4 Days & 3 Nights in Fairbanks, Alaska
4 Days & 3 Nights in Fairbanks, Alaska β The Ultimate Adventure Guide π Sharing my action-packed, budget-friendly Fairbanks trip β 4 days, 3 nights, under $1,500 per person! We skipped tour groups, booked our own transport and day trips, and made every dollar count πΈβ¨ π DAY 1: Dog Sledding + Hot Springs + Aurora Chasing Arrived early morning, booked a private driver for the day. Morning: Dog Sledding at Firewalker Kennel ππ· The dogs were super energetic and cute! Staff helped take photos. Cost: $95 + $15/person tip. Must bring a windproof face mask β my face went completely numb! π₯Ά Afternoon: Chena Hot Springs β¨οΈ 1.5-hour drive, $20 entry. Bring a waterproof phone pouch! Watching your hair freeze in seconds is surreal βοΈπ±βοΈ. Arrive before 3 PM β after dark, photos donβt turn out well. Lockers need quarters ($0.50), so have coins ready. Night: Aurora Chase by Car π Lucky enough to see the lights on night one! But chasing auroras in a car is freezing β pack hand warmers and gloves! Learn camera settings beforehand β no signal out there. π DAY 2: Glacier Hike + Aurora Cabin Morning: Castner Glacier Ice Cave Hike π§π₯Ύ No giant ice caves near Fairbanks, but still stunning for first-timers β feels like walking on the moon! The guide said the cave used to be more beautiful (partially collapsed now), but still worth it if you canβt make it to Anchorage. β οΈ Arrive before 3 PM β dangerous after dark. Follow established footprints β snow is deep! Night: Japanese Hostβs Aurora Cabin π‘β¨ Highly recommend for those who hate the cold! The host patiently taught us aurora photography, served hot chocolate and cookies π«πͺ, and the cabin has huge viewing windows. You can watch the lights from inside while your camera captures timelapse outside β way cozier than a car! Option to stay overnight if budget allows. π DAY 3: Arctic Circle Day Trip πβοΈπ Long drive but unbelievably scenic β every stop is photo-worthy! Got that iconic Arctic Circle sign photo β bucket list check! β π DAY 4: Snowmobiling ποΈπ¨ Originally planned ice fishing, but too cold to drill through the ice βοΈπ£. Switched to snowmobiling β $90 for 30 minutes. Donβt wear UGGs β snow sticks and wonβt come off! Not ideal for glasses-wearers β visibility issues. π½οΈ Food Highlights β Pump House β Reserve ahead! We arrived at 5:30 PM and only got bar seats; lines got long. Must-order: King crab legs, reindeer meat π¦π¦ β Vietnamese Pho β A hot bowl of soup in the freezing cold is everything πβ€οΈ β Lobster roll β just okay, not worth it. π Gear Must-Haves: Windproof face mask, waterproof phone pouch, hand warmers, tripod, non-slip snow boots (not suede!). #Alaska#WinterGetaway#NorthernLights#Fairbanks#DogSledding#GlacierHike#WinterTravel#WinterDestination#USA
