Winter Wonderland in Alaska: A birthday adventure in Fairbanks
Our winter adventure in Fairbanks, Alaska turned out to be the most memorable birthday celebration ever. Traveling with my husband, we embarked on a 5 day journey into the heart of the Alaskan winter, exploring the enchanting landscapes, chasing the elusive aurora lights and experiencing unique adventures that will forever be etched in our memories.
Day 1: Fly into Fairbanks and explore North Pole
Day 2: Drive and hike to Castner Glacier
Day 3: Explore Fairbanks Downtown and Check-in at Borealis Basecamp
Day 4: Adventures at Borealis Basecamp
Day 5: Fly out of Fairbanks
Day 1: “A Frosty Alaskan Arrival: Croissants, Snowy Scenery, and Cozy Cabins”
Embarking on an early morning flight from San Jose via Alaska Airlines, our journey to the winter wonderland of Alaska began with a delightful tradition. The day before, we secured fresh croissants from Midwife and Baker, ensuring a savory start to our trip. Trust us there’s something magical about savoring croissants at cruising altitude.
Our transit at Seattle airport offered a preview of the wintry adventure awaiting us. The flight to Fairbanks showcase the picturesque landscape as we descended, revealing a pristine blanket of snow covering the terrain. After landing, a smooth walk across the road let us to the rental carpark lot, where we picked up our vehicle.
Hello from both of us at Seattle Airport!
Airbnb Arrival:
With the goal of checking in before the early sunset at 4:30pm we reached our Airbnb – a cozy, warm cabin nestled in the heart of nature. The tranquil surroundings set the stage for a rejuvenating rest before our explorations began.
Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska:
Eager to embrace the festive spirit, we headed to the renowned Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska. Even from the parking lot, the sight of a towering Christmas tree hinted at the enhancement within. The Santa Claus statue, adorned in holiday cheer, marked the tallest we had ever see. The atmosphere was festive and inviting, complete with various decorations. A visit to the on-site cape treated us to a steaming cup of hot cocoa, perfect for the chilly Alaskan evening.
Local Diner Delights:
As the day unfolded, we wrapped it up with a visit to a local diner, savoring the delights of the season. The onion rings left a lasting impression and we were revealed in the warm, comforting ambiance of the establishment.
With a day filled with tarvel, festive sights and hearty meals, we retired early to our cozy cabin. Anticipation filled the air as we looked forward to the adventures that awaited us in the snow-covered landscapes of Alaska the next day. Little did we know that this was just the beginning of a magical Alaskan winter journey.
Day 2: “Castner Glacier Adventures and Midnight Aurora Hopes”
Fairbanks unfolded with an adventurous spirits as we embarked on a hike to the majestic Castner Glacier. Waking up early morning to a freezing -10°C to soaking up in a hot tub to savoring a delightful breakfast at the Cookie Jar restaurant, our day was filled with scenic drives, snowy landscapes and the thrill of exploration.
Morning Hot tub and Breakfast:
Despite the freezing temperatures outside, we started our day with a daring dip in the hot tub at the cabin. After 15 minutes of cold bliss, we geared up for breakfast to the Cookie Jar restaurant. With the sun yet to rise, we enjoyed a hearty meal of eggs, hash browns, hot chocolate and coffee, basking in the cozy ambience of this Fairbanks breakfast gem.
Drive to Castner Glacier and Scenic Stops:
The scenic drive to the Glacier, spanning 2.5 hours, unveiled the winter wonderland of interior roads. Snow-covered mountains painted a breathtaking landscape and the roads, impeccably cleared, ensured a safe and enjoyable journey. A spontaneous stop near a lake provided a postcard-worthy view, resembling a painting come to life where sun-rise, snow-capped mountains, and lake all coming together..
Glacier Hike Adventure:
Embarking on the glacier hike, we arrived at the parking lot with the anticipation of a serene adventure, only to find ourselves the sole pioneers at the trailhead. Donning snowshoes and jackets, we decided to forgo guided tours, preferring the freedom of exploration. Our journey unfolded as a true adventure, captured in the screenshot from our AllTrails app.
Starting from a point and retracing our steps, we encountered the challenge of deep snow, stumbling but reveling in the thrill of forging our own path. Opting for an alternative route, we walked back and were relieved to spot two more cars arriving, a cue suggested by AllTrails we followed faint foot markings, the trail began easy but gradually posed tougher challenges.
Observing others on a different path, we made our way, suspecting it to be the trail used by guides. The struggles turned into ease we joined their path, leading us to the majestic glacier. The beauty of the glacier, peaceful and majestic, made us momentarily forget the arduous journey.
Caution set in as we navigated the slippery terrain near the glacier. On the return, we chose the path used by others, finding it significantly easier. The trail led us back toward the parking lot, a welcome sight as the sun began to set, casting a chill in the air.
In the embrace of the Alaskan winter, our glacier hike adventure was a tale of challenges, discoveries and the sheer joy of conquering the snow-covered trails, culminating in a satisfying dinner and the promise of more adventures in the days to come.
For dinner, we savored the flavors of garlic knots and delicious pizza at a local restaurant, bringing a satisfying end to a day filled with adventure.
