Top Fairbanks Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

It may or may not have been the main reason that you came to Fairbanks, but your trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to Santa's House and other local shops. Let your experienced local guides take you on a stress-free shopping trip to meet Santa himself if he's not busy in his workshop. Just a 30min drive from the center of Fairbanks, North Pole will surely get you into the holiday spirit and make you feel like a kid again. We will make time for you to get some great photos with the World's Largest Santa statue and other wonderful photo ops. In addition to Santa's house, your guide will be glad to take you to other LOCAL shops and/or sites along the way at their discretion. Additional stops are dependent on store hours, road conditions, time constraints and your interest level.

Although we cannot guarantee that you’ll see the northern lights we promise to deliver a stress-free Alaskan evening with the goal of catching a great aurora show. Other tours offer a single predetermined destination or a night of riding around in a van. We offer BOTH. Each night we will review up-to-the-minute weather/solar data to determine where the best vantage point might be. We have access to a few local lodges and know lots of prime spots the catch the aurora in and around Fairbanks. Our experienced guides will be sure to keep you safe, entertained and informed throughout the process.

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.

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.

Spend an incredible night on the hunt for the elusive northern lights with guides passionate about helping you make the most of your Fairbanks trip. Travel in a comfortable vehicle with included hotel pickup on this flexible journey and get complimentary photography if you finally see the aurora borealis to help make sure these are memories that will last a lifetime.

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.

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.

This tour is unique because it combines personalized, small-group hospitality with local Alaskan insight, flexible pacing, and true door-to-door service — creating a relaxed, authentic experience rather than just a ride to the hot springs.

Journey north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and northerly roads accessible by vehicle, to the Arctic Circle. You’ll spend the day moving deeper into Alaska’s far north as forest thins and the landscape opens into wide valleys and tundra. We make several scenic stops at viewpoints for photos and short walks throughout the day, including time at the Arctic Circle sign (66°33′N). On the return, the late-night drive is timed for prime aurora viewing hours, with a chance to see the northern lights. Your guide uses real-time aurora forecasts to choose the best stops and timing. This is primarily a road-based experience with short, easy walks and ongoing commentary from your knowledgeable Alaskan guide. Non-smoking tour. Guests must be 15 or older. Groups limited to 6 guests in a new 11-passenger van fully outfitted for Arctic conditions, with guaranteed window seats, an unhurried pace, regular breaks, and flexibility, plus snacks, water, & hot drinks.

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.

Grab your camera and prepare to see some of winter’s best work as you venture into the Alaskan Arctic Circle and go aurora hunting, without needing to lift a finger. Capture snow-capped forests, ice fields, and gushing rivers–and, of course, that obligatory photo at the Arctic Circle sign. As the sun and moon swap shifts, get ready for a spectacular display of aurora dancing in the night sky.

Go ice fishing in Alaska at a remote spot outside the city of Fairbanks with a guide who provides fishing gear and tips. Stay warm in a cozy heated cabin next to the frozen lake, and snack on reindeer sausage on buns, and fresh grilled fish (that you catch). Includes use of fishing gear and cabin, guide, and refreshments.

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.

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.

Discover Denali National Park in the quiet beauty of the off season on this custom full-day tour from Fairbanks for up to 6 guests, with options for groups as large as 14 on request. Travel south through interior Alaska, stopping in the historic railroad town of Nenana and watching for wildlife along the way. Depending on conditions, visit the Denali Winter Visitor Center or the historic sled dog kennels, then continue as far along the park road as weather and snow allow. Enjoy a relaxed hike if trails are clear, or go snowshoeing for an easy winter adventure. As night falls, look for the Northern Lights in or near Denali, or chase clearer skies on the drive back to Fairbanks. Tour includes round-trip transportation from most Fairbanks and North Pole lodgings within 25 miles of the airport, light snacks, hot drinks, basic aurora science, photo help, and up to 5 edited aurora portraits when conditions cooperate.

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 three guests per night, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout this unforgettable night under the aurora. - Small group size for personalized instruction (max 3 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

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.

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!

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.

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).

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

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.

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!