Top Fairbanks Half-day Tours

Your three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. The Binkley family invites you to experience a slice of Alaskan life!

Discover the unique charm and history of Alaska’s Golden Heart City on this half-day guided tour. We’ll take you on a comfortable ride through Fairbanks, with stops at some of its most iconic attractions. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun, ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the essence of Fairbanks in one engaging excursion.

Start your day rumbling through Alaska’s countryside on this 32-mile (51-kilometer) morning all-terrain-vehicle adventure, perfect for both experienced and first-time off-road drivers. Settle aboard a rugged 2020 Can-Am Maverick Trail side-by-side vehicle with your companion; and bump along unmade trails that wind high and low through ever-changing landscapes—all with a guide to share tales about the region and point out sights as you go.

It's not just about seeing the Northern Lights; it's about experiencing them in a way that few ever do. Our expert guides take you to the most exclusive, off-the-beaten-path locations, far from the city lights, where the Aurora Borealis dances across the sky with breathtaking clarity. With our small group sizes, personalized service, and the latest technology to track the Northern Lights, we maximize your chances of witnessing this incredible natural wonder.

Venture away from the light pollution of Fairbanks, without worrying about navigating the snowy roads, with this aurora-chasing tour. Travel from your hotel in a heated van in search of the colorful natural phenomenon. Learn about the aurora and Alaskan culture from your guide, enjoy a twilight campfire meal, and even get tips on how to capture the northern lights on your camera.

We’ll launch from the Nordale boat launch and head upstream on the Chena River by jet boat. Once we reach the Chena River Dam, we cut the motor and switch to a quiet electric trolling motor, letting the river carry us back down. This is when things slow down and the experience really comes alive with no engine noise, just the sounds of the river and the surrounding wilderness. It’s common to see moose feeding in the shallows, beavers working the banks, and birds like bald eagles, and ducks. On occasion, black bears make a sighting while we drift down the river. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, this quiet stretch of river is prime habitat, and we see animals often. Drifting down presents a perfect opportunity to cast a line, so we also carry fishing gear on board for guests who’d like to try their luck while we drift the scenic Chena River. A valid Alaska one-day fishing license ($15) is required for anyone who chooses to fish.

Learn more about Fairbanks’ intriguing culture and history on a small-group sightseeing tour. Browse the exhibits at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and the Museum of the North, where you find 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.

Brand-new for 2025, the Aurora Glass House sits atop Cleary Summit in Fairbanks, Alaska. With floor-to-ceiling windows and over 270° panoramic views, this modern cabin offers a warm, cozy space to enjoy the Northern Lights. Relax in plush lounge chairs, sip hot drinks, and hear stories from your friendly local host while the aurora dances across the sky. Highlights • Brand-new Aurora Glass House for 2025 on Cleary Summit • Over 270° panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows • Stay warm with cozy seating and complimentary hot drinks • Perfect for couples, families, and photographers

Immerse yourself in the Arctic Circle and Dalton Highway on this tour from Fairbanks. Beat vacation planning overwhelm, and leave the organization and logistics to your guide. Cover plenty of ground in a vehicle, resting your feet between stops at Finger Mountain, the Arctic Circle Monument Sign, and more. Perfect for travelers wanting to visit the Arctic Tundra on their trip to Alaska.

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.

Discover the rich history and culture of Fairbanks on this informative city tour. Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Museum of the North to gain insight into the region's heritage. Enjoy scenic views at the Pipeline Viewpoint, and don't miss a stop at the whimsical Santa Claus House where you can find unique souvenirs and snacks. This tour offers a perfect blend of education and enjoyment for all ages, making it ideal for families and history enthusiasts alike. - Explore the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and Museum of the North - Enjoy scenic views from the Pipeline Viewpoint and learn the history of it - Visit the famous Santa Claus House for souvenirs and snacks - Perfect for families and those interested in local history

Embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the Northern Lights from the warmth of our fully equipped RV. Skip the wait in the cold – we’ll pick you up from a convenient location and take you on a magical adventure. Relax and enjoy the luxury of onboard amenities: a private restroom, high-speed Wi-Fi to share the moment live, cozy snacks, hot drinks, and even a complimentary photo service to capture the magic. Our spacious RV combines comfort with adventure, so you can focus on experiencing the aurora while we handle the rest. Book your spot now for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the stars!

