Amazing video. NO annoying music, NO annoying Yakkity-blah-blah-yak. Just the sounds of the train, the passengers... real life.. makes one feel actually “there”. The written commentary was spot-on. Thank you.
I also want to tell you how much I appreciate your concise onscreen information in place of narration. There's a lot to be said for "less is more". Another rail video popped up in my recommendations that I had to abandon bec the host just wouldn't shut up. Yakked on and on.
This is one of the world’s great rail journeys! My favorite moment was your tour of the Goldstar dome and the outdoor viewing platform....it exemplifies the amazing service the Alaska Railroad provides by allowing you this opportunity! I have taken this train in summer and in Feb 2020 took it in the glory of the Alaskan winter! The winter was however a bit too glorious as there were massive avalanches south of Hurricane and we could not continue train journey. They put us on buses to Anchorage but before doing so fed EVERYONE a free hot dinner on the train. Some folks had red eye flights that night including one lady to Japan that they would miss due to the delay. The staff called the airlines when on the bus and used the company credit card to pay all costs of re-booking the flights!!! Where else on this planet does a company do that?? Seriously, the Alaska Railroad is a class act....do not hesitate to book. The train to Seward is also amazing!
This is a viewer in Jharkhand State, India town of Hazaribagh. I am an avid buff of viewing train journeys. Thanks for bringing Alaska to my doorstep in the South Asian tropics. You are doing a great service to humanity sharing. Thank you and God bless from Bulu Imam
Hi, Thibault! I watched this video with my husband, who I actually met on this train! We have both ridden this route hundreds of times, as I worked in food service for many years and he is actually a conductor on the Alaska Railroad and we both loved the video. It’s exciting to see the route through new eyes after riding it so many times. However, my husband really wanted me to share that the AKRR conductors are actually the ones in the black suits, commonly seen wearing their “conductor” hat. He’s proud to do the job, and proud of his coworkers as well, so he likes to see them properly recognized (especially because it takes so much training!). The person named in the video is great at his job, but he is actually not a conductor! He’s the food and beverage manager, just in case you wanted to make the edit 😊. Thanks again for sharing!!
Hey Brady, thanks for your message, I appreciate the fact you loved the video. That's always awesome to know that my videos are watched by AKRR employees. For the food manager, I knew that but I wanted to make things easier for the viewer.... that's why I called this guy a conducteur. Even he wasn't actually. Thanks again for your message. Thibault
I have heard the same thing and would love to go on that train. Unfortunately, I also heard that it is extremely expensive, so I know I will never be able to travel on it. But, maybe somebody will do the trip and video all of it!!! Then I could see it!!
@@ionecuff6323 take a look & see what you can find. There are some 2 for 1 specials during the normal times. I was able to go take a cheaper trip the 1st time. Didn't get to stay long, but stayed long enough to know how to plan better for the next time. In the context of things, the trip for the value I got to also do a stayover at Denali was a good deal. The parts to pay to fly, get a room, food, tours - unless you can do it yourself combined is the more expensive part. I never thought I would never go to see AK. Then my daughter with her husband & my 2 grandchildren moved up there - from el Paso. Now when tell people I'm going to AK they go 'how great - its on my bucket list' -'once in a lifetime adventure' - I go no necessity. The only way I can see them. So at least in Anchorage I get a free place to stay & a free tour guide. But I still have to save for the tickets! ;-)
I travelled on this train in 1994. I believe it was then called the Aurora. The scenery brought back many memories and the second week of September, when I travelled which was also a perfect sunny day and with the Autumn leaves changing colour,...simply amazing and definitely the best time of the year. Also amazing but missed in the video is some of the beaver lodges in the creeks along the way. We also travelled to Seward and Cordova on ARR. But the trip to Fairbanks...simply breathtaking and I'll definitely be paying for the upgrade when I once again visit Alaska, thanks to your video, once COVID-19 is behind us. The train is really well presented...so very clean and the crew...sensational and during the cruise season ARR add additional cars to the train. Thanks again for an inspirational video during these challenging times... :-)
I did the Denali Train ride in mid September 2017 and purchased the Gold Star so I could have the full experience of the ride. I will never forget the meals on the train, my first taste of Reindeer sausage. YUM! I loved the dome car with the outdoor observation deck, I spent the majority of the trip there and hated to come in to warm up. The Fall colors were in their full glory and breathtakingly beautiful with the back drop of majestic mountains. I think my favorite part of the ride was the outdoor observation deck. When we got to Hurricane Gulch, our train stopped so everyone could get lots of pictures, the views were spectacular. I still can't get over all the golds and oranges of the trees. As you noticed everything on the train was spotless, the staff were the friendliest, respectful, informative, and sometimes funny. The greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They kept a sharp lookout for moose, bear, caribou, or any other wildlife along the way. They seemed to know what areas they might be in. We did see bear and caribou on our ride. As on your ride, they provided a wealth of information about everything along the way. I stayed in Denali for 3 days and it was so wonderful!! Unfortunately, I did not take the bus ride through to see all the wildlife. The day I checked out of the lodge was the day they were closing for the winter season. So we wound up riding back to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad with the majority of the out of town employees from the lodge. LOL!! I had extra luggage on the ride back and it didn't seem to create a problem. You see, the gift shops and the shops across from the lodge were all having HUGE clearance sales, so, well, I had to get souvenirs for my friends, kids, and grandkids. So I had to buy a very large suitcase. What woman can resist a 70% off sale???!!! Ok, back to the train! The train going back to Anchorage was a little different than the Alaska Denali Train. Not much different, just a little. But still everything was spotless, the service was every bit as great as on the Denali. Our train stopped to meet with another train. The crews of both trains got off and presented each other with gifts and hugs, chatted a little, and then returned to their trains to continue on. I later found out that the majority of the crews on both trains fly up to work the tourist season on the trains. That day was their last trip, so they were carrying on the traditions of stopping the trains, exchanging gifts, and saying their goodbyes to each other. Such a wonderful thing to witness. I forgot to mention, I did shed a lot of tears on both train rides. The magnificence and breath taking beauty of everything completely overwhelmed me! I could not stop smiling and grinning. I had never seen so much water, rivers, creeks, and streams in my life!! I had never seen and met so many friendly and happy people!! I want to go back again!! I really want to go on the train to Seward next time, just can't make up my mind where I should depart from. I wish you safe and beautiful travels!!
Love your high speed train videos from Europe, but this train trip with its gorgeous views is where slower is better. You lucked out on having such sunny weather to video all those views! Definitely putting this on my bucket list. Merci beaucoup!
There are FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. Personally, Anchorage to Fairbanks ranks #4 out of 5. Which gives you some idea how stunning the top 3 are. Kind regards from London, England. Love France, Belgium, Switzerland and French Canada too !
What a breathtaking journey! Those 40 minutes of your video went by in a flash; it was so captivating and it was like I was there the entire time and forgot about my surroundings here :) What a marvellous trip report, thanks for making the time and effort and sharing it with us. I can't pick a favourite moment of your report; it was all magnificent :D Greetings from The Netherlands
I work for the Alaska railway and spend a lot of time in hurricane. Nothing for 100 miles in either direction so you better hope you brought enough supplies lol.
I have watched so many travel, especially train, videos (including yours) during the pandemic lockdowns here in Canada and I want to tell you that this is by far the absolute best train journey video I have seen! The Alaskan scenery and the train itself are amazing but it is your gentle, charming, enthusiastic and informative commentary that is the real star. Thank you!
