3 Days Chasing Lights: Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska
LAST UPDATED: APRIL 30, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MARCH 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 20 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Chasing the dancing northern lights in the aurora oval’s most visited winter wonderland destination?
The “Golden Heart City” famous for its prime aurora oval home, Fairbanks is the ideal domestic location to see the dancing northern lights without pulling out a passport. Don’t be fooled, this winter wonderland is chock full of year-round outdoor adventures that make an extended trip worthwhile—which is especially important since a 3-night stay offers an 80-90% chance of spotting the aurora borealis! Blending frontier spirit and modern charm, the snow-covered landscapes of Alaska’s largest interior city beckon intrepid travelers to embrace the winter chill while soaring over Mt. Denali, driving a dog sled team, or participating in other cultural experiences which uniquely represent the unbound local experience of the 49th state. With many residents still living off the land in an unforgiving environment, visiting otherworldly Alaska is a one-of-a-kind way to experience pristine glacial alpine beauty without ever leaving the country!
3 Days in Fairbanks Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed how to spend 3 days in Fairbanks travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🏔️ Soar over one of the “Seven Summits” on a Denali Winter Summit Flight (3 hr)
12:30 - 1:30 PM: 🥞 Taste innovative sweet and savory pancake combinations at The Crepery (1 hr)
1:50 - 2:35 PM: 🎅🏻 Explore the town where Christmas is a year-round event, the North Pole! (45 min)
3:00 - 5:00 PM: 😴 Nap before an extended night ahead chasing the northern lights (2 hr)
5:10 - 6:30 PM: 🇲🇩 Taste Moldovan cuisine from the least visited country in Europe at Soba (1 hr 20 min)
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM: 🌌 See the aurora, one of the 7 Natural Wonders, with a Northern Lights Tour (6 hr)
Day 2
8:45 - 9:15 AM: ☕ Start the morning with a tasty pastry and seasonal latte from Little Owl Cafe (45 min)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🦮 Learn the art of mushing with a “Drive Your Own Dog Sled” Tour (2 hr)
1:00 - 1:45 PM: 🥟 Enjoy a quick and hearty lunch after an active morning at GR’s Empanada House (45 min)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🧊 Ride down a frozen slide sculpture at the World Ice Art Championships (1 hr)
4:45 - 6:30 PM: 🦌 Interact with local wildlife during a Fireside Tea and Reindeer Tour (1 hr 45 min)
6:30 - 10:00 PM: ⛄ Relax in your igloo accommodation for the night (3 hr 30 min)
Day 3
12:00 - 1:00 PM: ❄️ Race through the backcountry on an electric snowmobile tour (1 hr)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: ♨️ Soak in the steamy natural geothermal pools of Chena Hot Springs (1 hr)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🐟 Try a quintessential catch with an Alaskan salmon burger from Trails End Lounge (1 hr)
3:00 - 4:00 PM: 🦴 Play with husky puppies who will drive their own sleds one day during a kennel tour (1 hr)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: 🍏 Taste a sour appletini inside the Aurora Ice Museum bar (1 hr)
6:30 - 8:00 PM: 🦀 Leave with one final local taste of Alaskan king crab from The Pump House (1 hr 30 min)
How to Get Around Fairbanks?
When visiting Fairbanks, renting a car is a non-negotiable. I was hesitant about the premise of manning a rental vehicle on icy winter roads, but that’s the only way to reach some of the best things to do in Fairbanks outside of the immediate downtown including the “Drive Your Own Dog Sled” Tour, Denali Winter Summit Flight, and Chena Hot Springs, and in the long run this transportation choice is drastically more convenient and economical.
Fortunately, local providers like Alaska Auto Rentals acutely familiar with the extreme seasonal conditions ensure your vehicle is up to snuff and can handle the often snow-covered side roads. Unlike legacy rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, or Alamo, Alaska Auto Rentals does not charge extra to provide safe and reliable vehicles that are equipped to handle Alaskan winters. Their Winter Vehicle Standards—which all rentals come equipped with—include high traction winter tires, advanced winterization packages, cold weather rated fluids, extension cords, ice scrapers, and snow brushes.
When flying into Fairbanks International Airport, you’ll discover that an unusually high number of arrivals are scheduled to land around midnight. I was initially apprehensive about the likelihood of being able to find a ride from the airport to my rental vehicle pickup at Pike’s Lodge after my 2:00 AM arrival, but fortunately the town stays quite active late into the night given the abundance of of northern lights tours which run well into the wee hours of the morning.
