My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Getting to Fairbanks & Where to Stay
Fairbanks is located in Interior Alaska, meaning it's much colder than the SouthCentral areas of Alaska that most people visit (like Anchorage or Juneau). There are 3 ways you can get to Fairbanks in the winter. You can choose to drive from Anchorage which is about 6 hours weather dependent, you can fly directly to the international airport in Fairbanks, or you can take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage. I recommend planning to visit the area for at least one week not only so you can do the most, but also so you have the best chances to see the Northern Lights in case of bad weather.
In the winter, I recommend bringing many layers you can wear on top of each other, and this is my exact winter packing list. If you don't want to pack an entire suitcase of just winter clothing, you can also rent an entire winter clothing package.
Because Fairbanks is such a hot spot for Northern Lights viewing, prices can often mirror peak summer prices for hotels - which doesn't usually happen in other parts of Alaska. My top recommendation is this Star Shaped, completely over the top Airbnb! Not only do you have your own aurora dome to see the Northern Lights, but you also have your own private hot tub.
Best Winter Things to Do in Fairbanks
1. Dog Sledding
Dog sledding in Alaska is one of the most popular activities for visitors, especially in Fairbanks. Originally invented by the native Inuit people as a way to help with transportation and hunting, nowadays you can easily experience dog sledding on your own during your trip to Alaska, many tours even provide extra warm outer layers like boots, jackets, mittens and hats. The coldest I've gone dog sledding in is about -30 degrees F, and I wouldn't recommend going if it's any colder. If there's any puppies around, you can also usually meet & snuggle with them!
2. Visit the Arctic Circle
If visiting the Arctic Circle is on your Alaska bucketlist, then Fairbanks is the best place to begin your journey to cross it off. The road to get to the Arctic Circle can be quite primitive and unmaintained, especially in the winter, and most car rental companies explicitly prohibit drivers from the Elliot & Dalton Highways that bring you there. My husband and I drove it in the summer and still ended up getting multiple flat tires. The best way to cross it off is by joining a tour that will handle all transportation for you.
3. Try the Local Restaurants
If you feel you've spent enough time outdoors, the next best thing in my own opinion is trying out some local places to eat! I always say my favorite way to explore a new city is through it's food - and surprisingly Fairbanks has quite a few world renowned chefs. Winter hours can often differ from the hours on Google, so I always recommend checking the hours on their website or socials before making a stop. Some of my local favorites are The Hungry Robot for pizza, the Blue Roof Bistro for local ingredients, Bagels & Brew for coffee and breakfast, and Latitude 65 for an upscale dining experience in a yurt! 
4. Try a Winter Sport at Chena Recreation Area
There's plenty to do in the Chena Recreation Area, a 397 square mile area that follows the Chena River. From ice fishing on the frozen lakes to snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and skiing there's really something for everyone. If you're not sure where to start, I recommend browsing Viator and finding a tour that looks interesting. This way they'll have all the gear and knowledge to make the most of your day!
Try Snowmobiling or Ice Fishing in Fairbanks!
5. Visit the North Pole
Did you know the North Pole is located right outside Fairbanks? Surprisingly, very few visitors seem to realize that getting to the North Pole requires a short 15 minute drive East. Not only do they have many "Christmas" inspired items throughout town, but you can actually pay a visit to Santa & his workshop at the Santa Claus House! If you're lucky, you'll even be able to see the reindeer and Mrs. Claus as well as see the real Naughty and Nice list, Santa's giant sleigh, and even get your own "official" letter to mail to Santa.
6. Walk the Reindeer
If seeing Santa's reindeer wasn't enough, at the Running Reindeer Ranch you can actually head out on a walk with some reindeer! This one hour tour has lots of photo opportunities as the reindeer roam on their own, plus you'll learn all about the reindeer themselves. I thought this experience was one of the most unique in Fairbanks, plus they even gave us hot chocolate and cookies at the end.
7. Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum
A visit to Chena Hot Springs is one of the most popular in Fairbanks, and even though the Pool House is open to all ages, the hot springs themselves are 18+, making it the perfect relaxing getaway. They have lockers and changing rooms, but if you don't want to pay the $5 towel fee you'll have to bring your own. The natural water feels incredible, and the crisp winter air adds a bit of hair freezing fun to the experience. There's also an outside hot tub in addition to the two indoor ones. While you're there you'll find their Ice Museum, where you can enter and see all the amazing hand carved ice creations and try one of their famous apple martinis served in a hand carved ice chalice!
8. Relax at a Cozy Stay
There are plenty of cozy stays throughout Fairbanks, and spending the day with a warm drink and nice book or puzzle might just be the way to do it. If the weather's bad (which it can often be during Fairbanks winters) you might find yourself snowed in, so I recommend bringing a few fun things to pass the time!
9. Chase the Northern Lights
Viewing the Northern Lights is most likely at the top of everyone's list when visiting Fairbanks. The funny thing is out of all my winter visits to Fairbanks I've never actually had any luck because it's been too cloudy. However, if you do get a clear day and the KP is high enough, you'll most likely have one of the best northern lights shows in the entire state. If you don't want to do a tour, I recommend heading to the Chena State Recreation area or out to Murphy Dome, and you can see my entire list of Northern Lights viewing tips here!
Watch my Fairbanks Adventures here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit -> How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska -> 7 Best Tours in Alaska
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make
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