I need help with creating an itinerary

Question

I want to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Go to Utqiagvik for a day, and spend a few days in Fairbanks to see some sights. I would also like to spend at least one day in Anchorage before flying back to California, my home state.

I would also like to go dogsledding in with winter, not on dry land.

I am not driving. I would like to fly or take the train. What's the best month to visit to accomplish this? And how many days should I allocate for this itinerary?

Answer

For a Northern Lights-focused trip to Alaska with stops in Fairbanks, Utqiagvik, and Anchorage, plus a winter dogsledding experience, planning carefully is key since you are not driving. Here’s a detailed overview:

Best Month to Visit: The optimal time for Northern Lights viewing is from late September to mid-April. For a winter dogsledding experience on snow, December through March is ideal, with longer nights in January–February offering the best Aurora viewing.

Suggested Itinerary & Duration: Allocate around 7–9 days to comfortably cover your desired destinations without rushing.

Day 1 – Arrival in Fairbanks: Fly into Fairbanks, check into a hotel or lodge, and rest. Evening: Northern Lights tour if conditions allow.
Days 2–3 – Fairbanks Exploration: Spend 2–3 days in Fairbanks to see key attractions:
- Chena Hot Springs for relaxation and optional Aurora viewing.
- Museum of the North at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Historic downtown Fairbanks and Pioneer Park.
- Winter dogsledding with experienced mushers—book a tour that offers snow-covered trail rides rather than dry-land experiences.
Day 4 – Travel to Utqiagvik (Barrow): Fly from Fairbanks to Utqiagvik (Airlines like Alaska Airlines operate scheduled flights). Spend the day exploring the northernmost town in the US:
- Visit the Iñupiat Heritage Center to learn about indigenous culture.
- Observe Arctic landscapes, possibly see polar wildlife depending on conditions.
- Check if Northern Lights tours are available locally for extra viewing.
Day 5 – Return to Fairbanks: Fly back to Fairbanks and enjoy another evening Northern Lights viewing opportunity or optional local sightseeing.
Day 6 – Travel to Anchorage: Fly from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Afternoon/evening: explore downtown Anchorage, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or enjoy a local seafood dinner.
Day 7 – Anchorage Exploration & Departure: Depending on your flight time, visit attractions like the Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, or take a short scenic tour around the city before flying back to California.

Additional Tips:

Book flights well in advance, especially Fairbanks–Utqiagvik, as options are limited.
Stay at lodges or hotels offering Northern Lights wake-up calls to maximize your viewing chances.
Dress in multiple layers for extreme cold, especially for evening Aurora hunts and dogsledding excursions.
Consider guided tours for Fairbanks and Anchorage to simplify logistics since you will not be driving.
Check local sunrise/sunset times and weather forecasts for Aurora viewing—clear, dark skies are essential.

This itinerary balances Arctic adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation, while ensuring multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights and enjoy authentic winter dogsledding.