Alaska's Northern Lights featuring the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (instead of Winter Glacier Cruise)
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Alaska with the "Alaska's Northern Lights" tour. Begin your adventure in Anchorage, nestled against the majestic Chugach Mountains, before exploring the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Discover the charm of Talkeetna and marvel at Denali's grandeur. Experience the iconic Alaska Railroad as it whisks you through breathtaking landscapes to Fairbanks, a prime location for witnessing the mesmerizing northern lights. Delve into history at the Antique Auto Museum and embrace the thrill of dog mushing. Savor wild Alaskan salmon and learn about the legendary Iditarod at a renowned racing kennel. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure, promising memories that will last a lifetime. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Anchorage, Alaska
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Hilton Anchorage
Your journey starts in Anchorage, a city on the edge of the snowcapped Chugach Mountains and 60 sparkling glaciers. This is your gateway to wilderness and adventure. Due to varied arrivals, there are no group activities planned for today.
Day 2 : Anchorage - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Anchorage
Location: Anchorage
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Experience a captivating introduction to Anchorage before embarking on a journey along the Seward Highway, following the stunning shorelines of Turnagain Arm, considered one of the most picturesque highways in America. Then, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with a guide to explore this sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through education, research, and quality animal care. In the evening, gather with new friends for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Anchorage - Palmer - Talkeetna
Location: Anchorage, Palmer, Talkeetna
Accommodation Name: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Take a step into the past when you visit Musk Ox Farm. Learn about the Musk Ox project – a sustainable domestication effort that has worked to preserve, protect, and increase awareness for these wooly creatures since 1954. Continue on to Talkeetna as Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, looms large over the landscape. Perhaps you will take an optional flightseeing tour and experience a breathtaking perspective of Denali (weather permitting). Check into the iconic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, perched on a ridge offering unforgettable views of Denali (when conditions allow). Later, perhaps you will spend some time on the lodge’s expansive deck, a great place to search for the northern lights, or just enjoy some hot cocoa by the roaring fireplace in the great room.
Day 4 : Talkeetna - Alaska Railroad - Fairbanks
Location: Talkeetna, Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Pikes Waterfront Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your day with a lecture on the down-to-earth Alaskan lifestyle before hopping on Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train for a full-day journey to Fairbanks. Sit back and relax as you are whisked away, through snow-covered mountains and striking valleys. Have your cameras ready – the train conductor will point out wildlife as you pass by. Dinner is included in the train’s dining car. This evening you arrive in Fairbanks, your home for the next three nights and one of the best places in Alaska to see the northern lights.
Day 5 : Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the city of Fairbanks. Take this opportunity to relax or flex your sense of adventure with optional excursions: consider flightseeing to the Arctic Circle. Late this evening, chase the legendary northern lights, considered to be one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the world. Walk out in the snow under an unspoiled bed of stars and search for the shimmering hues of green.
Day 6 : Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Feel the brisk air and discover Fairbanks, the perfect combination of nature and civilization. Look into the past at the Antique Auto Museum, where vintage cars sit between timely artifacts and fashionable designer dresses from times gone by. Hop in a car and pose for a perfect souvenir snapshot. In the afternoon, embrace the Iditarod spirit as you step into a sled with an expert guide and glide over the snow with a pack of sled dogs. Stay for dinner at the kennel owner's home and learn more about what the life of a musher is like. Later in the evening, enjoy a final chance to spot the northern lights.
Day 7 : Fairbanks - Tour Ends
Location: Fairbanks
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to the Museum of the North, the University of Alaska’s collection featuring 2.2 million years of biodiversity and thousands of years of human history. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Your hotel room is available for your use whether your flight is today, tonight, or tomorrow morning.
What's Included
-
Scenic Train Ride
Enjoy a scenic ride from Talkeetna to Fairbanks via Alaska Railroad.
-
Antique Auto Museum Visit
Peruse antique cars and glamorous fashions of the past at the Antique Auto Museum.
-
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing injured and orphaned animals.
-
Dog Mushing Experience
Hop in a sled and experience dog mushing like a local.
-
Northern Lights Search
Search for the northern lights in Fairbanks’ star-filled sky.
-
Musk Ox Farm Visit
Visit Musk Ox Farm and learn about the sustainable domestication project.
-
Wild Alaskan Salmon Tasting
Enjoy a taste of wild Alaskan salmon.
-
Iditarod Experience
Learn all about the Iditarod as you dine on the property of a legendary racing kennel.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Flightseeing Tour
The optional flightseeing tour over Denali is not included and is weather dependent.
-
Arctic Circle Excursion
The excursion to the Arctic Circle is optional and must be booked in advance.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Alaska's breathtaking landscapes via the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, offering a scenic journey from Talkeetna to Fairbanks. Enjoy the comfort of the train's dining car and the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hilton Anchorage, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, and Pikes Waterfront Lodge, offering comfort and stunning views of Alaska's natural beauty. Enjoy cozy accommodations with opportunities to relax by the fireplace or explore the surrounding wilderness.
Experiences
- Hop in a sled and experience dog mushing like a local.
- Search for the northern lights in Fairbanks’ star-filled sky.
- Visit Musk Ox Farm and learn about the sustainable domestication project.
Options
Talkeetna, AK: Bird’s Eye View of Denali See the vast beauty of Alaska from a bird’s-eye-view. Board a plane and soar over the breathtaking landscapes of Denali – North America’s tallest peak. Take in spectacular views including the face of Denali, a dramatic gorge, and sweeping ice-falls that you can’t find by foot. Most visitors bring a camera and a memory card with lots of space to capture the experience forever. Enjoy the live commentary on board with headsets to hear the guide clearly. A small-group tour ensures a more personalized experience. Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This optional tour is weather dependent and is recommended to be purchased prior to your tour.