Even during these early morning hours, taxis will be waiting just outside baggage claim. Relying on Uber or Lyft isn’t advisable, since there has been a shortage of drivers since the COVID-19 pandemic which results in relatively long wait times.
If for whatever reason you can’t man a vehicle, some accommodations like the Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch offer regular shuttle van transportation services from various lodging accommodations around town to more remote destinations such as Chena Hot Springs.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks?
HOMEY HOSTEL: Billie’s Backpackers Hostel (Barry’s Room, $254.88 for 2 nights)
IGLOO-INSPIRED DOME: Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch (Mulchatna igloo, $390.00 for 1 night)
RELIABLE MID-RANGE: Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center (Standard room, $169.01 for 1 night)
Billie's Backpackers Hostel
A true local stay offering a warm welcome to all since 1991 as the oldest hostel in Alaska, a night in quaint Billie’s Backpackers Hostel feels like time with family filled with the loving touches that only a grandmother can provide. This cost-effective accommodation is an ideal stay for your arrival night if your flight into Fairbanks touches down early in the morning and during the night of a northern lights tour, since you won’t spend much time in the room then anyways!
Shared and private rooms with storage tubs for personal items accommodate a variety of circumstances, while all travelers can expect to find hot showers, Wi-Fi, linens, and memory foam mattresses on their beds. The communal kitchen is stock full of coffee and tea, oatmeal, rice, and cereal available for free with laundry on-site offered for $15. Visitors with late departure plans are encouraged to hang out at the hostel for as long as needed with complimentary storage in the securely locked garage.
I stayed in private Barry’s Room on the upper level of the hostel which shares a bath with other travelers. A simple, quiet stay with a personal table and reading light, this no-frills option suited my late night needs during my first 2 days in Fairbanks for quite a reasonable rate.
Pro Tip:
If your flight arrives after 7:00 PM, provide Billie with advanced notice of your travel plans so late, self-service check-in instructions can be provided.
Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch
On the other end of the spectrum, travel in luxury while visiting Fairbanks by booking a night in a modern fiberglass igloo-like dome. An immersive boreal experience full of the comforts of home, Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch is the ideal upscale igloo provider to experience this quintessential Alaskan accommodation without having to pay an arm and a leg—unlike the prohibitively expensive Arctic Igloo Resort or Borealis Basecamp options.
Each dome positioned on raised wooden decks with lounge chairs is fitted with a queen bed, full bathroom, breakfast bar, fully equipped kitchenette, and Wi-Fi. Large windows offer glimpses of the on-site reindeer herd during the day and the Aurora Borealis at night with complimentary Aurora Alerts and wake ups to optimize your viewing probability. Park directly in front of your dome in the free space upon arrival, explore seasonal activities at nearby Chena Outdoor Collective, and lounge the night away with a game of checkers or chess and a cup of North Pole Coffee Roasting Company Musher’s blend.
Each of the four igloos reference local caribou, with my Mulchatna stay named after the Bristol Bay herd with traditional calving grounds around the upper Mulchatna River. Given the available kitchen equipment, I recommend using these more expensive amenities to the fullest and preparing a cozy meal for dinner within the cabin, but the Missing Moose Cafe and Wagner's Pizza Bus are other food options located near the ranch as well.
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
Last but not least, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center is a standard mid-range stay guaranteeing generic comfort and hospitality for a typical nightly rate. Guests staying in one of the 400 rooms gain access to the fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, coin-operated laundry facilities, hot breakfast from October through April, and can dine at either of the in-house restaurants—seasonal Northern Latitudes pairs aurora art with fine dining while Red Lantern Steak & Spirits serves reindeer meatloaf!
What to Do in Fairbanks Alaska
Day 1
Denali Winter Summit Flight
Begin day 1 in Fairbanks by soaring over North America’s contribution to the “Seven Summits” with a Denali Winter Summit Flight operated by the Northern Alaska Tour Company. Assuming you’re not preparing to scale Mt. Denali yourself, this is the best way to see the towering 20,310 feet snow-capped peak within the larger Denali National Park and Preserve—especially since Denali Park Road is still closed for repair following a major landslide near Pretty Rocks.
