Aurora Viewing Experience

Pick the Perfect Aurora Viewing Experience

The ‘lights’ can be seen, when they are active, and the sky is dark and clear.
In Fairbanks that season spans from September through end of March, with February and March being peak season, as not only the Aurora can be seen over many hours, but also the temperatures start getting a little warmer and outdoor activities like snow machining, dog sledding, skiing and ice fishing are more fun.

We can help you “Pick the Perfect Aurora Viewing Vacation Package”!

September

September allows for fall adventures, which can be hiking, biking, fishing in open water, driving your own car or RV to get to places.
Another nice tour in fall might be a combination of a drive up the Dalton Highway to Coldfoot, north of the Arctic Circle, and fly back to Fairbanks, enjoying the vast wilderness from a bird’s eyes view.

October, November, December

October through December snow starts accumulating and depending on weather first options with dog sleds, most definitely with dogs pulling ATVs will be possible.
Dinner Aurora tours or tours going someplace outside of town like the long drive to the Arctic Circle, or the shorter drive out to Chena Hot Springs for a soak in hot water and waiting for Aurora, are favorites at that time of year.

January, early February

January and early February generally are the coldest month. You may plan adventures to stay inside in the warmth until the Aurora is viewable outside. Aurora Dinner, or Dinner and short Dog Sled Ride as entertainments, are great tours at that time of year. How about Ice Fishing from the warm fishing hut on the ice?  Of course the tour going to Chena Hot Springs for a soak in the hot, natural springs is another favorite during the cold winter months.

Later February, March

As winter progresses through second half of February and the month of March, the sun climbs higher every day and the first warmth can be felt during the day.
The days are getting longer, and day activities such as ice fishing, snow machining or dog Mushing are great fun during these two months.
How about spending a night north of the Arctic Circle? With a tour driving up on the Dalton Highway and a day or two later flying back to Fairbanks you can easily add such a highlight to your package.

Accommodations

The choice of accommodations will depend on how you plan on spending the nights.
If you are looking for a relaxed lodge experience, where you can hang out during the day, go snow shoeing or just sit in the sun, and in the evening watch the sky from your lodge, we will be suggesting an accommodation outside of town, where light pollution is minimal and viewing is great. This will however require that you are renting a 4WD SUV, so you can get to these lodges. Please have a look at our requirements for winter rentals in the FAQ section. Of course you can always also rely on taxi service for your transfers necessary.

If you plan on joining nightly excursions to Aurora Viewing places, such as the 14hr drive to the Arctic Circle, a sleddog kennel to meet a team and mush while waiting for the aurora, or to go ice fishing with other people, we will suggest a hotel in town, as you will be picked up by your driver/guide right at your downtown hotel. That way you are going to be within walking distance to the Visitor Center, or you can take the public bus to get to the Museum at the University.

Day Tours or Multi Night Packages Overview

Follow this link to our travel finder page where you will see different Aurora Viewing excursions listed. Let us know which ones you would like to see incorporated in your Aurora Viewing Packages and we are happy to curate the itinerary for you.

Follow this link to an overview of multi night packages in Alaska (Fairbanks area) or the Yukon (Whitehorse area). They can be used as stand alone Aurora Vacations, or combined with additional day and night excursions.

How to Dress for Winter in Alaska?

Aurora Viewing Experiences

Request

Use this form to request a non-binding quote for a Northern Lights Viewing Package.

Please use the box below to let us know whether you want to come to Fairbanks Alaska, or Whitehorse Yukon.
Please list what you are hoping to see and do while visiting the North.

One of our destination specialists will contact you shortly with itinerary information and pricing.