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.

Trade the bustle of the city for a thrilling nature experience on this immersive, half-day tour by all-terrain vehicle. With all safety gear and guidance included, as well as transit from your hotel provided, getting out into the wilderness is made seamless. Using top-of-the-line, side-by-side ATVs, you’ll embark on a 32-mile (52-kilometer) route that will take you to sights and viewpoints you wouldn’t otherwise get to discover.

Skip the hassle of buying or bringing your own gear—and follow your guide to optimal wilderness fishing spots you wouldn’t otherwise find—on this half-day, small-group tour. With transportation from your Fairbanks hotel, fishing equipment, flies/lures, and expert instruction included, you have the best chance of catching grayling, northern pike, and seasonal salmon in pristine Alaskan rivers. Enjoy an authentic boreal wilderness experience with none of the planning stress.

Look no further for a cozy, curated northern lights experience. Head to the cozy rustic Alaskan cabin, high on a ridge overlooking the Alaska Mountains. As you wait for the sky to light up in neon technicolor, keep comfortable with hot cocoa, coffee, and snacks. From there, all you have to do is enjoy the show (aurora sightings are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed).

This is a full-day(around 5-6hours) round trip tour from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs, where visitors can relax in natural hot springs filled with mineral waters. The area is surrounded by beautiful, forested mountains, and the tour includes a visit to explore the resort's geothermal energy innovations.. The resort is located 60 miles (1 hour 15 min drive) from Fairbanks, and the tour provides a unique opportunity to see how geothermal energy is used to power the resort

Discover the winter sightseeing gems of Fairbanks on this 5.5-hour city tour. If you can, snap a shot with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Santa Claus home, learn about the engineering feat that is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and and visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Museum. At the Museum of the North (Mon-Sat) and the Antique Auto Museum (Sundays only), experience the history, culture and craftsmanship of Fairbanks.

Combine sightseeing and thrills on this all-terrain-vehicle adventure ideal for everyone from first-time riders to enthusiasts. Hop into a 2020 Can-Am Maverick Trail side-by-side vehicle that lets you ride with a partner, friend, or family member; and enjoy 32 miles (51 kilometers) of off-road driving through changing landscapes and altitudes; and ending in a stellar panoramic view. Numbers are capped at 12 people for individual attention from the guide.

Zip around by snowmobile on the outskirts of the North Pole during a 1-hour guided tour near Fairbanks. Your guide provides driving instructions and practice time before you head out past the Alaska Pipeline and through snow-covered forests. You'll ride in comfort on a Ski Doo luxury touring snowmobile that accommodates one or two riders, and has heated handgrips and electric start. Look for Alaska's native wildlife including moose, fox, snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, grouse, and squirrels. Includes experienced guide, and use of snowmobile and weatherproof clothing.

Your unforgettable northern lights experience begins with a convenient pickup from your Fairbanks location in our luxury black truck. From there we’ll set out on a 4-hour journey to one of the best possible viewing spots that's carefully selected by our team based on real-time monitoring of earth and space weather conditions. Throughout the tour our knowledgeable staff will share fascinating insights about the science and folklore of the aurora borealis, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this natural wonder. Our luxury vehicle is equipped with Wi-Fi to keep you connected, and we provide a selection of snacks and beverages to keep you comfortable on the road. Once we’ve found the perfect spot you’ll have time to marvel at the northern lights and capture stunning photos of the experience. After enjoying the show we’ll return you safely to your original pickup location or another spot that’s convenient for you in downtown Fairbanks.

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.

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.