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Our most recommended Fairbanks Nature & adventure

Fairbanks: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour

Fairbanks: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour

Enjoy a riverboat cruise along the Chena river. Discover the beauty of Alaska from the river and make multiple stops to truly understand the Alaskan way of life. You'll visit a local village, visit a dog-sledding kennel, and watch a bush pilot take off and land right in front of the boat. Be immersed in frontier living firsthand with a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village. You’ll see an Athabascan village with cabins made of spruce logs, a cache used for storing supplies, a primitive spruce bark hut, and fur pelts. Your guides will explain how the wolf, fox, martin, and beaver were used to provide food and protection in the harsh Arctic climate. They will also share how the Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years and how they adapted to village life and Western culture in the past century. At the end of your guided tour, you will have time to explore the village on your own, interact with your guides and visit dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel. You'll also get the chance to see an Alaskan bush pilot take off and land right next to the boat. The pilot will share his stories of village life and explain the vital role planes play in remote Alaska. Finally, visit the home and kennel of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher as you pass Trail Breaker Kennel along the Chena River. Learn firsthand about kennel life and the challenges that go into making a champion dogsled team. Hear stories of life on the trails as puppies play in anticipation of joining the team. Keep your cameras ready; you will not want to miss the dog mushing demonstration. If you are hungry, stop by the Captain's Corner located inside Steamboat Landing. There you'll find freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads ready each day. Enjoy your lunch on the beautiful outdoor deck as you soak in the sun and enjoy views of the Chena River. Beer, wine, and snacks are also available for sale aboard Discovery III.

Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

Embark on a captivating Gold Dredge 8 guided tour in Fairbanks, a fascinating two-hour journey that transports you back to the exhilarating gold rush era. Experience the heart of the gold fields in the Tanana Valley, where the rich history of the gold rush era truly comes alive. Begin your adventure by boarding the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad. Sit back and relax as the train traverses the captivating gold fields, providing stunning views along the way. Feel the excitement build as you approach the historic gold mining site. Glide along the tracks whilst your conductor regales you with tales of Alaska's exhilarating gold mining history, ensuring an engaging and educational ride. Stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile oil channel that runs right through the Gold Dredge 8 mining district. Pause in front of the Gold Drege 8 and see firsthand how the dredge worked the gold fields. Discover traditional mining equipment like gold pans and sluice boxes and gain a deeper understanding of the innovative techniques and technologies employed during the gold rush era. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of the miners who sought their fortunes in this rugged wilderness. Roll up your sleeves and try your luck at gold panning. Embrace your inner prospector and sift through the dirt in search of glimmering flakes. Feel the rush of anticipation as you swish and swirl your pan, hoping to uncover a hidden treasure. Listen to your guide's captivating stories and anecdotes, bringing the history of the gold rush era to life. Immerse yourself in the tales of fortune and hardship, as well as the remarkable achievements of those who shaped this region's history. Before concluding your journey, make sure to visit the gift shop, where you'll find a wide array of unique gold-related souvenirs and memorabilia. Take home a piece of this remarkable experience to cherish for years to come.

From Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Northern Lights Full-Day Trip

From Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Northern Lights Full-Day Trip

Alaska is a land of constant change. On this full day tour, you will have the chance to experience some of the best and most unique things that make your Alaska trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beginning at 1 PM, get picked up from your hotel and venture up to the Arctic Circle (66.5622°) north of the Equator, where you can have your pictures taken and receive a "Cross the Circle-Certificate." It is here that explorers have been venturing for centuries, drawn by the power the planet has to offer. As you continue your day, pass the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline. Here you can glance one of the world's largest pipelines, which stretches over 800 miles (1,287km). It is a crude oil pipeline privately owned by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, and here you will learn the engineering and building process of this epic land-crawling beast. Judge for yourself its impact on the landscape around it. After the pipeline, head straight for the banks of the mighty Yukon River. Walk right up to the edge of its banks, where you will gaze out over the beauty in front of you. From here, head to the high plateau of Finger Mountain, where you will hopefully see moose, fox, bears, and perhaps even a mysterious lynx if you're lucky! Up on the mountain, snack on sandwiches, sweets and hot drinks. Through the night, travel back to Fairbanks. Soon, if we're lucky, the Aurora Borealis appears. This natural light display is caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms high in the atmosphere. The result is a breathtaking display of light that can be bright enough to read a newspaper by! Drive through the night, gazing up at the spectacular Northern Lights, before arriving back in Fairbanks around 3 AM.

