Rail & Natural Wonders of Alaska

DAY 1

Various flight options from the UK for the flight to Vancouver where we will clear Canadian customs. We stay in a hotel near the airport. For those arriving early you can take a very good 'Sound Transit' light rail direct from SeaTac Airport to downtown Vancouver - maybe take the frequent 'Seabus' for a fifteen-minute trip over the water to relax in a cafe or visit the large new real ale pub and enjoy the views of this lovely city. Those wanting to see more of Vancouver are advised to add days on at the end of the holiday.

There is an option to join the tour tomorrow in Seattle or Fairbanks.

DAY 2

It's an early start to catch the Amtrak Cascades train direct to Seattle, a very attractive four-hour journey. There is an opportunity to take breakfast or refreshments in the cafe coach during the journey before we arrive in Seattle mid-morning where we have a break for a few hours. We then take the local 'Skytrain' system for the journey to the airport and check in for the Alaska Airlines flight north to Fairbanks. We chase the setting sun on this flight so enjoy the views. A bus will meet us at the airport and drive us into town, where we check in to our hotel for two nights.

There is an option to join the tour today with flights into Seattle.

DAY 3

Today is a free day for acclimatisation and your own exploration of Fairbanks. Its central location makes it the focal point for the tiny villages scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness, and Fairbanks is a staging point for North Slope villages such as Barrow and the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Yet it still retains its down-home "frontier" feel. Fairbanks is called "the Golden Heart of Alaska", a reference to the character of her people as much as to the location in Alaska's interior, or to the discovery of gold in 1902. Because it is just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle (above which the sun neither sets during the summer solstice, nor rises during the winter solstice) during our stay the night will be very short indeed. You may feel up to a visit of the Pioneer Park, a heritage theme park where there are museums, an old ship and an old-time saloon. We should also be able to ride the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad in the park.

DAY 4

We have a morning departure on the Denali Star, the premier train of the Alaska Railroad. We travel south all the way to Anchorage. The train is an excellent way to travel in sheer luxury in 'GoldStar' accommodation. A large upper deck open-air balcony allows great photo opportunities and is an extremely popular part of this tremendous journey, and the time will fly by despite the long journey. As we head south on our way to Anchorage, we hope for a nice sunny day with the chance to clearly see Mount McKinley, America's highest mountain, during the afternoon.

DAY 5

Anchorage to Whittier, Grandview via Spencer Glacier, (09:45 departure, 21:15 return arrival)

Today, we make a round trip to Whittier and Grandview on the "Glacier discovery". The Glacier Discovery Train travels from Anchorage south along Turnagain Arm. After the stop at Whittier, we continue to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, a backcountry paradise developed in partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service. Here, we have the option to follow a well-maintained 1.3-mile gravel path leading from the tracks to the edge of Spencer Lake for a spectacular view of massive Spencer Glacier with a U.S. Forest Service Ranger on site to provide narration along the way. Another option is to stay on the train a bit further to Grandview as this has some appeal as Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier come into view. Many consider this the most scenic stretch of track, as the train winds along the Placer River Valley and amid the alpine meadows of Grandview. The return journey back to Anchorage is also via a stop at Whittier to allow another look around this small town with time for fish and chips even!

DAY 6

Today, we make a round trip to Seward on the "Coastal Classic". The Coastal Classic train is a local favourite that winds through the stretch of wilderness between Anchorage and Seward. A string of massive glaciers visible from the track enriches the journey and then the fantastic climb up Moose Pass offering superb views. This train travels to the shores of Resurrection Bay for convenient connection to Kenai Fjords National Park where whale watching, sea kayaking, tidewater glacier viewing, fishing, and dog sled rides take place. On arrival, we have the option to join a Major Marine / Kenai Fjords catamaran tour for a few hours and hope for some really close encounters with the local wildlife!

DAY 7

This morning, we fly with Alaska Airlines from Anchorage to Juneau, the Alaskan capital city. The flight takes around one hour and forty minutes. We will have a free afternoon in Juneau. Take a trip up the Mount Roberts tramway and enjoy the stunning views from way above Juneau and almost certainly you'll get to see some of the majestic Bald Eagles flying around this area. Don't miss the Red Dog bar for dinner in the evening for a real local experience.

DAY 8

Today, we take the Alaska Marine Highway sailing from Juneau to Skagway via Haines. The sailing takes around seven hours (which may include a short stop in Haines) and should allow great views of this beautiful part of the world and gives us a mid-day arrival in Skagway. The town will still be busy with tourists off the huge cruise ships before their evening departures. We will stay at the 'Westmark Inn' which is right in the centre of town and only a very short walk from the station and the shops. The local 'Skagway Brewing Company' does great food and drink, and also try some Thai food at the really popular 'Starfire' restaurant, all right in the centre of town.

DAY 9

Today is a free day to explore or just relax in the wonderful frontier town.

DAY 10

Today we ride the regular Skagway - Fraser steam train. Baldwin Steam loco 73 should be the power and this locomotive makes a fine sight and sound climbing the terrific grades up towards the Summit and beyond into Canada. We will turn on the loop just south of Fraser station for the awesome decent back into Skagway.

DAY 11

We will leave early on train number 1 which runs the full length of the railway from Skagway to Carcross. The line north of Carcross is out of use and unlikely to ever open again. Train 1 is the first train of the day out of Skagway, and it may be pulled by one or two of the old GE "Shovel Nose" locos. The main station in the town centre is known locally as the "depot", and the depot is known as the "shops" - all very confusing! As we leave town, the steep climb really starts and we pass the small stops at Denver and Glacier where hikers leave and join the train. As we pass through the trees keep your eyes peeled for bears; small cubs can occasionally be seen clinging to the trees as the train passes by. At Gulch, we pass the old disused cantilever bridge and then approach the summit which is the US / Canadian border (the actual customs facilities are further inland as this is such a remote area). The train then continues over a rocky area past Gateway before arriving at Fraser. Canadian customs will pass through the train during this stop. Train 1 is the only train of the day north of Fraser as it follows a series of lakes before arriving at Bennett. After a break of around forty-five minutes, a packed lunch is served on the train. The final section of the journey is alongside more lakes to the small town of Carcross. On arrival here, we will have time for an ice cream in Canada and then return to Skagway. We have an early evening arrival back in town.

DAY 12

Today is a free morning in Skagway and then very sadly we say goodbye to this magical little town which we have been privileged to stay in for three days. We take the mid-day train to Fraser where we do an easy transfer onto a connecting bus to Whitehorse where we will spend one night.

DAY 13

The final day today and a mid-day transfer to Whitehorse airport precedes our return flights back home, via Vancouver.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner