We had so much fun dog sledding! Our guide was great, the dogs were adorable and the view…read moreincredible. Would definitely recommend to anyone!

On a Wednesday afternoon, checking in at the desk for the Dog Sledding tour was a quick process…read more Afterwards, a kind female employee recommended that my group wear the winter gear that they provide. So, we borrowed jackets, overalls, gloves, gaiters, and boots. She was also efficient as she handed the snow clothing to my group of 5. At first, I planned to use my own jacket and gloves, but I decided to place them in containers that are under the benches. I did wear my own beanie though. During the tour, our guide was very friendly as she made small talk with us. She was also kind to the dogs while she helped them navigate the snowy trail. I wish I remembered her name, but she was there on New Year's Eve. I sat closer to the front of the sled which was bumpy and some turns were sharp. So be sure to hold on tight to your belongings because the dogs will not stop until the middle of the 30-minute tour. During the mini break, the dogs were calm and friendly when I pet a few of them. I also appreciate the photos that the female and male tour guides took of my family and I. After returning to the building, we had to discard the used winter clothing into bins. Thank you to Rod's Alaskan Guide Service for a memorable experience!

The Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks offers an exceptional way to experience Alaska's wilderness up…read moreclose. The river cruise is scenic and relaxing, winding through lush forests and along the sparkling Tanana and Chena Rivers, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles, moose, and even bears from a safe distance. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing fascinating stories about Alaska's history, culture, and the gold rush era, which makes the journey both educational and entertaining. The boat itself is comfortable, spacious, and perfectly suited for viewing the surrounding scenery without feeling crowded. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or just a peaceful river ride, the Riverboat Discovery provides a memorable, family-friendly adventure that highlights the beauty and heritage of Alaska.

I'm so glad I got the chance to cruise along the Chena river on the Riverboat Discovery before the…read moreend of season. This is a must when visiting Fairbanks during the spring/summer months. The 3 hour tour paddles up and down the Chena river, with some fun stops along the way. You'll get a fun history lesson about dog mushing and the Iditarod, see a float plane takeoff and land, then disembark for about an hour to walk around the "Chena Village". A delightful experience that submerges you into the Alaskan bush and culture. The whole experience is narrated by the captain and crew, and was just amazing! There's plenty of complementary donuts, coffee, and tea, along with a full snack bar on board if you get hungry. Getting to Riverboat Discovery was easy. There's Ubers, hotel shuttles, tour buses, taxis, and depending on where you're staying, it's even walkable. Everyone we interacted with was delightfully pleasant and helpful. Be sure to do the -40 BELOW experience! All in all, this is a great way to spend your day, and add some great Fairbanks memories.

I would absolutely recommend the Chena hot springs tour! This was simple to book and I so…read moreappreciated that they picked us up right at our hotel - very convenient! The driver we got, Dillon, was incredible! He was professional, helpful, kind, genuine, and a great DJ! He played tunes on the ride to and from the hot springs and made the long drive along a bumpy road part of the actual experience and fun! He coordinated everything at the springs and was always around and available if needed. He was great! The Chena hot springs was an unforgettable experience. The actual hot springs were so beautiful and relaxing (even in the summer). The grounds were well kept the restaurant was convenient and food was delicious. We did a tour of the geothermal plant and gardens which was also very interesting, impressive, and unique. And finally, the ice museum!!! This was so fun to see. Getting a drink in an ice glass and smashing it afterward was a fun touch. Overall, this was a great experience and I would definitely recommend if you have an extra day in the Fairbanks area. Great experience and value for the price.

