Fairbanks Alaska in Winter: A Magical Getaway
Fairbanks, Alaska in winter is like stepping into a magical snow globe. I know it’s a bit untraditional, but let me convince you why to spend your winter vacation in the arctic, instead of the beach. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing big the Northern Lights (the Aurora Borealis), dog sledding through frosty trees, trying ice fishing, or bathing in a natural hot spring pool surrounded by nature, Fairbanks should be at the top of your list. While the days might be short and the temperatures chilly, the charm of this unique Alaskan town shines brightest even in the dark. Whether you like high adventure or more relaxed adventure, Fairbanks, Alaska in Winter is a trip you will not forget.
***disclaimer: this post does contain affiliate links, that benefit my small business. if you choose to purchase anything through them, i appreciate your support. in addition, this trip was comped by explore fairbanks, but making this blog post was not part of that agreement- it is my own opinions :).
Quick Introduction: Meet the Blogger
I like to make my blog posts PERSONAL, so we can all relate to each other. Let me answer the questions- why should you read this blod post? Who even is this girl? Hi, I’m Danielle FAIRBANKS, yes you read that right. I married a man with the last name of Fairbanks and have spent the last 7 years answering the phone “Danielle FAIRBANKS, like Fairbanks, Alaska.” This trip became so much more special being able to visit somewhere that feels like part of us.
On top of that, Alaska is a special place to me because I WORK HERE. I actually live in Phoenix, Arizona (completely opposite landscape), but I work part time in remote arctic Alaska villages as a medical provider (PA-C). I come to alaska 4-5 times per year for work to provide healthcare for alaska natives and it holds a very, very special place in my heart. I have found the personalities of people in Alaska to be SO FRIENDLY, and the way of life much simpler, much less focused on materialism, and more about quiet and sustainability and exploring nature. I hope to share that with you in my blog post. If you’re interested in learning more about my rural work (if you or someone you know works in healthcare), grab my wilderness medicine guide HERE.
Things to Know About Fairbanks Alaska in Winter
If you’re not from Alaska, there are definitely some things to know before traveling there. It’s so far north that the sun schedule is very different. You mauy ask, how many hours of light does Fairbanks Alaska get during the winter? Winter solstice in Fairbanks, AK towards the end of December has less than 4 hours of daylight. Sunrise is around 11 am and sunset around 2:30pm. Even when it is daylight, the sun only hangs at the horizon. It’s a beautiful experience that is much different than the “lower 48” as they say, so just be prepared. On average, fairbanks winter daylight hours vary between 4-7 hours.
How cold is Fairbanks Alaska in Winter? Fairbanks winter temperatures (November-March) are between -20 degrees and 20 degrees, so you need to pack warm to enjoy outdoor adventures. Even though December has the shortest days, it’s a popular month to visit to soak in all the winter Christmas vibes. March is also popular as it is a warmer winter month, making it easier to enjoy aurora viewing. The nice thing about winter is the darker the skies, the brighter the northern lights. I think you’ll have an amazing time at any time of the year, but in my opinion, the best time to visit Fairbanks is either December or March for the winter season.
Top 10 Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska in Winter
Let’s get into the magical things you can do on your trip, from outdoor adventures to cozy stays to fun events to some of the best restaurants in the area. Below is a google map to everywhere we went.
1. See The Northern Lights
If you’re like me, one of the biggest things on your bucket list was to see the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights. So many people travel to ALASKA FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS. The northern lights are created by solar and magnetic forces between the earth and the sun. Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TOO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. Why? Obviously, the more north you are, the better. Fairbanks is only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. In addition, Fairbanks, Alaska sits in the “auroral oval” which is the most concentrated portion of the lights AND it very commonly has clear nights- needed to see the aurora.
Fairbanks, Alaska sees the Northern Lights on average 200 days per year- Isn’t that crazy?!
Even though it’s very common, there are some things you need to know as a newbie. First, tracking it when it’s out. I use the AURORA app (which can give you alerts when its likely to be out) and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Geophysical Institute Predictor. These apps help you know the likely strength and location of the aurora. But they aren’t perfect. Even if the prediction isn’t great, Fairbanks can still see an amazing show. The best way to see them, and capture great photos, is to go on an AURORA TOUR with a guide.
Best Hotel to See The Northern Lights
In my opinion, after staying there, my favorite hotel/lodging to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska was THE BOREALIS BASECAMP. Like I would live here, haha. It was absolutely incredible and worth saving up for. You can choose to stay in one of their igloos or their cubes, both that have epic aurora viewing windows. We could see the northern lights from our bed, and even better when we stepped outside. Each igloo is spaced out, so you don’t feel like you have a lack of privacy. Even better, they have an AURORA ALARM that flashes and makes noise when the aurora is out (they have someone at the front desk 24/7). I would wake up to that alarm anytime. It was such a magical experience to have with my sweet husband. If you’re traveling as a family, I suggest staying in the cube- they have rooms with bunk beds! If you want amazing photos, you can have a photographer come to your igloo and take photos for you when the aurora is out. This is one of the best things to do in Fairbanks in winter. Convinced yet?!?!