In late August 1997, after a few very memorable days staying at the seasonal Denali Park Lodge, and previously having landing on the mountain at a 9 ,000 ft high snowfield in a superchared Cessna ski plane, my friends and I were bussed the 90 miles to the Denali railway station to join the southbound train to Anchorage to fly home. It was an eight hours train trip, and truly wonderful. I have travelled by rail in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe and Ecuador, and the Alaska train journey ranks very highly in comparison. I am impressed how pristine the coaches are in your video....even the bogies looked newly painted, and the incredible scenery which you filmed brought back happy memories. We travelled in comfortable standard class coaches in 1997, but the train also included luxury dome coaches reserved for Holland-America Line cruise passengers. Thanks for sharing your experience and comments. Alaska is truly the last frontier.
I was forced to yell "Bloody heaven" at the gorgeous beauty of the route at least 3-4 times. The journey is gorgeous, with not just the most picturesque route, but also the most comfortable train one can think of. The Alaska looks like Canada of the US, with the train going back to pick up people of a flag stop, a concept I couldn't even think of. Once in a lifetime experience indeed.
Personally, I think the Alaska Railroad routes from Anchorage to Seward and Whittier are much more scenic, if you are into miles and miles skirting the shores or a deep sea fjord, with snow-capped volcanoes as your distant background. Recommend you also check out international railway that is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway, Alaska (US) to Carcross, Yukon Territory via Fraser and Bennett in British Columbia (Canada).
@@apoorvkc My pleasure. In Europe, I recommend Bergen to Oslo (TIP: which must be done EAST bound), as this was ranked #1 in the world by American railroad fans. And I agree with their choice ! My personal #2 is Trondheim to Bodø, which goes for hundreds of miles along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond the Arctic Circle i.e. north of Fairbanks, Alaska, and #3 is Dombas to Andalsnes, as the railway nose-dives off a cliff, to descend 3,000ft almost vertically. There is a RUclips video showing a train disappearing over the edge.
@@vicsams4431 Now this sounds extremely exciting. If I ever go to Europe, I'll try at least one of them. The train disappearing would be a unique experience.
Incredibly beautiful sceneriy! I couldn't ever imagine that I would be travelling with a train in Alaska! Now on my 67ths finally I made it; thanks to you son! Many blesses and thanks...
Wow what an amazing trip report the scenery from mountain valleys to forests and lakes à beautiful part of the world not many get to see I liked the train colours in blue and yellow and also the diffrent classes of travel the ultra dome coach was my favourite you get to see the beautiful scenery and the twists and turns of the route from upstairs and the open section so you can hear the train chugging along and the trees brushing past. It is good there was a voice guide telling of attractions and events that have happened on or near the railway definitely one of the world's most scenic railway journeys and seems like a once in a lifetime experience to go on there you must have felt really enjoyable to having gone on this It is also good the railway is a lifeline to those in remote isolated settlements hundreds of miles away from the nearest town or city so they can get supplies or get to places or simply enjoy riding the rail route but anyway absolutely well done filming this 😍
I second this. Also in addition to the Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail Train 1/2 (The Canadian) is also very good and features the Budd art deco cars from the 1950s.
@@josephwong5755 Not to mention the Prestige Class on The Canadian is probably the best first class product on any state-run railway in the world. Nothing else is better that isn't an excursion luxury train meant more for cruising than as a mode of transportation.
@@josephwong5755 You beat me to it making your comment. I really enjoyed riding VIA Rail on The Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper back and forth as part of an AMTRAK northwest trip originating from St. Louis in 2009.
Yep; I did a combination trip:~ • Toronto to Vancouver via overnight stops in Jasper & Kamloops: I Rode VIA Rail 🍁 Canada 🇨🇦: The Canadian: Budd Carriage Roomette Sleeper: Toronto -> Jasper & Rocky Mtneer: Gold Leaf Service: Jasper -> Kamloops -> Vancouver... Worth every penny / dollar 💵 spent...
Absolutely stunning video, well put together, well thought out in production, no boring silly music, no gum flapping commentary, you let the scenery & natural sounds around you do the commentary. It is amazing what you see at a sedate pace & someone else doing the driving. This trip is going on my bucket list. Thank you again, keep up the excellent work.
Hello from England UK just west of London. Travelled on Avanti west coast a couple of weeks ago London to Lancashire , before the UK safety issue trains taken out of service for checks ( cracks ) . Anyway these videos [ Simply Railway ], are brilliant so far travelled from NYC to Miami and now north, picturesque Alaska , awesome thanks 👍
Brought back so many great memories. Alaska is, in my opinion, the most beautiful area in the United States and possibly the world. Thanks for a great video.
Wow, did this wonderful video take me back! I was stationed at Clear A.F.S. south of Nenana near Anderson in 1974 and rode the rails to Anchorage to shop for a bass guitar. I remember that the crew was so amazing and friendly then. Good to hear that hasn't changed but we ARE talking about Alaska!
i was looking forward to this upload ever since you instastoried it! also I am glad that you didnt try and cut down the duration as we got to see all the beautiful scenery on this train, even though its your longest video yet. you make us dream from afar, thank you Thibault!
Very good video! A lot has changed since I rode that line(1963) Had a flag stop at Dome (Murphy Dome) radar station, before Fairbanks where I resided for 12 months in the USAF. Breathtaking scenery. Thanks!
I have been enjoying your reports for the past month or so.. slowly working my way through them all :) One thing I like about your style is that even when you have some complaints or 'room for improvements' you are always respectful and supportive of the railway.. you know it's always a n uphill battle keeping the system going against the economic current of planes, trucks and cars!
Very beautiful. I did the Amtrak route from Los Angeles to Tacoma Washington, 32 hours in coach. I loved every second of it. The scenery was gorgeous. I need to do this Alaska trip. Thank you for sharing 🥰
5 Wheels, When did you do the trip to Tacoma? I lived in Tacoma for alot of my life and traveled from Washington DC to Tacoma with my wife in 1977 on the "Empire Builder"
There are no less than FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. There is a tour company from London, England that does all 5 railroads in 12 days, covering 15,000 miles, 5 aircraft, 23 trains, 23 buses, 3 x 7 hours sea voyages and a streetcar. Wildlife like you would not believe. We saw two species of eagles, four species of whales, dolphins, sealions, seals, sea otters, grizzly bears and black bears, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goat and loads more. Also done every railway line in Canada (except Churchill) and parts of AMTRAK notably the Maple Leaf and the Vermonter. Done all the railways of Britain, Ireland, Norway (except Narvik), Portugal and most of Europe. Any questions, just ask.
Wonderful video, beautiful scenery, really nice to see via captions instead of verbose audio. Don't think I'll ever see this since its been so long ago BUT I so wish there was film available of life onboard the U.P. City of Portland circa 1960's. We went to see family 5 times from Des Moines to Nampa Idaho. Last time in 1969 just in time to get home & see the first moon landing. Amazing trips, route primarily along I-80(not fully built yet). The plains, the Rockies, much of it at 90mph. CRACK trains, scheduled almost to the second. Wonderful food, Domeliners, every aspect top-drawer when America was America. One yr, the Seattle World's Fair, consist was 5 locos, some 30 coaches & Pullmans, 3(I think) full-scale diners, 3(I also think) Dome Cars, 2 lounge/club cars,plus baggage (and yes) mail cars. We weren't rich but sure FELT we were! I'm almost 70 now but those memories still remain. Love your work, keep em up....
Thank you for bringing back memories. In 2003 I retired and my wife and I celebrated by taking a cruise to Alaska. We rode the same train you did but we started in Fairbanks. Like you we saw the top of Denali when the clouds opened up. We watch the TV show about the Alaska Railroad and yes the flag stops are respected by the train crews. Like you we had no disappointments. Our only regret was we should have done the 14 day agenda which would have given us more time on land to see so much more. Thank again.
