Fairbanks

Overview

In the heart of Alaska’s interior lies Fairbanks, a special place marked by the magic of its natural surroundings. In the summer, Fairbanks enjoys endless daylight, with the sun slipping towards the horizon and shimming in rays of gold but never fully extinguishing its light. The winter is the opposite, bringing darkness across the landscapes blanketed with sparkling snow. All that’s left to do is look up to take in the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis, a magnificent show orchestrated by the pure strength of the wind.

Fairbanks may be small in size but packs an incredible punch when it comes to art, culture, and things to do. Learn about Native Alaskan culture at the Museum of the North, putting thousands of years of Alaskan history on display and exploring the deep relationships between natural phenomena and landscapes in the diverse state. Visit the “coolest show in town” at the Fairbanks Ice Museum, a repurposed movie theatre that now houses ice sculptures and performs ice carving demonstrations.

Stepping outside of Fairbanks’ centre, take an expedition into the Arctic Circle by dogsled or snowmobile as you cross wild terrain. Winter sports are boundless in these parts, including ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. Fairbanks is a good basecamp for those planning to venture into the untamed wilderness of Denali National Park, famous for possible wildlife encounters, sprawling tundra, epic glaciers, and the towering Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak.