Location: Fairbanks
Top Things to do in Fairbanks
Countries
Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (AK): The Best Tours
Its far north location means Fairbanks gets the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights during Aurora Season (August to April). These wonders define the city, along with winter activities, the gold rush past, Alaska Native heritage, a vibrant arts scene and “golden heart” hospitality. Enjoy dog mushing, panning for gold, floating the Chena River or visiting a museum. Add a nearby trip to a hot springs, Denali, the Arctic or the Interior. Fairbanks is the gateway to discovering Alaska.
Restaurants in Fairbanks
1. Midnight Sun Arctic Circle Drive Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Experience the long day light hours of Alaska's Midnight Sun. Due to the northern location Alaska's Arctic experiences long days of daylight. Discover Alaska's Arctic and enjoy the added daylight.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By 44elainei
We had a fabulous day with Mike. He was very knowledgeable about the area and we enjoyed the ride to Denali very much. He took time to stop and point out interesting things along the way, as well as some great scenic views. Once inside the park we really enjoyed the snowshoe excursion and hike in the snow. We also loved the train ride back. This was a highlight of our trip!
2. Aurora Lodge Viewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
The long nights in the Interior of Alaska provide amazing opportunities for Aurora (Northern Lights) viewing. For our Aurora Lodge viewing tour, we select one of the best Aurora viewing Lodges in the area, to give you not only the best chance possible, to view the Northern Lights, but also provide you with the comfort of a warm and safe area. This is bringing the Aurora viewing to a whole new level. You will not only have a warm spot to wait for the Aurora to show up, but also have a great local tour guide with you. He or she will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with additional information. After a convenient pick up from your hotel inside the city limits, we will leave the city lights behind us in our spacious vans ensuring each guests comfort.
Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned Van, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By dharani-ms
We had a blast on our maiden snowmobile trip. Jarod was awesome. He helped us get the right gear and showed us a good time.
3. Side by Side Evening Tour in Fairbanks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
We offer two tours daily. One at 9:00 am and one at 6:30 pm. Plan about 5 hours from pickup to drop off. We have NEW 2021 Can AM Trail Mavericks for your enjoyment! These tours are guided by long time Alaskans who live here year round and offer a point of view not always available on Alaskan tours. We travel over 32 miles through a variety of landscapes and altitude changes ending in a view which is quite unforgettable. Our equipment is top of the line and offer power steering, automatic transmissions and engine braking systems. Safety is our number one priority and number two is making this trip a highlight of your vacation. This is where your Alaskan adventure begins.
Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Helmets, Goggles, Gloves, Maverick Trail Side by Side, Can Am Outlander Max quad
Exclusions:
Reviewed By U9984SUjons
Great time great value great staff very exciting not for the faint of heart. Highly recommend went in mid May.
4. Denali Winter Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Denali Winter Drive provides a one day guided round trip journey by land from Fairbanks into Denali National Park. Guests will meet an informative and friendly Alaskan guide who is certain to make the day a memorable one by learning about the Tanana Valley and Denali National Park. Along the way the guide will share the history of the region and who lives here and how they make their home - both humans who live here and wildlife.
Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Includes park entrance fees.
Exclusions: Meals are not included. Guests are more then welcome to bring their own or know we will stop at a general store in Nenana where food/drink can be purchased., Parking Fees, Gratuities
Reviewed By Ashpat1783
We had a great time and experience..our tour guide rob was so much fun and friendly!! Overall we had amazing time !!
5. Aurora Northern Lights Photography Workshop & Tour for Individual
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Learn to photograph or enjoy viewing the Northern Lights during this six hour photography workshop outside of Fairbanks. Explore Alaska at night with the help of an expert professional on a small group tour of no more than 8 or 9 people. Rent high-quality, professional grade cameras and equipment and visit a private, carefully selected location outside of Fairbanks to experience the full majesty of the late night sky. This can be a private tour as we will take out single quests as well. No minimums.
Inclusions: 6-hour Northern Lights viewing and photography workshop tour, Camera, tripod, lenses (if option selected), Hotel pick-up and drop-off from select Fairbanks locations, Driver/guide, Gourmet coffee, home made hot cocoa, hot apple cider, hot water for tea,
Exclusions: Gratuities, Camera and equipment (if option not selected)
Reviewed By Maps34571
Our group from Anchorage went out with Mr. Bill on March 19 for the most amazing aurora show ever! The lights were dancing right away when we got there, and never stopped. Mr Bill assured us that we were being SO spoiled!!, Mr Bill quickly set us up either with our own camera or his rented equipment, after having educated us on all things related to aurora photography on the ride out to our amazing hilltop. This was my first aurora trip ever and was so amazing that we went out with him again on March 21 ( cancellations happen!) We were able to warm up in the van and jump out to shoot the amazing show. Mr Bill was always available when we needed him and provided great info and expertise, really great stories and a wonderful sense of humor. We are considering his Denali tour this summer and trust that the experience will be equally wonderful!
6. Private Aurora Sleighers Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Chase the Aurora! This night time snowmobile tour combines the best of both worlds: snowmobiling and Aurora viewing! Why do nothing all night long while waiting for the Aurora? Save that kink in your neck, and hop on a snowmobile and chase the Aurora! Don’t forget to bring your cameras and tripods!
Inclusions: Professional Guide, Winter Gear and Clothing, Brand new Arctic Cat and Skidoo Snowmobiles
Exclusions:
Reviewed By kimtZ2786ZM
Had awesome midnight tour with Spenser! Was super cold, but worth every shiver :) Definitely recommend fitting this in your vacation to Fairbanks!
7. Northern lights chasing and Aurora Photgraphy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
A magical Alaskan experience of chasing the northern lights! Visit our off grid homestead and geodesic dome or go chasing the lights in our van! Have your photos taken under the northern lights and/or learn tips and tricks of your equipment to capture the northern lights yourself!
Inclusions: Hot chocolate, Coffee, or tea and s'mores, Covid-19 Health and Safety measures, hand sanitizer
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By goodinfo
Thoroughly enjoyed our time at Howling Bay; wife and I made the reservation in person while taking a drive in the area. Arranged for the wife to take a private tour the following morning. When we arrived my wife assisted Tabitha in selecting and harnessing the dogs and off they went. About half way down the trail, and after some instruction, Tabitha allowed my wife to drive the sled while she (Tabitha) sat as a passenger. Tabitha explained the details of their business, the care of the dogs, and took lots of photos of my wife on the sled and with the dogs. At the conclusion of the trip, my wife assisted in unharnessing the dogs and feeding them frozen chunks of salmon. While the dog sled trip was taking place, I stayed in the dome office with Kevin and his daughter. After learned that Kevin is a USMC vet, we exchanged military stories. Kevin and Tabitha run a top rate, family oriented business with plans to expand into other offerings. I highly recommend it if you are in the area.
8. Dog Sled Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Experience the thrill of riding in one of Alaska's oldest modes of transportation! The dogsled! Towns, villages and lifestyles were created using the traditional style dogs that you will meet while on your tour. Learn of the rich history of Chatanika from one of our guides while travelling through a beautiful boreal forest. This is a private tour you will be the only group here and we only have 2 tours slots a day to give each group ample time. This is a small family run business and you will be greeted and guided by an owner the entire time here.
Inclusions: Guided tour using Dogsled
Exclusions:
Reviewed By YaYaof6
You have to take a trip out to Kevin and Tabitha’s place to really see the Aurora! We have never been to Fairbanks before and really did not know what to expect. We were treated like royalty, picked up and had a very informative ride out to their place. We were greeted by the most adorable 3 year old and the best looking sled dogs I have ever seen. They have a beautiful place and you can get in and warm up in the yurt with a wood burning stove and hot chocolate. There is a big bonfire to enjoy outside! But the Aurora was so beautiful out there away from the city.
9. Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Dream
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our Chena Hot Springs / Northern Lights Alaska Tours begin right at your Fairbanks hotel, so you don’t need to plan how to get to us and you will save additional taxi costs. Only 60 miles from Fairbanks, this world-renowned resort offers an afternoon of rest and relaxation in the historical location discovered by natives and early miners. Enjoy the mineral hot springs in a beautiful natural setting and experience the dancing of the northern lights. Enjoy fine dining, Rustic Bar, and Café The world’s largest year-round ice museum and bar is your first stop at the hot springs. Created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow the ice museum contains spectacular ice carvings for your enjoyment. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the restaurant. Apple Martini drinks at Ice Bar are available for purchase. Seeing the aurora is not guarantee.
Inclusions: Transportation, Bottled water
Exclusions: Bathing Towel / Swimsuite , Warm Cloths
Reviewed By lcalixto808
We're avid aurora hunters, and read University of Alaska's aurora forecast and noticed that Saturday was going to be a KP of 5 and the weather was going to be sunny all day. On a whim, we booked our flight, hotel, and this specific tour. We visited Fairbanks in December 2020 and didn't get to see anything. It was very cold and the clouds were everywhere and then it started to snow, but Saturday night was a game changer. Not only were we on high elevation, but we had a good group of people, and an amazing driver/ photographer/ tour guide named Austin. He was very knowledgeable and even setup a cold and hot beverage bar, and laid out some reindeer hot dogs over a homemade camp fire. What better way to enjoy a cold evening outdoor! Be advised there is no restroom where we went, and no shelter but the van. Austin kept the van running all night so you can run in and out as you please to stay warm. Anyway, back to the aurora, at about 11pm when the sun was beautifully going down, we started to see glimpse of green, and then rings, and the dancing lines of pink, and many other colors. Photos do no justice for that very moment standing under that beautiful dancing sky. I wish I had brought a cot, or sleeping bag to just lay there and enjoy the sights. Be advised again that the aurora doesn't stay the same, it is always changing and moving; so all your photos will be different and unique. My partner and I tried to capture the pink background, but by the time the camera was setup- it was gone. It's okay though, I took a photo of it with my eyes so I'm good for the next hundred years. I would highly recommend this tour if your mission is to see the aurora borealis. Make sure you take into account the weather, kp, and duration of a tour you want to join. I would definitely book with Aurora in Alaska again.
10. Husky Dog Sledding & Mushing with Pick up and Photo Service in Fairbanks, Alaska
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
In this 5 mile trails with REAL & PURE Huskies and Malamute you will learn the history of the dog mushing and get an experience on how to help ride the sled with voice commands. We will pick you up at 11:00am or 12:00pm at your Hotel in Fairbanks Downtown or Pike's Waterfront Lodge (1850 Hoselton Drive Fairbanks, AK 99709) if you do not stay at a hotel in Fairbanks Downtown. (Pick up time is subject to change.) If you use Uber or a rent car to get here, you need to pay additional expense. If you drive to the dog sledding sites, it would be dangerous because of the snow and unknown road conditions. Therefore, we offer to pick you up. We will upload your pictures into a OneDrive or a Dropbox. We will send a url linked to download them all.
Inclusions: Photography service, Pick you up at a Hotel in Fairbanks downtown
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Debra R
We traveled to Fairbanks to fulfill the bucket list dream of my husband. Fortunately we saw the Northern Lights four of the nights we were there. I had booked this tour on the last night, kind of as an insurance policy. I also thought it would add an element of fun and it would be awesome to have some photos to boot. All these hopes were fulfilled: Northern lights, photos and terrific fun. David was our driver and photographer and I recommend him highly. He was polite, friendly and anxious to make certain everyone's wishes were fulfilled. It was fun to chase the lights. Not good enough at our first stop, so onward to another location, and another. On our return journey, they were so gorgeous in one spot that we stopped again and took even more photographs. Wonderfully amazing and fun. David is terrific. Dress warmly.
