Best Reindeer Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska

Ethical, Educational & Locally Owned Experiences Worth Supporting

📷 Running Reindeer Ranch

Fairbanks is one of the few places in Alaska where visitors can meet reindeer in a way that is educational, respectful, and rooted in local stewardship — not staged spectacle.

As wildlife tourism continues to grow in Alaska, how animals are cared for and who benefits from tourism matters more than ever. Ethical animal experiences prioritize:

• Animal welfare over entertainment

• Small group sizes - close and personal connections

• Education and cultural context

• Family-owned and locally operated businesses

• Low-impact, sustainable practices that keep animals close to their natural habitat

At Arctic Dog Adventure Co., we believe these standards apply to all working and domestic animals, not just sled dogs. Many of the same principles we encourage when choosing a dog sledding tour apply equally to reindeer encounters.

If you’d like a deeper dive into what ethical animal tourism should look like in Alaska, we recommend reading:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ethical & Qualified Dog Sled Operator

• Top 5 Ethical Dog Sled Operators in Alaska

Below are the best reindeer tours in Fairbanks, Alaska that align with those same values and come highly recommended by us!

Chena Outdoor Co.

Chena Outdoor Co offers one of the most thoughtful and intentionally designed reindeer tours in Fairbanks — perfect for travelers who value education, sustainability, and meaningful connection over novelty.

This locally owned company is Adventure Green Alaska certified, a designation that recognizes businesses committed to:

• Environmental responsibility

• Sustainable tourism practices

• Community involvement

• Long-term stewardship of Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife

Recommended Tour: Fireside Tea & Reindeer Tour

Season: January - March

What makes this reindeer tour special:

• A small-group, low-stress experience for the animals

• Educational context about reindeer care, behavior, and life in Interior Alaska

• A cozy fireside tea experience that emphasizes warmth, storytelling, and slowing down

• A calm, welcoming atmosphere suitable for families, older travelers, and those seeking a gentler adventure

Rather than rushing guests through an interaction, this experience encourages presence, learning, and respect — a hallmark of truly ethical animal tourism.

Running Reindeer Ranch

Running Reindeer Ranch offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside reindeer in a natural, open environment just outside Fairbanks. These guided reindeer walks focus on calm, curiosity-driven interaction rather than performance or posing.

Recommended Tour: Reindeer Walks in Fairbanks

Season: Year Round

Highlights of this Fairbanks reindeer tour:

• Guided walks that allow reindeer to move freely at their own pace

• A strong emphasis on animal comfort and consent

• Educational storytelling about reindeer behavior and daily care

• An approachable, family-friendly format that doesn’t overwhelm the animals - they are still a wild animal (and although domesticated), need a calm environment to be comfortable

This experience is ideal for visitors looking for a hands-on but respectful reindeer tour in Fairbanks, where animal welfare is clearly prioritized over Instagram photo ops.

Bonus: A Unique Ethical Animal Experience Near Fairbanks

(Not a reindeer tour — but worth mentioning)

Mammut Mountain Yak Farm

Recommended Tour: Off-Grid Yak Farm Tour

Season:  tours run from June - October

While not a reindeer experience, the Yak Tour at Mammut Mountain Farm is a fantastic addition for travelers interested in ethical, small-scale animal encounters in Alaska.

Yaks are incredibly well-suited to cold climates, and this family-run farm offers:

• Educational tours focused on yak care and husbandry

• A relaxed, low-impact environment

• A rare opportunity to meet animals most visitors never encounter in Alaska

If you’re building a trip around ethical animal experiences in Fairbanks, this is a great complementary option.

Why Ethical Reindeer Tours Matter in Alaska

Reindeer are intelligent, social animals that thrive on routine, space, and low-stress environments. Ethical reindeer tours in Fairbanks should:

• Avoid overcrowding and excessive handling

• Limit daily tour volumes

• Educate guests rather than entertain at the animals’ expense

• Be transparent about animal care practices

• Support local families and communities

Choosing tours like the ones listed above helps ensure that Alaska’s wildlife tourism industry remains sustainable, respectful, and rooted in care — not exploitation.

Planning Tips for Reindeer Tours in Fairbanks

• Book ahead: Ethical operators intentionally limit group sizes

• Dress warmly: Many reindeer tours are slow-paced and outdoors

• Respect boundaries: Follow guide instructions — animals set the tone

• Ask questions: Responsible operators are happy to explain their practices

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the best reindeer tours in Fairbanks, Alaska, these experiences stand out not because they are flashy — but because they are thoughtful, ethical, and locally owned.

By choosing tours that prioritize animal welfare and education, you’re helping protect the future of wildlife tourism in Alaska — and creating a more meaningful experience for yourself in the process.