Alaska Grizzly Lodge A Fairbanks Northern Lights Hotel In A Great Location
Want to see an aurora display without leaving the comfort of your accommodation? At Alaska Grizzly Lodge, rooms come with private terraces that offer sweeping views of the Alaskan wilderness, so youll have a front-row seat if the Northern Lights grace the night sky.
This Fairbanks Northern Lights hotel is truly invested in helping its guests see the aurora borealis for themselves the lodge offers an aurora wake-up service for guests, so you wont have to worry about missing an aurora display while youre sleeping, and keeps an aurora guide on hand to answer questions and share Northern Lights photography tips.
1. Alaska Grizzly Lodge, a Fairbanks Northern Lights hotel in a great location
Alaska Grizzly Lodge is also one of the best places to stay in Alaska to see the Northern Lights because its conveniently located while still being remote enough for clear views of aurora displays. This European-style lodge is located just 10 miles from downtown Fairbanks, so its close enough to Fairbanks to be easy to reach but far enough away that theres almost no light pollution to interfere with your aurora viewing.
If you want to explore the area, the lodge is surrounded by a boreal forest with easy-to-access hiking trails, where you can spot wildlife like foxes and moose.
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Best Things To Do In Fairbanks Alaska: What To See Where To Stay And Where To Eat
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As its name implies, Fairbanks is the Golden Heart of Alaska. If youre wondering what fun and interesting things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, youre in the right place.
After four plus years of calling Fairbanks home, I know a thing or two about the Last Frontier.
Located just 196 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks, Alaska can be considered the Scandinavia of America. Mother Nature has been very generous with Fairbanks both on ground-level and in the air.
From snow capped mountains and untouched vegetation, you will be met with a scenic views of the magnificent mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and on a good day, the surreal Northern Lights.
Fairbanks offers a perfect combination of arctic wildlife and the interesting history of Alaskas natives, settlers, and its gold rush heydays.
My goal is to help you make the most of your stay with interesting things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska. And when youre done reading this article, check out my ultimate Alaska packing list for your Alaska travel essentials that many people wished they read.
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Things To Do In Fairbanks
Housed in a building inspired by Inuit igloos, the University of Alaska Museum of the North offers a fascinating glimpse at the state’s history, culture and geology. Youll be greeted by a ferocious 2.5-metre-tall stuffed bear. You’ll also find exhibits highlighting local photography, art and wildlife.
In winter, Fairbanks lures outdoor enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the mesmerising Northern Lights. Thanks to its setting above the Arctic Circle, the city is one of Alaska’s top places to view the Aurora Borealis as the vibrant green colours dance through the sky.
Are you in search of classic Alaskan experiences? Local operators like Paws for Adventure offer thrilling dog sled expeditions along snow dusted trails. Companies like Warbelows Air Adventures also feature scenic flights that soar above the Arctic Circle.
The Large Animal Research Station treats you to one of Alaska’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s home to a host of Arctic animals, including reindeer, musk ox and caribou. A handful of viewing areas make it easy to admire the mighty animals in their natural habitat.
The University Of Alaska Museum Of The North
This is the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. Its artifacts represent thousands of years of cultural traditions in the North. World-class exhibit of Alaska art in The Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery. They also have the states largest public display of gold and Blue Babe a 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison. Exhibits include a suspended 43 ft Bowhead Whale skeleton, which is the only one in the Americas.
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Near Alaska University Where To Stay In Fairbanks On A Budget
Looking for an affordable area in the city? Well, you cant go wrong with the hotels nearby the University of Alaska, Fairbanks!
As you can imagine, the area is filled with students so I wouldnt recommend it for people who want to stay in a peaceful place. But that also means that youll find plenty of cheap restaurants and bars!
Set north of Downtown, across Chena River, this area offers many fishing charters and a few parks where you can relax during the day.
But if youre up for some outdoor activities, then youre lucky because youll find many hiking trails in this area and plenty of overlooks from where you can admire the beautiful mountain views.
Fairbanks truly is a charming place! Now lets check out the hotels around:
Aurora Villa The Best Aurora Villa Fairbanks Alaska
You wont be able to miss an aurora display if you stay at Aurora Villa. The villas double rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, so seeing the Northern Lights is as easy as sitting up in bed.
4. Aurora Villa, the best aurora villa, Fairbanks, Alaska
If youd prefer a bit more space, Aurora Villa, Fairbanks, offers deluxe apartment and three-bedroom apartment options as well. No matter what type of space you stay in, be sure to settle in by the outdoor fireplace and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
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Where To Stay In Valdez
Known for its astounding beauty and wide array of wildlife, Valdez is a local favorite.
One of the top reasons people travel to Valdez is the fishing. You can find huge halibut and almost every type of salmon imaginable.
In addition to extraordinary fishing, travelers can take their pick of skiing, whale watching, or glacier climbing. We got the photo above at the dreamy Valdez Glacier Lake, a must if youre in Valdez!
Best Alaska Hotels In Fairbanks To See Northern Lights
Fairbanks is one of Alaskas best locations to gaze upon the magical Northern Lights.
To enjoy the experience, weve identified some hotels where you can potentially see this phenomenon.
Well show you luxury resorts, cozy lodges, and modern villas.
There are rooms for couples, families, and even pets.
While some places have floor-to-ceiling windows, suites with private balconies offer better views.
So before you book, here are the best Fairbanks hotels to see the Northern Lights.
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What Month Is Best To See The Aurora In Fairbanks
In summary, these are the best months to see the aurora borealis in Fairbanks:
- At this time of year, the weather is at its warmest. Additionally, theres still enough daylight to see and do things during the day. However, the sky can often be quite cloudy, so you might not have the best visibility.
What month is best to see the aurora in Fairbanks?
- This is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. The nights are long and dark, which is perfect for aurora viewing as long as the skies are clear. On the other hand, temperatures can get quite chilly, so be prepared to bundle up.
- As spring nears, the weather starts to get warmer again. The days also begin to lengthen, but theres still a high chance of seeing an aurora display. Best of all, these months, particularly March, tend to have less cloudy weather than the rest of year.
Best Hotels In Fairbanks Alaska
Categories Alaska
A home away from home is what hotels in Fairbanks provide to travelers seeking a place to stay in Alaska. Fairbanks is located in Fairbanks North Star Borough in Alaska. The weather ranges from decent to extremely cold, especially in winter, and booking a place that provides warmth and comfort is ideal.
When traveling, it is not only about reaching and exploring beautiful destinations but also planning ahead on where to stay before booking a flight or traveling to the destination youve chosen.
It applies to all places and travel planning, from the planned destination to travel necessities to bring, itinerary, and spot a decent accommodation. This list can guide you in finding accommodations if youre planning to visit Fairbanks.
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Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Fairbanks
Figuring out where to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks doesnt have to be difficult. There are plenty of great places around the city where you can catch a glimpse of the Green Lady. Ultimately, choosing your aurora viewing spot will depend on how far youre willing to travel out of downtown Fairbanks and whether you have an all-wheel, 4-wheel, or 2-wheel drive vehicle.
- Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: This bird sanctuary, which is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, is located just 2 miles from downtown Fairbanks. Even though youre not far from the city, there is still very little light pollution here. On top of that, the various open fields and trails mean youll have a practically unobstructed view of any aurora displays. Plus, the road to the refuge is well maintained, so a 2-wheel drive vehicle can get you here at pretty much any time of year.
- Chena Lake Recreation Area: Hit the trails or admire an aurora display over the lake at this 2,000-acre recreation area, located 17 miles from downtown Fairbanks. There are two separate parks within the recreation area, River Park and Lake Park. Both have very low light pollution and feature plenty of wide-open spaces, so theyre perfect aurora viewing spots in Fairbanks. Best of all, you can easily get here with a 2-wheel drive vehicle, unless the weather is very stormy.
Best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
Birch Hill The Best Place To Stay In Fairbanks To Ski
Set 4 miles north of Downtown Fairbanks, Birch Hill is the perfect place to stay in the city for ski enthusiasts!
Featuring excellent trails perfect for cross-country skiing, the Birch Hill Recreational Area brings tourists from all over the country !
The area is great for anyone who wants to escape the city noise and spend a few days surrounded by nature. There arent as many facilities as youd find in central Fairbanks but fear not, there are still some restaurants and shops around.
But Im sure youll spend most of your time skiing and snowboarding. Youll probably even forget theres a world outside of the Birch Hill Recreational area. However, you can also visit the Downtown area when youre up for it, so you wont miss the attractions there.
If youre looking for more amazing places to visit in Alaska, I think Anchorage should be your first stop on the list. The scenery is unbelievable there!
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Best Northern Lights Hotels In Fairbanks Alaska
In short, these are the best hotels in Fairbanks for Northern Lights:
Springhill Suites By Marriott Fairbanks
Address: 575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Looking for a nice hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska, is not hard. The town has many hotels and accommodations scattered in the area, and one of them is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks.
It is a lovely and classic hotel that offers an excellent accommodations experience and great hotel rooms. It is situated in a good location in downtown Fairbanks near various establishments.
The rooms offered by the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks were nice, clean, and cozy. It has amenities of flatscreen TVs, a neat bathroom, a living area, a small and functional kitchen, and a free Wi-Fi connection.
The suites in the hotel can be upgraded where additional equipment and room furniture are added. The hotel also serves free breakfast and has a restaurant and bar that offers various great drinks. A hot tub, fitness room, and pool are other amenities to enjoy in the hotel.
Check out these other best restaurants in Fairbanks if you are in town for an extended period of time. Chena River, Pioneer Park, and Georgeson Botanical Garden are some great town spots near the hotel.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks
Address: 433 Harold Bentley AvenueAccommodates: 5
ParkingMeeting/banquet facilities24-hour front deskNon-smoking roomsAirport shuttleBusiness centreLaundryFacilities for disabled guests
Wedgewood Resort is a simple yet beautiful accommodation dosed with vibrant flowers all around. Have time to rejuvenate in this resortâs spacious facilities! Each room is equipped with a full kitchen plus appliances like a microwave, coffee machine, refrigerator, and supplies. Take advantage of the on-site gym and the free shuttle service. If you are coming here with a car, there is free private parking available. Also, during winter, try requesting for the Northern Lights wake-up call. Have a good nightâs sleep at this comfortable hotel.
Fairbanks Inn And Suites
Fairbanks Inn and Suites is a great choice for discount lodging, it can help you trim your trip expenses, Inn and Suites give you more hotel savings & alternative accommodations. Fairbanks has some very nice Bead and Breakfast options like 7 Gables Inn & Suites, with amazing amenities like Free Wireless Internet and Free Early Check-in .You don’t have to stay at a budget hotel to enjoy discounts or Value.Some of these Inn and Suites offers free nights and special packages for various bookings.
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Where Is The Best Place To See The Northern Lights
What are the best places to see the Northern Lights? Tromso, Norway. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the worlds best places to see the Northern Lights. Swedish Lapland. Reykjavik, Iceland. Yukon, Canada. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. Ilulissat, Greenland.
Warming Up In Hot Springs
In addition to warming up in Fairbanks impressive museum scene, you can let nature do the work of warming you up at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Since an ownership change in the late 90s , the owners have converted the entire hot springs system to geothermal energy. The pools are now incredibly relaxing and give the Blue Lagoon in Iceland a run for its money.
You can visit and purchase a day-pass or spend a night or two in one of the propertys various rooms if you stay overnight you have unlimited access to the hot springs.
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Entry & Exit Requirements
You need a US Visa to enter Alaska, as it is a state of the US. The only exception is Canada since Canadian citizens can travel to the US without a visa.
Not sure what to pack for your upcoming trip to Fairbanks? Ive created the ultimate packing list and a free, downloadable checklist for you to ensure that you have everything you need for your trip to Alaska.
In summary, the best things to do and see in Fairbanks, Alaska in the summer or winter are:
- The University of Alaska Museum of the North
- Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
- Fairbanks Ice Museum
Where To Stay In Fairbanks In 2022 Best Areas And Hotels
This beautiful town in Alaska brings people from everywhere to see the famous Northern Lights and explore every corner of this vibrant city!
My top pick for where to stay in Fairbanks is Downtown. This area features many attractions, great hotels, and plenty of nice restaurants! But dont worry if youre looking for something a little different, youll find 2 more options in this post, perfect for those of you who enjoy skiing or want to stay in an affordable hotel Birch Hill and Alaska University Area.
Today I felt extra generous, and I also added 2 bonus sections with some great hotels near the airport and a few waterfront accommodations set near the beautiful Chena River.
But remember the city offers plenty of diverse attractions, plus its close to Denali National Park, so the best Fairbanks hotels will sell super early. Book yours in advance, and you wont have to worry about high prices or other issues like lack of availability!
Ready to go dog-sledding and be amazed by the Northern Lights?
Lets go!
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