Aurora Hunting in Fairbanks, AK

Day 1: Travel to Fairbanks

If you can, do a long layover in Anchorage so you can explore the city in the daytime

(We did this each night) Evening Activity: Aurora hunting!

• The Northern Lights are most prominent from 10pm - 2am
• Download an app like "Aurora" and it wil notify you when the lights will be visible and has live webcams.
• We had great views from Cleary Summit and Chena State Park, both location just outside of Fairbanks
• Inside options for Aurora viewing is Aurora Pointe. They have a cabin you can pay to enter and watch for the lights in. 

Day 2: Fairbanks City

Activities:

• Start your day at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor's Center
• Snap a photo at the Moose Antler Arch 
• Walk around downtown Fairbanks, popping into shops
• Explore the World Ice Championship. Depending on when you are there you could see ice sculpting or just view amazing pieces.

Day 3: Relax at Chena Hot Springs

Activities:

• Eat a big breakfast at the Cookie Jar
• Drive to Chena Hot Springs for a soak in their large outdoor hot spring (18+ only)
• Chena Hot Springs also has an ice museum tour, dog sledding, and other winter tours
• Food options are limited and expensive. Consider packing your lunch/snacks.

Day 4: Get Outside

Activities:

• Go snowshoeing either at a trail or do a tour through Viator
• Afterwards stop at a brewery such as FBX Beer Co, Lavelle's Tap House or Black Spruce Brewing

Day 5: Nature

Activities:

• Reindeer forest walk with Chena Collective
• Stop to checkout the Alysekan Trans Alaskan Pipeline
• Stop at the Santa Claus House for some fun souvenirs
• Explore Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary

Day 6: Travel Back Home

We stayed at this cute AirBnb cabin where we could see the Northern Lights from our balcony. 

Food recomendations: 

• The Cookie Jar
• Aurora Crepes and Peking Duck
• Soba
• 24 Mile Java and Treats (on the way to Chena Hot Springs)