Arctic Circle Winter Tour
Many people only dream about seeing the aurora borealis, but with this small-group tour you will stop to savor the magic across the night sky in northern Alaska. This one-day tour departs from Fairbanks. You will stop to take in the monolithic Trans Alaska Pipeline, traverse the Dalton Highway and revel in the glory of the grand Yukon River. You'll cross the famous Arctic Circle, where you'll receive a personalized adventure certificate. On your return journey the tour will stop several times to take in the northern lights in all their majesty. With a commitment to protecting the environment and culture of Alaska, the Northern Alaska Tour Co. offers cooperative tours that help strengthen the local economies of the communities they visit.
Northern Alaska Tour Co.
P.O. Box 82991-W
Fairbanks, AL 99708
(800) 474-1986
northernalaska.com
Denali Sampler
This three-day tour of Denali Park includes travel by luxury motorcoach and domed railway. Departing in Anchorage, you'll travel through the Matanuska Valley--a unique farming region, charming small towns and miles of unspoiled scenery and abundant free-roaming wildlife. Arriving in Denali, you'll have a whole day to explore the park and enjoy optional activities such as river rafting or horseback riding. Luxury domed railcars will take you from Denali Park to Fairbanks via such scenic highlights as the Mears Memorial Bridge, one of the longest single-span rail bridges in the United States. Operated by Grayline Tours, the oldest tour company in Alaska, this adventure allows for modifications and tour add-ons such as an extended visit to a restricted part of Denali Park where few people get to visit.
Gray Line of Alaska
Operated by Holland America Line Inc.
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
(888) 452-1737
graylinealaska.com
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
For a truly unique Alaskan experience, take a tour that follows the exciting Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This five-day tour in early March gets you up close and personal with the race. You'll participate in a pre-race banquet with the mushers, cheer them on at the energy-pulsing starting line and various checkpoints along the course, and witness the thrilling surge to the finish. You will even get to drive your own dog sled. Along the way your tour guide will introduce you to behind-the-scenes race activities and information. In between race stops, you will take a flight tour over the rugged Alaskan countryside and magnificent glaciers, visit Mount McKinley and take an aeriel tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for unprecedented views. Operated by Alaska Tours, modifications to the tour include a more adventurous itinerary where you go from being a sideline spectator to driving your own snowmobile along the course.
413 G St.
Anchorage, AL 99501
(907) 277-3000
Article Written By Lisa Brei
Lisa Brei is a freelance writer who has written for "Los Angeles Family" magazine, "L.A. Parenting" magazine and various nonprofit newsletters and blogs. She frequently covers education, family travel, gardening, children's health and infertility. Brei holds a Master of Arts in education from University of California, Los Angeles.
