Top Fairbanks Art & Culture

You’ll explore Fairbanks in a way that’s personal, flexible, and heartfelt, laughs, stories, and real connections included. This isn’t a rushed checklist of stops, it’s a chance to experience the city’s true spirit with a local guide who loves sharing it. From meeting Santa and his reindeer to snapping selfies at the Alaska Pipeline, browsing local art and culture, fueling up with local fudge and coffee, and diving into history at the Museum of the North you’ll see why Fairbanks is called the Golden Heart City. We’ll finish with a stop at the Great Alaska Bowl Company, where handmade craftsmanship meets the perfect souvenir. This is the Heart of Fairbanks tour where reindeer and culture meet coffee and laughs bundled with Alaskan Charm. Embrace the unknown, let your bucket list be your compass and I’ll be your guide.

At Heart of Alaska Tours, we believe the best way to experience Alaska is with someone who truly calls it home. We're a locally owned small business, not a large tour company running guests through a script. When you travel with us, you're not just another seat on a bus. We keep our groups small so we can share the places, stories, and experiences that made us fall in love with Alaska in the first place. Our guides have spent years exploring Alaska's backroads, trails, wildlife areas, and small towns. We know where to stop for the best views, where wildlife is often seen, and how to adapt each day to make the most of your adventure. We focus on authentic Alaska experiences, genuine hospitality, and personal service. There are no rushed schedules,—just unforgettable adventures led by people who are passionate about sharing the true heart of Alaska. Our goal is simple: to help you experience Alaska the way locals do and leave with memories that last a lifetime.

Operated by Heart of Alaska Tours. Fairbanks City Highlight Tour stands out because it's led by passionate locals who know Fairbanks inside and out. Rather than just visiting popular landmarks, you provide an insider's perspective, sharing personal stories, lesser-known facts, and hidden gems that most visitors miss. Your small-group approach creates a personalized experience, making guests feel like they're exploring the city with a friend rather than just following a scripted tour.

What makes us special is our dedicated, professional guide, who will accompany you throughout your entire journey. Relax while we handle the driving, and rest assured that your guide will be there to provide valuable information, Alaskan facts, and stories about Alaska. Additionally, if the Northern Lights are visible during your tour, we will include a professional portrait photography session to capture the magic of the moment.

Not all Northern Lights tours are the same. At Champion Skyes Adventures, we've created an aurora experience that is comfortable, personal, and focused on helping you appreciate one of nature's greatest displays. Instead of standing in the cold for hours, guests can relax in our heated lodge with complimentary refreshments, indoor seating, and restroom access while remaining just steps from the viewing area. Our guides explain what causes the aurora, why it changes shape and color, and why Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to see it. When the lights appear, step outside to enjoy the show, gather around the fire, and capture the moment. Complimentary aurora portraits are included when conditions allow. Experience the Northern Lights in comfort while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Set out in search of the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis during your time in Alaska on this nighttime excursion. Depart from Fairbanks after dark and venture deep into the forest in search of locations with little to no light pollution. If you find the colorful, dancing lights, your guide captures photos of your group so you can cherish the moments forever. Hotel pickup from downtown Fairbanks is included for convenience.

Explore beyond Fairbanks city limits—and enjoy an exciting but relaxing array of activities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort—on this small-group tour. Admire ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum, unwind in the resort’s hot mineral springs, and upgrade to enjoy drinks or a meal on site. If the conditions are right, you can then cap off the experience with a northern lights viewing before returning to your hotel.

Go on an aurora hunt from Fairbanks and maximize your chances of seeing one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. Head out to a high-elevation lodge at Cleary Summit, ideally positioned for watching the lights dance overhead. Stay warm inside with floor-to-ceiling windows for easy northern lights viewing, or step outside for a closer look, while your guide helps spot the aurora and advises on photography.

Spotting the northern lights is a bucket-list experience, so don’t risk subpar photos that fail to capture their magic. Trust your once-in-a-lifetime shots to a professional photographer with years of experience framing clients against the aurora borealis. Keep warm with hot pizza, drinks, and warming shelter as you wait for the skies to light up, then pose below the technicolor night sky.

This is a 1.5 mile mini mushing activity that circles our property through black spruce, alders, and birch trees. The actual sledding time is 15-20 minutes. Full activity time is 1-1.5 hours. In the beginning we will go over how to ride on and in your tandem dog sleds. Once we have this out of the way we can create some noise and meet the dogs! While you enjoy kisses and hugs from your loving huskies we will harness and hook up the team. Once hooked up we will head out onto your trails around the property with great views from high on a ridge. There are ample opportunities for photos along the way and plenty of cuddle time when we return to the kennel. The Kennel visit will take place either before or after your sled ride, dependent on weather, the dogs, and your guide's schedule.

Family-owned and operated since 1976, Trail Breaker Kennel is one of the longest operating kennels in Alaska. The kennel was founded in Eureka, Alaska, by the late Susan Butcher, a four-time Iditarod champion, and David Monson, her husband and Yukon Quest champion. This activity allows visitors to step inside our historic kennel, meet our mushers and huskies, and learn about the sport of mushing. Located 10 minutes from downtown, this conveniently located kennel provides easy access to the Alaskan wilderness.

