Top 10 Day Trips from in Fairbanks, Alaska (AK)

September 25, 2021 Janette Largent

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. Arctic Circle Journey Tour

Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska SkyFire In Focus Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Explore the Dalton Highway over the White Mountains, across the Yukon River, and up to the Arctic Circle on this 12-hour (sometimes longer due to stops for extra photo opportunities) tour outside of Fairbanks. Join a small group of no more than 8 passengers on a fully-narrated, guided tour through dramatic landscapes of the Dalton Highway, and far-off snow-capped peaks of the Brookes Range. Search for wildlife and learn more about Northern Alaska from a knowledgeable guide. If you do not see a tour available for a particular day then call and see if something can be arranged for you and your party. Remember we need three guests or more conduct a valid tour.

Inclusions: 12-hour tour from Fairbanks and back along the Dalton Highway, Snacks and various beverages, Fully-narrated tour, Hotel pickup/drop-off from select Fairbanks locations

Exclusions: Lunch (food enough for your party for the long day)

Reviewed By MaryE2395

We went out with Mr. Bill in March when the sky was on fire and he made sure we got incredible photos. It was truly an amazing experience and I’m looking forward to going out again next March!

2. Midnight Sun Arctic Circle Drive Adventure

3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA Northern Alaska Tour Company
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
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!

3. Fairbanks to Delta Junction: Beauty of the North Tour

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

This tour will take you from Fairbanks to Summit Lake with various stops on the way and will give you a view into a side of Alaska that is normally reserved for Alaskan Residents. Stops will include but are not limited: • The Knotty Shop • Big Delta State Historical Park • Trans-Alaskan Pipeline • Sullivan's Roadhouse • Restaurant in Delta Junction • Summit Lake. Make sure to dress weather appropriate and we recommend to wear some sturdy shoes to be able enjoy this trip. This small-group tour is limited to eight people, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Inclusions: Snacks, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (inside city limits of Fairbanks/North Pole), Transport by air-conditioned van, Fuel surcharge, National Park fees, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, 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.

4. Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Dream

Aurora In Alaska
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
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.

5. Denali Winter Drive

3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA Northern Alaska Tour Company
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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 !!

6. Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 34 reviews

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s intriguing culture and history on this small-group or private tour in Fairbanks. Browse interesting art exhibits and installations at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and learn about the state’s important heritage at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Stop by the Yukon Quest Log Cabin for a glimpse into the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and explore Pioneer Park (seasonal), featuring several attractions that celebrate Alaska’s many notable cultural, historic and economic hallmarks. Great shopping, too. This is a small group tour, to ensure you’ll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Admission to museums (approx. USD $12 each), 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.

7. Fairbanks Autumn/Winter City Tour

1st Alaska Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 18 reviews

Discover Fairbanks during the winter months, on this 5.5-hour tour with driver/guide. Visit the Santa Claus House, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and the Museum of the North (Monday to Saturday) or Antique Auto Museum (Sunday only). See the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and learn about the history of Alaska. 

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Museum Entrance Fee

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By judy061948

The Northern Lights were fantastic. Joe, our driver, got us in a dark place so we could see the lights better. He really cares for his passengers. Hope I can have him for my driver when I go back

8. Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks

3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA Northern Alaska Tour Company
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 48 reviews

Discover Alaska’s Arctic! Experience for yourself the legendary hospitality and authentic interpretation that made the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure famous. Travel the famed Dalton Highway. View the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Explore up close the amazing arctic tundra. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in., Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

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 !!

9. Chena Hot Springs Tour

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.8 based on 52 reviews

Come explore the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort with us, located 60 miles from downtown Fairbanks. The scenery along the road and at the Hot Springs is breathtaking and has a good possibility of wildlife sightings. Soak in the pool of the Hot Springs and take a Geothermal Energy Tour before finishing the day with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum. Lunch at the excellent restaurant is not to be missed!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pick-up, Admission to the Ice museum and Hot Springs

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks (restaurant and cafe/snack bar is available at the location., Cocktail at the Ice museum. Can be purchased at the Resort.

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.

10. Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 244 reviews

Travel along one of the world’s most isolated roads from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle on this memorable 14-hour tour through the Alaskan wilderness. In the company of an experienced guide with a passion for Alaska, journey up the Dalton Highway, passing by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, crossing the Yukon River, and reaching the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the drive back, watch for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Snacks, sandwiches, warm drinks and hotel transport are included. This tour is limited to 7 guests with our transit vans and up to 10 guests in our mini coach, ensuring you enjoy a small-group experience in one of our climate-controlled vans. Please note that we cannot guarantee the Northern Lights sightings and we can't guarantee last minute bookings. Please also note that it is mandatory for every guest to rotate seats at least a few times on this tour.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, within city limits of Fairbanks and North Pole, free Snacks and water, free Sandwiches (vegetarian option available, please advise at time of booking), free unlimited Hot drinks, like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, personalized Arctic Circle Certificate

Exclusions: Gratuities, no gluten free or vegan meal option available. You are welcome to bring or buy your own lunch and snacks., cold weather gear

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.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.