hares. If you see wolves, grizzly and brown bears, caribou and moose during your trip, you’ll have scored a “Denali Slam” of the top five animals to see in the park. Up to 130 different bird species can also be found here throughout the year including bald eagles, great-horned owls and ptarmigan. Make sure visit the Eielson Visitor Centre to learn about the cultural and natural resources of the area; with viewing areas, exhibits and interpretive displays, a stop here would greatly enhance your visit.

Fairbanks

"125 miles"

Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city and is known for its extremes of light, warmth, dark and cold. Temperatures as low as -52°c have been recorded here in the winter months. In the summer, temperatures as high as 27°c are possible. Fairbanks also enjoys up to 22 hours of sunlight per day in the summer. The city offers much for visitors to see and do throughout the year, from watching spectacular Northern Lights to going rafting down the meandering Chena River. Make sure to visit Pioneer Park, celebrating the area’s gold-mining history and the University of Alaska Museum of the North, widely regarded as one of the best museums in the state.

As it is further north, Fairbanks also acts as a gateway to the Interior of Alaska and the Arctic. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is accessible by small plane and any trip along the famous Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay – also known as the “Haul Road” – begins here. This road is one of the most challenging roads in Alaska but if you choose to brave it, you will be rewarded with several exciting sites along the way, including crossing the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle. The Chena River State Recreation Area is a great place to hike, eight miles from the park, hikers will find Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can rest tired feet!

Tok

"206 miles"

The community of Tok is just 93 miles from the Canadian border and is known as the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska”. Sled dog puppies provide education and interaction during summer and sprint races steal the show between late November and March. The Race of Champions happens every March and compromises the largest collection of dogs in any sprint race in Alaska.

As with much of Alaska, Tok is an outdoorsman’s paradise. The world-famous Forty Mile Country, which inspired the author Jack London, who wrote “Call of the Wild” can be found to the north and the Mentasta and Wrangell Mountains lie to the south.

Dawson City

 "185 miles"

Today, cross the border into the Canadian province of Yukon and into the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush; Dawson City. In August 1896, three men found gold and triggered a stampede of thousands hoping to find their fortune in the wild North. An official National Historic Site, Dawson City still evokes the heartbeat of the greatest gold rush in history, with its boardwalks and vintage false-front buildings. On arrival, take one of three Parks Canada walking tours of the city and learn what life was like in Dawson City when it was first formed on the Gold Rush in the 1900s. The “Strange Things Done” tour delves into the quirky stories and myths associated with the town. Take a paddle-wheeler ride on the Yukon River or visit the Dawson City Museum, which explores the social and mining history of the area.

The city is also known for its nightlife; can-can dancers, bars and vibrant festivals light up the streets. No visit to Dawson would be complete without an evening at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall, Canada’s first casino.

Whitehorse

 "333 miles"

Whitehorse is a contemporary place with a vibrant arts community and world-class attractions; a big city with an endearing small-town personality. The S.S. Klondike, the largest sternwheeler to travel the Yukon River, is one of the main attractions in Whitehorse. The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre chronicles an area that escaped glaciation during the Ice Age and subsequently became a refuge for plants, large animals like the woolly mammoth and steppe bison as well as the first North American people. Today, you can explore exhibits showcasing this unique area, including a full-size mammoth cast.

The MacBride Museum of Yukon History offers the most comprehensive overview of the territory’s history. Take a trip on the waterfront trolley tour along the original White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a delightful way to get your bearings within the city or visit the Old Log Church Museum, one of the oldest buildings in the city, which tells the story of early missionaries, whalers and explorers. The Whitehorse Fish Ladder is the largest in the world; witness the seasonal migration of the Yukon River Chinook salmon from the underwater viewing windows.

Skagway

 "109 miles"

Skagway is a coastal town which often appears as a stop on the famous Inside Passage cruises. Like many of the towns in Alaska in the Yukon, Skagway and the nearby ghost town of Dyea were formed off the back of 1897 gold rush. Today, with so many cruise ships docking here, downtown Skagway can often resemble the bustling environment that it must have been in its heyday.

