Fairbanks Official Visitors Guide 2008

the Arctic “Alaska’s Interior is its heartland and the Arctic its crown jewel, where the land waits patiently to embrace you as softly as a cottongrass tuft caressing the cheek, or as boldly as ice calving off the Black Rapids Glacier. Interior Alaska’s siren song of discovery has a different voice for every visitor, from the deafening silence of the Gates of the Arctic to the ever-changing beauty of the seasons that is the heartbeat of the YukonCharley. I answered its call 33 years ago and never left. The reason is obvious. Brooks Range grandeur tingles every pore. Fairbanks summers inspire fun and play. Thousands of caribou migrating across the Arctic tundra instill awe and renew childlike wonder. For here, reality transcends itself and becomes the magic of life that is loved by all ages. If you decide to leave, take comfort in knowing the summer sun doesn’t set and the northern lights burn bright all winter, so that no matter where in the world you travel, you can always return to the place you left your heart . . . in Alaska’s Heartland.” Christopher Batin, editor and publisher Christopher Batin Head out for adventure. Fairbanks is your gateway to Alaska’s vast Interior and expansive Arctic. The White Mountains National Recreation Area is just north of town, with a wild river and extensive trail system. Head north to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Access the North Slope or the Arctic Circle. Visit Barrow, Nome, Fort Yukon, Anaktuvuk Pass, Galena, Coldfoot, North Pole, Beaver, Ruby, Bettles and the Yukon River. Head south to Denali by a 4-hour leisurely train ride or short 2-hour drive. Auto rentals, air and ground transportation, guided eco-tours, fishing and boat charters and wildlife tours can be arranged through professional outfitters. Make Fairbanks your base camp as you explore North Pole, visit rural villages, see caribou migrations and polar bear, hike in rugged mountains, float mighty rivers and fly-fish remote streams. Large image: © Tom Walker/AccentAlaska.com Small images left to right: Sheila Romero/FCVB, Mok Kumagai/FCVB, Denali Raft Adventures. • The Tanana Valley is part of the the Fairbanks area in the fall. migration path of about two-thirds • The “Slope” – also known as the of North America’s sandhill cranes. North Slope – is the gently slopOver 200,000 birds pass through ing tundra around Prudhoe Bay. • Muskeg is characterized by the openings found between the forest stands of bog plants such as sphagnum moss. 17 17

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Fairbanks Official Visitors Guide 2008

Contents Fairbanks Native Culture Gold Last Frontier Winter Lifestyles Tours Gateway to the Interior & the Arctic Art Around Town Itineraries Family Fun Calendar of Events Fairbanks Denali Neighbors Interior Neighbors "Into the Wild" Alaskan Neighbors Arctic Neighbors Travel Tips Mapping It Out Business Index Who To Call

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