Top Fairbanks Outdoor Activities

Pair aurora borealis with spa treatments and you get a northern lights experience like no other. This night trip from Fairbanks takes you to Chena Hot Springs Resort for an exciting but relaxing array of activities. Discover eye-popping sculptures at the on-site Aurora Ice Museum, and then unwind in the resort’s legendary mineral water baths. When the conditions are right, a guide takes your small group to the best locations to watch for the ethereal northern lights, with warm beverages in hand.

Go far off the beaten track on this small-group tour that takes you along one of the world's most isolated roads. Travel into the Alaskan wilderness along the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.

Experience the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis during your time in Alaska on this nighttime excursion. Depart from Fairbanks after dark and venture deep into the forest in search of locations with little to no light pollution. Once you find the colorful, dancing lights, your guide captures photos of your group so you can cherish the moments forever.

Speed through winter landscapes on this snowmobile adventure in North Pole. Follow an expert guide into the Chena Lakes Recreation area on remote mountain trails leading you across frozen lakes and rivers, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Then, park the snowmobile and wind down your adrenaline with a warm beverage, along with some snacks.

Watch the Northern Lights from Murphy Dome, one of the best viewing spots around Fairbanks. During your tour, your guide shares informative commentary about the Northern Lights (aka Aurora Borealis) and other natural wonders of Alaska. Hear about the history of the former Air Force Station on Murphy Dome, and keep warm with complimentary hot beverages and snacks. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Fairbanks.

Travel the famous Dalton Highway on this 16-hour Arctic Circle drive. Visit the Yukon River, stop by the Arctic Circle Trading Post, and get views of the tundra landscape. Learn about life in rural Alaska through your guide's commentary; departure from a meeting point in Fairbanks.

Get to know Alaska’s past and present on this 5.5-hour tour in Fairbanks led by an informative guide. Enjoy the Museum of the North’s story of Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage, and admire the art installations at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center. Browse dog-mushing memorabilia at the Yukon Quest Log Cabin, before exploring Pioneer Park (seasonal) that features attractions celebrating Alaska’s notable historical hallmarks, including the Gold Rush. Visit all these sites as part of a small-group or private tour — your choice!

Travel like an Alaskan—aboard a dogsled—during this dogsledding and mushing experience in Fairbanks. Hop aboard and hold on to be towed by energetic dogs down five miles (eight kilometers) of snowy trails with your private party. You can help drive the team with voice commands, as your guide supervises from the back of the sled.

Start your day rumbling through Alaska’s countryside on this 32-mile (51-kilometer) morning all-terrain-vehicle adventure, perfect for both experienced and first-time off-road drivers. Settle aboard a rugged 2020 Can-Am Maverick Trail side-by-side vehicle with your companion; and bump along unmade trails that wind high and low through ever-changing landscapes—all with a guide to share tales about the region and point out sights as you go.

Go from relaxing in the hotsprings to experiencing the Northern Lights! This is a magical way to experience Alaska!

How many people can say they’ve crossed the Arctic Circle? Experience the landscapes of a lifetime on this full-day guided trip from Fairbanks and see the Northern Lights. Journey through Alaskan wilderness aboard comfortable transport, and take a stroll along the Yukon River. On a high plateau of Finger Mountain, spot wildlife such as foxes, moose and bears. On the way back, witness the splendor of Aurora Borealis.

Discover Alaska’s natural hot springs and amazing ice sculptures on a full-day tour to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks. Enjoy a scenic 60-mile (95-km) drive from your Fairbanks hotel to Chena Hot Springs, where you can soak in the large outdoor pool of this legendary resort. You can also take a tour that showcases how Chena Hot Springs makes use of geothermal energy to power the resort, and check out the sculptures in the Aurora Ice Museum.

Journey to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks for a first-hand experience of the Earth’s northernmost circle of latitude in one of our climate-controlled vans. Here, in the summer and winter, the sky is completely dark or light for 24 hours a day! Travel along the Dalton Highway, made famous by the TV show "Ice Road Truckers", and spot wildlife (no guarantee) as you cross the Yukon River. When you arrive, learn about the area’s indigenous culture, take a walk with your guide, snap photos of the arctic landscape, and enjoy a snack and beverage amidst the incredible surroundings. You’ll take home an official Arctic Circle certificate to commemorate this amazing Alaska experience. Make sure to dress weather appropriate and we recommend to wear some sturdy shoes to be able enjoy this trip.

Go ice fishing in Alaska at a remote spot outside the city of Fairbanks with a guide who provides fishing gear and tips. Stay warm in a cozy heated cabin next to the frozen lake, and snack on reindeer sausage on buns, and fresh grilled fish (that you catch). Includes use of fishing gear and cabin, guide, and refreshments.

Dog sledding is one of Alaska's many time-honored traditions and used to be the prime mode of transportation. On this private excursion from Fairbanks, you can experience a thrilling dog sled ride through the snow-covered forests. After your ride, enjoy one-on-one time with the dogs and their puppies and learn more about the Alaskan tradition.

Experience an Alaskan tradition during your trip to Fairbanks on this kennel and mushing tour. Meet with Alaskan huskies and a professional musher for a tour of a kennel and to learn how huskies are trained to be part of a mushing team. Then, enjoy a cart ride down the rugged trails for a true Alaskan experience.

Admire the natural beauty of Alaska on a river-rafting tour from Fairbanks. With a guide, you'll float along a scenic waterway to look for wildlife or enjoy the midnight sun, depending on whether you select the morning or evening tour when booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Zip around by snowmobile on the outskirts of the North Pole during a 1-hour guided tour near Fairbanks. Your guide provides driving instructions and practice time before you head out past the Alaska Pipeline and through snow-covered forests. You'll ride in comfort on a Ski Doo luxury touring snowmobile that accommodates one or two riders, and has heated handgrips and electric start. Look for Alaska's native wildlife including moose, fox, snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, grouse, and squirrels. Includes experienced guide, and use of snowmobile and weatherproof clothing.

Venture beyond Fairbanks city limits—and take part in a quintessential Alaskan outdoor pursuit—with this dog sledding and mushing experience. Following convenient pickup at your hotel, get acquainted with the huskies and malamutes with just your guide and a small group for company. Learn basic commands, and take part in a dog-sledding experience along a 4-5 mile trail, and walk away with plenty of souvenir photos, too.

While in Alaska, don’t miss out on viewing the northern lights—prebook this Fairbanks Northern Lights Adventure. This experience shuttles you to a prime viewing location with a guide who shows you where to set up your camera and the best techniques to use to capture the lights. Plus, you’ll have access to a cabin to grab hot drinks and watch the lights on a monitor, if you prefer to be inside.

Treat yourself to the complete Alaskan experience: A team of happy hounds speeds you through snowy scenery and then you’re whisked off to an off-the-grid cabin for a delicious home-cooked meal. Learn what it takes to lead a team of dogs before hopping on a sled for an hour-long run. After dinner, face the cabin’s large north-facing windows and marvel at aurora borealis, while savoring a warm beverage.

This guided night trip to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks gives you a bit of everything: hot, cold and the marvelous. Begin with a tour of the Fairbanks Ice Museum and marvel at its hand-sculpted ice bar and chandeliers. At a charming resort, slip into thermal pools of water that soothe your sore muscles. Relaxed, gear up for a midnight viewing of the surreal Northern Lights at one of the best locations to witness this natural phenomenon.

Don’t worry about bundling up in freezing weather—and mush you way through the Alaskan forest in fall. On this dogsled tour, you’ll join the happy four-legged team on UTVs, breaking in the pups after a summer’s rest. You’ll zoom through the incredible fall foliage just outside Fairbanks, learning all about dog mushing, racing, and Alaskan off-grid living along the way.

Get a kick out of the Fairbanks Ice Museum and then revitalize your mind and body at Chena Hot Springs on this day trip from Fairbanks. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum filled with displays of ice sculptures, and then warm up at Chena Hot Springs. Surrounded by beautiful Alaskan scenery, immerse yourself in thermal pools of water that soothe sore muscles and aching backs. Enjoy several hours of free time at the rustic lodge resort. Hotel transport included.