We recommend wearing layers due to change in temperatures. For the colder seasons, we suggest a mid-weight jacket, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sunglasses.
You must be able to get in and out of a small aircraft and be able to climb a ladder to get into the aircraft. There is a weight restriction per aircraft. Guests will be weighed prior to flight so that weight may be distributed evenly on the aircraft.
Fairbanks, AK: Fairbanks - Arctic Circle Make like a true Alaskan adventurer as you set off to cross the Arctic Circle. As you travel by air, just east of the gates of the Arctic National Park, view the rugged Brooks Mountain Range and tundra landscape. In Coldfoot, learn about the traditional people that continue to sustain their lifestyle and culture in the Yukon River Valley. Finally, achieve the mark of a true explorer as you cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This option must be booked at least 15 days prior to departure. Due to weather conditions or other circumstances, this option may require alteration or cancellation.
We recommend wearing layers due to change in temperatures. For the colder seasons, we suggest a mid-weight jacket, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sunglasses.
You must be able to get in and out of a small aircraft and be able to climb a ladder to get into the aircraft. Due to the nature of this option, we require advance notice for any traveler weighing 340 lbs/154 kg or more. The maximum weight capacity for each aircraft is 1400 lbs/635 kg. Due to weight restrictions, bags are weighed prior to boarding and cannot exceed 10 lbs/4 kg. Flight time is 50 minutes each way and 45 minutes at Coldfoot Camp.
...more ...less
Culinaries
- Enjoy a taste of wild Alaskan salmon.
- Learn all about the Iditarod as you dine on the property of a legendary racing kennel.
Must See
- Enjoy a scenic ride from Talkeetna to Fairbanks via Alaska Railroad.
- Peruse antique cars and glamorous fashions of the past at the Antique Auto Museum.
- Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing injured and orphaned animals.
Choice Highlights
Anchorage A young city founded in 1915, Anchorage is a vibrant city of just over 300,000 people. From its humble origins as a railroad town for the Alaska Railroad, the largest city in Alaska maintains its frontier history in an idyllic mountain setting.
Northern Lights Excursions</strong> Search for the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), and wait to witness the sky erupt in a riot of ethereal colors. Alaska is an ideal place to seek out the legendary northern lights. The best time to catch them is after 10:00 p.m. and before 2:00 a.m., with an expert guide and a mug of hot chocolate.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Area
Talkeetna This historic village is the go-to travel destination for avid mountain climbers. Situated at the bottom of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, Talkeetna serves as a base for climbers. Aside from its athletic draw, visitors can browse art galleries, local trades, and even the historic Nagley’s General Store (almost 100 years old!) With a population of less than 900 people, Talkeetna is a genuine Alaskan small town.
Alaska Railroad The Alaska Railroad offers a scenic journey through the rugged landscapes of southern Alaska. Have your camera ready as you pass by snowcapped mountains and dramatic valleys – your conductor will point out wildlife as you travel from Talkeetna to Fairbanks. The historic railroad has operated since 1914.
Fairbanks A home rule city in the state of Alaska, Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior region. The city of Fairbanks was founded by Captain E. T. Barnette in August 1901 while headed to Tanacross, where he intended to set up a trading post. Fairbanks has a history of gold mining, which dates back to when it was founded. In 1939, major infrastructure in the territory occurred for the first time, in part of a larger effort by the federal government during the New deal and World War II, which fostered an economic and population boom in Fairbanks. The city of Fairbanks is home to a number of attractions and events which draw visitors from outside of Alaska throughout the year.
Dog Mushing Dog mushing is an iconic Alaskan sport and/or transportation method powered by dogs. A team of trained, athletic dogs are directed by a human musher on a sled, traversing snowy lands. Dog mushing has been a part of Alaskan life since long before it was even a state. This is sometimes still the best way to travel around rural communities today.
...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
-
What can I expect during the visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
During the visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, you will explore a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through education, research, and quality animal care. A guide will accompany you to provide insights into the center's efforts to rescue injured and orphaned animals. ...more ...less
-
What activities are available in Fairbanks for viewing the northern lights?
In Fairbanks, you will have opportunities to chase the northern lights, considered one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the world. You can walk out in the snow under an unspoiled bed of stars to search for the shimmering hues of green. The best time to catch them is after 10:00 p.m. and before 2:00 a.m. ...more ...less
-
What is the experience like on the Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Fairbanks?
The journey on the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train from Talkeetna to Fairbanks is a full-day experience where you can sit back and relax as you travel through snow-covered mountains and striking valleys. The train conductor will point out wildlife as you pass by, and dinner is included in the train's dining car. ...more ...less
-
What can I learn at the Musk Ox Farm?
At the Musk Ox Farm, you will learn about the Musk Ox project, a sustainable domestication effort that has worked to preserve, protect, and increase awareness for these wooly creatures since 1954.
-
What is included in the dog mushing experience in Fairbanks?
The dog mushing experience in Fairbanks includes stepping into a sled with an expert guide and gliding over the snow with a pack of sled dogs. You will also have dinner at the kennel owner's home and learn more about the life of a musher.
-
What can I expect to see at the Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks?
At the Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, you can expect to see vintage cars displayed alongside timely artifacts and fashionable designer dresses from times gone by. It offers a glimpse into the past with its collection of antique automobiles and glamorous fashions.
-
Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
-
Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
-
What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
-
Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
-
Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
-
Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Tuesday
Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 03, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions
Alaska's Northern Lights featuring the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (instead of Winter Glacier Cruise)
7 Days Starting in Anchorage, USA and ending in Fairbanks, USA
Visiting: Anchorage, Palmer, Talkeetna, Fairbanks
Tour operator:
Tour code:
17079
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Northern Lights, Polar, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
