Interior - Fairbanks - Denali National Park

Denali, Fairbanks, Bear & Wildlife Viewing, Flightseeing, Kantishna

Athabascan peoples predominantly inhabited Alaska’s Interior region before the Alaska Gold Rush in the late 19th century. In Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart City, you can tour gold mines and learn to pan for your treasure. After the Gold Rush, the region was sustained by military bases and the oil boom. Now tourism is an essential industry in this Alaska region as visitors travel to experience the Interior’s rich history, from prehistoric to modern times.

Fairbanks is located under the “Aurora Belt,” making it one of the best locations in the world to see the Northern Lights. On average, the Northern Lights are visible 243 days per year, although an Aurora Borealis vacation is best planned for nights from October to early April. The outdoor mineral springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort make it another “hot” winter destination.

Nature hiking in the Interior is another great activity, and Denali National Park is the most popular destination in the region. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, is the centerpiece of the park at 20,320 feet tall. Visitors to Denali National Park are also searching for Alaska’s Big Five – grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Most travelers stay at the entrance to the park, but there are also lodges deep inside Denali for more adventurous hikers.

The Interior of Alaska is accessible by train, motor coach, car, and airplane. The Alaska Railroad serves Denali and Fairbanks daily in the summer and weekly in the winter. Motor coaches bring many visitors to Denali National Park from Seward, Anchorage, and Whittier. Fairbanks has Alaska’s second-largest airport, with yearly daily jet service to Anchorage and the Lower 48 states.

The main highways in the region are the Parks Highway, which runs from Fairbanks south by Denali to Wasilla, the Richardson Highway from Fairbanks south to Valdez, and the Alaska Highway from Fairbanks southeast to the Canadian border (also known as the Alcan Highway). The Elliott, Steese, and Dalton Highways run north of Fairbanks but are unpaved and unsuitable for rental cars. The Denali Highway, which cuts west from Paxson to Denali National Park, is also unpaved. Few car rental agencies will allow their vehicles on these dirt roads. The Top of the World Highway takes you northeast from Tok to the Canadian border and Dawson City. While portions of this scenic and historic route are unpaved, we have obtained rental car waivers for our clients to experience this unique part of Alaska’s Interior.

 

Choose from 86 vacations in Alaska related to Interior - Fairbanks - Denali National Park

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Adventure Driving Tour

Enjoy an Alaska adventure vacation from Anchorage, exploring Alaska’s “playground” of the Kenai Peninsula and discovering Denali National Park by car. Raft, hike, and discover fantastic scenery and wildlife throughout your Alaska road trip. You’ll first leave Anchorage... Browse itinerary

two women, one pointing, on the viewing platform of an Alaska Railroad train

Alaska Railroad Adventure

Touring Alaska by train is a relaxing way to experience all that the Great Land has to offer. Designed for independent travelers and train enthusiasts this tour utilizes several segments of the Alaska Railroad. This round trip itinerary... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Winter Wonders Tour

Exploring Alaska in winter is easy and a great value. Start with a few nights at a luxurious hotel in the mountain village of Girdwood, then travel aboard the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks.... Browse itinerary

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic... Browse itinerary

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Relax Alaska

Great for travelers looking to explore Alaska at a relaxed pace. This tour starts in Anchorage and combines travel by train and motor coach between Seward and Fairbanks, ending with a scheduled flight from Fairbanks returning to Anchorage.... Browse itinerary

Grand Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing

Your Alaska flightseeing day trip from Talkeetna transports you by bush plane on an air tour around Mt. Denali, North America’s tallest mountain. Begin with the Denali Flyer route and see the south side of Denali, including the... Browse itinerary

Denali Flyer Tour with Glacier Landing

This Talkeetna flightseeing tour by bush plane is an extended version of the Denali Experience Tour. In addition to that route, you will fly to the remote western end of Denali National Park. Explore the south side of... Browse itinerary

Northern Lights & Iditarod
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Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

This comprehensive Alaska winter travel experience begins with sightseeing in Fairbanks, including a great chance to see the northern lights. Departing from Fairbanks, travel by motorcoach to the historic town of Healy on the outskirts of Denali National... Browse itinerary

Iditarod Race Official Start Tour

Based in Anchorage for five nights, this Iditarod experience begins with the ceremonial start on snow-covered city streets, where you can have up-close viewing of this unique dog sledding event. The next day, travel to the community of... Browse itinerary

Discover Denali Flightseeing

This scenic flight from Anchorage to Denali National Park takes you within six miles of the 20,320 ft—Denali summit, North America’s tallest mountain. Fly by float plane, plane on skis, or even wheels (depending on lake / ice... Browse itinerary

UNIQUE Experiences
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Alaska Lodge Driving Tour

Travel to off-the-beaten-path locations, including overnights at wilderness lodges and inns that offer options for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. The touring route includes a spectacular flight into the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and the... Browse itinerary

Unique Itinerary
a person standing next to a wooden sign reading "Arctic Circle, Dalton Highway, Alaska, Latitude 66, 33"

An Alaskan Odyssey

This unique itinerary takes you from the North Pacific waters of Prince William Sound to the Arctic coast near Prudhoe Bay. This itinerary is for independent travelers seeking a chance to see the incredible diversity of Alaska, from... Browse itinerary

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