Ride the Rails Through Alaska

Riding the rails may seem like an old-time form of transportation or a long, drawn-out commute, but the train is really just another great way to see the world. Plan a summer getaway without all the planning and carting the kids around and let experienced guides do the work for you, especially in a wide open landscape like Alaska.

A well-planned tour can take your family through the wilderness, historic sites and wildlife wonders of the region like a pro. Take in the views from a relaxed seating position, get out into the wild with trusted itineraries and have all the travel logistics from hotel to city excursions arranged for you — all with the amenities and services of Vacations By Rail.

Embarking on an eight-day tour through Alaska’s endless natural beauty and wild vistas seems much more accessible (and relaxed) with someone else in the driver’s seat. Opt for a tour with a plan, but that also offers free time to explore. The Alaska Circle Tour Rail & Car is a great option.

Begin your wild family outing in Anchorage and explore the state’s largest city by day before boarding the Alaska Railroad en route to Denali National Park. While the younger children may enjoy playing pioneer and spotting wildlife, teens and older kids can go into the wild with endless activity options.

Spend the next full day in the park with a bus tour, where guides educate travelers on the history and significance of the park, as well as point out any wandering wildlife along the way. Once through the park, the next day brings travelers to Fairbanks, a cultural hub for Alaska’s gold history and pioneer culture. Visit sites like the Museum of the North and the Morris Thompson Culture Center, or check out the wild side of Pioneer Park and Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Guests of all ages can hike the trails suitable for them, or check out various wildlife tours.

Trans-Alaska pipeline. Photo: Aivoges – Dreamstime.com

Next up, a scenic drive to Valdez on the Richardson Highway, with mountains and glaciers filling the view from your train car window — the same views that gained Valdez the nickname Little Switzerland. Get out in nature with some kayaking, hiking and boat tours, or plan your trip in the snowy season and check out the local skiing and snowboarding.

The tour then brings travelers by ferry to Whitter, filled with views of icebergs and that quintessential Alaskan landscape you’re thinking of. Ride along through the world’s longest tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

The tour ends back in Anchorage and includes hotel stays each night, a rental car with unlimited miles for excursions, ferry rides, bus tours and more, all listed here.