WELCOME TO FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

Whether you are seeking the sheer 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 the wilds of Interior Alaska. Fairbanks is home to a charming downtown, a thriving arts community, dynamic Alaska Native culture and exceptional Alaskan events, activities and attractions.

Serving as the basecamp for Alaska’s vast Interior and Arctic, from Fairbanks you can cross the Arctic Circle, journey to Denali National Park, float down a wilderness river and view spectacular landscapes. The Aurora Season, Winter Season and Midnight Sun Season all provide one-of-a-kind opportunities in this popular year-round destination.

Northern Lights over Chena Lake.

AURORA SEASON

Want to knock northern lights viewing off your bucket list? Fairbanks is one of the best locations on Earth to see the lights during Aurora Season which starts August 21 and continues through to April 21. Fairbanks is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is located 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. All combined these variables make the Fairbanks area an outstanding destination for aurora viewing. While there’s no absolute guarantee you’ll see the northern lights, the aurora borealis is visible an average of four out of five nights in the Fairbanks area when the sky is clear and dark enough.

Chasing the aurora in the Fairbanks area comes in a variety of forms.

Guided tours can take you in a myriad of directions from town in search of the mesmerizing lights. The more independent traveler can rent a car and drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for the northern lights to appear. Or you can arrange to view the aurora from a heated cabin, yurt, dome or lodge; on a dog sled adventure; by snow cat tour or on a flight above the Arctic Circle. Local outfitters also pair aurora viewing with many winter activities including ice fishing and snowmobiling. You can even ask your accommodation’s front desk if they offer a wake-up call when the northern lights are out.

Photo by Sherman Hogue

WINTER SEASON

In addition to chasing the aurora, Fairbanks’ top-of-the-world location offers world class ice sculptures and outstanding dog mushing opportunities. Huge blocks of ice are carved into works of art with chain saws and specialized ice carving tools for ice sculpting events and competitions throughout the winter. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, realize your dream of dashing through the snow on a sled pulled by a team of dogs on a one-hour, half-day or multi-day mushing tour. Whether riding in the basket or driving your own sled, you’ll appreciate the instinctive power of these amazing animals. If it’s spectating you prefer, many spring and longdistance races happen throughout the winter months.

Winter’s white mantle allows you to explore the snow-capped hills, nearby glaciers, ice-covered lakes and birch-laden trails and go downhill or cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or fat-tire bike riding. The winter fun just doesn’t stop as there are a multitude of other winter activities, cultural celebrations, art exhibitions and sporting events that add to the excitement of the Winter Season.

Angel Rocks, Chena National Recreation Area

Photo by Michael DeYoung

MIDNIGHT SUN SEASON

Right on the heels of the Aurora and Winter Seasons, Midnight Sun Season comes in with an exhilarating rush. In Fairbanks, the summer 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 plan on 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.

Middle-of-the-night activities include running, golfing, gardening, walking the dog and even baseball—where the

Alaska Goldpanners start their historic solstice game at 10 p.m. With very few truly 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.

Photo by Sherman Hogue

Photo by Sherman Hogue

YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES

Regardless of what time of year you chose to visit, a host of events and year-round activities provide a complement to the seasonal activities you may plan. Many attractions are open year-round including an awe-inspiring visitors center, art galleries and museums, an outdoor hot spring and, just down the road, the charming town of North Pole. Also not to be missed is the opportunity to shop for authentic Alaska Native and made-in-Alaska gifts or imbibe in a craft cocktail or beer from one of ten local breweries and distilleries. When you get hungry on your trip, the food scene in Fairbanks won’t leave you disappointed. Whether you want Vietnamese, vegan, award winning BBQ, Japanese, Thai or Alaskan comfort foods like salmon, king crab or reindeer sausage you’ll surely find something to please your palate.

No matter the reason, no matter the season, Fairbanks is an extraordinary destination all throughout the year – why not start planning your trip now? For more information about visiting Fairbanks, go to explorefairbanks.com.

Photo by Sherman Hogue