© Photo Courtesy of Explore Fairbanks, Alaska
Whether you come seeking the beauty of a sparkling winter day, the summer’s everlasting sunshine, or to scan the skies for the captivating northern lights, Fairbanks is an extraordinary portal into life in the Far North. Known as the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” Fairbanks is a vibrant river city in Interior Alaska that’s home to a charming downtown, a thriving arts community, dynamic Alaska Native culture and exceptional events, activities, and attractions. Serving as the basecamp for Alaska’s Interior and the Arctic, you can easily cross the Arctic Circle or journey into Denali National Park from Fairbanks.
Aurora Season
Fairbanks is one of the best locations on Earth to see the lights during Aurora Season, August 21 through April 21, because of its position directly under the “Auroral Oval”—a ring-shaped zone over the Far North where aurora activity is concentrated. Additionally, the region’s distance from coastal areas consistently contributes to clear skies and optimum viewing. These variables make the Fairbanks area an outstanding destination for aurora viewing.
Chasing the aurora in the Fairbanks area comes in a variety of forms. Guided tours can take you to search for the mesmerizing lights, while more independent travellers can rent a car and drive to a nearby vantage point. Arrange to view the aurora from a heated cabin, yurt, dome or lodge; on a dog sled adventure; by snowcat tour or on a flight above the Arctic Circle, to name a few.
Winter Season
Winter in Fairbanks offers world-class ice sculptures and outstanding dog mushing opportunities. Huge blocks of ice are carved into works of art with specialized tools for ice sculpting events and competitions throughout the winter. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, dash through the snow on a sled pulled by a team of dogs on a mushing tour.
Winter’s white mantle allows you to explore the snow-capped hills, nearby glaciers, ice-covered lakes, and birch-laden trails or go skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing. The winter fun just doesn’t stop as there are many other activities, cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, and sporting events to add to the excitement.
Midnight Sun Season
With an exhilarating rush, summer comes to the land of the midnight sun. In Fairbanks, the sun shines up to 24 hours a day during the Midnight Sun Season from April 22 to August 20. In fact, from mid-May through mid-July, Fairbanks experiences 70 straight days of 24-hours of sunlight. Whether you are going on a nature hike, panning for gold, floating down the Chena River or having a late-night dessert on an outdoor deck, the Midnight Sun Season is awesome and energizing. With very few rainy days, average temperatures hovering at 70 degrees and the midnight sun simply refusing to set, this top-of-the-world town enjoys one of the best summers the Earth has to offer.
Year-Round Activities
Many attractions are open year-round, including an awe-inspiring visitors centre, art galleries, museums, an outdoor hot spring, and the nearby town of North Pole. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for authentic Alaska Native and made-in-Alaska gifts or imbibe in a cocktail or beer from a local brewery or distillery.
Fairbanks is exceptional throughout the year—why not start planning your trip now? Visit explorefairbanks.com for more information.
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Originally a gold rush boomtown, now known as the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” visitors find Fairbanks inviting, engaging and awe-inspiring—the heart of the last frontier.
