Alaska in Winter: Northern Lights & Dog Sledding Adventure
Alaska in Winter: Northern Lights & Dog Sledding Adventure
8 Days Starting in Anchorage, USA and ending in Fairbanks, USA
Visiting: Anchorage, Matanuska Glacier, Talkeetna, Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs, North Pole
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26345
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Alaska's winter wonderland with the "Alaska in Winter: Northern Lights & Dog Sledding Adventure." This tour offers a unique blend of thrilling activities and serene landscapes, starting in Anchorage and culminating in Fairbanks. Experience the icy beauty of the Matanuska Glacier, learn the art of mushing with Iditarod champions, and soak in the rejuvenating Chena Hot Springs. Marvel at the Northern Lights as you traverse the Alaskan wilderness, and enjoy a scenic train ride through the frozen tundra. Visit a reindeer farm, explore the charming town of North Pole, and immerse yourself in Alaska's rich Indigenous history. With comfortable accommodations and private transport, this adventure promises a cozy retreat amidst the breathtaking Alaskan landscape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and afterwards choose to have an optional dinner together as a group.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning visit the tranquil beauty of the Eagle River Nature Centre for a hike along one of the many trails located in the mountainous landscape of Chugach State Park. Return to Anchorage for lunch on your own, before a private afternoon visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre for a more in-depth look into Alaska’s Indigenous history. Following the tour, the group will spend free time at the museum before a winter evening to explore Anchorage and have dinner on your own.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy the alluring beauty of winter in Alaska's wild landscape with time to hike along trails that are part of the Eagle River Nature Centre within Chugach State Park. The centre is operated by a small, grass roots non-profit organization, and works to ensure continued access to Alaska's important ecosystems. Using crampons the group will walk along a mix of trails ranging from 2-3 miles long to shorter loops.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Hear the stories of Alaska's Indigenous People as you explore the history and cultural heritage of the The Last Frontier. Your visit will take you on a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history. The exhibit has art, dance, demonstrations of Native Games, traditional Native dwellings, films, and more.
FREE TIME: EVENING Take advantage of this free evening to explore Anchorage on your own. Winter definitely offers an entirely new experience in the city.
Day 3: Anchorage/Talkeetna
Location: Matanuska Glacier, Talkeetna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the group will head further north to the mighty Matanuska Glacier for an unforgettable walk on the icy blue surface with a local guide. Then, continue onwards to Talkeetna where there will be free time in this outdoorsy, mountaineering town. The days might be short, but tonight there could be an opportunity to see The Northern Lights, and a great view of Mt. Denali.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska's most accessible and a popular destination for visitors due to its proximity to Anchorage. With an experienced local guide, the group will set foot on the ethereal blue ice of this massive glacier and experience its uniqueness during the winter season amid Alaska's dramatic scenery.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: EVENING Upon arrival to the mountaineering town of Talkeetna the group will have free time to walk around the town, grab dinner on your own, and look up into the sky for a possible view of The Northern Lights with Denali as a backdrop.
Day 4: Talkeetna
Location: Talkeetna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the morning with a walk around Talkeetna Lakes and soak in the snowy scenery. Then, get ready for an epic Alaskan winter activity this morning with an incredible dog sledding experience where you’ll learn to mush with the most successful Iditarod dogs of all time. The Alaskan Iditarod race is an annual 1,000-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. It’s known for testing the unique bond between mushers and their canines. See the pups for yourself and feel the adrenaline rush of sledding. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area like a flight sightseeing tour, nordic ski rentals, or a fat bike activity.
ACTIVITY: Witness the power behind the Alaskan husky as you drive a team of sled dogs on a 45-minute mush over the snow and through a nearby birch forest on the property of an expert Iditarod racer. Learn more about how mushers and their dogs survive together along the 1,000-mile race through the arctic tundra. Get to know these remarkable animals and head over to play with the adorable puppies in training, and learn about their journey towards becoming great champions.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Have lunch your own in Talkeetna and then spend the afternoon trying out one of the many optional activities in the area. Choices include flight sightseeing tours, Nordic ski tours, and fat bike tours. After dark, choose to attend an optional night walk to try and see the Northern Lights.
Day 5: Talkeetna/Fairbanks
Location: Talkeetna, Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is every traveller’s winter Alaska dream! Start with a visit to a reindeer farm located just outside of Talkeetna where you’ll learn some interesting facts about these beautiful beasts and have the opportunity to feed them amid the forest. Then, board the Aurora Winter Train through the gorgeous snowy landscape of Alaska’s tundra en route to Fairbanks. Along the hundreds of miles of track, the group will pass by the state’s most spectacular landscapes, chugging through spruce forests white with frost and along wide rivers completely frozen beneath layers of ice. Meals can be purchased on board. Arrive to Fairbanks later in the evening and transfer to the hotel.
ACTIVITY: Visit a family-owned and operated reindeer homestead in the last frontier and walk away with more fun facts in your pocket. Receive a brief introduction to the property as well as the animals themselves, and then have a chance to feed and pet them. If the reindeer aren't feeling cranky they'll even pose for some photos with you.
ACTIVITY: This 8-hour train ride is the perfect way to experience the stunning winter scenery of Alaska between Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Sit back and relax on board as you slow down to appreciate the ice covered trees and frozen rivers. Opt to have lunch and dinner in the train car with different meal options available, and if the weather allows, watch a beautiful sunset amid the whitewashed tundra. If luck allows you may even see some colors in the inky black sky.
