Day 1
When you arrive Fairbanks we provide a complimentary ride to your lodge. We host a quick meet-and-greet with your guides in the lobby that night. Bring your camera if you have questions about photographing Northern Lights! The lodge is in a beautiful location, surrounded by snow-covered spruce forests.
Day 2
Today after a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will head to Running Reindeer Ranch where you will get to know the family who raises these gentle creatures, and take a forest walk
with them where you can feed them and take photographs. Then come inside for a bit to talk about how they are raised, and have some of Jane's famous cookies and some hot tea or cocoa! After lunch we will head into town and maybe visit an art co-op or the antique automobile museum. Followed by dinner at Lavelle's Bistro for their delicious selection of wine and globally inspired cuisine. Head back to the lodge to rest, and your guide will keep watch for the Aurora and provide wake ups and photo assistance when it happens.
Other things to note
Reindeer walk has slight inclines and can have snowy conditions. There is a warm and cozy area inside if you decide not to do the walk.
Day 3
First we will visit a dog kennel to learn about raising the animals, mushing as a sport, and hopefully meet some cute puppies! Afterwards, we will gear up for a 20-30 minute ride on the sleds through the woods! After lunch we will visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center where a native guide will walk us through the exhibits and teach us about traditions, arts and history of the people who first lived here. Then we will enjoy a dinner at the famous Pump House restaurant and head back to the lodge for Aurora watching!
Other things to note
Dog sledding will require getting in and out of the sled and small amount of walking in snowy conditions. Cultural center is indoors.
Day 4
After breakfast, visit Frigid Farm - an organic family farm and homestead. Megan and AJ raise their kids here, as well as sheep, chickens and more. Enjoy a light lunch with the family after a tour of their property. Then we head to the ice sculpture museum where you can enjoy the art and have a martini in a carved ice glass at the Aurora bar! Finish up the day with a tour of the geothermal plant and greenhouse, and then a soak in the geothermal hot springs. The outdoor pool is often surrounded by snow, and your hair may even frost over while you are soaking. Enjoy the healing waters, and keep your eyes peeled for Aurora. We enjoy a dinner there, and then drive back to the lodge where we can rest and watch for more Northern Lights.
Other things to note
Towels provided for hot springs, bring bathing suit and waterproof sandals. Farm visit requires a little walking in snowy conditions as does the geothermal tour.
Day 5
After breakfast we visit the Fairbanks Curling Club, where in an exclusive Gondwana activity a local player will teach us the technique and rules of the game. Then we get a chance to try and challenge our fellow travelers. It is so much more fun than you might expect, and they have pushers in case you have trouble bending down. After lunch we visit the University of Alaska's famous Museum of the North, to learn about the natural history, traditions and native arts of the area. See a wooly mammoth skull, antique boats, native clothing and more!
Other things to note
Curling requires walking on ice (it is textured ice for walking and you will be given grippers). Museum is indoors.
Day 6
Breakfast will be served this morning, and early departures will be taken by our transportation partner. Our guide will be available from mid morning to late afternoon for drop offs at the airport, train station or other places in town.
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