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Exploring Alaska: Northern Lights, Train Rides, and Hiking Adventure

Viewed by 75 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska on April 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Crepery

Start your trip with delicious sweet and savory crepes at The Crepery, a local favorite open from 7:00 AM.
$15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Fairbanks Ice Museum

Learn about ice carving traditions and see stunning ice sculptures at the Fairbanks Ice Museum, which opens at 10:00 AM.
$10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sammy's Alaska

Enjoy a hearty meal of fresh salmon or reindeer sausage at this cozy eatery, open daily from 11:00 AM.
$20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Museum of the North

Discover Alaska's rich history and natural beauty, showcasing art and artifacts; it's open from 9:00 AM.
$14, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Pioneer Park

Wander through this charming park that tells the story of Alaska's pioneer days. Free entry!
$0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Alaska Salmon Bake

Enjoy an evening meal featuring local salmon, set in a scenic outdoor area, open until 9:00 PM.
$30, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Northern Lights Viewing

Head to the best viewing spots or take a guided tour to witness the magical Northern Lights, best seen around midnight.
$50, 3 hours
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Day 2: Train Experience

Fairbanks, Alaska on April 3, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Goldie’s Breakfast Bistro

Savor delicious breakfast choices, including their famous reindeer sausage, open from 6:00 AM.
$20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take a Train Ride on the Alaska Railroad

Enjoy breathtaking views on the Journey from Fairbanks to Denali, a scenic trip that lasts about 4 hours. Depart at 10:00 AM.
$200, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Train

Enjoy a pre-ordered packed lunch on board as you soak in stunning landscapes.
$25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Denali National Park

Once you arrive, embark on a guided park tour to spot wildlife and learn about the park's ecosystem. Tours may last until late evening.
$60, 5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 49th State Brewing

Wrap up your day active day with locally brewed beer and a variety of Alaskan dishes, open until 10:00 PM.
$35, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Return to Fairbanks

Travel back to Fairbanks by train, arriving late evening.
$200, 4 hours

11:30PM

Northern Lights Hunting

If the conditions are right, set out for an additional night of Northern Lights viewing to enhance your experience.
$50, 3 hours
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Day 3: Denali Adventure

Denali National Park, Alaska on April 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Denali Park Village

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet, open from 6:30 AM.
$25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Guided Park Adventure

Join a guided bus tour or hike to explore the majestic Denali wilderness; various options are available throughout the day.
$80, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Denali Park Village

Grab a light lunch at the park village cafe before continuing your tour, open until 3:00 PM.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wildlife Spotting

Spend some time looking for wildlife; bears, moose, and eagles are commonly spotted.
$0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Fairbanks

Head back to Fairbanks by bus, ensuring a scenic journey back.
$50, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Pump House

Enjoy a historic dining experience with gourmet fare in a scenic riverside setting, open until 10:00 PM.
$40, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Evening Stroll

Take a relaxing evening stroll along the river; time permitting, enjoy Northern Lights viewing.
$0, 1 hour
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Day 4: Chena Hot Springs

Fairbanks, Alaska on April 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Crepery

Enjoy a repeat visit to The Crepery for some delicious start to the morning, recommended due to their variety.
$15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Head to Chena Hot Springs

Travel to Chena Hot Springs Resort for a relaxing day in the natural hot springs; departure around 9:00 AM.
$40, 1 hour drive

10:00AM

Soak in Natural Hot Springs

Experience the therapeutic benefits of the natural hot springs, open from 10:00 AM.
$20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chena Hot Springs Resort

Dine at the Aurora Restaurant for delicious dishes made with local ingredients, open daily until 9:00 PM.
$25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Ice Museum

Check out this unique museum featuring ice sculptures and chill rooms; a remarkable experience at Chena.
$15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Fairbanks

Head back to Fairbanks, reflecting on your relaxing day.
$40, 1 hour drive

5:30PM

Dinner at The Alaska Salmon Bake

Return to The Alaska Salmon Bake for more fantastic local cuisine, open until 9:00 PM.
$30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Northern Lights Tour

Join a guided tour to hunt for the Northern Lights in prime locations.
$50, 3 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska on April 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Goldie’s Breakfast Bistro

Enjoy your last breakfast in Fairbanks with their fabulous egg dishes and freshly made pastries, open from 6:00 AM.
$20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Discover the engineering marvel of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline with visitor viewing areas.
$0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Check out vintage cars and memorabilia in this unique museum, open from 9:00 AM.
$15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Pump House

Enjoy another round at The Pump House to reminisce over the trip's highlights, open until 10:00 PM.
$40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Fairbanks Community Museum

Dive deeper into Fairbanks' history through various exhibits, open until 5:00 PM.
$10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Prepare for Departure

Pack up and check out of your accommodations before saying goodbye to Fairbanks.
$0, 1 hour
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Day 6: Optional Activities

Fairbanks, Alaska on April 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Crepery

Indulge in one last breakfast at The Crepery for a great end to your Alaskan adventure.
$15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Revisit Favorite Spots

Choose to revisit any of your favorite spots in Fairbanks or enjoy souvenir shopping.
$0, Variable

12:00PM

Lunch at 49th State Brewing

Enjoy lunch while reminiscing about your journey, open from 11:00 AM.
$30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Final Activity of Choice

Engage in a final activity, whether it’s a guided hike, a visit to a local shop, or more Northern Lights viewing.
$50, Variable

5:00PM

Departure

Pack your things and prepare for your journey home from Fairbanks.
$0, Variable
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