Alaskan Northern Lights: Anchorage & the Arctic Circle

Seek out the Northern Lights at a unique and remote lodge
Cross the Arctic Circle on a flightseeing adventure
Soak in the Chena Hot Springs during peak Aurora Borealis season
Experience Goldstar rail service with Alaska Railroad
Immerse yourself in the wild wonder of Fairbanks

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,250 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,250 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Festivals & Special Events

Trips that showcase special cultural events worldwide.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Festivals & Special Events

Trips that showcase special cultural events worldwide.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Welcome to Alaska

DAY

Adventure Rail Service from Anchorage to Fairbanks - Aurora Winter Train

DAY

In Search of the Northern Lights

DAY

Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour

DAY

Crossing the Arctic Circle

DAY

The Wonder of Winter in Fairbanks

DAY

Depart from Alaska

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Welcome to Alaska

Balancing city comforts with raw nature, a day at leisure in Anchorage offers plenty of choice. You may choose to explore the Anchorage Museum, browse Native art at local galleries, or stroll the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with views of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Downtown cafes and breweries invite relaxed stops, while fresh seafood features prominently on local restaurant menus. With mountains rising just beyond the city, Anchorage delivers culture, cuisine, and wilderness in one easygoing day, making for an excellent day on your own.

Transfer

Anchorage International Airport to Anchorage

Your Accommodation

Hilton Anchorage Hotel

The Hilton Anchorage Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay right in the heart of Anchorage. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, the hotel has everything you need, from spacious rooms with modern amenities to on-site dining options. The friendly staff makes you feel at home, and the cozy atmosphere is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Enjoy the heated indoor pool, fitness center, or grab a bite at the Glacier Brewhouse. With its prime location, you'll have easy access to local attractions, shops, and dining. It’s a great spot for any traveler.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

Day Tour

At Leisure in Anchorage

Show on Map

DAY

Adventure Rail Service from Anchorage to Fairbanks - Aurora Winter Train

Today you will independently transfer between your hotel and Anchorage train station (or vice versa). While you are welcome to use a taxi service or ride-share app, please note that many hotels are located in close proximity to the train station. In particular, guests staying at the Hilton Anchorage may prefer to walk as most guests will find the journey takes approximately five minutes. If you would prefer to have a private transfer arranged for you, please speak with your Destination Specialist while planning your trip.

Day Tour

Self-Guided Anchorage Train Station Transfer

Transfer

Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Alaska Railroad - Fairbanks

Day Tour

Self-Guided Fairbanks Train Station Transfer

Your Accommodation

Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers comfortable rooms many with scenic views, a steam room, riverside deck, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wireless Internet in the public areas and most sleeping rooms. Aveda aromatherapy room amenities accent each room, and the hotel's location, just minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska Airport, next door to Pike's Landing Restaurant, steps from the Chena River, and a short distance from the local rail station, makes it a favorite among visitors for convenience and comfort.

Duration

5 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Continental Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

In Search of the Northern Lights

Join us for an evening tour and prime aurora viewing at a secluded Aurora Viewing Yurt near Fairbanks. Located away from city lights, the wide-open surroundings provide an unobstructed view of Alaska’s winter sky. Guests can admire the breathtaking northern lights from the warmth and comfort of the yurt or step outside to capture stunning photographs under ideal viewing conditions. Each yurt is carefully selected to ensure the best possible locations for an unforgettable aurora experience.

Day Tour

Aurora Viewing Lodge Tour

DAY

Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour

Treat yourself to a relaxing sightseeing evening on your Alaska vacation. Relax in the famous Chena Hot Springs and view Northern Lights. Only 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Fairbanks, this world-renowned resort offers a day of rest and relaxation in the historical location discovered by natives and early miners. Enjoy the mineral hot springs in a beautiful natural setting and experience the dancing of the northern lights. Along the way we almost always spot Moose. Food and beverages are available at the local restaurant.

