In town transportation
If you are staying at one of the Fairbanks hotels below we are happy to give you a ride after our pre-trip meeting, a ride to the airport on the morning of our trip, and a farewell ride back to your room at the trip’s end.
For trips starting and ending outside Fairbanks, or for Fairbanks accommodations not listed below, you will need to arrange all your own ground transportation.
Kotzebue, King Salmon and Alaska’s smaller communities are pedestrian friendly and you will be able to get around on foot or with taxis with no trouble. Try these numbers for taxi cabs in Kotzebue: call (907) 442-4444 or (907) 442-4800.
If you will be in Fairbanks for several days a rental car is suggested.
Recommended Fairbanks Hotels
Sophie’s Station
1717 University Ave South
(907) 479-3650
Locally owned, larger rooms. Walking distance to groceries, Arctic Wild HQ and within five miles of the University. Kitchenettes, on site restaurant, wifi, and a free airport shuttle. Excellent choice. $290/ night.
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
1850 Hoselton Road
(877) 774-2400
Located on the banks of the Chena River, next to Pike’s restaurant/bar. Very near the airport, offers an airport shuttle. $330-470/ night.
Best Western Chena River
1255 TVSA Way
(907) 328-3500
Close to airport and grocery store. Those are its best qualities. $325/night
Sven’s Basecamp Hostel
3505 Davis Road
An eclectic mix of treehouses, private cabins, campground, and wall tents; they also have a coffee shop, large communal kitchen, showers, and wifi. A good lower cost option. $95-$130 for a treehouse or cabin.
Copper Co. Airbnb
A newly constructed 8-unit apartment building conveniently located to Arctic Wild, the airport and the University. You’ll still probably want a rental car. $240/night
Kotzebue Lodging
Nullagvik Hotel
(907) 442-3331
Kotzebue’s nicest and most expensive hotel. There is a restaurant downstairs. $329/night
Bibber’s B&B
398 Lagoon St., Kotzebue
(907) 412-1271
Very basic but nice, NO breakfast (there is a kitchen). $150/night? (no website). Very difficult to get a hold of the proprietor.
Additional Activities in Alaska
There is lots to do in Alaska before and after your trip with us. Whether you are craving a bit of luxury after a week in the wilderness or an adventure in part of the state we don’t operate, we live here year round and have a wealth of connections throughout Alaska. We work with many lodges and tour operators and are happy to book activities and accommodations for you anywhere in Alaska. Just ask.
Travel to Alaska
Fairbanks and Anchorage are served by several US carriers and directly from Europe with Condor Air. Most people find that Alaska Airlines provides the best service, schedules and fares. Please book your Fairbanks flights to arrive before 3:00 pm the day before your trip and don’t plan on departing for at least 24 hours after you are scheduled to return.
Kotzebue is served by Alaska Airlines with 2 flights daily. The afternoon flight arrives in time for your pre-trip meeting.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a small city within the vast boreal forests and wetlands of Interior Alaska. The Chena River runs through town and Fairbanks is best navigated by car. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is on the west side of town and Fort Wainwright military base on the east. The silty Tanana River flows past the outskirts of town.
Breakfast
Alaska Coffee Roasting Company, Lulus Bread and Bagels, Oasis Diner (dive bar, very basic diner breakfast).
Lunch
Bun on the Run and The Pita Place (both outdoor seating only) are local favorites, Lulus Bread and Bagels, House of the Rising Bun
Dinner
For some reason the only places where the food is good are Thai places. I suggest Lemongrass and Thai House. Go to The Pump House or Pike’s Landing to sit outside and watch the river go by but keep your expectations low for food.
Local Drinks
Ursa Major Distillery, HooDoo Brewing, Black Spruce Brewing Company
Indoor Activities
Morris Thompson Cultural Visitor Center
UAF Museum
Hiking
Large Animal Research Station (LARS). Located just adjacent to campus. We hope you will see muskox and caribou while on our trips, but just in case not, go see them in Fairbanks. Another access point to the UAF trails is also right across the street.
Creamer’s Field. Trails through fields and birch forests and a little visitors center. Bring your binoculars if you are a bird watcher.
Chena River Recreation Area. It’s a long drive! Bring a picnic and stop by the upper Chena River. There are many campgrounds along the river. Granite Tors and Angel Rocks are long hikes out that direction. Go for a hike and end the day at the hot springs.
White Mountains Trails. Also a long drive, but worth it for the views. There are two trails that exit the parking lot. As you drive in, one is on your left and the other straight ahead. The trail to your left will get you higher faster if that’s your goal.
Denali National Park. A mere two hours away! You can do it in a long day trip if you’d like. Drive your car the 15 miles to the Savage River and hike from there. There are other easily accessible hikes with a little less driving.
Art or Souvenirs
Well Street Art Gallery, Arctic Travelers, UAF Museum gift shop
Last Minute Gear Shopping?
We have an REI, but please consider our locally owned outfitter, Beaver Sports (conveniently located right next to Bun on the Run). There is also a Sportsman’s Warehouse. Big Ray’s is another sporting goods/work wear store that also has a good fishing gear section.