Based on our experience (4 adults) I would NOT book any tour done with Alaska Wild Lights. Our…read moretour was the Arctic Circle Day Tour and was the worst experience in our whole two weeks in Alaska. I booked this tour in February for a June 2026 trip to the Arctic Circle Day Tour. Before booking this tour, I called to confirm the information shown on their website stating a maximum of 8 people would be allowed on the tour as well as the type of vehicle would be a Sprinter (bus type vehicle allowing guests to fully stand up and also have ample leg room). Two weeks before our tour, I called again to confirm max number of people and the vehicle type in which I received an email confirmation stating 8 people max traveling in a Sprinter. The day we were picked up for the tour, it was NOT a Sprinter but an old passenger van AND there would now be 11 people on the tour. The passenger van was horribly uncomfortable with that many people crammed into the space and very difficult to get in and out of (could not stand up). There was absolutely no leg room or room to move around while traveling. Not only that, the air conditioning was not working and the passenger windows did not open at all, it was a very warm day. They provided a snack which was ONE bottle of warm water, a very small snack bag of chips and some sort of granola bar. This for a 15 hour road trip and there was no ability to buy water/snacks along the way. We did stop at the Yukon River Camp, no snacks or water available there to purchase either but you could buy a hamburger to eat there. We only stopped at port-a-potty locations when needed and at the Arctic Circle wood sign, no walks across the tundra as shown on their website, no stop at the Hilltop Restaurant & Marketplace just port-a-potties. I reached out to the owner of the company several times before writing this review with NO RESPONSE.

We went on the Northern Lights excursion. Jason, the owner…read morepicked us up in the van right on time. It was about a 30-40 minute drive. I'd rented a camera from him with the proper settings preset. He also helped anyone who needed their camera phones adjusted. They provided tripods for free. Jason, and his wife Heather have a great set up. Big cabin for warmth. Lots of beverages, snacks, seating. Indoor plumbing. They have modern technology for tracking the northern lights. They told us when to head out. They have a huge, dark field for viewing. We watched a great Northern Lights show. We also saw a lot of stars and constellations. I'd definitely book with them again.

If there were half stars I'd give the experience a 2.5- because the actual dog sledding portion…read more(all 20 minutes of it) was 5 star fantastic, but the getting there and getting back was a one star. Let me explain: Pick up was at Walmart because we stayed in a VRBO. There wasn't very clear communication ahead of time as to exactly where at Walmart and what vehicle I was looking for- tho I was able to reach someone on their business number after I arrived in the parking lot. A large passenger van picked my son and I up, the driver was very young and pleasant looking but literally said nothing but "hello", not even his name. There was one other couple in the van. Here's the weird part- the driver gave us ZERO communication on anything. Not how far we were going, or where, or some background on dog mushing, or pleasant conversation. I asked maybe 2 questions and he answered them but it was clear he wasn't going to offer anything further. The van was so uncomfortably silent I felt like I had to whisper to my son. After about a 35min drive "out of town" I guess I expected to arrive at some kind of professional kennel/facility but it was actually someone's house with dog kennels out back. Again, we piled out of the van, I was holding my purse and my son had a backpack (do I take them? Are there lockers? Do I leave them in the van? Who knows...) and our driver just walked off, giving no instructions. We decided to follow him. I asked if I could use the restroom before we started and he waved me in the general direction of an outhouse in the woods (which I never found- I just took care of business in the trees, clutching my nuisance of a purse). There was a team of dogs already hooked up, and he told the other couple "you're first" and loaded them on the sled with the owner/musher named Amy (we didn't know any of this til my son and I actually got our "turn" because again, ZERO conversation or communication). I guess I expected that if there were other people we would be on separate sleds but all go out together? Nope. Other couple took off with musher. So here we are, standing in the middle of the dog yard with significant dog kennel odors and yelping dogs and van driver than won't say a word and wondering what the hell is going on. I'm still wondering what to do with my purse, as it's obvious this is no place to be carrying it and there's no where to put it. I asked the driver if I could put it back in the van, and he said, "I guess I can take it for you, they'll be back any minute". (Again, I'm confused... they've only been gone 10-15 minutes... is that how long the "experience" is?) Sure enough, they returned a few minutes later. So my son and I load up. Here is where the 5* part comes in. Amy (owner of kennel/dogs/professional musher) quickly introduced herself with a smile and warm welcome. We took off into the woods on a well groomed trail, and she talked the whole time about her dogs, the breed of Alaskan Husky, the sport, her experiences, and more. It was thrilling and fun and interesting to hear her point of view and expertise! Tho the time on the sled was only 20 minutes or so, my son and I both really enjoyed every moment. In short- If you're looking for a full-service 5* adventure, this isn't it.