Took the ride with my family in 1957...Alaska was beautiful but Fairbanks was very primitive living. Dog sleds and bets on the spring ice break on the river was big entertainment. This is one of those bucket list trips that's a must....dome seats see all...maybe a moose crossing the tracks. as in our trip. High fives to Alaska Railroad.
A wonderful presentation as if you were doing the trip yourself. Good to know the USA has one passenger train that is clean, runs on time and is dependably so even if only for a few months' operations. That the seating and food is good with some 10-15 minute stops to better enjoy and soak up the unrivaled Alaskan scenery.. Thank you "Simply Railway" for taking me along with you !
I have done all FIVE railroad lines in Alaska and every railway line in Canada (except Churchill). As a Londoner, from England, I liked AMTRAK. I did the Maple Leaf from Toronto to New York and the Vermonter between New York and St. Albans, Vermont.
They are not always in time. I waiting 2 hours the other night to get picked up at my stop. I left due to a large brown bear poking around. Feb of 22 they had a 17 hour delay due to moose on the tracks just inside the park. But on time or late we love the train.
Nice video! It brings back a lot of memories. I was a chef on the original McKinley Explorer railcars in the summers of '90 and '91 behind the ARR cars along that same route. Of all of the jobs I've ever had, THAT is the one I miss the most.
I am an Alaskan for over 50 years and have ridden this train back and forth about 8 to 10 times. I still love the trip and intend to take it again, especially after viewing your video. The only thing that I missed was seeing any animals in the video. When I have ridden the train, they would stop so that people could take photographs of moose or caribou or whatever else might be near the tracks.
Lovely video. I have been to Alaska thrice.. primitive camping after some bush flying. It gets better each time.. although expensive. I should try this train trip next time!
In June 2019 I have done this trip with the Daneli Star Train also. I like your video because a lot of memories comes up again. Especially I remember to Avery. He is a very good person and he was our table captain during this trip.
Sitting at home with a knee replacement, I can honestly say I enjoyed this journey. I’m so appreciate that I can watch this video and feel like I was traveling.
I guess it blew your mind that the bistro car was a former C&NW commuter car. Well then it should doubly blow your mind to know that the ultradome was also a commuter car. Virtually the same construction as the Northwestern car, the Ultra Dome car was initially a Southern Pacific bi-level commuter coach used between San Francisco and San Jose. They were heavily remodeled/reconfigured somewhere in Oregon. I believe Tillamook. P.S. About the Bistro Car, I'm not 100% sure about this specific car, but the C&NW had these manufactured as Bi-level Intercity coaches to handle such trains as the 398 mile Chicago to Ishpeming, Wisconsin, Bi-level Peninsula "400". To the Casual Observer, the exterior of the cars appears to be the same as the bi-level commuter cars, however the cars Interiors were significantly nicer. Reflecting their use on long-distance trains - not commuter trains. After 1971, These cars we're sold to Amtrak to meet the needs of their Intercity passengers - the C&NW still needed all their Bi-Level commuter cars for their Suburban operations.
America is gorgeous! The only country to connect such a gorgeous and challenging landscape with such comfortable rail transportation so that you could enjoy the scenery in peace without worrying about navigating the maps! Fascinating stuff!
As a kid in the late 50's my family would go to Colorado on the Zephyr. The dome car was the best part and you brought back so many memories. The curved stairs, chairs with that button recline release and even the frosted window in the toilet. Thank you for this experience!
Did Anchorage to Fairbanks on my bike, w/o a doubt the most amazing journey, scenery, people, then, from Haines to Bellingham on the Inside passage ferry, then high tailed it back across the US to the east coast, done it twice!
Thanks for your excellent video ! I prefer the written explanations and the history of the train, it's carriages ! Surprisingly, they are almost as old as myself ! But, they are in better shape !!! Joking ! Wish I could add new bits once the old ones wear out. Travelled across Canada years ago on the train. Had a roomette to myself and it was just great ! Montreal to Vancouver in three days. Stopped off along the way to meet old friends. Travelling by train is leisurely and you see the country and meet people too. Trains are the way to go ! But, I'm old fashioned and like to take my time. Thanks again. Keep them coming !
Great video! I took this trip back in 1969 and '70. A poor serviceman --well poor in finances but rich in the sense of excitement!! I remember those trips to this day and they still bring great memories. Of course the amenities were nothing like those on this train but we loved every mile. Even camping out behind Mt. McKinley (now Mt. Denali) Lodge because we couldn't afford the cost of a room! Probably not the safest thing because we heard animals (maybe moose) walking around in the night! Thanks for the great memories!
I just now discovered your channel as I was searching for the Denali Star route. So far I’ve viewed about the first 5 minutes of your video and looking forward to the remaining 34 minutes. I’m 80 and in June 1967 I drove to Alaska from St Paul MN with my wife and her parents. The distance was about 3,000 miles and in those days over a thousand miles of the Alcan Highway was gravel. I recall the many unsettling white crosses representing the traffic fatalities since the highway opened in 1948. We were pulling an Apache Tent Camper that would fishtail on the curves. We first visited Fairbanks and then attempted driving to McKinley Park but the sharp rocks caused a flat tire on the camper. After changing the tire we decided to drive down to Anchorage and ride the Alaska RR to the park. Although the train had no dome car back then, it was quite a scenic ride and we spent the night at the McKinley Park Hotel. Until today I didn’t know it was destroyed by a fire in 1972. After the delicious sourdough breakfast, we took the bus tour hoping to see Mt McKinley but the fog completely obstructed the view. On our trip home we drove down to Haines AK and enjoyed the magnificent scenery as we took the ferry to Prince Rupert BC. From Prince Rupert we boarded another ferry to Kelsey Bay on Vancouver Island. Then we drove the length of the island and took a ferry to the mainland. We visited my wife’s brother and his family in Puyallup WA before driving home.
This really took me back in time. In 60-61 I was stationed at the Dome (a BMEWS site that is no longer there). We could hike down from the site and catch the train in the morning, and ride down to the Indian River trestle, hop off, and fish all day, and then catch the train back to the site in the evening. AND, the service was free for armed services personnel at the time.
After spending a quarantine year sifting through hateful comments, vids and tweets, it was wholesomely wonderful to watch a perfectly positive production. @Poets4Politics
Great train video of The Denali Star, what a beautiful experience and adventure it must have been to travel by train inside the great state of Alaska. I especially like the way you kept things moving by giving us a tour of the train and showing us picturesque views of the Alaskan wilderness. The prices look very reasonable for 2020. I'm glad you grabbed a bite to eat you can't beat drinking an ice cold Alaskan beer and having an angus cheese burger for lunch while looking out at the world threw those huge windows. Your choices of cheeses did catch my eye, I have never thought of that combination before but I will try it at my next opportunity. The passengers and the crew onboard look very friendly. The closed caption idea was great too, for the lack of a better word very peaceful, it feels like were on the train too. Thanks for a great trip.
I don’t even live in Alaska I live in Texas but I love Alaska because of the weather the view and the colors I wish I could go there I love the sight of the mountains at night
Wow. Just wow. This is the essence of travelling by train. I'm really happy for you, I was actually touched by this report. Absolutely amazing, congratulations!
Thoroughly Enjoyed this journey. I want to say that your narration was outstanding. AND The camera work was excellent also it's certainly made be feel that I would want to take this journey myself GREAT JOB
This journey is indeed perfect. A word I never use. Appropriately the production is also perfect. I liked the transitions. I loved the audio. It heightened the excitement of this incredible journey. I could feel the reigned in power of the engines at every stop. You could feel the massive train rumbling over the landscape. But perhaps most impressive was brilliant sound changes over varying road beds. Walking through the train was again perfect. I can't thank you all enough
Loved the video! We have actually done this from Anchorage to Denali. It was great seeing the scenery again and to see what it is like traveling to Fairbanks. Alaska is such a beautiful state. Would love to return one day and take this train again!
