easy
6–8 hours
Basic stamina needed to stay outdoors in cold weather for several hours; minimal hiking involved
Experience the awe of the Northern Lights above Fairbanks, Alaska on a full-night guided tour designed for photographers and night-sky lovers. Discover tips, expert guidance, and prime viewing locations away from city lights.
All Ages • Aurora Viewing • Sled Dog Visit • Photography • Arctic Oven • Snowshoe • S'mores
4–6 Hours
This is our Aurora Tour held at Sluice Box Sled Dogs in Ester, Alaska just west of Fairbanks. This tour is all about authentic Alaska in a spectacular setting, with a perfect northward view for those lights to show up! You will get to visit some working sled dogs, see a homestead, and learn about the Aurora all while hanging out in our Arctic Oven Tent. This type of tent is how people in arctic climates have survived for centuries, ours is a bit more modern. It's heated with a wood stove and is well insulated with lots of room to relax. Your Aurora host will give a space weather talk about the Aurora while waiting for those magical lights to appear in the sky. While waiting she can help with photography setup of your own cameras or cell phones. There are also rental cameras offered, and full professional photo packages are available at reasonable rates. Photos are always taken if the Aurora shows up and around 5 portraits are included in your tour price. While waiting, we may entertain you by snowshoeing or roasting marshmallows or dazzle you with some live music. There are plenty of walkable groomed trails throughout the property and forest, night walks or snowshoeing are some of our favorite things to do.
The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot fully be predicted. We do NOT guarantee aurora sightings! We do our best to track the live data constantly being reported by NOAA and NASA. The aurora is visible in Fairbanks 9 out of 10 nights from August through April when it's dark outside, at night. Some shows are faint, others are great! Thick clouds are the only thing that fully prevents viewing. This tour can be switched to a mini chase tour as weather dictates.
Leaving a tip is not required. Gratuity is NOT included in the cost of the tour. However, if you enjoyed yourselves while adventuring with us, please consider tipping your Guide/s. Any amount is appreciated and lets our Crew know how much you valued your experience. The Dogs also appreciate this gesture!
Prepare for subzero temperatures by wearing insulated, moisture-wicking layers to stay warm throughout the night.
A sturdy tripod is crucial for stable long-exposure shots of the aurora borealis.
Monitor sky conditions and geomagnetic activity for the best viewing opportunities before heading out.
Cold temperatures drain camera and phone batteries quickly, so bring extras and keep them warm.
Fairbanks has been a hub for aurora research since the establishment of the Geophysical Institute in 1946, making it a cornerstone for both science and tourism in the region.
Tour operators emphasize Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact and protect Fairbanks’ fragile winter ecosystem.
Keeps you warm during long exposure times in sub-freezing temperatures.
winter specific
Necessary for capturing clear, long exposure photographs of the aurora.
winter specific
Protects hands from cold and allows manipulation of camera controls.
winter specific
Provides light without disturbing night vision, useful for setting up gear in the dark.
winter specific