“Breathtaking. Adventure. Beautiful.” My 8-Day Alaska Train

There are some places that stop you in your tracks the moment you arrive—and Alaska is one of them. My 8-day rail adventure through Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks was a journey filled with awe, wildlife, laughter, and a renewed sense of wonder. From crystal-clear rivers and massive salmon to purple mountain sunrises and encounters with Santa himself, this is a trip I’ll never forget.

Anchorage & Seward: A Magical Beginning

On my first evening in Anchorage, I wandered down to a quiet riverbank. The water was so crystal clear I could see massive salmon swimming upstream—my first “wow, I’m really in Alaska” moment.

Breakfast in Anchorage meant reindeer sausage, a perfect introduction to Alaska’s bold flavors. Later in Seward, I tasted the best halibut fish ’n’ chips of my life—thick, crispy, and filled with flaky white halibut that melted instantly.

The GoldStar Train: 360 Degrees of Alaska

Traveling by rail in the GoldStar dome car was a dream. With 360-degree windows, every turn showed something extraordinary—bald eagles perched on driftwood, mountains glowing purplish at sunrise, and even a pod of beluga whales.

We enjoyed reindeer sausage and eggs in the dining car, then sipped hot chocolate upstairs while listening to stories about the 100-year history of the Alaska Railroad. We even made new friends—a sweet honeymoon couple from New York.

Talkeetna & Denali: Nature at Its Most Real

Talkeetna felt like stepping back into Northern Exposure—quirky, warm, and full of personality.

In Denali, we didn’t get to see the peak of the mountain, but I never felt disappointed. Instead, it became a promise to return until I do.

The wildlife was unforgettable. Caribou and Dall sheep dotted the hillsides, but the moment that stayed with me was watching a grizzly bear hunt—digging, shaking tiny trees, and chasing a prairie-dog-like animal. Part of me was rooting for the bear… and part of me was praying for the little guy. My husband laughed and said, “You can’t root for both—pick a side!”

At the Grande Denali Lodge, we were welcomed by Christmas decorations—National Park lodges celebrate “Christmas in August”—and giant screens streamed the live Katmai bear cams showing brown bears catching salmon. It was magical.

Fairbanks, North Pole & Chena Hot Springs: A Heart-Full Ending

Our time in North Pole, Alaska, was surprisingly emotional. When Santa recorded a special video message for my grandchildren and spoke lovingly about them, I found myself tearing up. Later, my 7-year-old granddaughter called me in disbelief:
“Gram Tam… did you really see Santa? Did you really go to the North Pole?”

I mailed a package home from the North Pole, and opening it with the official postmark felt like Christmas morning.

At Chena Hot Springs, we celebrated my birthday by relaxing in the warm springs under the cool Alaskan night. We hoped to catch the Northern Lights, but clouds moved in—just one more reason to return.

Final Thoughts: The Day I’d Relive & What Surprised Me Most

If I could relive one day, it would be Seward—watching wildlife, seeing the glacier, and sharing the experience with my best friend as she saw her very first glacier.

The biggest surprise of all? Learning that humpback whales sleep just below the surface of the water. Alaska always reminds you how alive the world truly is.