Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area, known for its vast wilderness, stunning natural landscapes, and unique wildlife. It is located in the northwest extremity of North America, bordered by Canada to the east and the Arctic Ocean to the north. Alaska is famous for its rugged terrain, including mountains, glaciers, and fjords, as well as its diverse ecosystems. There are tourist trains in Alaska. Two of them are very popular among tourists from all over the world.
There are no long-distance Amtrak trains in Alaska.
Tourist trains in Alaska
Alaska Railroad – one of the most famous tourist railways in the world. The railway operates year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service connecting Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Passengers can choose from several routes, for example: Anchorage – Talkeetna – Wasilla, Anchorage – Girdwood – Seward, Anchorage – Whittier – Spencer – Grandview, and Anchorage – Denali – Fairbanks. These are one-day round trips with accompanying programs and photo stops.
During the winter season, the railroad operates on a shorter route Anchorage – Hurricane on the first Thursday of the month and on weekends on the Anchorage – Fairbanks route.
Most trains offer two classes of travel: GoldStar Service, which includes complimentary coffee, soda, or tea, guaranteed seating on the upper level of bi-level cars, access to an observation car, and Adventure Class, which is cheaper. Snacks or meals can also be purchased in the dining car, where prices, considering Alaska’s standards, are reasonable, and online booking can provide additional savings.
Ticket prices depend on the train class and travel date. Tickets are cheaper off-season.
Alaska Railroad – official website
White Pass and Yukon Railroad – a very popular narrow-gauge railway. Construction of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad began during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898 near Klondike. Today, it’s one of the major railway tourist attractions in the United States and Canada, as the route of this narrow-gauge railway runs through the territory of both countries.
The railway was built in just 26 months. 450 tons of explosives were used. Construction was completed in 1900, and on June 29, 1900, the first train covered the 110-mile route.
Trains run from Skagway, where is located a museum housed in the former railway administration building, to Carcross (67.5 kilometers). The route leads through beautiful areas full of bridges (including the world’s largest cantilever bridge), tunnels, and passengers can admire the majestic peaks of mountains, rushing rivers, and serene lakes. Trains only cover half of the original line.
The company operating the railway offers a wide range of tours in the summer season, often combined with ferry tours or other additional services. The most popular tour is the “Bennett Scenic Journey,” simply a ride from Skagway to Carcross and back. Along the way, there is a photo stop at Emerald Lake and lunch in the restored Bennett station building (built in 1910). After lunch, passengers have over an hour to walk around the local lake, which was the destination for gold prospectors at the end of the 19th century. The return journey takes 8 hours.
White Pass and Yukon Railroad – official website
Miniature trains in Alaska
There is only one miniature railway in Alaska.
Crooked Creek Whiskey Island Railroad (Tanana Valley Railroad) – a miniature railway at a small railroad museum in Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. It operates several times a year. The museum, opened in 2006, is housed in two small buildings. Train encircle Pioneer Park and pulled by Old 67. The train runs every 15 minutes. An on-board guide points out historic attractions and activities in each section.
Original Tanana Valley Railroad was 914 mm narrow-gauge railway from Fairbanks to Chatanika and operated from 1905 to about 1917.
Miles Canyon Historic Railway Society
Miles Canyon Historic Railway Society is a non-profit organization that manages a restored mining train and a historic tram line in Whitehorse.
Copperbelt Railway & Mining Museum – mining and railway museum near Whitehorse, at 919.28 km of the Alaska Highway, about three kilometers from Two Mile Hill. The museum is open during the season, visitors can see exhibitions about the mining history of the region and take a ride on a mining train along a 2-kilometer route. There is a playground for children and numerous walking trails in the surrounding forests for adults.
Mining Museum – official website
Waterfront Trolley – a historic tram line in Waterfront. A restored tram from 1925 operates daily from mid-May to mid-September on the route Spook Creek – Tourist Centre (- Rotary Park). Along the way, it stops at 5 (6) stations, including near the White Pass railway station. The one-way journey takes 25-30 minutes.
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
