Hunting for Fairbanks Alaska northern lights tours? In this travelers directory, we share our favorite short aurora-spotting tours departing from Fairbanks AK, for the 2025-2026 season.
Fairbanks Alaska is one of the most popular destinations in the world for viewing the northern lights. Each year visitors from all over the globe make their way to the city to witness the natural phenomenon firsthand. As a result, there are countless northern lights tours operating in hand around the Fairbanks area, that offer an extensive array of different experiences.
In this guide, we compile the most popular Fairbanks Alaska northern lights tours you can book into, from budget to premium, from bus tours to small flights. Whatever your tour style, there’s likely to be something here to pique your interest, so let’s have a look.
Note: We’ve compiled a list of recommended photography and cold-weather gear plus some other aurora hunting essentials at the bottom of this page to help you prepare for your trip.
Tips for Choosing Great Fairbanks Alaska Northern Lights Tours
Why Fairbanks Alaska Northern Lights Tours are Worth It
Due to the tilt of the earth, more of North America is located well within the auroral oval, which results in an increased chance of capturing a glimpse of the ghostly lights as they dance through the night skies.
This might leave you wondering why a northern lights Fairbanks tour is necessary at all. Why not just go for a walk or a short drive to look at the aurora yourself?
With the help of an experienced guide, who will take you out into the Alaskan wilderness, you will be able to increase the chances of witnessing the spectacular display even more than going it alone. These tours are often run by local northern lights experts who are intimately familiar with the lay of the land and have access to the finest viewing locations, plus very good understanding of aurora forecasts.
Many of these Fairbanks Alaska northern lights tours also include extras like cozy campfires, drinks, snacks and activities like ice fishing, not to mention transport so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
What to Look for in a Great Northern Lights Fairbanks Tour
When it comes to selecting the best northern lights Tours in Fairbanks, there are several factors that you can take into consideration.
Duration
You have a wide selection of options available that range from a few hours to several days. Make sure to select a duration that matches your particular budget and lifestyle.
Price Range
At the same time, the various tour services offer a wide array of different competitive prices. Keep in mind that the cheaper the price is, the shorter it may be. At the same time, more expensive tours generally come with a large selection of add-on amenities and activities.
Departure Point
You’ll want to make sure that you confirm the departure point of your particular tour to make sure that it is convenient for you. While some tour providers may pick you up at your hotel, others will require that you meet them at a specific destination in town.
Type of Tour
Several different types of tours are available throughout Fairbanks including bus tours, cruises, as well as small-group excursions. Keep in mind that cruises are not available during the peak of the winter season due to sea ice.
Included Activities
While some tour packages include only a bus ride, others may also include a wide array of other activities including backpacking, meals, and so much more.
Fairbanks Alaska Northern Lights Tours in 2024-2025
Budget and Mid-Range Aurora Tours (<$1,000)
Northern Alaska Tour Company
Website: www.northernalaska.com
Season: August to April
Price: $339
Duration: 19 hours
Tour Type: Small-group bus tour
Experience the northern lights up close and personal with the help of the Northern Alaska Tour Company which will provide you with excellent tour guides that will help you find the best viewing locations in and around Fairbanks.
Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service Aurora Ice Fishing
Website: https://rodsalaskanguideservice.com/ice-fishing/
Season: November to March
Price: $209
Duration: 5 hours
Tour Type: Small fishing group
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the northern lights, then look no further than Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service Aurora Ice Fishing. Head out onto an icy lake as you dip your lure into the water to catch a fish. As you tell tall tales about the one that got away, you can stare up at the stars as you wait for the elusive lights to make their nightly appearance.
Alaska Wildlife Guide: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tours
Season: Sep to Apr
Price: $250+
Duration: 10 hours
Tour Type: Small group spa
Sit back and relax in a warm hot spring as you stare up at the night skies, hunting for the northern lights. The Chena hot Springs are a popular destination for those looking to stay warm in the cold Atlantic winters. Soak up some mineral water and experience the Alaskan wilderness up close and personal.
Arctic Circle Aurora Fly & Drive Adventures
Website: https://www.northernalaska.com/tours/arctic-circle-aurora-fly-drive-adventure-northbound/
Season: Sep to April
Price: $700+
Duration: 14 hrs
Tour Type: Small group flight
Why simply drive, when you can go on a small group flight deep into the Alaskan wilderness? Thanks to the Arctic Circle Aurora Fly & Drive Adventures, you can take a flight deep into the Alaskan countryside, far away from any light pollution that may interfere with your ability to experience the northern lights the way they were meant to be seen.
Fairbanks Aurora Tours
Website: www.fairbanksauroratours.com
Season: August to April
Price: $235 – $285
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour Type: Small-group van tour
When it comes to shorter Fairbanks Alaska northern lights tours, look no further than the aptly named Fairbanks Aurora Tours. Join a small group as you head out into the Alaskan wilderness in a van on a 3 to 4-hour trek hunting for the elusive lights.