Given you’ll be flying in a multi-engine non-pressurized plane, oxygen masks are required above 12,000 feet to avoid the effects of hypoxia felt at such extreme elevations. The professional pilot will set course for the summit, but ultimately weather, winds and visibility will dictate the final flight route. Along the way, gaze at the vast and remote land below, which includes the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the Alaska Mountain Range.
90 minute scenic flight tours run nearly year-round, excluding the summer months of June, July, and August. Inquire early if this excursion piques your interest, as flights operate on a somewhat erratic schedule depending on when the minimum number of guests is met for a particular date.
Brunch - The Crepery
After a chilly morning, warm up with freshly prepared sweet and savory crepes from a menu of 35+ imaginative flavors served at The Crepery. Prepared to order from scratch, this Fairbanks staple is ideal for a quick yet satisfying ‘feel good’ brunch—the sweet turtle with Nutella, walnuts, and caramel as well as the savory prosciutto bleu fig crepes were divine!
North Pole
Drive 20 minutes outside of town to North Pole, Alaska to experience a community where the spirit of Christmas lives year round! The main holly jolly feature here is the Santa Claus House filled with every kind of holiday tchotchke and complete with a 42 foot tall St. Nick statue out front. Inside, the man in the red suit himself listens to children’s Christmas wishes daily, with the trading post mailing out millions of letters from Santa each winter season.
While you’re in the area, the Polar Expresso is a drive-through coffee hut nearby serving frozen frappes aligned with the overall North Pole theme.
Dinner - Soba
Take an opportunity in the late afternoon to nap before a long night ahead—spoiler alert, you’ll soon be chasing the northern lights into the wee morning!—then head back downtown to dig into authentic cuisine from the least visited country in Europe. Soba serves Moldovan comfort food with hearty Eastern European flavors you can't get anywhere else in Fairbanks, or in the lower 48 for that matter! Made to order from scratch with only fresh, high-quality ingredients, dig into Moldova’s favorite corn polenta dish mămăligă under the cozy twinkling lights.
Next door to Soba is The Red Fox, selling traditional fine furs perfect for keeping warm in the Arctic Circle as an authentic souvenir paying homage to Alaska’s colonial fur trade.
Northern Lights Tour
Assuming your tour guide gives the green light ahead of time that it’s a prime night for aurora hunting, gear up in your warmest winter clothes for a celestial late night adventure. The aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, is a natural phenomenon in which charged solar particles interact with Earth's magnetic field to create colorful, dynamic displays of light in the skies of high-altitude regions.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Fairbanks sits under the “Aurora Oval” with relatively low light pollution, making it the ideal destination to maximize your chances of witnessing this dancing green spectacle firsthand! The aurora can be visible anytime there’s adequate darkness, which generally entails a late August through mid-April viewing opportunity.
Hitting the road with Greatland Adventures, the evening begins with a forecast call from the aurora team between 3:00 and 5:00 P.M. in which the tour pickup time and confirmation is provided—a confirmed expedition means a 90% or greater probability of success exists based on the weather forecasts, aurora strength, and the drive time from Fairbanks. Based on personal experience, I can attest that the Greatland Adventures guides will do everything in their power to ensure you see the dazzling lights if they appear the night of your tour.
Once all small group members have been picked up by the complimentary shuttle service, the professional Alaskan Aurora Guide will drive towards a strategic viewing location maximizing your chances of seeing the lights up to 3 hours outside Fairbanks to find clear, dark skies. The intimate experience is elevated with hot drinks like cider and cocoa provided along the way, web-quality photographs provided after the tour, and experience insights only a local guide team can provide. Tours of the star-filled beauty of Alaska winter nights generally depart between 8:00 and 11:00 P.M. and return between 3:00 and 6:00 A.M., depending on the season and forecasted conditions.
Pro Tip:
Schedule on your first day to guarantee an aurora sighting. If the nightly conditions are unfavorable you will be rebooked, and if no photographic evidence of the lights is produced a complimentary tour for any future night with no expiration date is granted.
Day 2
Breakfast - Little Owl Cafe
Assuming you spend the previous night at Billie’s Backpackers Hostel, the Little Owl Cafe is a comfy coffeehouse conveniently located just down the road where you can grab a bite for breakfast before hitting the road once more. With an extensive craft beverage menu, endless syrup flavors, and mouth-watering home baked goods that will keep you coming back for more—I had to return for another rose cardamom donut—this quaint cafe has something suited for every sweet tooth.
