11 Fairbanks Tours That Still Read Well a Year On

1.Alaska Snowmobile Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,703 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $112Our pick

Meet at Alaska Wild Lights in North Pole for a 90-minute snowmobile outing, including one full hour of riding in the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. Guides such as Kathy, Gavin, Maple, and Isarel lead small groups across trails, frozen lakes, and rivers. Drivers need to be 18 or older with a valid license. Hot drinks and snacks follow the ride.

“We had SO much fun! Our guide Maple was informative, helpful, and all around good company! That atmosphere of the staff was super friendly and filled with lots of laughs! Definitely a 10/10”

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2.Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,394 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $105Best value

At Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service in North Pole, you’ll meet an Alaskan Husky team, bundle up in provided winter gear, and ride about five miles of snowy trail with your private party. Your musher explains the dogs and gives voice commands while you glide through the woods. Guides may include Jimmy, Emily, Matt, Kristen, Lindsey, or Luther.

“Excellent experience!!!! Would recommend to any age. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable, bunny boots are a must.”

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3.Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,278 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $250

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs in a small group of up to 14. Tour the Aurora Ice Museum, soak in 106°F mineral water, and search for the aurora with guides such as Tyler, Savvy, Jessica, and Shannon. Dinner and drinks cost extra, and the lights are never guaranteed.

“Had a great time. Visited Chena Hot Springs. Our driver/tour guide Savvy was great. She was knowledgeable and made sure we had a good experience. Unfortunately it was raining and didn't get to see the Northern lights, but no fault to the tour. While at the hot spring it began to snow. Cool experience. Enjoyed the trip.”

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4.Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 942 reviews · 12 to 14 hours (approx.) · from $330

From Fairbanks, you’ll ride with a guide in a small van along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle, crossing the Yukon River and stopping at pipeline viewpoints. Guides such as Jessica, Shannon, Guy, and Coltin are known for helping with aurora photos. Expect a 12 to 14-hour trip, rough road, cold weather, and no guarantee of northern lights.

“These tour guides know their aurora . If you want to see the Northern Lights these are the people to make it happen for you. Thank you for the opportunity of a life time! It was incredible!”

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5.Guided Fairbanks Snowmobile Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 809 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $169

Meet your guide at Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service near North Pole for instruction, practice laps, and a one-hour snowmobile ride. You’ll use a heated-helmet Ski-Doo with heated handgrips, pass the Alaska Pipeline, and follow trails chosen for your ability. Guides including Victoria, Will, Josh, and Elijah lead these small-group outings.

“The experience was overall great! The staff was very helpful and friendly when we arrived and they provide everything you need to stay safe and warm during the ride! The trail we rode through was very beautiful. Also loved those heated handle bars on the snowmobile 💙”

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6.SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience – Free Photography & More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 706 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $335

SkyChase™ takes you from Fairbanks into darker skies for about five hours, using live weather and aurora data to choose the best route. Guides such as Tony, Andrew, and Drew offer aurora lessons, camera help, group portraits, hot drinks, reindeer sausage, and campfire time. Pickup is included within five miles of downtown.

“The guide was nice and provides good treatment to us. The campfire was excellent for setting the vibe for a happy coming New Year. The north light appeared several times, and our camera remained operational even in such severe cold temperatures. The whole experience was excellent.”

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7.Arctic Circle Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 680 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $305

Spend about 13 hours traveling from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle in a climate-controlled van with a guide such as Jessica, Pete, or Kendall. Follow the rough Dalton Highway, view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, cross the Yukon River, walk at Finger Mountain, stop at Yukon River Camp, and take home an official Arctic Circle certificate.

“Kendel was an awesome tour guide. His narration of the area we traveled, and the stories he told along the way made our journey to the Artic circle very special. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, and on our travel date (Aug 5) it got warm in the van. We even saw a grizzly bear! We enjoyed the journey.”

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8.Alaskan Heritage & Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 495 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $165

Spend 5.5 hours exploring Fairbanks and North Pole with a local guide such as Kathy, Jodie, Greg, or Rachel. Visit the Alyeska Pipeline, the University of Alaska Museum of the North, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, and Santa Claus House. Small groups, hotel pickup, and museum admission are included.

“Our guide Rachel was exceptional! She gave so many tidbits of history and facts that made the trip so enjoyable, we could have talked with her for hours!”

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9.Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 486 reviews · 8 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $210

Leave Fairbanks around 8 pm with Arctic Night Tours and chase clear skies for the aurora. Guides such as Elena and Ed monitor conditions, drive up to two hours north or farther when needed, and use dark viewing spots. You can warm up in the van, enjoy snacks and drinks, and pose for plenty of free photos.

“Our family’s aurora-chasing trip was fantastic, largely due to the tour guide, who took us to an ideal location and patiently waited for the best viewing conditions. During the trip, the outside temperature was −50 °C; however, the team kept us warm and comfortable in the van, with snacks and water readily available. We felt completely comfortable allowing our child to join them again the following evening. After dropping us off at the hotel, the tour guide even offered us a delicious, home-cooked cake. We highly recommend this professional team for Fairbanks aurora chasing.”

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10.Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 481 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189

You’ll leave Fairbanks around 10:30 p.m. with guides such as David, Grace, or Cole, chasing clear skies and aurora activity across rural Alaska. The small-group tour includes hotel pickup, warm vehicle transport, several viewing stops, and free JPG photos. Bring warm layers, patience, and no expectation of a guaranteed show.

“The experience was amazing. The guide Cole and David (Photographer & guide) calibrated expectations but tried their best for us to see the Northern lights. Finally on our last stop we were able to see them along w/a clear view of the stars which was awe-inspiring & a blessing. Recommend this tour!!”

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11.Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 461 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $169

Meet at 3956 Laurance Road near North Pole for a four-hour ice fishing trip at Chena Lake Recreation Area. Guides such as Noah, Trevor, Cody, Mike, and Riley drill the holes, bait the lines, teach beginners, and cook your catch. Fish inside a heated cabin, and outside when conditions allow.

“I participated in an ice fishing tour, which was an interesting way to experience a classic Alaskan winter activity. The group stayed inside a wooden cabin on the ice, which was warm and comfortable throughout the three to four hours. The activity is quite slow-paced, so those without a particular interest in fishing may find it somewhat long and quiet. The captain offered limited guidance when fish weren’t biting, which could leave beginners uncertain about what to do. On the positive side, he did grill the fish that were caught and shared them with everyone, creating a pleasant communal moment. Overall, it’s worth trying once for the experience, but for…”

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