Thanks for your awesome report! I live in Alaska and have done this trip in both directions. Your certainly picked a great day. I'm partial, but I think we have the best railway in the world. I'll be sharing this with folks
As a Londoner from England, I have done all FIVE railroads in Alaska. I think Anchorage to Fairbanks ranks as #4 out of 5. Personally preferred the miles of sea fjords on the Alaska Railroad to Seward and to Whittier. Plus the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route from Skagway, Alaska to Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada. I have also done every railroad in Canada (except Churchill). Bits of the Lower 48, and every railroad line in Britain, Ireland, Norway (except Narvik), and Portugal, and most of the rest of Europe. I can recommend Norway, especially Bergen to Oslo, Trondheim to Bodø (beyond the Arctic Circle) and Dombås to Åndalsnes.
These rail lines should pay YOU to travel on them. Your videos are excellent and likely better than any marketing campaign they’ve ever done (find myself wanting to visit after I watch each video!). 👏👏👏
Another wonderful trip report. I have only ridden in a dome car once and that was back in February, 1983 on the Rio Grande Zephyr just before it was taken over my Amtrak. I have relative in Alaska and I keep meaning to go visit them and ride the train.
At my age don't see me visiting Alaska so this lovely video will have to do. Nice job! That final review says it all! The views reminded me that this must have been what those who rode the Classic trains of 150 years back must have seen in the western part of North America before the advent of The interstate highway systems that developed in the 20th century!
You should do Curitiba to Morretes in Brazil. A wonderful feat of engineering - parts of the track were on cuttings atop a cliff! And great views of the Atlantic Rainforest. Sadly, politicians destroyed all long-distance passenger services except for this line and a couple more like the Corcovado train in Rio.
What a wonderful video! Such a great trip! The weather and scenery could not have been more perfect. What was that dome @25:00? Favorite parts, for me? The open-air balcony and seeing the rafters on the river. Plus everything else too. lol. PS I enjoyed that you captioned and did not speak. It's nice to hear the ambiance.
Absolutely outstanding. Your video and editing are amazing. I normally am not impressed by train travel because of the lack of scenery. This trip goes on my bucket list. Thank you!
There are no less than FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. There is a tour company from London, England that does all 5 railroads in 12 days, covering 15,000 miles, 5 aircraft, 23 trains, 23 buses, 3 x 7 hours sea voyages and a streetcar. Wildlife like you would not believe. We saw two species of eagles, four species of whales, dolphins, sealions, seals, sea otters, grizzly bears and black bears, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goat and loads more. Also done every railway line in Canada (except Churchill) and parts of AMTRAK notably the Maple Leaf and the Vermonter. Done all the railways of Britain, Ireland, Norway (except Narvik), Portugal and most of Europe. Any questions, just ask.
What a wonderfully beautiful and restful train trip. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. And, thanks so much for the information on the screen. This made me want to hurry up and go!!!
amazing video...my grandson is stationed at Ft Wainwright. I didn't want to fly into just Fairbanks and miss the beauty of the the area between Anchorage and Fairbanks so this is perfect. Thank you so much.. making my reservations!
As a Chicago train rider. Its cool see one of our ex Chicago CNW bi level cars on this train! I thought that car looked familiar! I thought it might be ex SP!
Wow! You were so blessed to see the entire Denali mountain range. My brother and sister-in-law lived in Wasillia for 12 years and rarely got such a view! Thanks so much for making the trip and sharing with us. Wishing in the description of your travels you can give us a cost break down for the entire trip so retired folk can figure out how to save up for such an adventure. Thanks again!
Thank you for your excellent train trip reports. I enjoy so much. Hurricane Gulch bridge was most amazing in my opinion. Good luck from Zagreb, Croatie.
There are FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. Personally, Anchorage to Fairbanks ranks #4 out of 5. Which gives you some idea how stunning the top 3 are.
That bridge overlooking the gorge...breathtaking. What an amazing trip with outstanding service, food, scenery etc...No wonder you had no dislikes or room for improvements!
Loved your video. We rode the first 8 hours some years ago. It is really the most scenic part. I recommend getting off at Denali station and taking the one day bus tour to Mt. McKinley, then ride back. we were lucky to have bright sun both days. I think you had more flag stops since it was the end of the season! Nice memories. I see you made it later to the Royal Gorge. That too is a nice dome ride when not crowded.
Simply amazing!! Well covered and detailed. I definitely need to take this trip. My favorite was the flag stop and railways helping people staying in the wilderness
My Daughter used to be a cook on the Alaska RR during the summers on the Denali route and the Seward route. You've done a good job showing this. My wife and I have done the "Winter Run " a couple of times.
I liked the Sasquatch. But, I'm not sure if they use Bigfoot in Alaska and Sasquatch in the nearby Canadian Yukon. Or, if they can be used interchangeably. If the Big Guy would have added ¿eh? to his question ¨Nice day for a train ride, eh?¨, I'd probably say Canadian. Very beautiful scenery. Gracias por tu video. RT sends, envía, Colonia Centro Histórico, Puebla, México...
Amazing video.
NO annoying music, NO annoying Yakkity-blah-blah-yak.
Just the sounds of the train, the passengers... real life.. makes one feel actually “there”.
The written commentary was spot-on.
Thank you.
Lol "Yakkity-blah-blah-yak!" Haven't heard that one! 🤣
“Yakkity-blah-blah, yak” XD XD
hi gt comments yeh i don't like music too loud
The Flag Stops. The help they bring to those folks is immeasurable
Yes it does. You can actually see my stop in this video.
I also want to tell you how much I appreciate your concise onscreen information in place of narration. There's a lot to be said for "less is more". Another rail video popped up in my recommendations that I had to abandon bec the host just wouldn't shut up. Yakked on and on.
Exactly hahahah
This is one of the world’s great rail journeys! My favorite moment was your tour of the Goldstar dome and the outdoor viewing platform....it exemplifies the amazing service the Alaska Railroad provides by allowing you this opportunity! I have taken this train in summer and in Feb 2020 took it in the glory of the Alaskan winter! The winter was however a bit too glorious as there were massive avalanches south of Hurricane and we could not continue train journey. They put us on buses to Anchorage but before doing so fed EVERYONE a free hot dinner on the train. Some folks had red eye flights that night including one lady to Japan that they would miss due to the delay. The staff called the airlines when on the bus and used the company credit card to pay all costs of re-booking the flights!!! Where else on this planet does a company do that?? Seriously, the Alaska Railroad is a class act....do not hesitate to book. The train to Seward is also amazing!
This is a viewer in Jharkhand State, India town of Hazaribagh. I am an avid buff of viewing train journeys. Thanks for bringing Alaska to my doorstep in the South Asian tropics. You are doing a great service to humanity sharing. Thank you and God bless from Bulu Imam
Hi, Thibault! I watched this video with my husband, who I actually met on this train! We have both ridden this route hundreds of times, as I worked in food service for many years and he is actually a conductor on the Alaska Railroad and we both loved the video. It’s exciting to see the route through new eyes after riding it so many times. However, my husband really wanted me to share that the AKRR conductors are actually the ones in the black suits, commonly seen wearing their “conductor” hat. He’s proud to do the job, and proud of his coworkers as well, so he likes to see them properly recognized (especially because it takes so much training!). The person named in the video is great at his job, but he is actually not a conductor! He’s the food and beverage manager, just in case you wanted to make the edit 😊. Thanks again for sharing!!
Hey Brady, thanks for your message, I appreciate the fact you loved the video. That's always awesome to know that my videos are watched by AKRR employees. For the food manager, I knew that but I wanted to make things easier for the viewer.... that's why I called this guy a conducteur. Even he wasn't actually. Thanks again for your message. Thibault
I have heard the same thing and would love to go on that train. Unfortunately, I also heard that it is extremely expensive, so I know I will never be able to travel on it. But, maybe somebody will do the trip and video all of it!!! Then I could see it!!
@@ionecuff6323 take a look & see what you can find. There are some 2 for 1 specials during the normal times. I was able to go take a cheaper trip the 1st time. Didn't get to stay long, but stayed long enough to know how to plan better for the next time. In the context of things, the trip for the value I got to also do a stayover at Denali was a good deal. The parts to pay to fly, get a room, food, tours - unless you can do it yourself combined is the more expensive part. I never thought I would never go to see AK. Then my daughter with her husband & my 2 grandchildren moved up there - from el Paso. Now when tell people I'm going to AK they go 'how great - its on my bucket list' -'once in a lifetime adventure' - I go no necessity. The only way I can see them. So at least in Anchorage I get a free place to stay & a free tour guide. But I still have to save for the tickets! ;-)
No
This guy sucks at life.
I travelled on this train in 1994. I believe it was then called the Aurora. The scenery brought back many memories and the second week of September, when I travelled which was also a perfect sunny day and with the Autumn leaves changing colour,...simply amazing and definitely the best time of the year.
Also amazing but missed in the video is some of the beaver lodges in the creeks along the way.
We also travelled to Seward and Cordova on ARR. But the trip to Fairbanks...simply breathtaking and I'll definitely be paying for the upgrade when I once again visit Alaska, thanks to your video, once COVID-19 is behind us.
The train is really well presented...so very clean and the crew...sensational and during the cruise season ARR add additional cars to the train.
Thanks again for an inspirational video during these challenging times... :-)
This trip is on my bucket list, along with taking the ferry up from Bellingham.
I did the Denali Train ride in mid September 2017 and purchased the Gold Star so I could have the full experience of the ride. I will never forget the meals on the train, my first taste of Reindeer sausage. YUM! I loved the dome car with the outdoor observation deck, I spent the majority of the trip there and hated to come in to warm up. The Fall colors were in their full glory and breathtakingly beautiful with the back drop of majestic mountains. I think my favorite part of the ride was the outdoor observation deck. When we got to Hurricane Gulch, our train stopped so everyone could get lots of pictures, the views were spectacular. I still can't get over all the golds and oranges of the trees. As you noticed everything on the train was spotless, the staff were the friendliest, respectful, informative, and sometimes funny. The greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They kept a sharp lookout for moose, bear, caribou, or any other wildlife along the way. They seemed to know what areas they might be in. We did see bear and caribou on our ride. As on your ride, they provided a wealth of information about everything along the way. I stayed in Denali for 3 days and it was so wonderful!! Unfortunately, I did not take the bus ride through to see all the wildlife. The day I checked out of the lodge was the day they were closing for the winter season. So we wound up riding back to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad with the majority of the out of town employees from the lodge. LOL!! I had extra luggage on the ride back and it didn't seem to create a problem. You see, the gift shops and the shops across from the lodge were all having HUGE clearance sales, so, well, I had to get souvenirs for my friends, kids, and grandkids. So I had to buy a very large suitcase. What woman can resist a 70% off sale???!!! Ok, back to the train! The train going back to Anchorage was a little different than the Alaska Denali Train. Not much different, just a little. But still everything was spotless, the service was every bit as great as on the Denali. Our train stopped to meet with another train. The crews of both trains got off and presented each other with gifts and hugs, chatted a little, and then returned to their trains to continue on. I later found out that the majority of the crews on both trains fly up to work the tourist season on the trains. That day was their last trip, so they were carrying on the traditions of stopping the trains, exchanging gifts, and saying their goodbyes to each other. Such a wonderful thing to witness. I forgot to mention, I did shed a lot of tears on both train rides. The magnificence and breath taking beauty of everything completely overwhelmed me! I could not stop smiling and grinning. I had never seen so much water, rivers, creeks, and streams in my life!! I had never seen and met so many friendly and happy people!! I want to go back again!! I really want to go on the train to Seward next time, just can't make up my mind where I should depart from. I wish you safe and beautiful travels!!
Love your high speed train videos from Europe, but this train trip with its gorgeous views is where slower is better. You lucked out on having such sunny weather to video all those views! Definitely putting this on my bucket list. Merci beaucoup!
There are FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. Personally, Anchorage to Fairbanks ranks #4 out of 5. Which gives you some idea how stunning the top 3 are. Kind regards from London, England. Love France, Belgium, Switzerland and French Canada too !
What a breathtaking journey! Those 40 minutes of your video went by in a flash; it was so captivating and it was like I was there the entire time and forgot about my surroundings here :) What a marvellous trip report, thanks for making the time and effort and sharing it with us. I can't pick a favourite moment of your report; it was all magnificent :D Greetings from The Netherlands
I like the subtitles instead of talking. Thank you..
indeed. sadly this kind of video style is a niche.
most of travel bloggers talk
Hurricane, Alaska sounds like an especially hardcore place to live.
@Antonio Jordan My method of being safe around there is by not being anywhere close to an area that can rip up my truck. I'm glad you're ok.
HOMER is the coolest fishing community! DOH!
Lived there my whole life until almost 2 months ago. Its eh, it just kinda sucks lol
I may or may not have seen a watermelon go off hurricane gulch once. And it’s quite possible a frisbee would go extremely far if thrown....
I work for the Alaska railway and spend a lot of time in hurricane. Nothing for 100 miles in either direction so you better hope you brought enough supplies lol.
I have watched so many travel, especially train, videos (including yours) during the pandemic lockdowns here in Canada and I want to tell you that this is by far the absolute best train journey video I have seen!
The Alaskan scenery and the train itself are amazing but it is your gentle, charming, enthusiastic and informative commentary that is the real star. Thank you!
Indian train journey is also very nice
In late August 1997, after a few very memorable days staying at the seasonal Denali Park Lodge, and previously having landing on the mountain at a 9 ,000 ft high snowfield in a superchared Cessna ski plane, my friends and I were bussed the 90 miles to the Denali railway station to join the southbound train to Anchorage to fly home. It was an eight hours train trip, and truly wonderful. I have travelled by rail in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe and Ecuador, and the Alaska train journey ranks very highly in comparison. I am impressed how pristine the coaches are in your video....even the bogies looked newly painted, and the incredible scenery which you filmed brought back happy memories. We travelled in comfortable standard class coaches in 1997, but the train also included luxury dome coaches reserved for Holland-America Line cruise passengers. Thanks for sharing your experience and comments. Alaska is truly the last frontier.
I was forced to yell "Bloody heaven" at the gorgeous beauty of the route at least 3-4 times. The journey is gorgeous, with not just the most picturesque route, but also the most comfortable train one can think of. The Alaska looks like Canada of the US, with the train going back to pick up people of a flag stop, a concept I couldn't even think of. Once in a lifetime experience indeed.
Would totally reccomend it. I l have taken this route 3 times(I live in AK) and even though I am used to the scenery it's still a great experience.
Personally, I think the Alaska Railroad routes from Anchorage to Seward and Whittier are much more scenic, if you are into miles and miles skirting the shores or a deep sea fjord, with snow-capped volcanoes as your distant background. Recommend you also check out international railway that is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway, Alaska (US) to Carcross, Yukon Territory via Fraser and Bennett in British Columbia (Canada).
