What to do in Fairbanks, AK

Activities, attractions and tours

A tall clock tower with Roman numerals, surrounded by trees and a bridge.
A train on a mountain track surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
A clear river flowing through a densely wooded area.
Dried fish hanging in a row.
A river with a bridge, a clock tower, and buildings in the background.

Fairbanks Attractions

If you’re contemplating a trip to Fairbanks sometime in the near future, you may be wondering what the major must-see attractions are available in this former gold rush community. The types of things to do in Fairbanks depend on the time of year of your visit. Summer guests of the Last Frontier can choose to take a flightseeing trip over the Article Circle, take a ride on a local steamship, rent a car and visit Denali National Park, or enjoy a meal of freshly prepared Alaska seafood in one of the many good dining spots in Fairbanks. You can probably even find an informal softball game going on at the city park at 1 a.m. Don't worry about being kept awake by the constant daylight, though; hotels and other accommodations routinely provide blackout curtains so guests can get a good's night sleep.

Although the majority of tourist trade in Fairbanks takes place during the summer months, winter is a fascinating time to visit. Among the favorite Fairbanks excursions of winter guests are dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and watching the Northern Lights. Fairbanks tours to the nearby hills outside of town are very popular in the winter among tourists who come to Alaska specifically to see the Northern Lights, and those who have been fortunate enough to see them say winter is the best time to visit the Fairbanks area. Thermal hot springs and creeks exist east of Fairbanks, and many visitors soak in the hot mineral waters while the temperatures are twenty below zero. Another one of popular winter attractions in Fairbanks is the annual ice carving competition featuring work by the world's top ice carvers.

We're standing by here at expedia.ca to provide you with information concerning Fairbanks activities as well as rates on flights and accommodations. Many people love both the convenience and the savings of booking their entire trip through our services. expedia.ca can save you money and give you advice on the best places to see while you are there. We can even provide you with a detailed map of the city so you can go exploring on your own.

Things to do

1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska

1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska

CA $464
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska
See all activities in Fairbanks
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Chena Hot Springs

Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort and relax in the natural mineral water pools. This resort features a range of bathing options, including a man-made lake, an indoor family swimming pool and numerous hot tubs. The Chena Hot Springs also houses a spectacular ice museum with its own ice bar.
Learn more
An ice bar with illuminated sculptures and a chandelier.

2. Pioneer Park

Fairbanks’ Pioneer Park is an extensive outdoor complex alongside the Chena River and the birthplace of the city itself. Formerly known as Alaskaland, the 44-acre (109-hectare) park brings the state’s pioneering heritage to life through historical museums and exciting hands-on exhibits. Climb on board a 1930s riverboat, explore a hangar full of restored aircraft and learn about the gold rush that shaped the region.
Learn more
A historic film inside cabin with a red light arts sign, a lil' bird designs sign, and a The Last Will & Kettle sign.

3. Creamer's Field

Visit Creamer’s Field State Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, a bird sanctuary with viewing areas, wetlands and boreal forests. See a range of migratory birds, including northern pintail ducks, Canada geese and golden plovers. Take a guided walk through the sanctuary or participate in an educational event.
Learn more
The Northern Lights over a dark landscape with a silhouette of trees and a distant hill.

4. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

When visiting Fairbanks, make your first stop the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. This multipurpose venue exists to help visitors with any information they may need about the region of Interior Alaska. Come to this friendly and fascinating visitors center to pick up maps, find out about walking tours, explore the exhibits or enjoy a cultural event.
Learn more
A close-up of a beaded fabric with colorful floral embroidery.

5. University of Alaska Museum of the North

Find out about Alaska’s people and places in the Museum of the North, a comprehensive museum dedicated to sharing the state’s stories. Explore galleries of ancient and contemporary art from the region, learn about the state’s gold-mining heritage and be awed by video presentations of the northern lights.
Learn more
A modern building with a curved facade, large glass windows, and two benches in front.

Recommended things to do in Fairbanks

Number of things to do
88
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Road Trip through Alaska: CA $41
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Fairbanks

Stay near popular Fairbanks attractions

An ice bar with illuminated sculptures and a chandelier.

Chena Hot Springs

8.8/10 (666 reviews)
This famous eco-friendly resort community in Alaska is known for its peaceful outdoor hot springs, spectacular ice museum and outdoor activities.
See properties

Where to stay in Fairbanks

Find the best Fairbanks areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Fairbanks
Learn more about Fairbanks
A modern architectural building with a curved facade and a glass entrance.

College

While visiting College, you might make a stop by sights like University of Alaska Museum of the North and Creamer's Field.
A sculpture of antlers in an archway.
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Open Photo by Geraldine Soh

Downtown Fairbanks

While visiting Downtown Fairbanks, you might make a stop by sights like Fairbanks Ice Museum and Chena River.
A wooden treehouse with a rope bridge in a forest.
Photo by A Jaunt With Joy
Open Photo by A Jaunt With Joy

Westgate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westgate and surrounding area, you can visit Pioneer Park and Carlson Center Event Arena.

Aurora

While Aurora isn't home to many top sights, Creamer's Field and Pioneer Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
A forest path with birch trees and a bench.
Photo by Kathryn Reichert
Open Photo by Kathryn Reichert

Hamilton Acres

Hamilton Acres might not have many top sights, but Fort Wainwright and Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Fairbanks

A building with a Santa Claus mural, red and white trim, and a Christmas tree decoration.

North Pole

Red sunset behind forest and dark clouds near Fairbanks

Badger

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairbanks worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Fairbanks. Don't forget to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Fairbanks?
When you've checked off top attractions like Fairbanks Ice Museum and Creamer's Field, spend the rest of your day enjoying Fairbanks's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks Ice Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Fairbanks and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Fairbanks?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city sights, like Fairbanks Ice Museum, Creamer's Field and Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. The average stay in Fairbanks is three days. If you have the time to extend your vacation, North Pole isn't far away.
Is Fairbanks a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Fairbanks. Several key sights, like Fairbanks Ice Museum and Creamer's Field, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Fairbanks's neighbourhoods, College is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Lemeta is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Fairbanks with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all of your group, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Fairbanks with kids.

What to do in Fairbanks for adults?
Hoodoo Brewing Company and Large Animal Research Station are just a few of the things to do in Fairbanks. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Fairbanks?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Fairbanks is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia