7-Day Alaska Aurora Viewing Tour from Anchorage/Fairbanks: Matanuska Glacier Hiking, Chena Hot Springs, Museum of the North

(According to different arrival dates, the order of the itinerary is slightly adjusted, for more details, please check in following Special Note.)

Today you will arrive in Alaska's largest city and also its biggest transportation hub, Anchorage. Positioned in the center of Alaska's southern coast, it contains 40% of Alaska's total population- about 300,000 people. It has been awarded the Top 10 cities in America 4 times. For tourists, it's a must-see city due to its culture, history, and amazing scenic views.

Hotel check in time is after 3pm. with a valid ID.   

  

Matanuska Glacier is the source of the Matanuska River and the largest glacier in the United States that can be reached by car. The Matanuska Glacier hiking allows you to explore blue-and-white glaciers, impressive ice sheets and deep crevasses for spectacular scenery you'll never forget. All equipment and safety equipment will be provided for this tour.

- 08:00 Departure from the hotel, drive about 2.5 hours to the park. Follow one of our guides on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion from the lodge out to the terminus of the Matanuska Glacier. Guides will narrate the tour, share their knowledge and are more than happy to stop for photos along the way. The tour takes up to 3 hours. 

- 17:00 We will be back to the Anchorage Hotel.

Notes for guests:

1. Please be prepared for your own hiking equipment, such as sunglasses, hiking boots, spare pair of socks, insulated jacket, snow pants. 

2. English/Chinese tour guide.

3. The price includes: Round trip transportation between Anchorage hotels and glacier, glacier tickets, glacier hiking equipment, professional guide services.

4. The price does not include: lunch and other expenses for personal reasons, driver and guide gratuity. Suggest gratuity, $20/pp (driver), $20/pp (hiking guide).

  

The Aurora Train, a great way to see the Alaskan wilderness in winter, travels through the Chugach Range, the Alaska Range, and the Talkeetna Range. The mountains along the way, and the occasional wildlife, are a travel experience that shouldn't be missed.



Fairbanks is one of the world's best places to watch the aurora, because there are more than 243 days of the year when the aurora will appear. Since Fairbanks is only 310 kilometers away from the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by mountains, it can avoid bad weather and create good environmental conditions for aurora viewing. Therefore, many aurora hunters will gather here to enjoy it. Additionally, Fairbanks' low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights. All these combined variables make Fairbanks an outstanding destination for viewing the aurora borealis. There are also many newlyweds who choose this place as their honeymoon destination because of the ancient legend that "seeing the aurora will lead to happiness for a lifetime".Our guides will take you to the best aurora viewing area to chase the aurora according to the weather conditions. They will introduce you to the aurora and instruct you in camera parameter set-up and aurora borealis shooting techniques to help you take stunning aurora photos. 

- 7:00 AM, Depart from the hotel and take the shuttle bus to Anchorage Train Station, take the Aurora Train to the "Aurora capital" - Fairbanks. It is the second largest city in Alaska, the northernmost city in Alaska and the best place to see the aurora. About 12 hours by train (Anchorage - Fairbanks 8:30-20:00), upon arrival, take the shuttle bus to the hotel.

- Enjoy breakfast, check out the hotel and take the hotel shuttle to the airport. Approximately one hour flight time to Fairbanks, upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel in Fairbanks. (If the flight depart  late, you can choose to join the Anchorage City Tour before the flight, or you can arrange your own tour  before the flight to Fairbanks)

- 21:50, Departure from hotel lobby to aurora viewing activity center. You can relax in the cabin waiting for the northern light with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a variety of snacks. Once the Aurora is out, you can enjoy this magical phenomenon right from inside the cabin or by an outdoor spacious viewing area.

- 2:00 am back to the downtown hotel.

  

【Chena Hot Springs】has indoor hot spring pools and outdoor hot spring pools. You can feel the warmth of mineral hot springs in the snow. You can experience the magical feeling of soaking in hot springs and freezing your hair. It is a unique magical experience in the world. Hot springs can not only give people spiritual pleasure, but also have a healing effect on the tired body. It is the most popular winter tour in Fairbanks. There is also a reindeer farm in the southeast corner of the resort (outside visit only), even in the cold winter months, you can see Santa's good partners, enjoying life here leisurely.

【Aurora Ice Museum】is an ice sculpture museum open all year round. It is built with a thousand tons of ice. There is not only the world's smallest chapel, but also a real Inuit igloo, and a bedroom made entirely of ice. You can also taste a glass of Appletini, the most local ice glass cocktail, at the ice bar, and experience the wonderful feeling of the ice glass touching your warm lips ($15 at your own expense, must be over 21 years old, please show the Valid ID when purchase).

- 11:00, Departure from the hotel and follow your guide to Chena Hot Spring Resort. We will be going to visit the Aurora Ice Museum (admission is not included). Then you can relax in the outdoor natural hot springs, enjoy the incredible experience while surroundings are covered by ice and snow. At 17:00, leaving from the resort and heading back to the hotel. 

- 22:00, Depart from the hotel and our experienced tour guide will take you to the wilderness, away from the light pollution of the urban area to chase the trail of the Aurora. Aurora is a natural landscape that cannot be forecasted. When the aurora appears in the sky, our tour guide will stop and let you take pictures and enjoy the aurora; or take you to a place with super high visibility to stop and wait for the aurora. Along the way, the guide will explain the knowledge of the aurora, camera parameter adjustment and the aurora borealis Shooting skills to help you take wonderful photos of the aurora. Because it is an out-door tour, there are no toilets and hot drinks. If you need to use the restroom, please inform the tour guide, and we will arrange that for you.

- 2:00 AM back to the hotel.

Notes for guests:

1. Please bring your own swimsuit, bath towel, slippers and 25 cents (for locker rental).

2. Aurora Ice Museum opens at 13:00 or 15:00.

3. Be cautious not to drink Appletini before soaking in the hot springs.

4. The hot spring is a pure natural sulfur hot spring, if you have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, please arrange the time of bathing in the hot spring reasonably.

5. For safety reasons, children under 18 may not enter the outdoor natural hot springs pool, but they may use the indoor pool and hot tub.

6. The meeting point of the hot spring is the Activities Center.

7. Activity center has a convenience store. You may choose to eat in the activity center or at the restaurant.

8. If you choose not to enter the hot springs by any circumstances, the admission fee is not refundable.

 

  

  

【Museum of the North】 - The Museum of the North is located on the Fairbanks Campus of the University of Alaska. The whole body is white, and it blends with the surrounding snow in winter, which is chic and artistic.  Dramatic architecture and new exhibit galleries make the museum an extraordinary destination. There are specimens of animals living around the Arctic Circle, as well as the lifestyle and status of the local aborigines. The most attractive are those exhibits that can be touched by hand, which will enrich your sensory experience and make your travel experience more memorable. In addition, our tour guide's vivid explanation of the exhibits will make your trip to the Museum of the North worthwhile.

 * Closed on Thanksgiving, Xmas, and New Year.

【Santa Claus House】 - Walking on the streets of Arctic Village, it seems like walking in a fairy tale world. The street lights are all in the shape of red and white candy bars. The main street in the area is also called "Jingle Street", the name comes from the sound of the bells  as Santa Claus passes by in his sleigh. The 16-meter-high giant Santa Claus statue, the 2-meter-high polar bear and elk, and many Christmas trees are all good choices for taking pictures. You can also send a postcard from the North Pole. 

* In winter, the Santa Claus hut in Arctic Village is only open at a fixed time. If the Santa Claus hut is closed, you will visit the North Pole.

- 14:00 Depart from hotel.

- 14:30 Visit Museum of the North, which is located on the Fairbanks campus of the University of Alaska. If the Museum of the North is closed, you will go to Thompson Memorial Center.

- 16:00 Visit Santa Claus House.

- Around 17:00 finish the tour and return to the hotel.

- 22:00, Depart from the hotel and our experienced tour guide will take you to the wilderness, away from the light pollution of the urban area to chase the trail of the Aurora. Aurora is a natural landscape that cannot be forecasted. When the aurora appears in the sky, our tour guide will stop and let you take pictures and enjoy the aurora; or take you to a place with super high visibility to stop and wait for the aurora. Along the way, the guide will explain the knowledge of the aurora, camera parameter adjustment and the aurora borealis Shooting skills to help you take wonderful photos of the aurora. Because it is an out-door tour, there are no toilets and hot drinks. If you need to use the restroom, please inform the tour guide, and we will arrange that for you.

- 2:00 AM back to the hotel.

NOTES FOR GUEST

1. Museum of the North is closed on Thanksgiving, Xmas, and New Year. 

2. In winter, the Santa Claus hut in Arctic Village is only open at a fixed time. If the Santa Claus hut is closed, you will visit the North Pole. No refund. 

 

 

 

Today you can enjoy your free day or participate in our carefully prepared winter snow activities at your own expense.