During the summer, National Park Service rangers lead 45-minute walking tours of the area, stopping at historic buildings like the Mascot Saloon Museum, the first cabin built in Skagway and one of the town’s earliest brothels. For the adventurous, Skagway has an excellent trail system that begins just blocks from the downtown area and allows hikers to trek to alpine lakes, waterfalls, even the graves of Skagway’s most notorious resident, Jefferson ‘Soapy’ Smith, a con man who became known after he tricked people into believing that some of the bars of soap he was selling concealed $100 bills.

The historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad provides tours to the top of the mountain pass north of town. Seated in parlour cars, view scenery such as Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. At the top, see the White Pass at 2,885 feet, which is also the international boundary between the United States and Canada.

Haines Junction

 "209 miles"

Known to locals simply as "the Junction", Haines Junction sits is surrounded by dramatic scenery and nestled at the edge of Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada which, together with the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park in British Columbia, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska form the largest internationally protected area on earth and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Haines Junction is the ideal base for taking advantage of the beautiful scenery and surrounding wilderness here. Activities you and your family can enjoy here include river rafting, canoeing, hiking and glacier flightseeing. Kluane is a wonderful place to explore by road and for day trip adventures including guided nature walks, paddling, horseback riding or enjoy fishing on Kathleen and Pine Lakes.

Tok

 "297 miles"

Today, make your way back to the Alaska and the gateway town that is Tok. Whilst here, make sure to make the most of the abounding number of outdoor activities that are possible in this wilderness, including bird-watching, hiking, fishing and float trips. Attractions within the town include gold panning, museums, restaurants, shops, horseback riding and even a little golf.

Wasilla/Palmer

 "298 miles"

The town of Wasilla is best known as the headquarters of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and most recently gained attention following Sarah Palin’s involvement in the 2008 Presidential Election. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters, outside of Wasilla, is a log cabin museum featuring video exhibits displays and race paraphernalia. The Knik Museum & Sled Dog Musher's Hall of Fame is also worth a visit. Many Iditarod racers offer tours of their kennels and mushing demonstrations during the summer. Wasilla also serves as a gateway to the alpine adventure and beauty of Hatcher Pass. At 3,886 feet in elevation, the pass is above the tree line and a popular destination for its views of the stunning Talkeetna Mountains and Independence Mine State Historical Park.

The town of Palmer, fourteen miles east of Wasilla, is known as Alaska’s ‘bread-basket’ and produces up to 75% of the state’s total agricultural output. The area has the striking appearance of a Midwestern farming community juxtaposed with alpine paradise. The downtown area of Palmer is very much still in keeping with its 1930s origins; the Colony House Museum is an original farmhouse from the time and is still decorated as it was. To the south of Palmer is the Knik Glacier, which is best experienced on a day trip on an airboat up the Knik River. Many visitors also like to cruise Palmer's back roads past original colony farms. Begin by heading nine miles northeast on the Glenn Highway and then hop on Farm Loop Road and, if it’s mid- to late summer, keep an eye out for roadside vegetable stands.

Seward

 "167 miles"

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward is a scenic and historic town with a lively harbour and unparalleled natural beauty. Take a wildlife and sightseeing cruise over to the Kenai Fjords National Park and witness calving glaciers and an abundance of  wildlife, including wolves, black and brown bears, sea lions, otters and whales. As many as 191 species of birds have also been seen here. Snow and ice cover 60% of the park, and lining the edge is the vast Harding Icefield. From the massive icefield, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving valleys that fill with seawater to form stunning fjords and icebergs the size of small houses. Also make sure to visit Exit Glacier, a road-accessible glacier that offers an impressive up-close view as well as many hiking trails. In Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can also go kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and dog-sledding; also worth a visit is the Alaska SeaLife Centre.

Anchorage & Home

"127 miles"

Today, make your way back towards Anchorage for your flight home tomorrow. A great way to travel this last leg of your journey is by train, allowing you to make the most of the stunning Alaskan scenery you pass, if this is your chosen mode of transport then an extra night stay in Anchorage will be needed as the train arrives too late to catch the flight home on the same day. The Coastal Classic is a local favourite and links Anchorage in the north to Seward further south. The train departs Seward at 18:00 and arrives in Anchorage at 22:15 that evening. The train runs from mid-May to mid-September meaning visitors will benefit from the long hours of sunlight and will be able to fully appreciate the scenery.

Why not treat yourself and upgrade to GoldStar Service, which features a glass-roof, upper-level open air platform; the first of its kind on any rail service in the world. You can enjoy upper level dome car seating and a private outdoor viewing deck. The entire roof of the rail car is curved glass to nearly waist height, giving you unparalleled views of the landscape as you pass. All GoldStar rail cars are also accompanied by a knowledgeable Alaskan tour guide for the duration of your trip. GoldStar Service also includes both lunch and dinner to all passengers.

Anchorage

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is a thriving metropolis amid a somewhat unlikely setting among the Chugach Mountains and the vast wilderness beyond. The city does, however boast many restaurants, art galleries and shopping opportunities as well as a growing arts and music scene. The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Centre showcase an impressive display depicting 10,000 years of Alaskan history and culture.

As you may expect in Alaska, away from the bustling city centre, the opportunities to view wildlife are plentiful. Make sure to visit the resident 1,000-strong moose population as well as Alaska Conservation Centre and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. You can also go fishing for world-famous Alaskan salmon at Ship Creek or go “skijording” (skiing whilst being towed by a dog!). Whilst here, don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery of Chugach State Park from Flattop Mountain, pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine or take a day trip to Prince William Sound, a 3,125 square mile area of protected waterways, islands, fjords and glaciers. From here, you may be lucky enough to spot whales, sea otters or bears.

Homer

233 miles

Homer remains a hidden treasure until the very last moment, when the road into the town curves along the bluffs overlooking Kachemak Bay; a truly incredible panorama of mountains topped with white peaks, glaciers and the famous Homer Split that stretches into the Bay beyond. Homer’s position means it is protected to the north and east by the Kenai Mountains and is rewarded with an exceptionally mild climate and is a great place to spend some time on your Alaskan adventure.

Homer is often regarded as the cultural capital of Southcentral Alaska. It has a wide range of restaurants and many art galleries and museums as well as a live theatre and music venues. You may also opt to take a water taxi across the bay to Kachemak Bay State Park, a 350,000-acre paradise of glaciers, mountains and protected coves for paddling or kayaking. The Homer Spit is a hive of activity during summer; take a boat trip to catch record-breaking halibut, go fishing for salmon from the Fishing Hole or watch for bald eagles from the beach.

Seward

180 miles

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward is a scenic and historic town with a lively harbour and unparalleled natural beauty. Take a wildlife and sightseeing cruise over to the Kenai Fjords National Park and witness calving glaciers and an abundance of  wildlife, including wolves, black and brown bears, sea lions, otters and whales. As many as 191 species of birds have also been seen here. Snow and ice cover 60% of the park, and lining the edge is the vast Harding Icefield. From the massive icefield, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving valleys that fill with seawater to form stunning fjords and icebergs the size of small houses. Also make sure to visit Exit Glacier, a road-accessible glacier that offers an impressive up-close view as well as many hiking trails. In Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can also go kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and dog-sledding; also worth a visit is the Alaska SeaLife Centre.

Wasilla/Palmer

170 miles

The town of Wasilla is best known as the headquarters of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and most recently gained attention following Sarah Palin’s involvement in the 2008 Presidential Election. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters, outside of Wasilla, is a log cabin museum featuring video exhibits displays and race paraphernalia. The Knik Museum & Sled Dog Musher's Hall of Fame is also worth a visit. Many Iditarod racers offer tours of their kennels and mushing demonstrations during the summer. Wasilla also serves as a gateway to the alpine adventure and beauty of Hatcher Pass. At 3,886 feet in elevation, the pass is above the tree line and a popular destination for its views of the stunning Talkeetna Mountains and Independence Mine State Historical Park.

The town of Palmer, fourteen miles east of Wasilla, is known as Alaska’s ‘bread-basket’ and produces up to 75% of the state’s total agricultural output. The area has the striking appearance of a Midwestern farming community juxtaposed with alpine paradise. The downtown area of Palmer is very much still in keeping with its 1930s origins; the Colony House Museum is an original farmhouse from the time and is still decorated as it was. To the south of Palmer is the Knik Glacier, which is best experienced on a day trip on an airboat up the Knik River. Many visitors also like to cruise Palmer's back roads past original colony farms. Begin by heading nine miles northeast on the Glenn Highway and then hop on Farm Loop Road and, if it’s mid- to late summer, keep an eye out for roadside vegetable stands.