Day 6: Fairbanks/Chena Hot Springs
Location: Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Fairbanks behind today and travel to the Chena Hot Springs, located on a property in the Chena River State Recreation Area surrounded by forest. The resort offers plenty of winter oriented activities to choose from and of course some steamy hot springs to soak in while surrounded by snow. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to experience the many amenities and outdoor activities on offer. This evening after dinner on your own, the group will reconvene and depart on an included Aurora Viewing tour to try and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, if the weather allows.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy the included amenities and numerous options for outdoor activities that Chena Hot Springs resort provides its guests. With a half-day of free time, there's plenty of opportunities to try new winter experiences like, the Aurora Ice Museum, a Chena Kennel tour, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. Or you could spend the afternoon soaking in the area's hot spring surrounded by the snowy landscape.
ACTIVITY: The Chena Hots Springs area is known for being one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights due to its precise location under one of the most active bands of the Aurora Borealis and away from the light pollution of major cities. Plus, Alaska's very cold weather tends to offer clearer skies.
During the viewing experience the group will head up into the mountains after dark to a location called Charlie Dome. Spend some time here in the heated huts to warm up and have some beverages and snacks. Then look up and enjoy a 360 degree, unobstructed view of the Northern Lights. There's nothing quite like sipping a cup of hot chocolate while you wait for the magic to happen. The group spends around four hours in this location to ensure maximum amount of viewing time. Please be aware that the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Day 7: Chena Hot Springs/Fairbanks
Location: Chena Hot Springs, North Pole, Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the resort to perhaps go for a walk on the property, or soak in the steaming waters one last time. Then, travel to North Pole, Alaska where this small city has fully embraced its year-round commitment to all things Christmas and Santa Claus. Explore the town and have lunch at your leisure before travelling back to Fairbanks. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on your own, or perhaps choose to visit the Museum of the North, and the Morris Thompson Cultural Centre. This evening, there will be an optional group farewell dinner at a local spot.
FREE TIME: MORNING Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Chena Hot Springs.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Chena Hot Springs and Fairbanks. There will be a stop along the way to North Pole, Alaska.
ACTIVITY: Head to the town where it's Christmas all year around—the North Pole! Spend free time here in the charm of Santa's Workshop, visit the Santa Claus House, and check out the walls covered with letters from children all over the world. Stroll through this magical winter wonderland and gift your inner child with the magnificence of the Christmas spirit.
FREE TIME: Upon arrival to Fairbanks there will be free time to explore the city on your own.
Day 8: Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group at the start of the tour.
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Eagle River Nature Center Trail Walking
Enjoy a guided walk along the trails of the Eagle River Nature Center.
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Alaska Native Heritage Center Visit
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska's Indigenous history.
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Matanuska Glacier Guided Tour
Experience a guided tour on the icy blue surface of the Matanuska Glacier.
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Iditarod Dog Sledding Excursion
Participate in a dog sledding excursion with champions of Alaska's famous Iditarod.
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Aurora Winter Train Ride
Ride on the Aurora Winter Train between Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
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Reindeer Farm Visit
Visit a reindeer farm and learn about these beautiful animals.
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Northern Lights Viewing Tour
Set out on a Northern Lights tracking mission in the Alaskan wilderness.
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Chena Hot Springs
Soak in the warm soothing waters of Chena Hot Springs.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Some meals are not included in the tour price, allowing you to explore local cuisine.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included and can be booked separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and tips are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private vehicles and a scenic train ride. Enjoy the convenience of a private vehicle for most of the journey, and experience the breathtaking Alaskan landscape aboard the Aurora Winter Train from Talkeetna to Fairbanks.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 7 nights, offering double occupancy rooms with private bathrooms. Experience the charm of Alaskan hospitality in well-located 3-star hotels and a hot spring resort, providing a cozy retreat after adventurous days.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts
Group Size
Max 13, avg. 10
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
If you choose to participate in optional activities, you can make reservations with your CEO in country.
2.TRAVEL DAYS
In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different places along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.
3. WALKS AND HIKES - OPTIONAL
All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape.
4. LEGAL DRINKING AGE
Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and in Canada, 19 (with Alberta and Quebec at 18). Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas or New Orleans is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws in both countries are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.
While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.
5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Meals
Some meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available and we believe you should have the opportunity to explore a bit and taste the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from.
About Accommodation
This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels/lodges and a hot spring resort, all well located. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
Please note hotels in Alaska may be a bit more rustic or dated than hotels at the same accommodation level in the rest the states.
What to Take
It is important to pack clothes for winter in Alaska as the weather will certainly be cold.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel in private vehicles for most of the journey and a scenic train ride aboard the Aurora Winter Train from Talkeetna to Fairbanks.
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What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?
The tour provides accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels and a hot spring resort, offering double occupancy rooms with private bathrooms.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a guided walk at Eagle River Nature Center, a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a guided tour on the Matanuska Glacier, a dog sledding excursion with Iditarod champions, a ride on the Aurora Winter Train, a visit to a reindeer farm, a Northern Lights viewing tour, and soaking in the Chena Hot Springs.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts. Some meals are not included, allowing you to explore local cuisine.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 13, with an average of 10 participants.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
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What should I pack for the tour?
It is important to pack clothes suitable for winter in Alaska as the weather will be cold. A backpack or medium-sized suitcase is recommended, along with a good-sized day-pack for personal gear during the day.
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Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?
There is no single supplement for solo travelers. They will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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