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Kenai Fjords Denali Explorer | Alaska Train Vacation
INTRODUCTION
Travel on this 7-day Alaska Train Vacation combining two of Alaska's most visited destinations: Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park.
Spend 2 nights at Kenai Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island and ride the rails to Denali and Fairbanks.
Inside Denali National Park, your choice of tours range from a Backcountry Adventure Tour to a Jeep or Tundra Wilderness Tour.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Anchorage|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Anchorage to Seward | Alaska Railroad | Cruise Kenai FjordBoard the Coastal Classic train in the Goldstar Railcar for a breathtaking ride along Cook Inlet and the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains to Seward. On arrival, take a boat to exclusive Fox Island for lunch and an afternoon of optional activities. After dinner prepared by a gourmet chef, enjoy an evening at leisure or a beach campfire. Overnight on Fox Island at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today)
Day 2 Fox Island | Guided Sea KayakingToday, enjoy a guided sea kayak trip through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Look for puffins, sea lions and seals as you explore the rocky coves of Fox Island. You can even spot whales close to the shore. Overnight on Fox Island at Kenai Fjord Wilderness Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today)
Day 3 Fox Island to Seward | Northwestern Fjord Glacier CruiseAfter a hot and hearty breakfast, you’ll depart this morning on the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. Travel farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than with any other cruise and visit the magnificent Northwestern Fjord, home to three amazing tidewater glaciers and numerous alpine glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers and breathtaking scenery. This cruise is the best way to see this pristine National Park and its inhabitants. Also, visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, an island home to teeming seabird rookeries. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the untouched beauty of Alaska’s coastal waters. Return to Seward this evening for an overnight stay at Seward Windsong Lodge. (Breakfast at lodge & deli style lunch is included onboard cruise today)
Day 4 Seward to Talkeetna | Coach Mid-morning, board a scheduled motorcoach to Talkeetna. The Seward Highway showcases the natural beauty of south central Alaska. Relax and enjoy the scenery while your driver gives you some history of the area along the way. Stop in Anchorage at midday for approx 90 minutes before continuing to Talkeetna. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at your hotel. Talkeetna is a small but unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and for its views of Mount Denali, North America’s tallest mountain.
Day 5 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadThis morning take the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar to Denali National Park. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier or hiking. (Lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 6 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 7 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadThis morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska RailroadThis morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)
Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | Alaska RailroadThis morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar to Talkeetna, best known as base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali. The evening is at your leisure. Talkeetna is a small but unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and for its stunning views of Mount Denali. (Lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Talkeetna to Seward | CoachThis morning depart Talkeetna aboard a comfortable motorcoach. The driver will provide narration as you travel on the nationally recognized Parks Highway through Alaska’s spectacular scenery and small historic towns. You will have a layover of approximately 90 minutes in Anchorage so that you can purchase lunch. Continue on to Seward along scenic Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Few roads in the United States can offer the diversity of scenic landscapes and unique natural features all concentrated in one area.
Day 5 Seward to Fox Island | CruiseToday board a boat to exclusive Fox Island for lunch and an afternoon of optional activities. After dinner prepared by a gourmet chef, enjoy an evening at leisure or a beach campfire. Overnight on Fox Island at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today)
Day 6 Fox Island | Guided Sea KayakingToday, enjoy a guided sea kayak trip through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Look for puffins, sea lions and seals as you explore the rocky coves of Fox Island. You can even spot whales close to the shore. Overnight on Fox Island at Kenai Fjord Wilderness Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today)
Day 7 Fox Island to Anchorage | Northwestern Fjord Glacier Cruise | Alaska RailroadAfter a hot and hearty breakfast, you’ll depart this morning on the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. Travel farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than with any other cruise and visit the magnificent Northwestern Fjord, home to three amazing tidewater glaciers and numerous alpine glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers and breathtaking scenery. This cruise is the best way to see this pristine National Park and its inhabitants. Also, visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, an island home to teeming seabird rookeries. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the untouched beauty of Alaska’s coastal waters. Return to Seward this evening and board the Alaska Railroad for a scenic train trip back to Anchorage. (Breakfast at lodge & deli style lunch is included onboard cruise & dinner onboard the train today)
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 6 nights
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Seward Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Transfer between Seward train station & the small boat harbour
- Wildlife viewing cruise to Fox island
- Guided sea kayak tour
- Northwestern Fjord Cruise with breakfast and deli-style lunch
- Shuttle from small boat harbour after cruise to accommodation
- Seward to Talkeetna coach transfer with driver commentary
- Talkeetna hotel shuttle between hotel & train station
- Alaska Railroad – Talkeetna to Denali Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
- Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- Fox Island - Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge | Standard Room
(With lunch, dinner & breakfast) - Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room
- Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Main Lodge Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabin
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- Fox Island - Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge | Standard Room(With lunch, dinner & breakfast)
- Seward - Seward Windsong Lodge | Standard Room with Deck
- Talkeetna - Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge | Mountainside Lodge Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
Alaska Railroad | Goldstar All our itineraries except the Glacier Discovery Train includes Gold Star Dome Service. These railcars feature large, curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360 degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The service is inclusive of all meals that are served in the lower-level dining room.
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Train Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Daily | 26 May - 04 Sep(Tour Code: TRA9)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily | 22 May - 01 Sep(Tour Code: TRA10)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
22 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 04 Sep 23 | $4,422 $4,867 | $5,962 $6,573 | $3,952 $4,342 | $3,254 $3,305 |
Superior Grade | ||||
22 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 04 Sep 23 | $4,819 $5,097 | $6,755 $7,033 | $4,222 $4,500 | $3,254 $3,305 |
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REVIEWS
1 of 8
"Awesome scenery at every curve"
We are so grateful for the careful planning and ideal itinerary for our vacation. We loved every hotel or mountain cabin we stayed in, the boat ride through the Seward fjords, Alaska Railroad, the bush ride into Denali Park for a close enough encounter with a mama grizzly and her 2 cubs....and awesome scenery at every curve.
Wayne Michigan, United States
2 of 8
"Excellent Trip"
Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.
Paul Williams Canada
3 of 8
"Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. "
Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. Thank you for organising this so quickly for us to fill in the extra 5 days after the cruise was terminated.Everything went so smoothly, and we were on everyone's' 'list' on all the transfers. The best part was the small plane flight back from Denali- it was brilliant.The cruises on the Fiords were also a highlight. So, thanks again. We are thinking of coming back to view the Northern Lights at Fairbanks and also the start of the Iditarod.
Lynne Sydney, Australia
4 of 8
"So Knowledgeable and amazing service"
Not being able to travel Internationally we decided on Alaska for our summer vacation, We worked with Samantha who has been to Alaska many times and recommended the perfect itinerary for us. This trip has made us want to go back to Alaska to experience more - next time will be another luxury remote lodge.
Jeff Los Angeles, CA
5 of 8
"They were professional and pleasant to work with."
They were professional and pleasant to work with. When the fires starts in various areas that they would be touring Alaska Train Trips were great in helping to make adjustments to the clients reservations. The clients were thrilled with there trip.
Jemma L New York
6 of 8
"Amazing Service ! I use this company all the time for my clients"
Alaska Train Trips is part of Alaska by Design and i use this company for all my Alaska Business, they are so knowledgeable and i usually work with Samantha or Jasmine.
Janie P Austin, TX
7 of 8
"Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients."
Alaska Train Trips which is part of Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients. They returned with great memories and were extremely pleased with all aspects of their trip.
Michael Figueriedo Spain
8 of 8
"Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday."
Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday. They were able to tailor our trip to what we wanted. We have recommended Alaska Train Trips to our friends.
Anne Mathews Australia
Kenai Fjords Denali Explorer | Alaska Train Vacation
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