Exploring Alaska By Rail On Your Vacation

Do you want to explore Alaska in a truly unique way? You’re in luck – Alaska train excursions are the perfect solution for visitors who want to explore as much of the state as they possibly can, without worrying about a vehicle or other logistics. The Alaska Railroad is the best way to see the state’s wild beauty, abundant wildlife, and colorful culture, all while traveling off the beaten track on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

From the rugged mountains of Denali National Park and the calving glaciers of Prince William Sound to the wildlife-rich waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska by train vacations offer travelers a glimpse into the state’s backcountry soul. Travel in luxury and style through Alaska’s spectacular landscape, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views between stops in remote towns. Alaska train adventures can be combined with other travel packages, or perfect as a multi-day excursion by themselves. Keep reading to learn more about traveling through Alaska by train.

The History Of The Alaska Railroad

For more than 90 years, the Alaska Railroad has operated both passenger and freight trains along the 470 miles of track stretching between Seward and Fairbanks. The railway is famous for its glass-domed passenger cars and excellent service, as well as for Alaska train adventures that stop in Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Preserve, and other remote towns along the way.

Seeing Alaska by train on vacation is a popular pastime for visitors to this great state. If you’re interested in exploring Alaska’s Southcentral and Interior regions, but don’t want to drive yourself through the state, booking a multi-day train package that includes overnight stays at hotels and lodges along the way and activities such as rafting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and more is a great option.

What Can I See On The Alaska Railroad?

The Alaska Railroad is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions and is arguably the best way for you to see the real Alaska. Riding the Alaskan rails is an experience that’s impossible to duplicate. Glaciers, mountains, and wildlife fill the ever-changing panorama of your window, making for an easy and luxurious way to experience the unfolding scenery. As the train winds its way through the picturesque landscape, the gentle sway and rhythmic chug of the locomotive create the perfect ambiance for the vacation of a lifetime.

Here are three trips you can book on the Alaska Railroad’s prize lines if you want to enjoy a truly unique experience.

• Embark on the adventure of a lifetime through the Alaskan wilderness on the Denali Star. Travel from Fairbanks to Denali and on to Anchorage on this unique, multi-day tour. Stop in Denali National Park for wildlife viewing and to marvel at the vastness of Alaska. Pan for gold in a nearby riverbed, visit local homesteads, and explore Native cultures, all under the wings of a knowledgeable guide. You can even take a flightseeing trip to get a bird’s eye view of the park, touching down on a glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This multi-day tour includes all lodging and meals as part of your package.
• Imagine an Alaska train adventure that takes you on a true wilderness getaway into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. On this five-day excursion, you will discover the beauty of Resurrection Bay at the remote Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. During your stay, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes as you explore the surrounding wildlife and rugged terrain. Visit Fox Island for a truly unique adventure and enjoy guided sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay and a boat cruise to discover the magic of Kenai Fjords.
• Ride through Alaska’s snowy wilderness during the winter for a truly epic Northern Lights Adventure in early spring. Enjoy the trip from Fairbanks to Talkeetna, then disembark in one of Alaska’s quirkiest towns to enjoy a fun calendar of winter events and fantastic opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis in the night sky. Embark on a guided dog sled tour under the shimmering aurora borealis, immersing yourself in the magical beauty of the Alaskan winter landscape or snowshoe to your Northern Light viewing location with a guide for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Riding The Rails On The White Pass And Yukon Route Railroad

For an Alaska train excursion along the Inside Passage, book a seat on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. This railroad travels from Skagway to Fraser, B.C. Established in 1891 during the Klondike Gold Rush, it’s now a scenic rail line that takes visitors through rugged terrain and impressive scenery.

The 110 miles of track climb from sea level in Skagway to almost 3,000 feet to White Pass. Route highlights include Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch, and Bridal Veil Falls. The two-hour train tour is one of the top excursions in Skagway and is a popular option for cruise ship passengers in port for the day.

Top Three Tours On The White Pass And Yukon Routes

If you want to plan a truly unique Alaska by train vacation, consider a few of these options offered along the White Pass and Yukon Routes. From day trips to multi-day excursions, these experiences allow visitors to see a side of Alaska that not many get to explore!

• Skagway to Denver round trip – hop aboard the railcar in Skagway, for a six-mile train trip to the Denver trailhead. When you arrive at the trailhead, you will disembark for a self-guided walking tour through a lush forest along the rushing Skagway River to view the Denver Glacier. After re-boarding the train, you can enjoy the view past Denver Falls to the upper end of the valley. Before returning to Skagway, you’ll see epic views of the Sawtooth Mountains from the window of your car, as well as the hanging blue ice of the Denver Glacier below.
• Skagway to Laughton Point Round trip - This day hike begins with a 14-mile train ride aboard the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route narrow gauge railway. Once you arrive at Laughton Point, you will disembark for a self-guided hike through old-growth forest, along a tumbling river, and up the moraine for a glacier ascent. The more adventurous can spend the night at the point, in a U.S. Forest Service Cabin. Otherwise, this day trip will return you to Skagway once your hike is complete!
• Journey to Inspiration Point – step aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad for a trip back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Relax in vintage passenger coaches as you retrace the start of the Rail of ’98, just like the gold seekers did 125 years ago. This 2.5-hour-long Alaska train adventure includes narrated tales of frontier Alaska with a master guide and storyteller.

Railroad Adventures In Alaska

No matter which Alaska train excursion you pick, you will be sure to see a side of Alaska that you did not expect to see! The rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes of Alaska offer an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. Enjoy the scenic beauty you’ll find along the tracks or step back in time for a historic view of the state. Relax, sit back, and prepare to experience the real Alaska!