This place was exactly what we wanted! I encourage you to know what your booking. We wanted rustic…read moreand more of an Alaskan adventure rather than a upscale hotel. We came to Alaska to experience it as Alaska should be. I didn't want to walk out my door to a long hotel hallway. Instead I walked out of my cabin to a snow filled wonderland with wilderness and a pond. One where instead of needing a tour guide I could stand by the pond in front of the cabin and see the northern lights. Jim and Syd are amazing people with more hospitality than you can imagine. Jim made us a wonderful breakfast every morning from scratch not a frozen bag. The conversations were always exciting. They would both share their stories and experiences, tell us what not to miss and what the area held. When other guest joined us it was as fun to hear their stories. Way more interaction than at a typical hotel. Remember to read the description. These are dry cabins- no water, no toilet, no sink. Like I said earlier, know what your booking. However the shower house is less than a minute walk from each cabin and it is warm and clean plenty of hot water and toiletries. Not a big deal at all. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy this! Listen to Jim and Syd and ask for their advice and use their expertise. Our last day Jim took us ice fishing on the pond which was amazing in itself, but then he invited us to the house as he cooked up the rainbow trout we had caught and made us lunch! Perfect ending to a perfect trip!

We can not say enough good things about our experience at Cabins on the Pond. The cabins were…read morewarm,clean,well appointed and just perfectly charming, as they should be considering our host , Jim Swearingin,built them himself! The modern bath house are actually 2 full baths with showers, flushing toilets, and sink vanity. All very clean with plenty of hot water and a toasty temp of 78F. Even when it was -40below outside. The view is amazing. Outside of the city, so it's dark to highlight those Aurora Borealis that you can see right from inside your cabin. Or step outside for the real light show, all of your pictures will be perfectly showcased with spruce trees and snow banks . Jim even wakes you up so you don't miss the Northern Lights! Don't miss fishing with Jim and the tasty fish dinner he prepares later that night for you. And that rice, off the hook good. This experience will be a memory maker for you. Again, DON'T MISS IT! Every morning from 7-9 make your way up to Jim & Syd's breakfast table. He offers some of Alaska's best down home cooking! The chat with the two of them is wonderful. They both exemplify hospitality! The best was making new friends with these two super fantastic and gracious people! Their energy and love of the land is contagious. We will forever have them in our heart and WILL for sure see them again!

Would highly recommend reaching out to this company to schedule a ride. The company works based on…read moreavailable slots but the cab driver is prompt, polite, and pleasant to talk to. Fairbanks is a logistical nightmare when it comes to transportation but Moose Cab and tours made our trip better :) Thank you for your service!

The driver was on time for pick up and was pleasant to speak with. He drove with care and got me to…read moremy destination safe and sound. Recommendations rendered.

I just want to say what a wonderful day we had with Steve and his Alaskan Chihuahua Gringo. He was…read moreprompt, responsible, and courteous and knew all of the good places to go to. We were on our first time in Alaska, and came to Fairbanks for the sights. We had wanted to do the Arctic Circle tour but Steve suggested that we instead go to Denali and it was great advice. While the main park is closed he could drive us well into the area and we got some amazing photography of the mountain range and surrounding area. Steve was also helpful in suggesting additional sights, such as the University of Alaska's animal study refuge, or the recent ice carving competition Fairbanks. We got much more out of the trip than we expected and had a pretty good day (despite me banging up my knee when I slipped on ice). For those of you considering the trip and using their service, he's the best tour company in Fairbanks. It perhaps helped that we were dog lovers and I really didn't mind Gringo on my lap while I took photos from the passenger seats of his van. Certainly a pleasant way to tour the interior of Alaska.

Steve's service is exceptional. He answered my call promptly, he arrived on time, he is very…read moreknowledgeable about the area, he is generous with information, and he offers service unparalleled. For example, we had had a long day of touring. Alll our cell phones were low on battery and he had chargers! You can try the taxi services with curt dispatchers. You can also waste a lot of time searching for Uber/Lyft drivers. But if you are in Fairbanks, call him first.

Visiting the Alaska museum was an unforgettable experience that beautifully showcases the state's…read morerich history and culture. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, featuring everything from Native Alaskan artifacts and traditional crafts to fascinating displays on wildlife and natural history. The museum layout is easy to follow, and each exhibit includes informative descriptions that make learning engaging for both adults and children. Staff and docents are friendly and eager to share insights, which adds a personal touch to the visit. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for an enriching day out, this museum provides a comprehensive, immersive look at Alaska's heritage. It's educational, visually engaging, and leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the state's unique culture and landscapes.

Beautiful museum inside and out. Although not huge, depending on how much you like to read the…read moreexhibit info you could spend a couple hours. We spent about 45 minutes wandering through. Lovely art, lots of local history and animal education exhibits. Paid (cheap) parking, a gift shop, and a small serve-yourself "cafe".

Came to Alaska for a week of outdoor activities in freezing temps. Alaska Element's gear not only…read morekept us warm the entire time, but helped us to enioy all our activities while others couldnt because they were unprepared with inferior gear. Everyone was complaining about frozen hands and feet. Heather made it so simple to schedule our fitting. As we entered the shop, Martha gave us a warm welcome. She was the best fitter and so knowledgeable and friendly. The quality of the gear was top notch and would have easily cost $2,500-$3,000 per person had we purchased it ourselves. The real test of professionalism and character for any business is when a customer returns with damaged gear. Martha was the ultimate professional business woman when I returned two days later with the jacket sleeve torn after dog sledding. She was kind, gracious, and so understanding. She never made me feel quilty although I felt bad about the accidental tear. This is why I HIGHLY recommend getting the gear protection plan because that was a VERY expensive jacket and I would have had to pay to replace it. This business deserves a 5 star rating because it is operated by truly authentic people with qood intentions whose sole purpose is keeping people warm while visiting Alaska.

Alaska Element is a non-negotiable rental in the Fairbanks winter. My family was perfectly warm in…read moretheir high-quality gear during our trip. --- Alaska Element was highly recommended by other tours we booked, and after our experience, I could definitely see why! Last December 2024, we opted for a 3 day rental period. We booked the hotel drop off and return since we would be without a car, signature service delivery to swap sizes worry-free, and the "GearGuard" clothing protection plan. When picking our sizes, we meticulously measured ourselves, and picked the best fits from the website. We had a drop off at the Hampton Inn and Suites, a bit outside of the city center. We only had to pay any delivery fees once, so it felt well worth it since our total costs for delivery/pick-up and the additional signature delivery were then split between 4 individuals. Heather and her colleague who arrived for our signature service delivery were professional, on-time, and friendly. All descriptions on the website were pretty true to size, except one of the more petite members of our party (4'11") had a better fit in a large child jacket versus an adult small. Some shoes were a bit more comfortable in a bigger size than we booked (to accommodate fluffy socks), but if we had not done the signature service delivery, we would've been ok just following the size guidelines! The medium glove size we needed was sold out, so I'd book gloves early, if possible. We had some floppy, too-large gloves. When we were returning our rentals, we left them behind the hotel front desk. Super easy and hassle-free. We were very warm in our gear and had fun on our tours because of it. We were able to stay outdoors in 10s F temperatures for maybe a half hour before feeling the chill. For extended times, we still had to use hand warmers and foot warmers, but we were never in any "danger". Unfortunately, we saw many families on our tours who were wearing inadequate gear unable to really enjoy the tours, and at the most extreme, get unreasonably and dangerously cold. Honestly, we were also thinking of saving the money and just wearing our warmest gear, but it wouldn't have been enough! I'm glad we didn't follow through. Rentals not included which would be essential to bring yourself would be good thermals and scarves/face coverings. This is also outlined in detail on the website. Overall, if you book nothing else during a winter trip to Fairbanks, I'd recommend booking gear with Alaska Element. Honestly, we loved the gear so much we looked into getting the same coats and gloves when we got home!