Fairbanks Chase the Northern Lights Tour

The aurora team will contact you between 3-5 p.m. on the afternoon of your tour with an aurora forecast and tour details.

The northern lights can be precisely predicted only about 60-90 minutes in advance. This is due to the time it takes for the NOAA DSCOVR, ACE and SOHO satellites to communicate their observed data to us here on Earth. Any prediction beyond that short timeframe is only a forecast.

Yes, your tour includes hotel pick up and drop off from centrally-located Fairbanks.

Most nights we spend approximately three hours at a location. However, some nights our strategy determines we must drive longer distances to find clear skies. Therefore, we sometimes end up spending less time at a single location.

The northern lights are an amazing natural phenomenon that are a result of conditions aligning perfectly to make them visible. Our aurora team’s mission is to do everything possible to take you to the most strategic location around the greater Anchorage and Fairbanks landscapes to see and photograph the aurora. However, ultimately, our success is up to Mother Nature. If we cannot produce photographic evidence of the aurora on your tour, you’ll get a complimentary “redo” tour at any time in the future, subject to availability.

Temperatures and conditions can and do vary depending on the season and location. During late August and September aurora chases, you may experience overnight temperatures in the 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit range, while winter temperatures in Fairbanks may reach -40 degrees F on a tour.

Suggestions: • Base Layers: wear Merino wool or synthetic (Polypropylene) base layers (long underwear), top and bottom; these will stay warm even when wet. • Mid-Layers: Over your base layers, wear a warm sweater and a medium-weight jacket. • Outer Layers: Over your mid-layers, we suggest a pair of insulated snow pants and a very warm winter jacket. • Footwear: Thick wool socks with a pair of tall, warm winter boots (rated -40 F or below). • Hand Wear: We recommend a pair of thin gloves or glove liners and a pair of mittens to fit over your thin gloves. • Head Gear: We recommend a warm hat and/ or a balaclava. • Face Gear: We recommend a warm balaclava and/or facemask.

While we do keep the heated vans running and offer cold weather gear packages for $25, for maximum enjoyment from your aurora tour, please be prepared to be comfortable outside in below-freezing temperatures for up to three hours. The best aurora viewing is outside! Check out our blog post on what to wear in Alaska.

Northern lights displays may last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, or multiple hours. Every night is different and unique!

The northern lights can be precisely predicted only about 60-90 minutes in advance. This is due to the time it takes for the NOAA DSCOVR, ACE and SOHO satellites to communicate their observed data to us here on Earth. Any prediction beyond that short timeframe is only a forecast.

The aurora borealis is visible in many different shapes and colors. Some nights you may only see a dim green glow that may look white to the naked eye. Other nights bring arcs, bands, rays, and sheets of color to the sky. Sometimes the aurora will be strong and bright enough for you to see with your eyes, other nights, it may only be possible to view through a camera lens.

Although sometimes challenging, it is possible to take aurora photos with newer smartphone models. This is best done with a multiple-second exposure and a tripod for your phone. However, professional photos and portraits with the aurora are included on our tour. So you are welcome to “live in the moment” and leave the photography up to us to capture.

Check out other frequently asked questions here!