2. Go on a Dog Sledding Tour
What is more Alaska than going dog mushing through the snow?! I’m sure most of you already know this, but the history of dog sledding in alaska came from the iconic IDITAROD. This iconic trail stretches over 1,500 miles from Seward to Nome, Alaska. In 1925, dogs and mushers went from Nenana to Nome (about 500 miles) to save the locals in Nome from a Diptheria Outbreak. Absolutely incredible. In the 60s they created the Iditarod Race, which still goes on today, to help preserve that special trail. This Dog Sledding Race goes from Anchorage to Nome now (over 1,000 miles).
There are so many different options for dog sledding tours in Fairbanks. I mentioned above that we stayed at Borealis Basecamp. On top of this being an amazing place to stay, they have numerous activities, including dog sledding. We had a 1-hour tour where our musher drove us over to the dogs, let us pet them (and play with the husky puppies) and then we went on a 2.5 mile trail. The dogs are INCREDIBLE. I wish the sled ride itself was longer, but it was great. On each sled, you have the musher, one person sitting that can video, and another person standing in the back. I loved that it was just us on the tour.
HERE are multiple different dog-sledding adventures in and near fairbanks in winter.
3. Soak in Alaska’s Natural Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs is one of the most well known hot springs in Alaska. It was discovered shortly after 1900 when some gold miners noticed “steam” in the distance and followed it all the way to the Chena River. Chena Hot Springs is located an hour or about 60 miles Northeast of Fairbanks, AK. So technically it’s not in Fairbanks, but if you are going to Chena Hot Springs, you are also going to be in and around Fairbanks, so we count it! This was one of my top 3 favorite Fairbanks Alaska Winter Activities.
I’ve been to many other hot springs (from colorado to canada and beyond), and this was my favorite because of the natural integration into the landscape. Instead of it being in a commerical looking pool, its surrounded by boulders and pine trees. The “flooring” of the pool is gravel too, which feels really nice. It is 18+ (indoor pool and hot tub kids are allowed), so keep this in mind if you’re traveling with a family. Imagine spending winter in Fairbanks Alaska, soaking in natural hot springs after a long cold day of outdoor adventures- magical.
The rates are $20 per person for a day pass, or if you are staying as a guest in Chena Hot Springs Resort, it is included.
In my opinion, Chena Hot Springs is one of the best natural hot springs in the USA.
staying at chena hot springs resort
In my opinion, you should stay overnight for at least 1 night at Chena Hot Springs Resort if you’re going to drive up that way from Fairbanks, Alaska. There are multiple different booking options between their main lodge and CABINS (where I stayed). It was dry, meaning no water, but I just showered after hot springs! I will say, it’s not luxurious like Borealis Basecamp, but it’s really cozy and I love the environment. BOOK HERE (this is an affiliate link).
Chena Hot Springs Resort is a special geothermal and sustainable hotel, meaning they harness energy from the springs to use. For example, they have a 24/7 greenhouse (yes even in arctic weather) powered by the springs to grow herbs, fruits, and veggies that are used daily in their restuarant. Their “Chena Fresh Salad” is to die for. On top of all of these cool facts, there are multiple fun activities like dog-sledding, ATV tours (summer), hiking (summer), dog kennel tours, greenhouse tours, aurora tours, and the amazing Ice Museum.
4. Sip Out of an Ice Glass at the Aurora Ice Museum
Another one of the amazing winter activities in fairbanks is seeing the ice art at the ICE MUSEUM, also at Chena Hot Springs. There is another ICE MUSEUM in downtown fairbanks as well, so keep note of that. You can purchase tickets at the Adventure Center at Chena Hot Springs. It is $20 pp and an extra $20 if you want the famous appletini in an ice glass and lasts about 45 minutes. You get a tour of the place, and then get to explore the beautiful ice sculptures and enjoy your drink, if you ordered one. Fun fact- only alcohol can be served in the ice museum (anything else freezes- and explodes)! Even in the summer, the ice museum is kept below freezing- it’s a super cool feat. If you’re in Fairbanks in the winter, you need to check out the Ice Museum.
5. Go for a Snowmobiling Tour
Are you the adventurous type? You should totally try snowmobiling! Whether you enjoy this excursion at Borealis Basecamp, Chena Hot Springs, or around Fairbanks itself, you’ll have a blast. We did snowmobiling as one of our excursions at Borealis Basecamp.
We got to drive to the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, which is an engineering feat in of itself. Millions of dollars of liquid gold (oil) flow through these pipes every hour- how wild is that?! I did a double with my husband so I could video, and then we switched drivers. It was super fun to drive- my husband couldn’t get enough. Book a snowmobile tour near Fairbanks AK HERE.