"Drive Your Own Dog Sled" Tour
Embrace the tradition of the Iditarod by driving your own dog team on this authentic Alaskan mushing experience offered by Arctic Dog Adventure Co. from November through the beginning of April! Rather than sitting as a passenger on a sled ride or being guided by a tag sled, this is a true active adventure with your own team of 4-6 Siberian Huskies—one of the original Arctic sled dog breeds—racing through 6 miles of twisty snow-covered trails in the hills north of Fairbanks.
Upon your arrival after a 45 minute drive up the Elliot Highway, get suited up in the provided cold weather outerwear and boots before meeting the team of sled dogs who will be your partners for the day. The professional dog sledding guides, including 3x Iditarod finisher Lisbet Norris, will demonstrate the proper techniques for harnessing the team before instructing on how to safely drive your sled, including how to slow down, stop, and steer the team on the trail.
Pro Tip:
Above all else, the one thing to avoid while on the trail is letting go of the sled. As the guides will repeatedly emphasize, a loose team is a dead team.
At last it’s time to glide through the old-growth boreal forest to the summit of a ridge with breathtaking panoramic views of the White Mountains and the Chatanika River Valley below. While leading the pack the guides will snap photos of the group on the trail, which does include elevated portions requiring some balance and cardio output as you assist the dogs uphill. The entire experience lasts ~2.5 hours, with a minimum of 1 hour on the dog sled that typically includes extra time talking, bonding with the dogs, and taking pictures on the trail.
Lunch - GR's Empanada House
Head 45 minutes back into Fairbanks for a quick lunch, this time stopping at unassuming GR’s Empanada House for handmade Bolivian empanadas that hit the spot after a tiring outdoor excursion. Baked fresh to order from scratch made dough to thoughtful fillings, there’s a flavor for every appetite. Whether ordering staples like cheeseburger empanadas loaded with beef, cheese, and onions from the everyday menu or testing a seasonal special like the corned beef St. Patrick’s variety I tried, these turnovers are the real deal considering the Carrasco gang has been crafting homemade empanadas since 2002!
World Ice Art Championships
If visiting between mid-February through the end of March, head 8 minutes over to the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds to bear witness to the over 100 frozen sculptures comprising the World Ice Art Championships competition pieces. Ice sculpting competitions began in the 1930s with the celebration of spring, involving ice thrones crafted for winter carnivals while providing an outdoor activity for residents to enjoy.
Another one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience leaning into the local culture, today unique art pieces carved from blocks of ice dot the landscape to create a whimsical winter playground complete with ice games like table hockey and slides you can slip down in the Kids Park—simply trade in your ID as collateral to use a free sled!
Fireside Tea and Reindeer Tour
When your nose begins to feel nippy, drive 40 minutes to check into your accommodations for the night—which I highly recommend should involve an igloo at Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch! Assuming you secure a spot in one of these fiberglass domes, the Fireside Tea & Reindeer Group Tour is an educational 1.5 hour experience offered just next door!
Begin in the Chena Outdoor Collective yurt for a debrief on the history of Arctic animals in Alaska, reindeer anatomy, and the difference between reindeer and caribou. Stroll down the enchanting black spruce trails illuminated by twinkling holiday lights to mingle with the herd, who become much more interested in the group once lichen to feed them is handed out. A cozy campfire and traditional tent are provided for warmth as well as 2 cups of hot cocoa with marshmallows you can sip while snapping shots of your firsthand reindeer encounter.
Relax in your igloo accommodations for the night and monitor the provided aurora alerts in case the northern lights happen to dance across the night sky once more!
Day 3
Chena Hot Springs
Since you’re already a fair distance outside of town, continuing pressing onwards for another 40 minutes through the alpine tundra to reach Chena Hot Springs. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM, this relaxing geothermal getaway is notable for its steamy pools of natural 106° F mineral water heated while circulating deep underground before shooting up to the surface through fractures in the granite rock underneath the springs.
A $20 day pass unlocks use of the 4-foot-deep hot springs lake, indoor heated pool, both outdoor and indoor hot tubs, plus use of the locker area and shower facilities—no hotel room reservation is required. A dressing room, lockers, hair dryers, and lavatories are located in the pool house and swim suits are available for sale if you happen to forget packing one.
Pro Tip:
Towels for day guests are offered for $5, however use of lockers requires coins on hand as the storage spaces only accept quarters to pay the $0.50 fee.
Aside from the healing properties of the hot springs, the best part about a trip to Chena is that you can fill your time with as many activities as you desire. Visiting in the winter, I began my morning with a guided 3-6 mile single rider electric snowmobile tour around the Monument Creek trail. Gently gliding through the icy wilderness was the perfect 50-minute adventure to kickstart my morning, complete with scenic views of the snow-covered landscapes and the thrill of racing over hills and bridges. No prior experience is necessary, and required gear like helmets as well as complimentary cold weather parkas, snow pants and bunny boots are provided.
After snowmobiling and soaking, learn more about dog mushing with a 40 minute narrated kennel tour complete with Alaskan husky puppy play time if there are any in the yard! An experienced musher will provide educational insights about the sport and answer any questions you may have while touring a working mushing kennel of over 50 dogs.
Last but not least, a trip to Chena wouldn’t be complete without a stop inside the world's largest year-round ice environment! The 45-minute Aurora Ice Museum experience allows you to step inside the frozen castle crafted from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow and maintained at a cool 25° F inside. Pick up a parka before you enter free of charge, snap pictures of the intricate ice sculptures, and sip an appletini in an ice glass if over 21—be sure to bring a valid ID for age verification!
Lunch - Trails End Lounge
Between your soak in the hot springs and scheduled outdoor activities, pop into the Trails End Lounge for lunch, which is pretty much the only dining option on the property. With a cozy log cabin ambiance, this greenhouse-to-table establishment ensures you’ll taste the “freshest lettuce in Alaska” year-round! Compliment this crunchy green with a quintessential Alaskan catch by ordering a grilled salmon burger on a toasted bun.
Dinner - The Pump House
Reward yourself after the grueling 1 hour and 30 minute trek back into town over slick, ice-covered roads with a sophisticated final meal at The Pump House. A portal through time back to the bygone ‘Gold Rush’ era, this historic surf 'n' turf specialist offers locally sourced Alaskan-style cuisine alongside the picturesque Chena River.
Showcasing the best of Alaska’s bountiful waters, indulge in a bowl of King crab mac and cheese which combines the freshest products possible with the region’s unique culinary heritage. The hearty meals served here and warm ambiance where rip-roaring adventure meets Victorian elegance sets the stage for one last memorable meal in Fairbanks.
How Much Do Three Days in Fairbanks Cost?
Following the above what to see in Fairbanks Alaska itinerary totaled $3,350.11, costing me $837.53 per day as a young 20-something on a solo trip:
Transportation
$10.00 - taxi from the Fairbanks International Airport to Pike’s Waterfront Lodge to pick up my rental car
$40.41 - fuel to return tank to full and parking
$482.50 - Alaska Auto Rental all-wheel SUV rental for 4 days with young driver fee and winter package
Food and Drink
$39.00 - turtle and prosciutto bleu fig crepes from The Crepery with an alcoholic house cocoa
$48.99 - mămăligă and glass of red wine from Soba
$17.40 - cheeseburger and St. Patrick’s empanadas with a Mexican coke from GR’s Empanada House
$9.57 - mac and cheese supplies to prepare dinner at the Pleasant Acres Mulchatna igloo
$27.06 - rose cardamom donut and iced lavender latte from Little Owl Cafe, ordered on two mornings
$36.75 - Alaskan salmon burger and a Coca-Cola from Trails End Lounge
$44.34 - Alaskan king crab truffle mac and cheese and a Coca-Cola from The Pump House
Activities
$569.00 - Northern Alaska Tour Company Denali Winter Summit Flight
$354.25 - Greatland Adventures Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour
$399.00 - Half-Day “Drive Your Own Dog Sled” Tour with Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
$17.00 - entrance fee to the World Ice Art Championships
$301.14 - Electric Snowmobile, Chena Kennel, and Aurora Ice Museum Tour at Chena Hot Springs
$25.00 - geothermal pool day pass at Chena Hot Springs
Lodging
$254.88 - two nights at Billie’s Backpacker Hostel in the private Single Twin Room (Barry’s Room)
$390.00 - one night in a Pleasant Acres Mulchatna igloo
$169.01 - one night in a Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center standard room
Souvenirs
$99.00 - maroon mink fur headband
$15.81 - Christmas ornament from Santa’s House in the North Pole
Totaling my expenses for this trip was somewhat of a shocking revelation given I spread the booking charges out over a few months, but ultimately I wasn’t willing to compromise on any facets of my ideal Alaska experience. Solo traveling inherently made my accommodations more expensive, with my single night in an igloo costing nearly $400—which could’ve easily fit and been split with another guest if I wasn’t traveling alone. However, it’s worthwhile to note this is the cheapest igloo-type stay offered around Fairbanks!
