Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a key hub in Alaska's interior, located 358 miles north of Anchorage.

• Often considered the end point of the Alaska Highway
• Serves as a central hub for surrounding remote villages

A staging area for access to:

• North Slope communities like Barrow
• Oil fields in Prudhoe Bay

Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of Alaska."

• Reflects the character and resilience of its people
• Tied to its central location in the state
• Connected to the gold discovery of 1902

The city experiences extreme seasonal contrasts.

• Winter temperatures can drop to 65 degrees below zero
• Summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees above
• Residents embrace and enjoy the long summer season

Its proximity to the Arctic Circle creates unique daylight patterns.

• Located about 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle
• Summer days feature over 21 hours of daylight
• Winter days can have less than three hours of sunlight

Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska and a regional center.

• Acts as the Interior's main service and supply hub
• Supports nearby communities and industries

Outdoor recreation is a major part of life in Fairbanks.

• Activities include:
  • Hunting
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Rafting
  • Skiing
  • Dog mushing

Hosts major events like:

• Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race
• Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a key institution in the city. Spans 2,250 acres and is home to:

• Geophysical Institute
• Large Animal Research Station
• Agricultural and Forestry Experimental Station
• A leading natural history museum

Fairbanks offers a unique blend of science, culture, and adventure.

• A destination defined by extreme seasons and natural beauty
• Ideal for those interested in Alaska's interior and remote regions
• A place where community, research, and wilderness intersect

Fairbanks was founded through a series of unexpected events in the early 1900s.

• In 1901, Captain E.T. Barnette set out to establish a trading post in Tanacross
• After a boating accident, he was stranded in St. Michael
• He continued inland aboard the steamer Lavelle Young
• Shallow waters forced the journey up the Chena River
• Barnette established a trading post on a riverbank in August 1901, which became Fairbanks

The discovery of gold quickly transformed the area.

• In 1902, gold was discovered in nearby creeks
• Felix Pedro is credited with the discovery
• Sparked a major gold rush and population boom
• Prospectors rapidly built homes, businesses, and infrastructure

Fairbanks experienced cycles of growth and decline tied to mining.

• One of many boom-and-bust periods in the city's history
• Population surged as gold seekers arrived
• The town endured while others disappeared.

Mining was more difficult due to frozen ground.

• Early miners used fires to thaw the ground before digging
• Deforestation occurred as trees were cut for mining efforts
• Miners eventually reached bedrock, slowing production

Population changes reflected the mining economy.

• Around 18,500 people in 1908 in the Fairbanks mining district
• Declined to approximately 1,100 by 1920
• Despite the drop, Fairbanks remained a lasting settlement

Fairbanks' origins are rooted in resilience and opportunity.

• Built from unexpected beginnings and resource-driven growth
• A city shaped by gold, hardship, and persistence
• One of the few mining towns to survive beyond the gold rush era

Fairbanks offers a unique inland Alaska experience rooted in culture, history, and natural phenomena.

• Known for Alaska Native heritage and Gold Rush history
• One of the best places to see the Northern Lights
• Offers experiences in both summer and winter seasons

The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics is a standout cultural event.

• Held annually in July
• Celebrates Alaska Native traditions and skills
• Features competitions such as:
  • High kick
  • Stick pull
  • Ear pull
• Includes traditional dancing and cultural demonstrations

Riverboat Discovery provides insight into local life and history.

• Cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers
• Experience demonstrations of:
  • Bush plane takeoffs
  • Sled dog training
  • Subsistence living
• Visit a recreated Athabascan village
• Learn directly from local Native guides

Gold Rush history comes to life at the El Dorado Gold Mine.

• Ride a narrow-gauge railroad into the interior
• Explore permafrost tunnels and mining sites
• Learn about historic and modern mining techniques
• Try gold panning and take home gold flakes

Pioneer Park highlights Fairbanks' early history.

• A 44-acre historic-themed park
• Features:
  • Restored buildings
  • Museums
  • Shops
  • Live entertainment
• Designed to be engaging and family-friendly

Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

• Ideal location for viewing the aurora borealis
• Options include:
  • Guided viewing tours
  • Indoor visual and educational presentations
• Winter also features international ice carving competitions

Fairbanks delivers a one-of-a-kind Alaska experience.

• A blend of culture, history, and natural wonders
• Distinct from coastal destinations with its interior setting
• A memorable destination for travelers seeking something different

• Arctic Circle Air and Land Adventure: Fly north from Fairbanks and wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below. Witness remnants of gold mining that continues nearly 100 years after the yellow metal first brought newcomers rushing north. View the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline, symbolizing the immense changes brought to Alaska's Arctic by the discovery of oil over 30 years ago. Thrill at the excitement of crossing the Arctic Circle. Experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range as the flight passes just south of the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Participate in a ceremonious Arctic Circle landing at a Brooks Range wilderness community on the Middle Fork Koyukuk River and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Learn the fascinating story of the surrounding Brooks Range wilderness.
• Midnight Sun Dinner and River Float: At the beginning of the tour, stop along the banks of the Chena River and experience dinner at the Two Rivers Lodge, where you will have your choice of entree selections. The Two Rivers Lodge is located in a rustic log building and boasts one of the Alaskas fine dining experiences. Next, begin your float portion of the tour. Travel through the pristine Chena River State of Alaska recreation area where there are 397 square miles of forest and rivers, not to mention furbearers, including Martin, Mink, Lynx, Wolf, Beaver, Otter, and Weasel. You will experience the untouched wilderness of this country as the first settlers did. As you float down the river you will notice beaver lodges and you may even see some of them in their daily routine of storing leaf-covered branches in their homes. Your guide will provide narration about the history, flora, fauna, and wildlife in the area.
• Alaska Salmon Bake in Pioneer Park: Get ready for a true Alaskan experience with the Alaska Salmon Bake. Enjoy All-You-Care-To-Eat Golden Deep Fired Halibut, Prime Rib, fire cooked King Salmon & Bering Sea Cod. Included with your meal is a full salad bar, baked beans, rolls, dessert, along with coffee, tea, and lemonade. After dinner enjoy a stroll through Alaska's historical Pioneer Park while exploring Fairbanks' history.
• Malemute Saloon Show: An evening full of lively song and dance awaits you at the Malemute Saloon, located at Historic Ester Gold Camp. The Malemute Saloon is an authentic Gold Rush Era watering hole, complete with swinging doors and sawdust on the floors. The professional cast entertains you with captivating stories of the early gold rush days and the poetry of Robert Service in the musical comedy, "Service with a Smile."

Additional Shore Excursions are available. Please call us toll free at 1-800-201-6937 for more information and reservations.