Welcome to Fairbanks , Alaska: We'll begin our river expedition in Alaska’s second-largest city, known as the Hub of the Interior, the Gateway to the Bush, the Golden Heart City. It's home to nearly 100,000 souls, making it one of the largest communities in Alaska.

Arrival Information: We ask that you arrive in Fairbanks the evening before your expedition starts. It’s often easiest to stay in Fairbanks the night your trip ends, as well. Please contact us if you are unable to schedule your travel to arrive the evening before and we can discuss alternative options.

Most people fly into Fairbanks via Seattle. We have suggestions on travel by air and land in the tabs above.

We will pick you up from the airport or ferry terminal on your arrival date and drop you off for your departure, if needed. Please notify the Chilkat Guides office of your expected arrival or flight information as soon as possible and let us know of any delays or changes.

Pre-Trip Order of Events: After you have arrived and settled in, we will conduct a pre-trip meeting at 6:00 PM (unless otherwise stated by your guide). We typically conduct the pre-trip at your hotel. If the meeting is held elsewhere, transportation will be provided. After introductions, we'll go over the general plan and cover important information about the trip. At the end of the pre-trip meeting, we allow time for guests to ask any remaining questions. Settle in for a good night's rest as tomorrow is the start of our adventure together! We will fly by bush plane to the beginning of our river expedition.

We will return to Fairbanks at the end of the expedition; plan your travels accordingly.

Please note: Lodging for the night before (Day 0) of your trip and the last night of your trip is covered in your expedition cost.

Travel Arrangements: Please forward your travel itinerary as soon as possible so that we are able to make the appropriate pick-up/drop-off arrangements.

Keep in mind, same-day travel arrangements may not be possible for certain regions of the US and abroad. Be sure that your travel plan put you in Fairbanks at least a few hours before the pre-trip meeting on arrival day.

Airline Travel: To fly into Fairbanks, most will fly on Alaska Airlines. There are other airline options, but Alaska Airlines offers the most departures.

Alaska Airlines: The easiest way to get to Fairbanks is from Seattle, Washington. Alaska Airlines has daily scheduled flights from Seattle to Fairbanks; flight time is about 3.5 hours. Anchorage to Fairbanks is about 1 hour.

Arrival Times: Plan your arrival into Fairbanks before 6:00 PM to ensure you make the pre-trip meeting. If time permits, we recommend arriving one day early to provide leeway for any flight or baggage connection trouble. Unlike in the continental states, these planes are subject to higher frequency of weather delays and sometimes have space limitations if delays occur. Always reconfirm your flights within 72 hours of departure time.

Baggage: Typically, you are allowed two 50 lb bags at no extra charge. For bags weighing 50-70 lb, there is usually an additional charge per bag. It is often cheaper to have two bags over 50 lb than a third bag.

If you travel through other countries for a stopover, you may be charged excess baggage fees for anything over 44 lb (20 kilos) on each flight. If possible, pack your gear inside a large duffel bag to keep them from being damaged.

Airline Tickets: Make certain that your ticket matches the full name on your driver’s license or passport.

Driving to Fairbanks is an exciting and scenic undertaking. You can drive to Fairbanks from Anchorage, Canada, and the Lower 48 states. Fairbanks can be accessed via the Richardson Highway, Parks Highway, ALCAN Highway, and the Cassiar Highway.

From Seattle: Driving to Fairbanks from Seattle is an exciting adventure. It takes you through the remote and rugged mountains of British Columbia via the Cassiar Highway and into the Interior of Alaska via the Alaska Highway. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive. There is some lodging available along the drive, but they might be few and far between. Make sure your vehicles maintenance is up to date and that your tires are sound. From Seattle, it is about 2,150 miles to Fairbanks. We recommend 4-6 days to make the drive.
Driving Directions from Seattle

From Anchorage: To drive from Anchorage, it is about 360 miles to Fairbanks. Plan for 1-2 days of driving. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive.
Driving Directions from Anchorage

Winter/Spring Driving Conditions: Snow and ice conditions on the Alaska Highway, the Cassiar Highway, and the ALCAN Highway can persist from October through early May. The roads can be impassible for days at a time, and temperatures can be below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Driving during this time period requires winter driving considerations. Some combination of snow chains, studded tires, and four wheel drive is necessary. Make sure you bring a camping stove, winter sleeping bag, food, water, and warm clothing if you plan to travel during this time. A satellite communications device is also recommended in the winter. In general, it is not recommended to drive before April. Feel free to contact us for more info if you want to drive in the spring or winter.

Our river itineraries include lodging in Fairbanks the night before and after your trip; please check the trip details to confirm lodging details. If you are planning additional time in Fairbanks, here is some useful information on available lodging:

Fairbanks Lodging:

• Bridgewater Hotel
• Sophie Station Suites
• Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn