Ready to book the best Northern Lights tours from Fairbanks, Alaska?
You’re in the right place because the top 7 Northern Lights tours from Fairbanks are all featured here.
How do I know?
I’ve been to Fairbanks countless times in my travels around the US as it’s one of the best places to visit in Alaska and have actually managed to see the Northern Lights a few times!
Going chasing the Northern Lights with a tour in Alaska is seriously one of the coolest experiences ever, and I’m happy you’re considering it because you will-not-forget-it!
If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, don’t worry: the best Northern Lights tour from Fairbanks is this Arctic Circle and Northern Lights tour from Fairbanks.
It has a high rating with 500+ reviews, so you can’t go wrong.
⏳Don’t have time to read the whole list?
The best northern lights tour from Fairbanks is this one.
But if you want to see what your other options are for Northern Lights tours from Fairbanks, these are the best ones that are definitely worth your time and what I love about each.
I’ve also included 2 from Anchorage, just in case those take your fancy.
PS – booking in advance is always highly recommended so you don’t miss out.
Easy Guide: Best Tours from Fairbanks to the Northern Lights
| #1 PICK 🏆 | Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks | 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 500+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
| #2 PICK | Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome | 4.5 out of 5 stars, 120+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
| #3 PICK | Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks | 4.5 out of 5 stars, 600+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
1. Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks: Fairbanks Aurora tours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 500+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12-14 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will take you far beyond the ordinary, deep into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.
Join this small-group tour and journey along the legendary Dalton Highway, a road known for its isolation and captivating beauty, as featured on the hit TV show Ice Road Truckers.
Your afternoon and nighttime expedition begins with a convenient hotel pickup from within the city limits of Fairbanks or North Pole.
As you traverse the historic Dalton Highway, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s history, ecology, and wildlife.
Keep your camera ready to capture the incredible scenery, and be on the lookout for elusive Alaskan inhabitants like foxes, moose, and, if luck is on your side, perhaps even bears, wolves, or lynx.
As the sun sets, your journey continues towards the Arctic Circle, a symbolic milestone that few have the opportunity to reach.
With a bit of luck and favorable conditions, you might be treated to a mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights dancing across the Alaskan night sky, a sight that will leave you breathless.
This small-group tour, limited to just eight participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with the natural wonders that surround you.
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- snacks and water included
- unlimited hot drinks
- personalized Arctic Circle certificate
2. Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome: Fairbanks Aurorra Borealis tours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 120+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights on this exclusive tour to Murphy Dome, one of the best viewing spots around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Murphy Dome, located 20 miles northwest of Fairbanks, reaches an elevation of 2,930 feet, providing a stunning 360-degree view of the night sky.
As darkness falls, you’ll be enchanted by the breathtaking colors as the Northern Lights paint the sky with their mesmerizing display.
To keep you warm and energized during the tour, your tour provides complimentary hot beverages and snacks, ensuring you stay comfortable as you soak in the celestial spectacle above.
And for photography enthusiasts, this is an incredible opportunity to capture everlasting memories of the Northern Lights.
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- Beverages included
- Snacks included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
3. Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 630+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Consider this small group guided tour from Fairbanks to the mesmerizing Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Your evening begins with a scenic drive from your Fairbanks or North Pole hotel, immersing you in the wild beauty of the Alaskan landscape.
Arriving at Chena Hot Springs Resort, you’ll step into a world of wonder at the Aurora Ice Museum.
Crafted from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, this extraordinary museum showcases intricate sculptures by renowned ice carvers, Steve and Heather Brice.
As the sky darkens, relax in the legendary hot mineral springs.
Unwind under the stars in an outdoor hot tub or seek comfort in the heated indoor pool.
Satisfy your appetite with delectable offerings from the Aurora Café or the historic Resort Restaurant, where meals, snacks, and beverages await.
The pinnacle of your adventure is a small-group expedition to witness the ethereal dance of the northern lights.
Chena Hot Springs is renowned as one of the prime locations for viewing this celestial spectacle, and your guide will lead you to optimal vantage points.
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- you’ll be contacted the day before the tour with the pick-up time
- bring bathing suits and bath towels for the hot springs
- maximum of 14 travelers
4. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks: Alaska Northern Lights tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 220+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Join this captivating nighttime excursion, as you set out from Fairbanks to witness the breathtaking aurora borealis, a phenomenon that has captivated hearts for generations.
Your adventure begins after dark, when we delve deep into the pristine wilderness, far from the glare of city lights.
Our mission? To find the perfect spot, untouched by light pollution, where the northern lights shimmer and dance in a spectacular display of colors.
Capture the essence of the moment without the hassle.
Your seasoned guides will not only lead you to the best viewing locations, but they’ll also skillfully capture photographs of you and your fellow explorers against the backdrop of this celestial marvel.
Cherish these photographs as timeless mementos of your encounter with the northern lights.
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- Maximum of 14 travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Northern Lights season is from August 21 to April 25
5. Anchorage Aurora Quest – Northern Lights Photo Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 75+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Photography lovers, listen up!
This Northern Lights Photography Tour, which actually departs from Anchorage, is a great idea to get some cool snaps of the Northern Lights.
Learn the intricacies of capturing the ethereal dance of lights with your camera, under the expert guidance of seasoned photographers.
Enveloped in the raw beauty of Alaska, your tour takes you through a meticulously crafted itinerary, weaving through iconic destination like Chugach State Park, Eagle River, and Palmer, the best place for capturing the lights.
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- maximum of 10 travelers
- tea, coffee, and snacks included
- includes professional photographer guide
6. Small Group Northern Lights Tours In Interior Alaska From Fairbanks
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 50+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Want to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of a lodge?
This exclusive small group tour promises an experience like no other, guided by experts who will lead you to a secluded location, far from the bustling crowds and city lights, ensuring an unobstructed view of this breathtaking phenomenon.
Delight in the comforts of a cozy lodge, your private haven amidst the wilderness.
Snacks, coffee, tea, and water are thoughtfully provided, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magical ambiance while waiting for the spectacle to unfold.
No need to worry about the cold; you can choose to admire the lights from the warmth of the lodge’s inside viewing area.
Nestle by the crackling fire, relish in the soothing sips of hot cocoa, tea, cider, or coffee, and bask in the Northern Lights show as it graces the skies above.
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- Maximum of 10 travelers
- Dogs are on-site
- Not wheelchair accessible
7. Northern Lights Tours and Lifetime Adventure from Anchorage
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Embark on an extraordinary photography-focused small-group tour to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, in the enchanting landscapes of Alaska.
Unlike rushed tours, these excursions last between 8 to 10 hours, allowing ample time for you to absorb the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights and refine your photography skills.
The best part?
You will receive personalized photographic instructions at no extra cost, ensuring you return home with breathtaking images that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Note: this tour departs from Anchorage, Alaska
Need-to-knows about this tour:
- Hot chocolate and snacks included
- Pick-up and drop-off included
- Hand warmers included
FAQs
What are the Northern Lights and why are they visible in Fairbanks, Alaska?
The Northern Lights, scientifically known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere.
Fairbanks, Alaska, is situated at a high latitude near the Earth’s magnetic pole, making it an optimal location for observing the Northern Lights.
The clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution in Fairbanks enhance the visibility of this breathtaking phenomenon.
What makes Fairbanks an ideal starting point for Northern Lights tours?
Fairbanks’ unique geographic location and northern position on the globe place it within the “Auroral Oval,” an area with a higher likelihood of experiencing intense Aurora activity.
The city’s remote location minimizes light pollution, providing a pristine environment for viewing the Northern Lights.
How do Northern Lights tours from Fairbanks operate?
Northern Lights tours from Fairbanks typically involve transportation to remote and optimal viewing locations, guided by experienced tour operators who are familiar with the best spots for Aurora sightings.
Tours often include warm shelters, hot drinks, and informative commentary about the Aurora phenomenon.
Some tours may also offer additional winter activities like dog sledding or snowshoeing.
What can I expect during a typical Northern Lights tour in Fairbanks?
On a Northern Lights tour in Fairbanks, you can expect to be led by knowledgeable guides who will provide insights into the science and folklore of the Aurora Borealis.
Tours often include opportunities for photography, with experts offering tips to capture the magical lights with your camera.
Depending on the tour package, you might also enjoy cozy amenities like heated shelters and refreshments.
What factors should I consider when choosing a Northern Lights tour?
When selecting a Northern Lights tour, consider the reputation of the tour operator and the expertise of their guides.
Check if they provide warm clothing, photography assistance, and amenities such as heated shelters.
It’s also wise to inquire about the tour’s success rate in terms of Aurora sightings.
What is the best time of year to embark on a Northern Lights tour in Fairbanks?
The best time to experience the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is during the “Aurora Season,” which typically runs from late August to mid-April.
The peak months for Northern Lights activity are typically December to February.
During these months, the long nights and clear skies offer optimal conditions for viewing this spectacular natural light show.
What is the Northern Lights success rate in Fairbanks and what happens if I don’t see them during the tour?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and while Fairbanks offers a high probability of sightings, there’s no absolute guarantee.
The success rate varies due to factors like solar activity and weather conditions.
Some tour operators offer a policy where, if the Northern Lights are not visible (usually if the chances are below a certain percentage), you may have the option to reschedule, receive a partial refund, or join another tour, depending on the tour operator’s terms and conditions.
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