My activity expenses were also a bit outrageous, with each major event costing me nearly $400—or even more in the case of the Denali scenic flight! That said, unlike other destinations these Alaskan excursions are truly one-of-a-kind experiences built upon the local culture’s fascination with traditions like the Iditarod, so I’m typically more willing to splurge when a particular activity can’t be replicated anywhere else. I had initially expected Fairbanks to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum when beginning to plan my trip, however this incorrect assumption additionally failed to take into account the elevated pricing of food in a remote location with high transportation costs as well as the ultimate need for a rental vehicle during the duration of your stay.
What to Wear in Fairbanks?
Packing for a winter trip to Fairbanks is no trivial feat; the extreme chill requires a thoughtful approach suited for the northern climate, with the key to staying comfortably warm in the cold being the right kind of layers.
Starting at the innermost pieces, both base and mid layers are required for proper insulation. Cotton should be avoided at all costs given it will no longer keep you warm when wet from the snow or sweat and dries slowly. Warm and wicking wool or fleece long sleeves, leggings, and thick socks are much better suited for retaining body heat. An oversized puffer is ideal for active outdoor excursions like dog sledding in a successively larger size to ensure it fits over your under layers. When strolling around town, a long fur coat is a more fashion-forward choice that can keep you just as bundled with a comfy robe silhouette. Baggy boyfriend bottoms are loose enough to pull over less flattering long johns, which absolutely need to be worn regardless since warm legs ensure warm feet. Waterproof boots are the safest bet to ensure you’re not damaging any suede in the snow and fuzzy ear coverings and even a neck gaiter in some cases top off the optimal winter weather outfit formula.
Long Fur Coat
bring a splash of elegance to the frontier in a luxurious long fur coat that feels like being bundled in a warm robe
Oversized Puffer
a waterproof oversized puffer is the perfect piece of functional fashion to wear over your other insulating layers
Mid & Base Layers
fleece-lined mid and base layers are a non-negotiable when it comes to staying warm in the Alaskan winter chill
Boyfriend Bottoms
baggy denim and cargo boyfriend bottoms are loose enough to pull over insulating layers while still looking stylish
Waterproof Boots
prepare to for winter outdoor activities with waterproof boots that won’t get damaged when snow melts on them
Fuzzy Ear Coverings
keep your head warm with fuzzy ear coverings—whether you prefer mitts, headbands, or Alaskan trapper hats
Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering what is there to do in Fairbanks Alaska and if it’s even worth a visit, the answer is undoubtedly yes! Truth be told, I never had Fairbanks as a destination on my travel bucket list, and I really only ended up visiting because an international northern lights trip to Finland or Iceland didn’t make sense for me logistically.
Now having visited in the winter during the prime aurora season, every expectation I had going into my solo Alaska venture was exceeded—from the food to the accommodations and of course the one-in-a-lifetime activities I had the pleasure of indulging in. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to fly over the tallest mountain on a particular continent, see an otherworldly natural wonder, and attempt an esoteric sport like dog mushing—but that’s Fairbanks for you!
The extreme environment rewards with equally extreme experiences, so even though you’ll need to dress in a minimum of three layers each day while exploring this winter wonderland, the hassle is worth the resulting memories. I had similarly seen quite negative reviews of the Fairbanks food options online when planning my trip, and I could not disagree more with this sentiment. Not only was I able to randomly taste Moldovan cuisine for the first time—something I’ve never seen anywhere in the lower 48—but even the more lowkey spots had truly delish, authentic food that was clearly prepared with love and local ingredients.
That being said, the endless merits of Fairbanks truly blew me away, and I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking to witness the northern lights without having to leave the country—even though all of the unique aspects make it feel as though you’ve landed on another planet!
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✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
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