@@vicsams4431 Thanks for the recommendation.
@@apoorvkc My pleasure. In Europe, I recommend Bergen to Oslo (TIP: which must be done EAST bound), as this was ranked #1 in the world by American railroad fans. And I agree with their choice ! My personal #2 is Trondheim to Bodø, which goes for hundreds of miles along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond the Arctic Circle i.e. north of Fairbanks, Alaska, and #3 is Dombas to Andalsnes, as the railway nose-dives off a cliff, to descend 3,000ft almost vertically. There is a RUclips video showing a train disappearing over the edge.
@@vicsams4431 Now this sounds extremely exciting. If I ever go to Europe, I'll try at least one of them. The train disappearing would be a unique experience.
Incredibly beautiful sceneriy! I couldn't ever imagine that I would be travelling with a train in Alaska! Now on my 67ths finally I made it; thanks to you son! Many blesses and thanks...
I Used to work as a cook on that train. As well as on the train to Seward. It’s was a pretty awesome job.
Jeremiah, My Daughter "Pepper" also was a cook on both trains several years ago.
It was a Very satisfying job...👍
That’s really cool (:
Wow what an amazing trip report the scenery from mountain valleys to forests and lakes à beautiful part of the world not many get to see
I liked the train colours in blue and yellow and also the diffrent classes of travel the ultra dome coach was my favourite you get to see the beautiful scenery and the twists and turns of the route from upstairs and the open section so you can hear the train chugging along and the trees brushing past. It is good there was a voice guide telling of attractions and events that have happened on or near the railway definitely one of the world's most scenic railway journeys and seems like a once in a lifetime experience to go on there you must have felt really enjoyable to having gone on this
It is also good the railway is a lifeline to those in remote isolated settlements hundreds of miles away from the nearest town or city so they can get supplies or get to places or simply enjoy riding the rail route but anyway absolutely well done filming this 😍
Gold Star coach is ultimate... They even cared to have a veggie burger on the menu. That's the best service one can hope for.
My late father was a train enthusiast, like the videographer. How he would have enjoyed these rides. I am enjoying them. Thank you so much.
TO BE YOUNG, TO BE HEALTHY TO ENJOY ATRIP IN A TRAIN LIKE THIS. LIFE IS FOR SUCH THINGS. ENJOY LIFE!
We live in Anchorage. It's easy to forget what a beautiful state Alaska is. Thank you 😊
if you liked this, try the canadian rocky mountaineer. its really expensive, but i hear it's worth it.
I second this. Also in addition to the Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail Train 1/2 (The Canadian) is also very good and features the Budd art deco cars from the 1950s.
@@josephwong5755 Not to mention the Prestige Class on The Canadian is probably the best first class product on any state-run railway in the world. Nothing else is better that isn't an excursion luxury train meant more for cruising than as a mode of transportation.
That's awesome. Much like the Bergen - Oslo line in another dimension.
@@josephwong5755 You beat me to it making your comment. I really enjoyed riding VIA Rail on The Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper back and forth as part of an AMTRAK northwest trip originating from St. Louis in 2009.
Yep; I did a combination trip:~
• Toronto to Vancouver via overnight stops in Jasper & Kamloops:
I Rode VIA Rail 🍁 Canada 🇨🇦: The Canadian: Budd Carriage Roomette Sleeper: Toronto -> Jasper & Rocky Mtneer: Gold Leaf Service: Jasper -> Kamloops -> Vancouver...
Worth every penny / dollar 💵 spent...
Absolutely stunning video, well put together, well thought out in production, no boring silly music, no gum flapping commentary, you let the scenery & natural sounds around you do the commentary. It is amazing what you see at a sedate pace & someone else doing the driving. This trip is going on my bucket list. Thank you again, keep up the excellent work.
Hello from England UK just west of London. Travelled on Avanti west coast a couple of weeks ago London to Lancashire , before the UK safety issue trains taken out of service for checks ( cracks ) . Anyway these videos [ Simply Railway ], are brilliant so far travelled from NYC to Miami and now north, picturesque Alaska , awesome thanks 👍
Brought back so many great memories. Alaska is, in my opinion, the most beautiful area in the United States and possibly the world. Thanks for a great video.
Wow, did this wonderful video take me back! I was stationed at Clear A.F.S. south of Nenana near Anderson in 1974 and rode the rails to Anchorage to shop for a bass guitar. I remember that the crew was so amazing and friendly then. Good to hear that hasn't changed but we ARE talking about Alaska!
I love the blue and gold livery... it's so nice and shiny
Stunning. Old trains kept in shining great condition. Wilderness that takes your breath away. And the staff who want you to fall in love with Alaska.
i was looking forward to this upload ever since you instastoried it! also I am glad that you didnt try and cut down the duration as we got to see all the beautiful scenery on this train, even though its your longest video yet. you make us dream from afar, thank you Thibault!
i like thw car with the open balcony thats just awsome
Very good video! A lot has changed since I rode that line(1963) Had a flag stop at Dome (Murphy Dome) radar station, before Fairbanks where I resided for 12 months in the USAF. Breathtaking scenery. Thanks!
I have been enjoying your reports for the past month or so.. slowly working my way through them all :) One thing I like about your style is that even when you have some complaints or 'room for improvements' you are always respectful and supportive of the railway.. you know it's always a n uphill battle keeping the system going against the economic current of planes, trucks and cars!
Very beautiful.
I did the Amtrak route from Los Angeles to Tacoma Washington, 32 hours in coach.
I loved every second of it. The scenery was gorgeous.
I need to do this Alaska trip.
Thank you for sharing 🥰
5 Wheels, When did you do the trip to Tacoma? I lived in Tacoma for alot of my life and traveled from Washington DC to Tacoma with my wife in 1977 on the "Empire Builder"
@@artbrownsr
I did my trip in May 2017
There are no less than FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. There is a tour company from London, England that does all 5 railroads in 12 days, covering 15,000 miles, 5 aircraft, 23 trains, 23 buses, 3 x 7 hours sea voyages and a streetcar. Wildlife like you would not believe. We saw two species of eagles, four species of whales, dolphins, sealions, seals, sea otters, grizzly bears and black bears, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goat and loads more. Also done every railway line in Canada (except Churchill) and parts of AMTRAK notably the Maple Leaf and the Vermonter. Done all the railways of Britain, Ireland, Norway (except Narvik), Portugal and most of Europe. Any questions, just ask.
Best moment of the trip was the balcony scene. Standing outside of a train with a balcony while moving and hearing the wind was great.
Wonderful video, beautiful scenery, really nice to see via captions instead of verbose audio. Don't think I'll ever see this since its been so long ago BUT I so wish there was film available of life onboard the U.P. City of Portland circa 1960's. We went to see family 5 times from Des Moines to Nampa Idaho. Last time in 1969 just in time to get home & see the first moon landing. Amazing trips, route primarily along I-80(not fully built yet). The plains, the Rockies, much of it at 90mph. CRACK trains, scheduled almost to the second. Wonderful food, Domeliners, every aspect top-drawer when America was America. One yr, the Seattle World's Fair, consist was 5 locos, some 30 coaches & Pullmans, 3(I think) full-scale diners, 3(I also think) Dome Cars, 2 lounge/club cars,plus baggage (and yes) mail cars. We weren't rich but sure FELT we were! I'm almost 70 now but those memories still remain. Love your work, keep em up....
I wish to thank you for sharing this awesome railroad video with me .
Thank you for bringing back memories. In 2003 I retired and my wife and I celebrated by taking a cruise to Alaska. We rode the same train you did but we started in Fairbanks. Like you we saw the top of Denali when the clouds opened up. We watch the TV show about the Alaska Railroad and yes the flag stops are respected by the train crews. Like you we had no disappointments. Our only regret was we should have done the 14 day agenda which would have given us more time on land to see so much more. Thank again.
Took the ride with my family in 1957...Alaska was beautiful but Fairbanks was very primitive living. Dog sleds and bets on the spring ice break on the river was big entertainment. This is one of those bucket list trips that's a must....dome seats see all...maybe a moose crossing the tracks. as in our trip. High fives to Alaska Railroad.
A wonderful presentation as if you were doing the trip yourself. Good to know the USA has one passenger train that is clean, runs on time and is dependably so even if only for a few months' operations. That the seating and food is good with some 10-15 minute stops to better enjoy and soak up the unrivaled Alaskan scenery.. Thank you "Simply Railway" for taking me along with you !
I have done all FIVE railroad lines in Alaska and every railway line in Canada (except Churchill). As a Londoner, from England, I liked AMTRAK. I did the Maple Leaf from Toronto to New York and the Vermonter between New York and St. Albans, Vermont.
They are not always in time. I waiting 2 hours the other night to get picked up at my stop. I left due to a large brown bear poking around. Feb of 22 they had a 17 hour delay due to moose on the tracks just inside the park. But on time or late we love the train.
Nice video! It brings back a lot of memories. I was a chef on the original McKinley Explorer railcars in the summers of '90 and '91 behind the ARR cars along that same route. Of all of the jobs I've ever had, THAT is the one I miss the most.
Lol I live in the Netherlands and the colors of this trains is exactly the same as the NS 🇳🇱☺️ Thanks for this great video!
I am an Alaskan for over 50 years and have ridden this train back and forth about 8 to 10 times. I still love the trip and intend to take it again, especially after viewing your video. The only thing that I missed was seeing any animals in the video. When I have ridden the train, they would stop so that people could take photographs of moose or caribou or whatever else might be near the tracks.
Lovely video. I have been to Alaska thrice.. primitive camping after some bush flying. It gets better each time.. although expensive. I should try this train trip next time!
In June 2019 I have done this trip with the Daneli Star Train also. I like your video because a lot of memories comes up again.
Especially I remember to Avery. He is a very good person and he was our table captain during this trip.
In my books, there is absolutely no nicer way to travel. Than on a really nice train.
Sitting at home with a knee replacement, I can honestly say I enjoyed this journey. I’m so appreciate that I can watch this video and feel like I was traveling.
Simply Beautiful journey, the views, the coaches, and the locomotives on the curve... Wonderful ❤️❤️
Alaska fascinates me. Excellent review, the Alaska Railroad truly is a gem!
I guess it blew your mind that the bistro car was a former C&NW commuter car. Well then it should doubly blow your mind to know that the ultradome was also a commuter car. Virtually the same construction as the Northwestern car, the Ultra Dome car was initially a Southern Pacific bi-level commuter coach used between San Francisco and San Jose. They were heavily remodeled/reconfigured somewhere in Oregon. I believe Tillamook. P.S. About the Bistro Car, I'm not 100% sure about this specific car, but the C&NW had these manufactured as Bi-level Intercity coaches to handle such trains as the 398 mile Chicago to Ishpeming, Wisconsin, Bi-level Peninsula "400". To the Casual Observer, the exterior of the cars appears to be the same as the bi-level commuter cars, however the cars Interiors were significantly nicer. Reflecting their use on long-distance trains - not commuter trains. After 1971, These cars we're sold to Amtrak to meet the needs of their Intercity passengers - the C&NW still needed all their Bi-Level commuter cars for their Suburban operations.
America is gorgeous!
The only country to connect such a gorgeous and challenging landscape with such comfortable rail transportation so that you could enjoy the scenery in peace without worrying about navigating the maps! Fascinating stuff!
As a kid in the late 50's my family would go to Colorado on the Zephyr. The dome car was the best part and you brought back so many memories. The curved stairs, chairs with that button recline release and even the frosted window in the toilet. Thank you for this experience!
Best part...the moment you get the first glimpse of Denali...I gasped...ooo...there it is!!!
This was absolutely amazing. Thank you for taking us along on this journey.
Did Anchorage to Fairbanks on my bike, w/o a doubt the most amazing journey, scenery, people, then, from Haines to Bellingham on the Inside passage ferry, then high tailed it back across the US to the east coast, done it twice!
I loved every minute of it.I couldn't believe that bridge.
Thanks for your excellent video ! I prefer the written explanations and the history of the train, it's carriages ! Surprisingly, they are almost as old as myself ! But, they are in better shape !!! Joking ! Wish I could add new bits once the old ones wear out. Travelled across Canada years ago on the train. Had a roomette to myself and it was just great ! Montreal to Vancouver in three days. Stopped off along the way to meet old friends. Travelling by train is leisurely and you see the country and meet people too. Trains are the way to go ! But, I'm old fashioned and like to take my time. Thanks again. Keep them coming !
Great video! I took this trip back in 1969 and '70. A poor serviceman --well poor in finances but rich in the sense of excitement!! I remember those trips to this day and they still bring great memories. Of course the amenities were nothing like those on this train but we loved every mile. Even camping out behind Mt. McKinley (now Mt. Denali) Lodge because we couldn't afford the cost of a room! Probably not the safest thing because we heard animals (maybe moose) walking around in the night! Thanks for the great memories!
I just now discovered your channel as I was searching for the Denali Star route. So far I’ve viewed about the first 5 minutes of your video and looking forward to the remaining 34 minutes. I’m 80 and in June 1967 I drove to Alaska from St Paul MN with my wife and her parents. The distance was about 3,000 miles and in those days over a thousand miles of the Alcan Highway was gravel. I recall the many unsettling white crosses representing the traffic fatalities since the highway opened in 1948. We were pulling an Apache Tent Camper that would fishtail on the curves. We first visited Fairbanks and then attempted driving to McKinley Park but the sharp rocks caused a flat tire on the camper. After changing the tire we decided to drive down to Anchorage and ride the Alaska RR to the park. Although the train had no dome car back then, it was quite a scenic ride and we spent the night at the McKinley Park Hotel. Until today I didn’t know it was destroyed by a fire in 1972. After the delicious sourdough breakfast, we took the bus tour hoping to see Mt McKinley but the fog completely obstructed the view. On our trip home we drove down to Haines AK and enjoyed the magnificent scenery as we took the ferry to Prince Rupert BC. From Prince Rupert we boarded another ferry to Kelsey Bay on Vancouver Island. Then we drove the length of the island and took a ferry to the mainland. We visited my wife’s brother and his family in Puyallup WA before driving home.
This really took me back in time. In 60-61 I was stationed at the Dome (a BMEWS site that is no longer there). We could hike down from the site and catch the train in the morning, and ride down to the Indian River trestle, hop off, and fish all day, and then catch the train back to the site in the evening. AND, the service was free for armed services personnel at the time.
Best railway video I have EVER seen. Beautiful. So glad I found your channel. Thank you for this video.
After spending a quarantine year sifting through hateful comments, vids and tweets, it was wholesomely wonderful to watch a perfectly positive production. @Poets4Politics
Great train video of The Denali Star, what a beautiful experience and adventure it must have been to travel by train inside the great state of Alaska. I especially like the way you kept things moving by giving us a tour of the train and showing us picturesque views of the Alaskan wilderness. The prices look very reasonable for 2020. I'm glad you grabbed a bite to eat you can't beat drinking an ice cold Alaskan beer and having an angus cheese burger for lunch while looking out at the world threw those huge windows. Your choices of cheeses did catch my eye, I have never thought of that combination before but I will try it at my next opportunity. The passengers and the crew onboard look very friendly. The closed caption idea was great too, for the lack of a better word very peaceful, it feels like were on the train too. Thanks for a great trip.
I don’t even live in Alaska I live in Texas but I love Alaska because of the weather the view and the colors I wish I could go there I love the sight of the mountains at night
Wow. Just wow. This is the essence of travelling by train. I'm really happy for you, I was actually touched by this report. Absolutely amazing, congratulations!
Thoroughly Enjoyed this journey. I want to say that your narration was outstanding. AND The camera work was excellent also it's certainly made be feel that I would want to take this journey myself GREAT JOB
My ultimate train ride. One of the best Bloody Marys I ever had too. Breathtaking and service was perfect!
I can't choose one part of the journey that was my favorite. Everything was amazing! I think this was Simply Railway's best episode yet...
This journey is indeed perfect. A word I never use.
Appropriately the production is also perfect.
I liked the transitions. I loved the audio. It heightened the excitement of this incredible journey.
I could feel the reigned in power of the engines at every stop. You could feel the massive train rumbling over the landscape. But perhaps most impressive was brilliant sound changes over varying road beds. Walking through the train was again perfect.
I can't thank you all enough
Loved the video! We have actually done this from Anchorage to Denali. It was great seeing the scenery again and to see what it is like traveling to Fairbanks. Alaska is such a beautiful state. Would love to return one day and take this train again!
I also went on the train from Anchorage to Denali, stayed in the park a few days, and then went on to Fairbanks. Loved it!
Thanks for your awesome report! I live in Alaska and have done this trip in both directions. Your certainly picked a great day. I'm partial, but I think we have the best railway in the world. I'll be sharing this with folks
As a Londoner from England, I have done all FIVE railroads in Alaska. I think Anchorage to Fairbanks ranks as #4 out of 5. Personally preferred the miles of sea fjords on the Alaska Railroad to Seward and to Whittier. Plus the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route from Skagway, Alaska to Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada. I have also done every railroad in Canada (except Churchill). Bits of the Lower 48, and every railroad line in Britain, Ireland, Norway (except Narvik), and Portugal, and most of the rest of Europe. I can recommend Norway, especially Bergen to Oslo, Trondheim to Bodø (beyond the Arctic Circle) and Dombås to Åndalsnes.
These rail lines should pay YOU to travel on them. Your videos are excellent and likely better than any marketing campaign they’ve ever done (find myself wanting to visit after I watch each video!). 👏👏👏
Another wonderful trip report. I have only ridden in a dome car once and that was back in February, 1983 on the Rio Grande Zephyr just before it was taken over my Amtrak. I have relative in Alaska and I keep meaning to go visit them and ride the train.
Watched this twice now. And am now binge watching all of your stuff other videos! Amazing content.
At my age don't see me visiting Alaska so this lovely video will have to do. Nice job! That final review says it all!
The views reminded me that this must have been what those who rode the Classic trains of 150 years back must have seen in the western part of North America before the advent of The interstate highway systems that developed in the 20th century!
Wow, an open balcony in a train?
Now it's in my bucket list
You should do Curitiba to Morretes in Brazil. A wonderful feat of engineering - parts of the track were on cuttings atop a cliff! And great views of the Atlantic Rainforest. Sadly, politicians destroyed all long-distance passenger services except for this line and a couple more like the Corcovado train in Rio.
Awesome! Best rail video I've seen. Thanks for taking us along and showing the magnificent scenery.
What a wonderful video! Such a great trip! The weather and scenery could not have been more perfect. What was that dome @25:00? Favorite parts, for me? The open-air balcony and seeing the rafters on the river. Plus everything else too. lol. PS I enjoyed that you captioned and did not speak. It's nice to hear the ambiance.
I can see why this was your favorite trip ever! Thank you very much for sharing.
Absolutely outstanding. Your video and editing are amazing. I normally am not impressed by train travel because of the lack of scenery. This trip goes on my bucket list. Thank you!
There are no less than FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. There is a tour company from London, England that does all 5 railroads in 12 days, covering 15,000 miles, 5 aircraft, 23 trains, 23 buses, 3 x 7 hours sea voyages and a streetcar. Wildlife like you would not believe. We saw two species of eagles, four species of whales, dolphins, sealions, seals, sea otters, grizzly bears and black bears, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goat and loads more. Also done every railway line in Canada (except Churchill) and parts of AMTRAK notably the Maple Leaf and the Vermonter. Done all the railways of Britain, Ireland, Norway (except Narvik), Portugal and most of Europe. Any questions, just ask.
Thank you for such a comprehensive and serene review. A friend told me her coworkers recommended a train ride, and this video cinched it for me!
What a wonderfully beautiful and restful train trip. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. And, thanks so much for the information on the screen. This made me want to hurry up and go!!!
amazing video...my grandson is stationed at Ft Wainwright. I didn't want to fly into just Fairbanks and miss the beauty of the the area between Anchorage and Fairbanks so this is perfect. Thank you so much.. making my reservations!
As a Chicago train rider. Its cool see one of our ex Chicago CNW bi level cars on this train! I thought that car looked familiar! I thought it might be ex SP!
Wow! You were so blessed to see the entire Denali mountain range. My brother and sister-in-law lived in Wasillia for 12 years and rarely got such a view! Thanks so much for making the trip and sharing with us. Wishing in the description of your travels you can give us a cost break down for the entire trip so retired folk can figure out how to save up for such an adventure. Thanks again!
....very very nice video....no music, no bla-bla, and a lot informations.......thanks......
I just love everything about your video.The views are absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your excellent train trip reports. I enjoy so much. Hurricane Gulch bridge was most amazing in my opinion. Good luck from Zagreb, Croatie.
I didn't even know Alaska had a railroad but I do now. Thank you sir!
There are FIVE railroad routes in Alaska. I have done all 5. Personally, Anchorage to Fairbanks ranks #4 out of 5. Which gives you some idea how stunning the top 3 are.
What a wonderful travelogue! The scenery looks absolutely amazing!
One of your finest so far! Thank you!
That bridge overlooking the gorge...breathtaking. What an amazing trip with outstanding service, food, scenery etc...No wonder you had no dislikes or room for improvements!
Great video of the Denali Star on the Alaska Railroad. Great scenery, that would be a great vacation trip right there.
Wow, what fantastic scenery. It reminds me of the California Zephyr that I rode 12 years ago, but more dramatic.
Don't forget to comment your favorite moment of the trip. I'll select the best comment . :)
Also small mistake @3:53 it's Anchorage not Fairbanks.
Snacky Snack Time!😁
Apart from that the breathtaking scenery🥰
Loved your video. We rode the first 8 hours some years ago. It is really the most scenic part. I recommend getting off at Denali station and taking the one day bus tour to Mt. McKinley, then ride back. we were lucky to have bright sun both days. I think you had more flag stops since it was the end of the season! Nice memories. I see you made it later to the Royal Gorge. That too is a nice dome ride when not crowded.
Simply amazing!! Well covered and detailed. I definitely need to take this trip. My favorite was the flag stop and railways helping people staying in the wilderness
My Daughter used to be a cook on the Alaska RR during the summers on the Denali route and the Seward route. You've done a good job showing this. My wife and I have done the "Winter Run " a couple of times.
I liked the Sasquatch. But, I'm not sure if they use Bigfoot in Alaska and Sasquatch in the nearby Canadian Yukon. Or, if they can be used interchangeably. If the Big Guy would have added ¿eh? to his question ¨Nice day for a train ride, eh?¨, I'd probably say Canadian. Very beautiful scenery. Gracias por tu video. RT sends, envía, Colonia Centro Histórico, Puebla, México...