Day Tour

Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour

DAY

Crossing the Arctic Circle

The experience departs from Fairbanks on a guided winter-flight adventure into Alaska's Arctic. From take-off, the route travels over the expansive Yukon River Valley and the quiet, snow-covered wilderness of interior Alaska. Crossing the Arctic Circle marks the milestone of entering the far north. The flight continues into the foothills of the Brooks Mountain Range, revealing remote terrain largely untouched by roads. Throughout the journey, the guide shares stories of the region's goldmining past, the vast pipeline that reshaped Alaska's economy, and the Indigenous communities who have lived in this land for thousands of years. The day concludes with a return to Fairbanks after a true winter journey above the Arctic Circle.

Day Tour

Arctic Circle Winter Air Adventure

DAY

The Wonder of Winter in Fairbanks

Experience Fairbanks in winter on a guided city exploration that highlights the character and heritage of Alaska's Interior. Travel through town to see notable landmarks and important community sites while learning about the area's gold rush history, Indigenous heritage, and modern northern living. Your guide provides insight into how Fairbanks residents adapt to cold winters and seasonal extremes. This experience offers an informative overview of the city's past and present, combined with views of winter landscapes that define life in interior Alaska.

Day Tour

Fairbanks Winter City Tour

DAY

Depart from Alaska

Today you will independently transfer between your hotel and Fairbanks International Airport (or vice versa). While you are welcome to use a taxi service or ride-share app, please note that many hotels and lodges offer complimentary shuttle services. If you would prefer to have a private transfer arranged for you, please speak with your Destination Specialist while planning your trip.

Day Tour

Self-Guided Fairbanks Airport Transfer

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Anchorage

Alaska Railway

Northern Lights

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

AnchorageRainy

18°C / 65°F

106mm / 4.2"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,250 Reviews

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We recently traveled to Portugal and had the most wonderful experience. As our first venture overseas, we decided to search online for travel assistance. We happened across Goway Travel and are so glad we did! Michael Keon, our Destination Specialist, is extremely proficient and knowledgeable in his profession. "Thorough" is an understatement. He assisted every step of the way from the moment we stepped on our flights, transfer arrangements, hotel accommodations, train travel and multiple tours/outings tailored to our specific needs/wish list. He provided unparalleled guidance and support during the planning process and was always available to discuss any questions/concerns. His communications were always prompt and concise. Without a doubt, our best trip to date...there will be no hesitation to contact Mr. Keon for future travels. Joanna Lynn Mays Michael Andrew Mays Joanna Mays

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What made this experience great was Cedric Wai. Had a client going to Asia and this is Cedric's wheelhouse since he is from there. Everything was wonderful. Everything went smoothly. The individual tours were wonderful and all the guides were exceptional. A lot of traveling-the flight was very good on Cathay Pacific would highly recommend their airline seats were comfortable and spaced well. Being on an airplane for 16 hours sucks in general, but other than being a little sore from being stuck in one place all was good. Thank you so much for all your help and the trip was wonderful and everything that it should be! Next trip will be much more relaxing, sitting still for a while on a beach somewhere ha ha!Careen Sullivan

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Andrea Paredes helped me plan a last minute Colombia trip for my clients who had never been! They loved every minute of it. The hotels, history, excursions, and flights went very smooth. They were so happy with all their tour guides. Deanna Frisbie Borrego

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My destination specialist, Katie Stephenson was amazing from the onset. Her customer service, communication style and planning skills was so timely and top notch. Our trip was to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, from Aug 4-22, 2026. The way she planned and booked the trip makes the experience convenient and enjoyable. The flexibility of payment makes the decision faster and attractive. Everything we need to know including contacts were readily available within our travel documents itinerary. Overall, I'll say it's money well spent and a lifetime experience particularly for my kids.Festus

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I'm a new travel agent and used Goway to help plan a group trip to the UK. Ani, from Goway was so great! She was very detailed oriented, she had great communication and was very thorough in the planning. I felt confident that my clients would be taken care of. My clients had an amazing trip and loved all of it! SieKye

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Athul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina Gaffoglio

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Isabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey Henry

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Had an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron Preston

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We went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja Breiling

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We used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly Dawn

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

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What do the experts say?

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