Cruisetours to Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is pure Alaska. You'll find a strong connection to native Alaskan history, wildlife - like moose, foxes, bears and more - and traditional Alaskan cuisine. Fairbanks is currently the second-most populated city in Alaska, and offers many of the amenities available in a big city, but without the large crowds and frantic pace. The air is crisp and clean, the views are picturesque, and the residents are warm and friendly. If you want an authentic Alaskan experience, a stop in Fairbanks is a must.

Fairbanks has a subarctic climate, which is characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers - which is when cruisetours will highlight this Alaskan gem! The warmest months to visit Fairbanks are June and July because the average temperature is a high around 70° and a low around 50°. May, August and September are also lovely times to visit because the average high temperatures are 60°, 65° and 55°, respectively. Also, similar to the rest of Alaska, Fairbanks has plenty of daylight during the summer. In fact, during the summer solstice on June 20-21, Fairbanks receives about 21 hours of daylight! Those daylight hours will give cruisetour travelers abundant time to explore what Fairbanks has to offer. Enjoy your time here and immerse yourself in this amazing Alaskan city.

Panning for Gold

Although much of Alaska is known for its gold rush history, the city of Fairbanks was founded because of the discovery of gold. In fact, Fairbanks is considered to be the site of the last American gold rush. Given the extensive history of gold in Fairbanks, a trip here wouldn't be complete without panning for gold yourself. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to 'strike it rich'. A great place to test your luck is Gold Daughters, where knowledgeable staff will help you learn how to properly pan for gold, and then you can pan until you can't pan anymore! If you want gold panning with a side of history, then visiting Gold Dredge 8 is perfect. You'll get to ride on the Tanana Valley Railroad, take a tour of the mining camp and then try panning for gold yourself!

Hot Springs

Hot springs are one of nature's best gifts to the world. Experience their ultimate natural relaxation by visiting one of the hot springs located in Fairbanks. Spend a day getting some R&R at the Chena Hot Springs and wade in the same spring used by gold prospectors to alleviate their aches and pains. Also featured on site is the Aurora Ice Museum, which is the world's largest year-round ice environment. Inside you'll find breathtaking ice sculptures and even color-changing ice chandeliers depicting the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) are on many bucket lists and it takes some luck to see them in person. Fairbanks is one of the best places in the United States to see the lights, and even here it's no guarantee. Fortunately, one of the best times to see the Northern Lights is in September, and the Alaska cruisetour season runs into September. It's a small window, but you do have a chance to see these dancing lights in person (weather permitting, of course).

To plan a cruisetour to Fairbanks, Alaska, contact The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383.

CLICK HERE to browse cruises to Alaska, many of which can be bundled with a land tour!