Alaska’s Glaciers, Hot Springs and Northern Lights

Arrival in Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage and the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy Alaska’s largest city. Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage - Matanuska Glacier Adventure

Today’s adventures begin with a pick up from your Anchorage hotel. Your Glacier Guide will narrate points of interest during the scenic 100-mile drive north through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley on your way to the mighty Matanuska Glacier. Photo stops will be made along the way so that you can capture the stunning valley and mountain peaks. Once you have arrived at Matanuska Glacier, your experienced Glacier Guide will outfit each person with ice cleats, walking sticks, and helmets for their safety. This fully guided glacier experience on foot will allow you to meander along the surface of ancient blue ice while you explore towering ice spires and gorgeous ice caves. Your time on the glacier will be from 2 to 3 hours. The glacier walk is considered a moderate activity with an elevation gain of approx. 140 ft (2 flights of stairs). A lunch is included either before or after your glacier hike. Overnight in Anchorage.

NOTE: Starting August 2026, we are offering optional excursions from Anchorage on this day. You can choose between the Matanuska Glacier Adventure (described above), a sightseeing tour or a 1.5 hour glacier flightseeing tour.

From August 2026 through September and then again from middle of December through the rest of the winter, you have the option to book the  Turnagain Arm Sightseeing Tour. On this tour, you travel with a small group along Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Your driver will pick you up from your Anchorage hotel and take you south along the Seward Highway toward Girdwood. A professional Alaska tour guide will tell you about the area and share personal knowledge of Alaska’s history, geology, wildlife ecosystems, and more on the way to Mt. Alyeska. Take in the spectacular views as you ride an aerial tram to the top of the mountain. Lunch in Girdwood is included. Afterward, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where your guide will introduce you to Alaskan animals, including moose, bears, elk, caribou, owls, and more! As you return to Anchorage, keep your eyes open for Dall sheep and bald eagles!

From October 2026 through mid-December, there is the optional Wildlife Tour, which is a tour from Anchorage to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. You travel with a small group on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Here, your guide will introduce you to Alaskan animals, including moose, bears, elk, caribou, owls, and more! As you return to Anchorage, keep your eyes open for Dall sheep and bald eagles!

Or take a scenic 1.5 hour flightseeing tour over the majestic Chugach State Park! You will fly above the expansive Knik or Triumvirate Glacier. With a birdseye view, see how the motion of the ice has shaped the land, then fly over the Colony Glacier to Lake George, where the waterway spills into the winding Knik Glacier Gorge.  The airplane will be on skis or wheels during the fall/winter months.

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Anchorage to Fairbanks

In the morning, transfer to the Anchorage train station on own. Here you will board the famous Alaska Railroad and travel through beautiful Alaska’s winter landscape to Fairbanks. During the train ride, enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska Range and possibly even the mountain of Denali (weather permitting). You will arrive in Fairbanks in the evening and transfer to the hotel via hotel courtesy shuttle. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort: Mineral Springs and Northern Lights Viewing

Sleep in this morning, then, around mid-day, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to rustic Chena Hot Springs Resort, 90 minutes east of Fairbanks. While the facilities of the resort can be considered rustic and may not be up to date, the location of the resort offers great possibilities for northern lights viewing.  Chena Hot Springs hosts mineral spring-fed hot tubs and a warm indoor swimming pool, providing guests with total relaxation. Combined with numerous outdoor activities, Chena Hot Springs offers a great Alaskan winter experience. This evening, enjoy a 4-hour Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Expedition tour. The aurora tour takes place on a tracked, military style Small Unit Support Vehicle*. Overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Chena Hot Springs Resort Fun: Dogsledding, Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, Massages

The day is at your leisure to enjoy all the resort has to offer. Optional activities include dog sled rides, snow machine tours, or cross country skiing, and professional massages. Winter gear can be rented at the resort for a fee. Don’t miss visiting the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs. Overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Chena Hot Springs Resort to Fairbanks

This morning, you will be transferred back to Fairbanks. The afternoon is free for you go enjoy optional Fairbanks city tours and visit local attractions. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Departure from Fairbanks

Take the hotel shuttle to the airport for your departure or start an additional winter tour.