LOADING










- Home
- Kenai Fjords Denali Explorer | Alaska Train Tour
Kenai Fjords Denali Explorer | Alaska Train Tour
INTRODUCTION
Travel on this 7-day Alaska Rail tour 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 Fjord Board 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 Kayaking Today, 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 Cruise After 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 Railroad This 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 3 Excursions Option 1. Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour | Full Day Coach Tour Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience over 65 miles of wilderness and wildlife along the rugged Denali Highway. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas, local guides will ensure you have opportunities to view the region’s best landmarks while introducing you to a host of authentic Alaska activities. See Denali and the other giants of the Alaska Range (weather permitting) and enjoy a delicious lunch at Alpine Creek Lodge. (Lunch and snacks included) Option 2. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #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 and takes you off the beaten path with your guide in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. (Snacks included) Option 3. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This shorter 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. Your turnaround point is the Murie Cabin, a rustic shelter with a history befitting the wild and remarkable Denali National Park. (It is recommended to take snacks on this excursion)
Day 7 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad This 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 Railroad This 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 3 Excursions Option 1. Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour | Full Day Coach Tour Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience over 65 miles of wilderness and wildlife along the rugged Denali Highway. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas, local guides will ensure you have opportunities to view the region’s best landmarks while introducing you to a host of authentic Alaska activities. See Denali and the other giants of the Alaska Range (weather permitting) and enjoy a delicious lunch at Alpine Creek Lodge. (Lunch and snacks included) Option 2. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #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 and takes you off the beaten path with your guide in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. (Snacks included) Option 3. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This shorter 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. Your turnaround point is the Murie Cabin, a rustic shelter with a history befitting the wild and remarkable Denali National Park. (It is recommended to take snacks on this excursion)
Day 3 Denali National Park Entrance to Talkeetna | Alaska Railroad This 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 | Coach This 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 | Cruise Today 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 Kayaking Today, 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 Railroad After 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 3 Excursions
- Denali Backcountry Full Day Adventure Tour
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Reduced Price
- Tundra Wilderness Tour | Reduced Price
- 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 | Guest 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(Tour Code: MPANC12)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: MPANC12R)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Superior Grade | ||||
03 Jun - 27 Aug, 2021 |
$4,447 | $6,110 | $3,984 | $2,488 |
STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS ALASKA TRAIN TRIP
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE
per person


Alaska Land Tour with Denali, Glaciers and the Arctic
8 Days / 7 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska Luxury Tour with Stillpoint Lodge and Denali by Train
8 Days / 7 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska Train Tour Best of Glaciers & Denali
7 Days / 6 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Alaska Train Trip, Wilderness Lodges, Glaciers & Denali
10 Days / 9 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Best of Alaska by Train & Glaciers | First-time Favorites
6 Days / 5 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Denali Alaska Railroad Highlights
3 Days / 2 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Prince William Sound Denali Explorer | Alaska Favorites by Rail
7 Days / 6 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
per person


Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
7 Days / 6 Nights
Anchorage to Fairbanks
REVIEWS
1 of 2
"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
2 of 2
"I enjoyed working with Alaska by Design"
I enjoyed working with Alaska by Design, I was introduced to them by Debra Roberts and Karen did a great job for me with a couple of my reservations
Haleh M California, USA
Kenai Fjords Denali Explorer | Alaska Train Tour
Start planning your tailor-made train vacation in Alaska by contacting our train specialists
Call 1 800 686 1694
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm PST Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm PST Sunday: CLOSED
Send an email sales@alaskatraintrips.com
Or send a message