Alaska’s gateway to the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks offers a lot more than its urban sprawl might initially suggest. Seemingly endless summer days (it’s not called the Land of the Midnight Sun for nothing) are best spent panning for gold, floating or fishing along the Chena River, and hiking in the nearby White Mountains National Recreation Area. Come winter, northern lights expeditions, road trips along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle, and snow sports like ice fishing, dog mushing, and cross-country skiing top the list of the most popular things to do.
Few spots rival Fairbanks in offering such disparate experiences across the calendar. From about mid-May through late July, there’s nothing but sunlight. Temps are reliably warm, and activities include midnight golf, kayaking, hiking, and more. In winter, it’s not completely dark, but it’s close. You’ll spend your days dogsledding, chasing northern lights, and enjoying hot springs. When to visit Fairbanks depends on what you want to experience.
Despite Alaska’s general lack of roads, Fairbanks is indeed built for cars, and most visitors rent one to get around, especially outside the city limits. Still, if you don’t have one, you can get around via taxi—you’ll have to call—or the city’s bus system (MACS). If you’re okay with sticking to far-flung places, you might be okay with just the train. Picture ultra-scenic rides to spots like Denali National Park, Anchorage, and the like.
Don’t write off a winter trip to Fairbanks. You’ll get far fewer crowds, lower prices, and unique experiences—imagine yourself sitting in a thermal pool at Chena Hot Springs and watching the auroras glitter overhead. You’ll also get the opportunity to snowmobile across the silent forest, dogsled with huskies, and catch Denali National Park crowd-free. Just keep in mind vehicle access to the park is limited and make sure your rental car has 4WD.