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding Tour with Transportation

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding Tour with Transportation

Glide over the snow on a sled that’s being pulled by a team of dogs—many of whom have won the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, or other races. You’ll spend the first 15 minutes gearing up in the provided warm clothing. Then you’ll have about 20 minutes to meet the dogs, cuddle the puppies, and chat with the mushers — usually locals who are actively training for races. This will give you a real sense of what their training regimens are like and a chance to absorb their passion for the sport. Then it’s off to the races! You will hop onto one sled — all of which were custom-made by one of the mushers. For the next 20–25 minutes, the team of 6-8 excited dogs will pull you along a couple miles of gorgeous Alaskan wilderness as you feel the wind on your face and the excitement of dog sledding (you could be riding up to 14 miles depending on the weather).

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

Meet your guide in Fairbanks and head out into nature. The distance and length of the tour is flexible and depends on best possibility to see the Northern Lights. On longer tours, nibble on snacks and enjoy a drink as you drive. Once you spot the Aurora Borealis, hop out of the car to admire this iconic view. Your guide will take photos for you so you can focus on soaking up the atmosphere and beauty of the Lights. After spending time enjoying the Lights flickering across the sky, hop back in the car and return to Fairbanks.

Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

After being picked up, sit back, relax and enjoy the 60 mile (97 kms) journey out to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Keep a lookout for wildlife that might include a moose, beaver or fox. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, constructed of over 1000 tons of ice and snow. Marvel at magnificent ice-sculptures created by world-renowned ice carvers, sit at the ice bar on a caribou-hide covered bar stool or indulge in an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass (optional-not included in price). You will then be shown to our table in the restaurant where you can enjoy some dinner and hot or cold beverages (optional and not included in price). Enjoy a hot or cold beverage at the bar or don your bathing suit and head to the hot springs. The revitalizing mineral water soothes muscles with its warm temperatures of 106 degrees F (41 degrees C) year-round. You can soak under the stars in an outdoor hot tub, or indoors in the heated pool. Chena Hot Springs is a great spot to witness the green and purple ribbons of light dancing in the sky. If you prefer to be indoors, you can grab a warm beverage to wrap your hands around and view the action from inside the Aurora Café. Rejoin your group a little after midnight and head back to Fairbanks. Your guide may make a few stops along the way for further aurora viewing if it is active. Please note the aurora is an act of nature and it's appearance cannot be guaranteed. Approximate return time to hotels is between 2am and 3am, depending on location.

Fairbanks: 1-Hour Alaskan Winter Dog Sledding Adventure

Fairbanks: 1-Hour Alaskan Winter Dog Sledding Adventure

Your 1-hour dog mushing adventure begins right at your hotel in the town of Fairbanks. You don't need to plan how to get here, as you can get picked up and dropped off at your Fairbanks hotel. Today it is a fascinating sport and hobby. But it was once the only means of transportation through the snowy lands of old-time Alaska. Break away and mush into the twilight of the Alaskan wilderness. Experience the thrill, enjoy the landscape and feel those dogs work as they whisk you at surprising speeds, pulling on the leash of the dog sled.

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience

Enjoy an unforgettable experience of dog sledding Alaskan Huskies in Fairbanks. Listen to a local guide and musher talk about their four-legged family members, who are raised as puppies and cared for by this elite team. Take in the beautiful scenery while gliding across the snowy Alaskan landscape and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour

Experience Alaska like you have never seen it before while enjoying a scenic drive and narration from your expert guide. Travel along the famous and rugged Dalton Highway (well-known from the TV show Ice Road Truckers) to the Arctic Circle. Hear about how the summer nights are white and the winter dark. Take a selfie or have your photo taken with your certificate to mark your crossing of the Arctic Circle. Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience comfortable transportation and personalized service. Enjoy a flexible travel itinerary to ensure guests can take advantage of unique photo opportunities. The tour will incorporate many stops for your viewing pleasure. Please note that seeing wildlife or the Northern Lights is not guaranteed.

Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights

Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights

Experience the beauty and wild side of Alaska. Yanking on their lines and ready to run, your dog team will be anxious to carry you away from your Fairbanks accommodation to this spectacular viewing of the Northern Lights.  Most of the sled ride takes place in an open area so should the Aurora begin early you will have a thrilling view of the sky from the dog sled. The Aurora Borealis is one of the planet's most breathtaking phenomena. In Alaska, a land that stays dark for most of the winter, these spectacular lights bring the sky to life with other-worldly colors that shimmer and dance across the sky. The yurt is only a short drive from Fairbanks but far from the obstructing glare of city lights. Be treated to a hearty midnight dinner in an off-the-grid yurt.  Stay warm with a late salmon dinner and lively conversation in the comfort of your yurt while waiting for the Aurora. The large north-facing windows of your yurt offer the perfect Aurora viewing opportunity. However, should you decide to go outside for photographs or a full view of the sky, you will need to dress in warm layers.

Immersive experiences

Our most recommended Fairbanks Nature & adventure

Fairbanks: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour

Fairbanks: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour

Enjoy a riverboat cruise along the Chena river. Discover the beauty of Alaska from the river and make multiple stops to truly understand the Alaskan way of life. You'll visit a local village, visit a dog-sledding kennel, and watch a bush pilot take off and land right in front of the boat. Be immersed in frontier living firsthand with a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village. You’ll see an Athabascan village with cabins made of spruce logs, a cache used for storing supplies, a primitive spruce bark hut, and fur pelts. Your guides will explain how the wolf, fox, martin, and beaver were used to provide food and protection in the harsh Arctic climate. They will also share how the Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years and how they adapted to village life and Western culture in the past century. At the end of your guided tour, you will have time to explore the village on your own, interact with your guides and visit dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel. You'll also get the chance to see an Alaskan bush pilot take off and land right next to the boat. The pilot will share his stories of village life and explain the vital role planes play in remote Alaska. Finally, visit the home and kennel of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher as you pass Trail Breaker Kennel along the Chena River. Learn firsthand about kennel life and the challenges that go into making a champion dogsled team. Hear stories of life on the trails as puppies play in anticipation of joining the team. Keep your cameras ready; you will not want to miss the dog mushing demonstration. If you are hungry, stop by the Captain's Corner located inside Steamboat Landing. There you'll find freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads ready each day. Enjoy your lunch on the beautiful outdoor deck as you soak in the sun and enjoy views of the Chena River. Beer, wine, and snacks are also available for sale aboard Discovery III.

Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

Embark on a captivating Gold Dredge 8 guided tour in Fairbanks, a fascinating two-hour journey that transports you back to the exhilarating gold rush era. Experience the heart of the gold fields in the Tanana Valley, where the rich history of the gold rush era truly comes alive. Begin your adventure by boarding the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad. Sit back and relax as the train traverses the captivating gold fields, providing stunning views along the way. Feel the excitement build as you approach the historic gold mining site. Glide along the tracks whilst your conductor regales you with tales of Alaska's exhilarating gold mining history, ensuring an engaging and educational ride. Stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile oil channel that runs right through the Gold Dredge 8 mining district. Pause in front of the Gold Drege 8 and see firsthand how the dredge worked the gold fields. Discover traditional mining equipment like gold pans and sluice boxes and gain a deeper understanding of the innovative techniques and technologies employed during the gold rush era. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of the miners who sought their fortunes in this rugged wilderness. Roll up your sleeves and try your luck at gold panning. Embrace your inner prospector and sift through the dirt in search of glimmering flakes. Feel the rush of anticipation as you swish and swirl your pan, hoping to uncover a hidden treasure. Listen to your guide's captivating stories and anecdotes, bringing the history of the gold rush era to life. Immerse yourself in the tales of fortune and hardship, as well as the remarkable achievements of those who shaped this region's history. Before concluding your journey, make sure to visit the gift shop, where you'll find a wide array of unique gold-related souvenirs and memorabilia. Take home a piece of this remarkable experience to cherish for years to come.

From Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Northern Lights Full-Day Trip

From Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Northern Lights Full-Day Trip

Alaska is a land of constant change. On this full day tour, you will have the chance to experience some of the best and most unique things that make your Alaska trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beginning at 1 PM, get picked up from your hotel and venture up to the Arctic Circle (66.5622°) north of the Equator, where you can have your pictures taken and receive a "Cross the Circle-Certificate." It is here that explorers have been venturing for centuries, drawn by the power the planet has to offer. As you continue your day, pass the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline. Here you can glance one of the world's largest pipelines, which stretches over 800 miles (1,287km). It is a crude oil pipeline privately owned by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, and here you will learn the engineering and building process of this epic land-crawling beast. Judge for yourself its impact on the landscape around it. After the pipeline, head straight for the banks of the mighty Yukon River. Walk right up to the edge of its banks, where you will gaze out over the beauty in front of you. From here, head to the high plateau of Finger Mountain, where you will hopefully see moose, fox, bears, and perhaps even a mysterious lynx if you're lucky! Up on the mountain, snack on sandwiches, sweets and hot drinks. Through the night, travel back to Fairbanks. Soon, if we're lucky, the Aurora Borealis appears. This natural light display is caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms high in the atmosphere. The result is a breathtaking display of light that can be bright enough to read a newspaper by! Drive through the night, gazing up at the spectacular Northern Lights, before arriving back in Fairbanks around 3 AM.

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding Tour with Transportation

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding Tour with Transportation

Glide over the snow on a sled that’s being pulled by a team of dogs—many of whom have won the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, or other races. You’ll spend the first 15 minutes gearing up in the provided warm clothing. Then you’ll have about 20 minutes to meet the dogs, cuddle the puppies, and chat with the mushers — usually locals who are actively training for races. This will give you a real sense of what their training regimens are like and a chance to absorb their passion for the sport. Then it’s off to the races! You will hop onto one sled — all of which were custom-made by one of the mushers. For the next 20–25 minutes, the team of 6-8 excited dogs will pull you along a couple miles of gorgeous Alaskan wilderness as you feel the wind on your face and the excitement of dog sledding (you could be riding up to 14 miles depending on the weather).

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

Meet your guide in Fairbanks and head out into nature. The distance and length of the tour is flexible and depends on best possibility to see the Northern Lights. On longer tours, nibble on snacks and enjoy a drink as you drive. Once you spot the Aurora Borealis, hop out of the car to admire this iconic view. Your guide will take photos for you so you can focus on soaking up the atmosphere and beauty of the Lights. After spending time enjoying the Lights flickering across the sky, hop back in the car and return to Fairbanks.

Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

After being picked up, sit back, relax and enjoy the 60 mile (97 kms) journey out to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Keep a lookout for wildlife that might include a moose, beaver or fox. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, constructed of over 1000 tons of ice and snow. Marvel at magnificent ice-sculptures created by world-renowned ice carvers, sit at the ice bar on a caribou-hide covered bar stool or indulge in an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass (optional-not included in price). You will then be shown to our table in the restaurant where you can enjoy some dinner and hot or cold beverages (optional and not included in price). Enjoy a hot or cold beverage at the bar or don your bathing suit and head to the hot springs. The revitalizing mineral water soothes muscles with its warm temperatures of 106 degrees F (41 degrees C) year-round. You can soak under the stars in an outdoor hot tub, or indoors in the heated pool. Chena Hot Springs is a great spot to witness the green and purple ribbons of light dancing in the sky. If you prefer to be indoors, you can grab a warm beverage to wrap your hands around and view the action from inside the Aurora Café. Rejoin your group a little after midnight and head back to Fairbanks. Your guide may make a few stops along the way for further aurora viewing if it is active. Please note the aurora is an act of nature and it's appearance cannot be guaranteed. Approximate return time to hotels is between 2am and 3am, depending on location.