Premium Northern Lights Fairbanks Tour Options ($1,000+)
Borealis Basecamp
Website: https://www.borealisbasecamp.net/
Season: August to April
Price: $1,746
Duration: 2 nights
Tour Type: Overnight stay
The Borealis Basecamp is one of the most popular destinations around Fairbanks for viewing the northern lights. Not only do they offer a wide array of elegant igloos for viewing the elusive lights, but they also provide a variety of other winter activities like dogsledding, snowshoeing as well as fat tire biking.
Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge Aurora and Dogsled Expeditions
Website: https://www.gofarnorth.com/
Season: February to April
Price: >$10,000 ++
Duration: 3-5 nights
Tour Type: Overnight with flight
For a truly mesmerizing opportunity to view the elusive lights, look no further than the Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge Aurora and Dogsled Expeditions which will fly you into the lodge that is located about 200 miles to the north of Fairbanks. There, well within the Arctic Circle, you will be pampered in luxury as you wait for the elusive lights to make their appearance in the northern skies.
Essential Gear for Aurora Hunting
While understanding forecasts is crucial, having the right equipment can make or break your aurora viewing experience. Here are some essentials to consider:
You don’t need professional gear to photograph the northern lights, but these items will dramatically improve your shots:
- Camera with Manual Mode – Any camera that lets you control shutter speed and ISO will work. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras perform best in low light.
→ Canon EOS R100 (beginner-friendly mirrorless)
→ Sony A6400 (mid-range mirrorless) - Wide-Angle Lens (14-24mm) – Essential for capturing the full scope of aurora displays dancing across the sky.
→ Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom
→ Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 (budget option) - Sturdy Tripod – Non-negotiable for long exposures (10-30 seconds). It needs to handle wind without shaking.
→ Manfrotto Compact Action tripod
→ Manfrotto Befree Advanced (premium travel option) - Spare Batteries – Cold weather drains batteries fast. Bring at least 2-3 extras and keep them warm in your pocket.
→ Camera batteries (search for your model) - Remote Shutter Release – Prevents camera shake during long exposures. Even a $15 wired remote works perfectly.
→ Wireless remote shutter
→ Wired remote (budget option) - Red LED Headlamp – Lets you see your camera settings without ruining your night vision or photobombing others’ shots.
→ Red LED headlamp
→ LED headlamp
You’ll be standing still in freezing temperatures, often for hours. Staying warm isn’t optional—it’s what separates a magical experience from a miserable one:
- Insulated Winter Boots – Rated to at least -20°F/-30°C. Your feet will thank you after the first hour.
→ Columbia insulated boots
→ Sorel Caribou winter boots - Thermal Base Layers – Merino wool or synthetic. These are your foundation—don’t skip them.
→ Thermal underwear sets
→ Fleece-lined thermal set - Insulated Winter Parka – Down or synthetic fill. Make sure it covers your hips and has a good hood.
→ Columbia Men’s/Women’s winter parkas
→ Browse insulated winter jackets - Hand & Toe Warmers – Disposable heat packs are cheap insurance. Toss them in your boots and gloves.
→ HotHands hand warmers (bulk pack)
→ HotHands toe warmers - Insulated Gloves – Get ones with touchscreen-compatible fingertips so you can operate your camera without exposing your hands.
→ Winter touchscreen gloves
→ Waterproof ski gloves - Insulated Thermos – Hot coffee, tea, or cocoa makes the wait infinitely better. Get one that holds heat for 12+ hours.
→ Stanley Classic vacuum thermos
→ Hydro Flask insulated bottle
Beyond warmth and cameras, these items make aurora hunting more comfortable and successful:
- High-Capacity Power Bank – Your phone drains fast in the cold, and you’ll need it for aurora forecasts and navigation.
→ Anker 20,000mAh power bank
→ 10,000mAh portable charger - Portable Camping Chair – Waiting for the lights can mean hours. A compact chair beats standing or sitting on frozen ground.
→ Helinox Chair One (lightweight)
→ Compact camping chair - Emergency Blanket or Sleeping Bag – For extreme comfort (and safety), especially if you’re driving to remote spots.
→ Emergency Mylar blankets (pack of 4)
→ Cold weather sleeping bag - Waterproof Backpack – To carry all this gear and protect it from snow and moisture.
→ 40L waterproof daypack
→ Waterproof backpack - Northern Lights Photography Guides – Quick reference books with camera settings and tips for different aurora intensities.
→ Browse photography guides
Conclusion
Well, that wraps up our list of Fairbanks Alaska northern lights tour you can check out this season. These are the most popular short tours we’ve compiled, however if you’re seeking a longer Fairbanks northern lights tours you can find those in our Alaska vacation packages guide.
For more aurora-hunting info, be sure to check out our full location guide on how to see the aurora borealis in Fairbanks Alaska. Or for a more immersive experience, check out these amazing Alaska northern lights resorts (including Fairbanks) where you can stay and hunt auroras as you please.
Happy aurora chasing!
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