Alaska's Northern Lights with Iditarod (AAE)

8 Day Tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage

2027 Tour Details

Experience the magic of an Alaskan winter on a journey that combines breathtaking wilderness, iconic rail travel, and the unforgettable spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. With fewer visitors and greater opportunities to see snow-covered landscapes, winter reveals a quieter, more intimate side of Alaska.

Explore Denali National Park in its winter splendor, where crisp air and clear conditions often provide spectacular views of North America’s highest peak. Travel aboard the historic Alaska Railroad through dramatic mountain scenery, visit the kennels of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser for an inside look at the world of sled dog racing, and enjoy a stay at the renowned Alyeska resort in Girdwood, surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Chugach Mountains.

As darkness falls, venture into the Alaskan wilderness in search of the Aurora Borealis. Far from city lights, watch as ribbons of green, purple, and gold dance across the night sky, creating one of nature’s most extraordinary displays.

Feel the excitement of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, known as "Alaska's Last Great Race." Witness the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage before continuing to Willow for the Official Start, where mushers and their dog teams begin their epic 1,000-mile journey across Alaska's rugged winter wilderness.

With expert guidance and carefully selected experiences, discover Alaska's winter landscapes, traditions, and natural wonders in a way that's both seamless and unforgettable.

Special features included in this tour:
• Venture into the Fairbanks wilderness with a Local Guide on two evenings to search for the spectacular [LF] Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights (weather permitting)
• Explore Fairbanks on a guided sightseeing tour featuring the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the engineering marvel of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
• Discover Denali National Park and visit the Murie Science and Learning Center, gateway to Alaska’s 6-million-acre wilderness preserve
• Travel aboard the legendary Alaska Railroad on the [LF] Aurora Winter Train enjoying spectacular winter scenery from Fairbanks to Talkeetna
• Visit to [LF] Happy Trails Kennel, home of four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, an experience a firsthand mushing demonstration from expert sled dog trainers
• Experience the excitement of the Ceremonial Start of the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, plus guided sightseeing in Anchorage
• Witness the Official Start of the Iditarod in Willow, where mushers and their dog teams begin their epic journey across the Alaskan wilderness
• Enjoy a two-night stay at the renowned Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, surrounded by the spectacular peaks and glaciers of the Chugach Mountains

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.268.3636

Alaska's Northern Lights with Iditarod map

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner

Notes:

Aurora viewing is not guaranteed, as it is dependent on weather and solar activity.

The aurora is most active February – March with viewings scheduled from 10 pm – 2 am. Appearance of the Northern Lights is dependent on temperature and sky conditions. Schedule arrival by 3 pm to attend the evening viewing. Guests may choose to arrive a day early and purchase a hotel pre-night in Fairbanks to ensure arrival in time for the Aurora Borealis evening outing on Day 1.

All activities are dependent on temperature, weather and solar activity/sky conditions. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.

For maximum enjoyment, guests should be able to walk with ease and over uneven pathways in wintry conditions.

In the event the Iditarod Ceremonial Start is cancelled due to weather or road conditions, activities will be substituted in Anchorage.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

Welcome to Fairbanks! You’ve arrived in the “Golden Heart” of Alaska and the gateway to Denali National Park. Later this evening, join your Local Guide and travel companions for your first glimpse of one of nature’s most magnificent shows—the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Witness the stunning Northern Lights spectacle in the sky with a Local Guide. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of light dancing across the night sky in a dramatic display of celestial waves and brilliant beams. When conditions are right, the aurora dances across the horizon and lights up the night sky with such beauty, even Alaska’s tough ol’ “Sourdoughs” (old timers) are impressed. (weather permitting)

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Day 2 FAIRBANKS

Fairbanks Fun Enjoy a leisure start to the day. This afternoon, explore Fairbanks on a city tour. Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the most challenging and remarkable engineering feats of modern times. This evening is another opportunity to view the amazing Aurora Borealis light up the northern skies.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore Alaska Native heritage, natural wonders, diverse wildlife and Arctic dinosaurs at Alaska’s cultural landmark, the Museum of the North. Discover breathtaking architecture designed to convey a sense of Alaska, inspired by the lines and shapes found in Alaska’s coastlines, mountains, and glaciers.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Fairbanks with a dinner out in this iconic Alaskan city. Ask your Tour Director for the best bites, brews, and things to do!

