A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Glacier National Park vs. Fairbanks for Backpackers, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Fairbanks? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Glacier National Park and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glacier National Park is better known for its resorts, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, museums, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Also, Glacier National Park is famous for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Glacier National Park different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Glacier National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Glacier National Park is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Glacier National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Glacier National Park and Fairbanks offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

Glacier National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fairbanks. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Neither Glacier National Park or Fairbanks offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Glacier National Park for the nightlife. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Fairbanks doesn't offer many options. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Glacier National Park and Fairbanks both have high quality trails.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Glacier National Park or Fairbanks.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly park. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Glacier National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Glacier National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glacier National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Glacier National Park or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Glacier National Park or Fairbanks are walkable places.

Glacier National Park is not a walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

Fairbanks is not a very walkable park. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Glacier National Park or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Families should spend more time in Fairbanks than Glacier National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fairbanks, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Glacier National Park than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glacier National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glacier National Park than Fairbanks if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Glacier National Park.

One day in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find around the park of Glacier National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find around the stunning destination of Glacier National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking park of Glacier National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Fairbanks?

Glacier National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote destination of Fairbanks. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glacier National Park and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Glacier National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Glacier National Park Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.