【Arctic Circle Land Adventure】Schedule: Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

- 11:00 am Drive away from Fairbanks, along the famous Dalton Highway, and visit North America’s third largest river Yukon River on the way, and Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which runs through the entire north and south of Alaska , and the beautiful polar scenery along the way, finally arrived at the Arctic Circle Sign, declared the conquest of the frozen North Circle, and won an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Explore the mysterious North Circle, experience the most primitive landforms on the earth, and encounter polar animals. Get away from the hustle and bustle of life and feel the peace of the earth.

- 1:00 am return to the hotel.

Notes for guests:

1. Please prepare snacks and food due to the long ride journey to the Arctic Circle.

2. No cellphone reception covered for the most time.

3. Recommended gratuity to tour guide: $20 for their outstanding services.

4. Departure time is based on the local daylight schedule, please confirm with your tour guide.

【Arctic Circle Fly-drive Adventure】Schedule: every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

- 11:00 Please go to the meeting place (3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK 99709) by yourself, and arrive before 11:45 and check-in.

- 13:00 Fly to Coldfoot Camp airport by plane. Estimated flight time is 1 hour and 10 minutes. After landing, you will take the bus to Coldfoot Camp, where you will have 1 hour of free time, and send postcards at the post office in the northernmost part of the United States, and you can also enjoy delicious food in the camp restaurant.

- 15:45 Gather and drive back to Fairbanks (please use the restroom and buy snacks before departure to make final preparations for the long-distance trip).

- 17:30  Arrive at Arctic Circle Sign and we will issue you an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate here to commemorate your expedition to conquer the polar regions (stay for no less than 15 minutes).

- 20:00 Arrive at Yukon River Camp. After a short rest here, we will continue our journey.

- 23:00 Arrive at Arctic Circle Trading Post, you will take a short rest here, and you can also pay to participate in the Aurora Viewing ($60/person), waiting for the appearance of the aurora, expected 03:30-04:30, Arrive at the hotel.

- 01:00-02:00 Other guests return to the hotel.

Notes for guests:

1. English-speaking guides are provided throughout the tour.

2. No cellphone reception covered for the most time.

3. If you are satisfied with the tour, it is recommended to give gratuity to the pilot after landing and tour guide when you arrive at the Fairbanks Hotel ($10 per person). 

4. Please reserve the hotel shuttle bus one night in advance, and take the shuttle bus to the meeting place on time. Passengers who miss the shuttle bus must go by themselves.

【Dog sledding】Schedule: every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

Dog sledding has been an integral part of life in Alaska long before European explorers came to Alaska. Even now, dog sledding is not only the best form of transportation, but also a famous sporting event. Here, you will have plenty of time to get in close contact with the sled dogs, take a sled and follow the dogs to explore the snowfields of Alaska in the mountains.This tour is suitable for guests of all ages. Guests can not only experience speed and passion, but also enjoy comfort and safety.

We will depart for the dog sledding experience center in the daytime. After arriving, we will have a short rest. When the dogs and woodcutter are ready, guests can start the 30-minute dog sledding experience trip. After that, guests return to downtown Fairbanks and hotels.

【Snowmobile】Schedule: every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

（Driver's license is required.This activity is guided by an English coach, basic English communication skills is also required)

 Snowmobile is the coolest form of transportation and entertainment in Alaska during the long winters. Galloping in the endless forest and snowfields of Alaska brings different pleasure and excitement. Under the guidance of professional coaches, beginners can also easily and clearly master the driving skills, speeding on the snow and enjoying the scenery of the Alaskan ice field.

We will depart for the snowmobile experience center in the daytime. Upon arrival, the staff will prepare snowmobiles for our guests, and then you can start your 1-hour snowmobile experience.

After that, guests return to downtown Fairbanks and hotels.

【Ice Fishing】Schedule: every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

In Alaska, rivers and lakes freeze over from November to March. The ice can reach a thickness of almost 3 feet and it provides a great environment for one of the favorite winter pastimes in Alaska - ice fishing. Sitting in a warm tent, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and breathing the cleanest air, our local fishing guide will teach you the skills of ice fishing. If you catch a fish you can grill it up on the spot. The departure time is subject to the actual notice, and it takes about 30 minutes by car to arrive at the ice fishing location. Then you can enjoy a 3-hour fun experience, learn  and master the unique ice fishing skills of the Inuit.   

Notes for guests: According to local laws, tourists who participate in ice fishing activities need to purchase a fishing license: $15/person (under 16 years old are not required).

 

  



  



 

 

Today is your last day for the trip. Check out time is 11AM. Please reserve the airport shuttle at the front desk in advance.