We got to see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline on our Snowmobiling Tour.
what to wear in alaska in winter
I’ll be honest, GEAR IS VERY IMPORTANT for snowmobile tours. When it’s cold and windy, yikes. I thought I was prepared for Alaska winter clothing, but I wore 2 pairs of socks, toe warmers, boots and my toes were sitll cold. A Balaclava Face Covering is absolutely essential. I have all my gear HERE, including Alaska winter boots, alaska winter coats, and my scarf. This GIANT COLORFUL SCARF– was a huge hit, and it was so warm. One of the workers at Borealis Basecamp actually had one too, haha. 100% recommend. If you’re going to visit Fairbanks Alaska in Winter, DRESS WARM!!
6. Visit The North Pole, Alaska
Yes, that’s right- THE NORTH POLE!! Your list of fairbanks winter activities isn’t compete without a short dreive over to The North Pole. Alaska actually has a town called The North Pole, which is just so fun. Why is it called the north pole alaska? Well, a developer wanted to attract a toy company to the area, and wanted their products to be able to be produced “in the north pole.” Now, it is a year-round christmas destination, with candy cane street lights, a Santa Claus House, the world’s biggest Santa sculpture, and reindeer activities. December in Fairbanks AK was the perfect time for this! There’s a popular North Pole sign people love to take photos next to, too. Like my green coat? Me too! I use NUULY to RENT monthly clothing items to wear on my trips- you should try it out!
Where is the “Welcome to the North Pole” Alaska Sign?
It seemed like it would be in an obvious spot, but it was a bit hard to find! I was lead astray by a few blog posts online. So let me help you. GOOGLE MAPS, not Apple Maps, will get you there. I was told to enter “2550 Richardson Hwy, North Pole, Alaska” into my map, and this didn’t help me get there. It is on the side of the road, but not on the main highway. It is on a side road right next to the highway. It’s only a few minutes away from The Santa Claus House (further from Fairbanks). It was totally worth it to stop by- very cute.
7. Walk Around Historic Downtown Fairbanks
Fun Fact about Fairbanks, Alaska- it was founded in 1902 after the discovery of GOLD. Along with many other places around the globe, Fairbanks was a hub for mining gold. It was named “FAIRBANKS” after Senator/ Vice President Fairbanks. In 1917, The University of Alaska- Fairbanks was founded. Fairbanks is Alaska’s 2nd largest city after Anchorage. It is the USA’s COLDEST CITY with a population over 10,000 people. I hope you enjoy these fun facts. With all that history in mind, I suggest walking around 2nd St to grab food, learn about history, see the Fairbanks Ice Museum, and go into the shops. Make sure to grab an Alaskan Souvenir to take home with you.
We stayed at Springhill Suites Downtown Fairbanks and it was fantastic. Walking distance to the Antler Arch, all the shops, the visitor center, and had views of the river. Very upscale!
8. Indulge in the Food Scene in Fairbanks, AK
Believe it or not, the food in Fairbanks, Alaska was DELICIOUS. I was not expecting this when I visited, but man did we have some delicious food. I won’t go into every restaurant in Fairbakns on this post, but a few of my favorites include The Library, The Crepery, Latitude 65 (at Borealis Basecamp), Hoodoo Brewing, East Ramp Pizza, and North Pole Coffee Roasting Company. Personally, I thought The Library was one of the best restaurants in Fairbanks. It was so cozy, the bartenders were AMAZING, and wow the food was so flavorful.
9. Take a Road Trip
One thing that is really cool about Fairbanks, Alaska is that it is “on the road system.” This may sound weird to people that live outside of Alaska, but many places in the state are only accessible by boat or plane. Being on the road system means you can actually travel between larger cities, like Anchorage. The drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 6 hours. You can also take a road trip to Denali National Park, which is only about 2 hours away. Even consider doing a helicopter/flight tour from Fairbanks. There are so many magical national parks in Alaska- and Denali is probably the most well-known, being the tallest mountain in the US. Some people also choose to drive 120 miles north to the arctic circle.
10. Stay for Winter Solstice in Fairbanks
One of the coolest experiences of my trip was being in Fairbanks, Alaska during Winter Solstice- the shortest day of the year. We had about 3 hr and 45 minutes of daylight on that day. Fairbanks has an amazing celebration for it too. They have a local business scavenger hunt, free dog sledding for kids, a winter lights walk, and FIREWORKS. I loved the community feeling, celebrating the start of logner days with the Alaskan locals.
Summary of Fairbanks Alaska in Winter
Fairbanks, Alaska in winter is magical. As I’m writing this, I only visited a few weeks ago and I already want to go back. If you’re looking for winter honeymoon ideas or best places to visit in winter for couples, this is the place. We celebrated out 7th anniversary here. From the quiet, simple life to the community to the unique landscape to the amazing acitivities, you need to add this location to your bucket list. Enjoy!
