House of travel Canada & Alaska Brochure 2017 | Page 40

Fairbanks
Our favourite things to see and do
A perfect day in Fairbanks
F
airbanks is one of Alaska’s year-round destinations – in the summer,
the sun is up for almost 24 hours allowing you to enjoy a host of
activities.
Board the only authentic sternwheeler in Alaska for a cruise along the
Chena and Tanana Rivers into the history of Interior Alaska. Enjoy a
narrated tour which provides background on the area’s natural history
and the Athabascan Indian culture.
If you’ve been good this year head to Santa’s house in the North Pole.
You can meet Santa and Mrs Claus and have your photo taken with
them. After your visit, head to the pipeline viewpoint which is the
perfect spot to see the astonishing engineering of the Trans Alaskan
Pipeline.
The Goldrush started in Fairbanks in the early 1900s. Today you can try
your hand at gold panning to uncover your own Alaskan gold.
Fairbanks and the surrounding areas are some of the best places on
earth to experience the amazing Aurora Borealis. These giant electrical
storms are formed by solar flares from the sun reacting with the earth’s
magnetic field. This causes brilliant displays of light flashing dramatically
across the sky. You’ll need to set your alarm though as the best time
to see them is late evening through to the early hours of the morning
during late September to mid April.
If your day has been too strenuous take a journey out of Fairbanks to the
Chena Hot Springs. Discovered in 1905 these are a great place to unwind
in beautiful surroundings.
Our favourite places to stay:
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Springhill Suites
Westmark Fairbanks
© State of Alaska & Brian Adams
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Arctic Circle – Enjoy a small plane flight from Fairbanks and land across
the Arctic Circle, where you will receive an official Arctic Circle certificate.
Experience a walk on the arctic tundra, which will give you a sense of the vast
scale of Alaska’s arctic regions.
Pioneer Park – Head back to an era when gold was king and narrow-gauge
railroads were the way to get around. You’ll find museums, a riverboat, a
native Alaskan village, a mining operation, and more. Play golf on the world’s
farthest north mini-golf course, or take a lazy ride on the Crooked Creek and
Whiskey Island Railroad.
Dog Mushing – It’s been part of life in Alaska since its earliest days, long
before it was a state or European explorers reached its shores. Despite the
great distances between some rural communities, travelling by dog team is
often still the best way to get around. Also check out Bouchard’s International
Dog Mushing Museum to find out about the history and lifestyle of dog
mushers and the famous Iditarod race.
Fishing – Try freshwater fishing for salmon, pike and lake trout. This region
is home to Alaska’s most unique trophy sport with record sheefish, often
called the ‘Tarpon of the North’.
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum – Take a trip back in time as you
stroll through this remarkable collection of 70 rare and one-of-a-kind antique
cars. Other exhibits include vintage clothing, large Alaska historical photos
and memorabilia.
Hiking – Some of the best trails near Fairbanks include Angel Rocks, Eagle
Summit, Grantie Tors, and Chena Dome and cater to all levels of fitness.
Ice Museum – Devoted to all things ice, this museum will put you in a winter
mood no matter what the summer temperatures are like. You’ll see several
large ice displays and if you’re game – a freezer you can go in to feel like it’s
20 degrees below zero.