7 Best Winter Things to Do in Fairbanks (Not Northern Lights)

Fairbanks is the 3rd largest city in Alaska, and also one of the most visited. Typically, most visitors tend to make the journey to Fairbanks in the Winter - more often than not in hopes of viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. However, what most visitors don't realize is there is actually quite a bit to do in the area other than viewing the northern lights! From ice fishing to dog sledding, meeting Santa in the North Pole, getting up close and personal with some of his reindeer, and visiting some of the best hot springs in the state, there's something for everyone!

My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or 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 AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

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. There are 2 ways you can get to Fairbanks in the winter - you can either choose to drive from the airport in Anchorage which is about 6 hours (weather dependent), or you can fly directly to the international airport in Fairbanks. I recommend planning to visit for at least one week in order to get the most out of your adventures in the area (especially if you're hoping to view the Northern Lights). No matter the season, I recommend bringing many layers you can wear on top of each other, especially warmer layers for the winter.

Because Fairbanks is such a hot spot for Northern Lights viewing, prices can often mirror peak summer prices for hotels. My top recommendations would be the Borealis Basecamp for a unique dome experience for Northern Lights viewing or the Chena Hot Springs Resort if you're looking for an "all inclusive" type stay. On my most recent trip I stayed at this adorable tiny cabin that I would recommend for couples with a car, and I've really been wanting to check out this Star Shaped, completely over the top Airbnb!

My Favorite Fairbanks Tours :
- Northern Lights Tour
- Arctic Circle Tour
- Dog Sledding Experience

7 Best Winter Activities in Fairbanks

1. Dog Sledding
​Dog sledding in Alaska is one of the most popular activities for visitors, however what you might not know is that dog sledding was invented by the native Inuit people as a means to help with transportation and hunting. Nowadays you can easily experience dog sledding on your own during your trip to Alaska, and this tour even provides extra warm outer layers. 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 bucketlist, then Fairbanks is the best place to cross it off! The road to get to the Arctic Circle sign can be quite sketchy and primitive, especially in the winter, so I highly recommend investing in a tour that brings you there and back safely. My husband and I drove it in the summer and we still ended up getting multiple flat tires - and the winter months in Alaska can be unforgiving...not to mention, most car rental companies actually ask you to stay away from the Elliot & Dalton Highways that bring you to the Arctic Circle. You can usually bundle this tour with a Northern Lights tour!

3. Test out Local Restaurants
If you feel you've spent enough time outdoors, then the next best thing in my own opinion is trying out some local places to eat! There's plenty to choose from in the Fairbanks area - and I've listed my favorites below! It's worth noting that in the winter hours can differ, so I always recommend checking the hours on their website before going in.

• The Hungry Robot - my favorite go to spot in Fairbanks, even Guy Fieri stopped by in the past and featured them on his "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives" show!
• Blue Roof Bistro - a local bistro that focuses on using fresh, local ingredients and has a beautiful solarium to dine in to bring some sunshine to the winter months
• Bagels & Brew Fairbanks - a go-to spot for yummy breakfast bagels and coffees​

​4. Explore the 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. Not to mention there are typically two major dog sled races each year in the Chena Recreation Area, plus the area is also a great place to view wildlife.

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
At the Running Reindeer Ranch you can actually head out on a walk with their reindeer! This one hour, $95 per person 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 so unique and I absolutely loved it, plus they even gave us hot chocolate and cookies at the end. :)

7. Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum
​This is one of my favorite things to do in Fairbanks. The hot springs day pass costs $20, 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 fee for a towel you'll have to bring your own. The natural water is incredible, and the crisp winter air adds a bit of hair freezing fun to the experience. There's also a hot tub that's a bit more private if you're lucky enough to get it all to yourself! Nearby you'll find their Ice Museum, where for $15 you can enter and see all the amazing ice creations - even their apple martinis are served in an ice chalice!

*Update, on my most recent visit, the hot springs were unfortunately very overcrowded and the shower rooms were quite dirty. The Ice Museum was also a bit run down, with multiple chips and larger pieces missing in their sculptures. I'm hoping they're able to turn it around.

Watch my Fairbanks Adventures here!

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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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