Fairbanks: 1-Hour Alaskan Winter Dog Sledding Adventure

Fairbanks: 1-Hour Alaskan Winter Dog Sledding Adventure

Your 1-hour dog mushing adventure begins right at your hotel in the town of Fairbanks. You don't need to plan how to get here, as you can get picked up and dropped off at your Fairbanks hotel. Today it is a fascinating sport and hobby. But it was once the only means of transportation through the snowy lands of old-time Alaska. Break away and mush into the twilight of the Alaskan wilderness. Experience the thrill, enjoy the landscape and feel those dogs work as they whisk you at surprising speeds, pulling on the leash of the dog sled.

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience

Fairbanks: Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience

Enjoy an unforgettable experience of dog sledding Alaskan Huskies in Fairbanks. Listen to a local guide and musher talk about their four-legged family members, who are raised as puppies and cared for by this elite team. Take in the beautiful scenery while gliding across the snowy Alaskan landscape and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour

From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour

Experience Alaska like you have never seen it before while enjoying a scenic drive and narration from your expert guide. Travel along the famous and rugged Dalton Highway (well-known from the TV show Ice Road Truckers) to the Arctic Circle. Hear about how the summer nights are white and the winter dark. Take a selfie or have your photo taken with your certificate to mark your crossing of the Arctic Circle. Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience comfortable transportation and personalized service. Enjoy a flexible travel itinerary to ensure guests can take advantage of unique photo opportunities. The tour will incorporate many stops for your viewing pleasure. Please note that seeing wildlife or the Northern Lights is not guaranteed.

Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights

Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights

Experience the beauty and wild side of Alaska. Yanking on their lines and ready to run, your dog team will be anxious to carry you away from your Fairbanks accommodation to this spectacular viewing of the Northern Lights.  Most of the sled ride takes place in an open area so should the Aurora begin early you will have a thrilling view of the sky from the dog sled. The Aurora Borealis is one of the planet's most breathtaking phenomena. In Alaska, a land that stays dark for most of the winter, these spectacular lights bring the sky to life with other-worldly colors that shimmer and dance across the sky. The yurt is only a short drive from Fairbanks but far from the obstructing glare of city lights. Be treated to a hearty midnight dinner in an off-the-grid yurt.  Stay warm with a late salmon dinner and lively conversation in the comfort of your yurt while waiting for the Aurora. The large north-facing windows of your yurt offer the perfect Aurora viewing opportunity. However, should you decide to go outside for photographs or a full view of the sky, you will need to dress in warm layers.

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What people are saying about Fairbanks

Overall rating

4.7
(23 reviews)

Absolutely fantastic! Everyone here was so kind and full of excitement as soon as I walked in. I did the snowmobile tour, but they also offer dog sledding. The team was promptly on time for our snow machine tour. We got geared up, practiced, then were off! There were a few timid people in front of me, so I waved down our guide and he allowed me to hang back to go a bit faster, which was so fun! The snowy woods were beautiful, the snowmobiles were easy to handle, and we had time to snap a few photos. It was cold but the gear that was provided kept me warm in -23F. Incredible experience and would do several times over. I'd suggest maybe having different levels for people to sign up for in the future, so those that have experience driving things like this can do a bit more. Thanks for an amazing time!

My tour guide, Tim, was so knowledgeable about the history, flora and fauna in the area and was a true local, who shared about this own experience living in Alaska long-term. I learned so much and highly recommend this trip if you only have one day in the area and love nature. Not having to rent a car & drive made travel simple. I was able to learn about Denali at the park as well as walk a short way down a trail to enjoy the quiet and beauty. Lunch was at a local joint, so enjoy. The afternoon fat truck tour allowed you to get off the roads and see moose, tons of prints, the effects of glaciers, and learn about the local indigenous communities and culture - plus some fun turning donuts on the lake. I highly recommend this tour! The staff are caring and passionate about their community. Just do it!

The guide was really skilled at driving along the world's most dangerous road (adalton highway) and really informative about everything. We got to see the best northern lights i have ever seen on this tour... the only improvement would be for guides to have access to 4x4 vehicles, as there was one point where going off road would have been great to chase the lights, but the 2 wheel drive that the company uses can't do that.

Excellent tour !!! We saw the Aurora Borealis displayed for 4 hours on night of 22 November 2024

Wonderful experience, loved the entire trip! Super lovely host.