Valdez

270 miles

The town of Valdez is located in the heart of Prince William Sound and is surrounded by the world’s tallest coastal mountains; an outdoor lovers’ paradise. The areas is filled with glaciers, stunning mountain scenery, many opportunities to view marine wildlife as well as outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking among the icebergs and seals.

Take the Mineral Creek Trail up into the mountains to see mining ruins from days gone by or the Shoup Bay Trail follows Port Valdez round to views of glaciers. You could also take a day-cruise 25 miles west to Columbia Glacier, the second-largest tidewater glacier in North America, with a face as high as a football field. Daredevils can also go white-water rafting on the Lowe River through the impressive Keystone Canyon in the summer and heli-skiing or ice climbing in winter.

Fairbanks

366 miles

Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city and is known for its extremes of light, warmth, dark and cold. Temperatures as low as -52°c have been recorded here in the winter months. In the summer, temperatures as high as 27°c are possible. Fairbanks also enjoys up to 22 hours of sunlight per day in the summer. The city offers much for visitors to see and do throughout the year, from watching spectacular Northern Lights to going rafting down the meandering Chena River. Make sure to visit Pioneer Park, celebrating the area’s gold-mining history and the University of Alaska Museum of the North, widely regarded as one of the best museums in the state.

As it is further north, Fairbanks also acts as a gateway to the Interior of Alaska and the Arctic. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is accessible by small plane and any trip along the famous Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay – also known as the “Haul Road” – begins here. This road is one of the most challenging roads in Alaska but if you choose to brave it, you will be rewarded with several exciting sites along the way, including crossing the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle. The Chena River State Recreation Area is a great place to hike, eight miles from the park, hikers will find Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can rest tired feet!

Denali National Park

125 miles

Today, make the drive to Denali National Park, comprising an area larger the entire state of Massachusetts, for what is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Another option could be to travel onwards from Fairbanks aboard the ‘Denali Star’ train.

“Denali” is the Athabascan name for Mount McKinley, meaning “the high one”. There are so many opportunities for fun here, including hiking, rock- and ice-climbing, photography, wildlife viewing, nature walks, horseback treks and river excursions. During the winter, visitors can often also see the Northern Lights.

Take a guided tour into the park’s wilderness, on the 91-mile scenic road through the park you’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful views surrounding Wonder Lake, Savage River, Polychrome Pass, the Outer Range, Sanctuary River and Muldrow Glacier. You could also choose to walk or bike or take a bus through the park but the park is closed to private vehicles. Whilst travelling, look out for some of the 37 species of mammals found in the park, including lynx and showshoe hares. If you see wolves, grizzly and brown bears, caribou and moose during your trip, you’ll have scored a “Denali Slam” of the top five animals to see in the park. Up to 130 different bird species can also be found here throughout the year including bald eagles, great-horned owls and ptarmigan. Make sure visit the Eielson Visitor Centre to learn about the cultural and natural resources of the area; with viewing areas, exhibits and interpretive displays, a stop here would greatly enhance your visit.

Anchorage

237 miles

Today, make your way back towards Anchorage for your onward flight tomorrow. If you opted to travel to Denali by train, you will have the luxury of travelling the final leg of your trip relaxing on-board. Travelling by train allows you to make the most of the stunning Alaskan scenery you pass. The Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, links Anchorage in the south to Denali National Park and Fairbanks further north. The train departs Denali at 12:30 and arrives in Anchorage at 20:00 that evening, making stops in Hurricane, Talkeetna and Wasilla along the way.

Why not treat yourself and upgrade to GoldStar Service, which features a glass-roof, upper-level open air platform; the first of its kind on any rail service in the world. You can enjoy upper level dome car seating and a private outdoor viewing deck. The entire roof of the rail car is curved glass to nearly waist height, giving you unparalleled views of the landscape as you pass. All GoldStar rail cars are also accompanied by a knowledgeable Alaskan tour guide for the duration of your trip. GoldStar Service also includes both lunch and dinner to all passengers.