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Breakfast

Day 3 FAIRBANKS–ALASKA RAILROAD–TALKEETNA

Riding the Rails Travel from Fairbanks to Denali National Park to visit the Murie Science and Learning Center, Denali’s winter visitor center. Then board the world-famous Alaska Railroad for your scenic journey south on the Aurora Winter Train to the charming town of Talkeetna. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Take in spectacular scenery through panoramic windows on your Alaska Railroad train as you journey through America’s 49th state. Watch for views of Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) and local wildlife along the way.

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Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4 TALKEETNA–BIG LAKE–ANCHORAGE–GIRDWOOD

Heart & Soul on the Trail Continue south today to meet four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennel. Hear personal stories while viewing a glimpse of the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod Trail. This afternoon, enjoy free time for lunch on your own and explore Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, before arriving in the town of Girdwood to stay at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska for a 2-night stay.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Visit Happy Trails Kennels, home of Iditarod Champion Martin Buser and family. Happy Trails Kennel was established in Big Lake in 1982 with the express purpose of raising and training happy, fast long-distance sled dogs to race and win the Iditarod. Martin’s commitment to raising and training exceptional sled dogs is reflected in his success on the trail, including multiple Iditarod victories and a race record that stood for nine years.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Settle into your base camp for adventure and relaxation at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood - Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring fine dining experiences, a saltwater pool, a scenic ski mountain with incredible terrain, and a Nordic Spa.

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Breakfast

Day 5 GIRDWOOD

Alaskan Adventure Enjoy a full day at leisure—perfect for joining in a wide variety of optional activities. Consider flightseeing, fat-tire biking, snowmachine tours, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, a trip to the local brewery, ride on the aerial tram, or just relax at the Nordic Spa.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Girdwood, a scenic mountain town originally built as a supply camp for gold miners, with outdoor activities for all levels.

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Breakfast

Day 6 GIRDWOOD–ANCHORAGE. CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD

Making Tracks Return to Anchorage for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Meet the mushers and dogs, enjoy local food vendors, and join the celebration of Alaskan culture before their journey begins. Later, discover the highlights of Alaska’s largest city on a guided sightseeing tour and enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Anchorage at your own pace. Join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner this evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the start of the Iditarod race and cheer on the amazing sled dogs and mushers. See mushers from around the world and enjoy other Iditarod festivities.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Anchorage, one of the northernmost urban cities on Earth. Ask your Tour Director for recommendations on things to do!

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 7 ANCHORAGE. WILLOW

Official Start Depart Anchorage for the adventure north to the Official Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Visit Wasilla en route to Willow, and cheer on the teams at the starting line in Willow, at the true start of the race. Mushers take off across Willow Lake on the approximately 1,000-mile (1,609 km) journey by dog sled to Nome. Return to Anchorage for free time this evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Iditarod race honors the emergency vaccine delivery in 1925, when mushers and dog teams delivered life-saving serum over 674 miles in under 6 days during a diphtheria outbreak. The current race highlights the Iditarod National Historic Trail and honors Alaska Native heritage.

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Day 8 ANCHORAGE

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Anchorage. Extra nights are available for purchase.

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Breakfast

Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

TODD ALASKA

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“Born and raised in Anchorage, I love Alaska and cannot imagine living anywhere else. I grew up camping, fishing, and hiking and still enjoy spending time outdoors. I have led tours in Alaska for over 20 years and still enjoy sharing the history, culture, and economics of my home state. I am a teacher during the school year and apply similar lesson plans and organization to each tour. My goal is to share Alaska with every guest as I would share it with a relative. Above all else I want my guests to have fun, but that does not mean that they won't learn a lot about Alaska and being an Alaskan while they are enjoying The Land of the Midnight Sun!”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

No Excursions are available at this time.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.

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