Experience the chance to witness the aurora borealis in all its glory on a small-group tour from Fairbanks. Relax as luxury-level transportation takes you from your hotel to base camp. Hot drinks, comfortable shelter, and warm clothing are all provided to ensure that you stay cozy for the duration of the tour. Get expert instruction for photographing the northern lights. Regardless of your success, take home complimentary professional photos of the experience.

This is your Custom Aurora Activity for a Partial Night. This is an Aurora Chase to find the best view or clear skies to maximize your Aurora Viewing potential. Short on time? Want to add in one extra quick go at chasing the aurora? Too tired for a full night? Concerned about lack of bathrooms on the Chase? Weather looking to iffy for your schedule? Arriving or Departing from Fairbanks at odd hours that leave you with only a couple hours? Then this is one for YOU!!!

Try your luck spotting the northern lights inside a cozy countryside cabin, where you can wait for the lights to (hopefully) appear in the sky while saying warm and comfy. Located on a hilltop near Murphy Dome, the cabin has several windows offering 360° views of the night sky, giving you the best chance to see them. Your guide monitors the aurora and assists with photography and spotting.

Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and guide, Riley, in Fairbanks, Alaska. This intimate aurora tour is designed for adventurers and photographers of all skill levels, focusing on lesser-known viewing locations to ensure a peaceful experience. You'll learn about the science behind auroras and receive professional tips to create stunning photographs. Enjoy 6-8 hours of aurora chasing, with transportation to and from remote spots away from city light pollution. With a maximum of two guests per night, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout this unforgettable night under the aurora. - Small group size for personalized instruction (max 2 guests) - 6-8 hour tour duration, with pick-up and drop-off in Fairbanks - Aurora portraits included - Photography tips suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros - Photo gear rental options available for those needing equipment

Choose this activity if you are all about maximizing your time to get your best chance at viewing the lights for a full rotation of the Aurora Oval throughout a night. Then activity is the one for you!!!

Skip the guidebooks and learn more about Fairbanks’ intriguing culture and history on an immersive small-group sightseeing tour. Browse the exhibits at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and the Museum of the North, to admire contemporary art, natural history, and an intriguing sound room. See the Alyeska Pipeline from the viewing point and pay a visit to Santa Claus at the North Pole. Note that the itinerary may change seasonally.

Travel like an Alaskan—aboard a dogsled—during this dogsledding and mushing experience in Fairbanks. Hop aboard and hold on to be towed by energetic dogs down five miles (eight kilometers) of snowy trails with your private party. You can help drive the team with voice commands, as your guide supervises from the back of the sled.

Get a quick introduction to the Alaskan tradition of ice fishing in the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. Your guides provide all the necessary equipment—rod, bait, heated shelters, underwater cameras—and serve a grilled fish dinner once the fishing is done. You can fish from the heated cabins and shelters, or move outside to try your hand in the open elements.

You asked, and we listened! Your Heart of Fairbanks Tour now has a 2 PM departure. Perfect after a late night of Northern Lights, for an open afternoon, or after hotel checkout before an evening flight. Skip the hassle of multiple Ubers, taxis, and shuttles while visiting Santa Claus House, Morris Thompson Cultural Center, UAF Museum of the North, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and Great Alaska Bowl Company with a knowledgeable guide sharing Fairbanks’ history and culture. Hotel drop-off is included, and departing guests can bring their luggage and request airport drop-off. Pre-approved restaurant drop-offs may also be available. Let us handle the driving while you enjoy Fairbanks! And don’t forget we have your established, highly reviewed Heart of Fairbanks Tour offers the same great stops with an 8:30 AM start. Check out the original Heart of Fairbanks Tour by AK Bucket List Tours and choose the time that fits your adventure best!

Explore Alaska’s Arctic on a 16-hour tour from Fairbanks. Travel on the famous Dalton Highway and see the Arctic Circle, Yukon River, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and miles of rugged Alaskan wilderness. Hear commentary from your guide about the region's history and environment, and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate when you cross the Arctic Circle. Perfect for travelers who want to experience this far northern landscape and reach the Arctic Circle, this tour is also a photographer's delight. Includes guide and transportation from central Fairbanks.

Travel deeper into Alaska on this unforgettable Arctic Circle tour. Experience the thrill of standing on the Arctic as you traverse the legendary Dalton Highway, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rugged beauty. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the region's history, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the unique local environment, making this journey both educational and memorable. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Alaska. - Step foot in the Arctic Circle and experience a unique destination - Scenic drive along the famed Dalton Highway with stunning views - Insightful commentary on Alaska's history, Pipeline, and environment - Ideal for adventure seekers and those looking to explore Interior Alaska

Go far off the beaten track on this small-group tour that takes you along one of the world's most isolated roads. Travel into the Alaskan wilderness along the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights, though the natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed.