Aurora Borealis Viewing Tours in Fairbanks, AK - Fairbanks

Aurora Borealis Viewing Tours in Fairbanks, AK

Fairbankseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–6 hours per viewing session

Fitness Level

No strenuous physical activity required; ideal for most fitness levels

Overview

Experience the Northern Lights from a mountaintop vantage near Fairbanks with Aurora Borealis Lodge. Whether guided or self-driven, their tours deliver unforgettable, picture-perfect aurora viewing.

Details

Fairbanks, Alaska, offers one of the planet’s most reliable vantage points for witnessing the Northern Lights, thanks to its position under the auroral oval. Aurora Borealis Lodge capitalizes on this advantage with two standout offerings: the Premier Aurora Tour and a Self Drive Aurora Tour. These excursions cater to travelers eager to immerse themselves in one of nature's most spectacular light shows while providing comfort, guidance, and excellent viewing conditions. The lodge itself perches atop a mountain, granting unobstructed, panoramic views of the northern sky that eliminate most light pollution. This location alone sets the experience apart.

What makes Aurora Borealis Lodge a premier choice in Fairbanks is not only the setting but the community atmosphere created by the hosts. Mok, the lead guide, offers real-time aurora alerts and photographic advice, ensuring guests capture the moment whether shooting with DSLRs or smartphones. The lodge's common room and expansive deck create a warm refuge where visitors can sip hot drinks between viewing sessions, turning cold Alaska nights into memorable adventures.

Unlike many Northern Lights services, Aurora Borealis Lodge places an emphasis on comfort and personalized attention. Lodging options include beautifully comfortable cabins outfitted to accommodate groups, making it a viable choice for families or small parties. The Premier tour offers guided transportation and expert insight, while the self-drive option empowers independent adventurers to chase the auroras at their own pace.

Fairbanks itself is a gateway city surrounded by boreal forest and river valleys. The aurora here is a natural phenomenon shaped by solar winds interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, a spectacle best seen between late August and April. Traveling 40 minutes from downtown reduces city light interference, amplifying the aurora’s intensity.

Aurora Borealis Lodge stands out among Fairbanks’ many viewing options for its thoughtful combination of comfort, expertise, and location. Whether you seek to unwind in a cozy cabin or chase the elusive lights behind the wheel, this operation elevates the Northern Lights experience beyond curiosity into genuine connection with Alaska’s wild skies.

Adventure Tips

Book Early

Reservations for the lodge and tours fill months in advance—plan ahead to secure your spot during prime aurora season.

Dress in Layers

Alaska’s nights can plunge below freezing quickly; layers including insulated and windproof outerwear are essential for comfortable viewing.

Camera Settings Matter

Bring a tripod and learn long-exposure photography settings; staff at the lodge provide hands-on help capturing the aurora.

Stay Hydrated and Fed

Have hearty snacks and warm drinks available to maintain energy during long night watches at the lodge deck or in your vehicle.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Nearby Chena River for winter ice trails
  • Less-visited clearing East of the lodge for quiet aurora viewing

Wildlife

  • Moose frequent the surrounding forests
  • Arctic foxes occasionally wander near the lodge vicinity

History

Fairbanks was founded in 1901 during the Alaskan gold rush and became a key hub for interior Alaska exploration.

Conservation

The lodge follows Leave No Trace principles to minimize visitor impact on fragile northern ecosystems while fostering aurora stewardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Between 10 pm and 2 am
Clear, moonless nights

Best Viewpoints

  • Main lodge deck facing north
  • Front windows of viewing lodge
  • Clearing east of the lodge for less light interference

What to Photograph

Aurora lights with silhouette trees
Wide night sky panoramas
Cabin interiors with aurora reflections

Recommended Gear

Insulated Parka

Essential

Keeps you warm during long nighttime aurora hunts in subfreezing temperatures.

fall specific

Tripod

Essential

Stabilizes your camera for long-exposure shots of the Northern Lights.

fall specific

Thermal Base Layers

Essential

Maintain body heat in harsh cold to ensure comfort while outside at night.

winter specific

Hot Beverage Thermos

A thermos for coffee or tea helps keep you energized and warm during extended viewing.

winter specific

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