Northern Lights Quest:
Returning to the Airbnb, exhaustion settled in, but our anticipation remained high. Setting an alarm for midnight, we hoped to witness the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, cloudy skies thwarted our plans, but the day’s hiking adventures left us with memories of glacial beauty and the thrill of conquering the snowy trails.
Day 3: “Arctic Delights: Exploring Fairbanks and Borealis Basecamp
Our Alaskan adventure was a delightful blend of exploring Fairbanks downtown for delectable treats and embarking on a journey to the enchanting Borealis Basecamp. The transition from the cozy Airbnb to the remote igloo accommodation marked the beginning of an extraordinary experience.
Fairbanks Downtown Culinary Journey:
Excitement mingled with a touch of reluctance as we bid farewell to our magical Airbnb, blanketed in serene snowscapes. Fairbanks downtown beckoned us with promises of culinary delights. Parking was easy to find, conveniently situated outside our first stop – The Creperie restaurant. Indulging our sweet tooth, I opted for the Nutella crepe with mixed berries, while Ravi savored the unique Creme Brulee crepe. A stroll across the road led us to a Thai restaurant, where the Tum Yum soup warmed our spirits in the chilly weather, complemented by flavorful vegetarian fried rice. The gastronomic journey left us with a taste of Fairbanks diverse culinary offerings.
Local Souvenirs and Great Alaskan Bowl Company:
To support the local community, we visited the Great Alaskan Bowl Company, a treasure trove of locally crafted souvenirs. Despite a slight challenge in finding the entrance, the shop proved to be a must-visit. From locally made magnets to exquisite woodwork, including bowls, boards, furniture and candles. The store showcased the artistry of the region.
Journey to Borealis Basecamp:
The journey to Borealis Basecamp began with dropping off our rental car at the airport and waiting for the shuttle. As we embarked on the drive, the landscape unfolded in a spectacular display. Upon arrival, we checked into our igloo-type room connected by pathways cleared through the snow. Borealis Basecamp, set against the remote backdrop, offered the promise of an exceptional Northern Lights experience.
Sauna Serenity and Dinner at Latitude:
We reserved the sauna for later in the evening, a traditional and solitary experience in the vast wilderness. Hungry from the day’s adventures, we headed to the on-site restaurant, Latitude. Despite its limited menu, the culinary offerings surpassed expectations. Mulled wine, bread and butter, Mac & cheese and Baked chicken pasta treated our taste buds to a symphony of flavors.
Borealis Basecamp, with its remote location away from city lights, provided an optimal vantage point. The celestial dance in the Arctic sky was a mesmerizing spectacle, casting hues of green, purple and pink across the canvas of the night.
Aurora Portrait Session:
Elevating our Northern Lights celebration, we had arranged for an aurora portrait session with a talented photographer Eli through Borealis Basecamp. The photographer captured the ethereal beauty of the dancing lights against the Arctic backdrop, creating timeless memories of the aurora borealis.
Midnight Birthday Celebration
The magic continued at midnight as we celebrated my birthday, marking the beginning of a spectacular journey into my 30’s. Borealis Basecamp had truly set the stage for a memorable Arctic adventure.
Day 4:” Arctic Birthday Bliss: Reindeer, snowmobiles and Dog sledding”
Day 4 marked a spectacular chapter in our Alaskan adventure as we celebrated my birthday amidst the enchanting backdrop of Borealis Basecamp. From a hearty breakfast to thrilling Arctic activities, the day unfolded with a perfect blend of excitement and serenity.
Birthday Breakfast Extravaganza:
The day began with the importance of a birthday breakfast, drawing us out of bed to savor a feast at Borealis Basecamp. A live Omelet counter, an array of breads, cereals, waffle, tea and coffee, offering a delightful start to the day after a late-night rendezvous with the Northern Lights.
Arctic Activities:
Our day’s activities commenced at 10am, promising a series of unforgettable experiences.
- Reindeer Meet and Greet: Interacting with the friendly reindeer, we had the opportunity to feed these majestic creatures, adding a touch of magic to the morning,
- Snowmobile Adventure: Riding a snowmobile for the first time proved to be an exhilarating experience, weaving through the snowy landscapes and capturing the essence of the Arctic wilderness.
- Dog Sledding Delight: The highlight of the day was spending time with adorable husky puppies before embarking on an adventurous dog sledding journey. Whether sitting in the front or standing in the back, each position offered a unique and thrilling perspective as the huskies glided through the snow.
Upon returning to our room, we were greeted by a birthday decor adorned with flowers, balloons, gluten-free cake slices, and champagne. It was a heartwarming surprise, making the birthday celebration truly specials. To cap off the night, we were fortunate to witness the Northern Lights for the second consecutive night, adding an ethereal touch to the Arctic birthday bliss.
Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska
Castner Glacier Hike (hike can only be done during winter season)
Visit Ice Museum
Get a Day Pass for Chena Hot Springs
Santa Claus House, North Pole
Chase the Northern Lights
Visit Great Alaskan Bowl Company & Gift Shop
Food Recommendations
Brewsters Restaurant | Dinner
The Cookie Jar Restaurant | Breakfast
The Creperie | All Day Dining
Bahn Thai | Lunch & Dinner
HooDoo Brewing Company | Lunch
The Fudge Pot | Breakfast
Food Factory | Lunch & Dinner
Bucko’s Coffee | Morning Coffee