alaska aurora borealis tour

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QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS / AURORA BOREALIS

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that illuminate the night sky in many possible color combinations. Many visitors come to Alaska with the desire to see the lights. They are called Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Lights or Aurora Australis in the Southern Hemisphere.

WHY CAN THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BE SEEN SO WELL IN ALASKA ?

The Aurora Borealis can be seen in countries close to the Arctic Circle. The further north, the better the chances of a sighting of these wonders of nature. They are most commonly seen in Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland and Lapland. The southern lights can be seen in Tasmania, Antarctica and Patagonia.

Alaska is definitely the perfect place to see them, as there are spectacular landscapes like the arctic tundra, mountain ranges, natural hot springs or picturesque fjords. Alaska's strength lies in its small population, which means that there is nature everywhere and very few artificial light sources. In addition, the city of Fairbanks is the ideal base to search for the best viewing location. It is essential to get away from the street lights to better see the colorful lights.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ALASKA ?

The best time to see Northern Lights in Alaska during the year is between September to April. They occur all year round, but winter is definitely the best time to see them due to less light pollution. In fact, it doesn't really get dark in Alaska during the summer. Sometimes the sun doesn't even set, which makes sighting the auroras impossible. Nevertheless, the midnight sundown is an equally beautiful phenomenon that can be seen from the end of May to the end of July, most strongly around June 21. In contrast, it is almost always dark in winter, as we only have a few hours of daylight, especially in December and January. The chances of seeing Northern Lights are very high during this time.

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Alaska: Northern Lights Adventure

As seen in....

Aurora Watching, Dog Sledding, Reindeer, Hot Springs and More!

Join us for the greatest light show on earth on our Northern Lights Adventure in Alaska!

Get a dose of local culture by day, and by night look for and photograph the Aurora Borealis. Our aurora guide provides the necessary wake up calls when the northern lights appear and helps you capture the perfect photo. Over the past seasons, every guest saw the aurora at least once during the tour. Learn what life's really like in the interior of Alaska over a meal with local homesteaders, a walk with reindeer, and dogsledding with mushers. Try the sport of curling and relax in outdoor hot springs.

What's Included On this Northern Lights Tour:

• Six Nights of Cozy Accommodations Outside Fairbanks & One Night in Fairbanks
• Wake-up Service when the Aurora is Active
• Three Expert guides, Two for Activities and One for Aurora
• Entry into Chena Hot Springs
• A Dog-Sledding experience
• Entry into the Ice Sculpture Museum & the Museum of the North
• Entry into Running Reindeer Ranch
• Curling Lesson from Local Players
• Home-cooked breakfasts every morning at the lodge
• Safe and Comfortable Van or Minibus Transportation in Alaska

If you're looking for departure dates, prices, and the full itinerary, please download the tour brochure using the form on this page.

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Download the brochure for tour dates, prices, and the full itinerary.

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Absolutely amazing! This wasn’t a tour, it was an unforgettable experience. Our guides were knowledgeable, patient, and entirely invested in making our week everything we hoped it would be—and more! The sights seen, education gained, and most of all the connections and friendships made combined to create the trip of a lifetime for me and my son. Thank you Gondwana!

KRISTEN ROMAN Gondwana Adventurer

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Alaska: northern lights photo gallery.

Northern Lights Tour | Alaska Northern Lights Vacation Trips

Experience Alaska’s Northern Lights on our small group tours in Fairbanks, Alaska. Our aurora guides provide travelers through northern light vacation trips you can cross off your bucket list.

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Anchorage Aurora Quest – Anchorage Northern Lights Tour

• UPCOMING TOUR STATUS
• HOW TO PREPARE
• WHAT'S INCLUDED
• WHAT TO BRING

This Anchorage northern lights tour is designed to maximize fun and opportunity with the Aurora Borealis. We are proud to have been highlighted by Iceland Air’s Stopover magazine as one of Anchorage’s “Hidden Hot Spots” in its Spring 2019 issue (page 64) and listed as one of “the best northern lights tours in Alaska” by U.S. News & World Report .

Our goal is to help you enjoy the magic and mystery of the aurora borealis with this tour. Whether you want to learn how to photograph it or simply enjoy viewing it, this tour is for you! This Anchorage northern lights tour only runs when the forecast indicates that there is a good chance of seeing the aurora borealis with the naked eye, applying the criteria we review (see below). We pick you up at your hotel accommodations and take you on a nocturnal adventure to witness the magical lights rippling over snowy peaks and dancing across dark waters. This Anchorage northern lights tour allows you to either select a single night or purchase a multi-day pass, increasing your chances of success. It’s the perfect complement to winter day tours and a great option for business travelers to Alaska from August to late April. This Anchorage northern lights tour also provides information to help you understand the science behind the aurora borealis. Photographic coaching and aurora portraits are provided for those who desire them. Cameras are available for rent, and tripods are complimentary. And if all you have is a smart phone, still join us! Most of our guests are just like you. 

THREE-DAY OUTLOOK

FRI MAR 29 - TOUR WILL RUN AT GUEST'S DISCRETION [Mostly cloudy skies with windows of clearing, unsettled aurora forecast, no moon]

SAT MAR 30 - TOUR WILL LIKELY NOT RUN [Mostly cloudy to cloudy skies, unsettled aurora forecast, no moon]

SUN MAR 31 - TOUR WILL LIKELY NOT RUN [Mostly cloudy to cloudy skies, quiet aurora forecast, no moon]

Visit our Anchorage Northern Lights Forecast for more details on the aurora and weather forecast for this time period. Check this page and the forecast page daily if you are interested in a tour in the upcoming days.

PARAMETERS OF WHEN WE RUN A TOUR

On the day of the tour, we will use one of the following to indicate the tour status for the night:

WILL RUN – The tour runs if we have the minimum booking of two people for the night, and if conditions are favorable for viewing the northern lights. We will run a tour when there is at least a Kp1 aurora with clear or mostly clear conditions, and if the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast modeling indicates there may be enhancements in the solar wind or magnetic field. In partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, we will run the tour if it is at least a Kp3 aurora forecast and a chance for some breaks in the clouds. If the moon is bright, we will run only with a Kp3 forecast. On a “Will Run” status, you will receive an email notifying you of tour status with a pick up schedule.

WILL RUN AT GUEST’S DISCRETION – There are many nights where the chance for seeing the northern lights is there, but it is a less than 50/50 chance. There are three factors that will affect aurora viewing: phase of the moon, brightness/activity of the aurora, and cloud cover. On nights when we go at guest’s discretion, one or more of those factors are not favorable. We know that for many people a chance to see the northern lights is an important part of their Alaska visit, and they may want to give it a chance even when the odds are less. On these nights, we let the guests decide based on available information. If guest’s choose to not proceed, it is considered a weather cancellation and a full refund is provided.

WILL NOT RUN – Unlike many tour operators, we will not run a tour if we do not think there is any chance of seeing the northern lights with the naked eye. We will not run a tour if there is a Kp0 forecast; or if there is a Kp1 forecast with no expected enhancements in solar wind or geomagnetic field; or if weather conditions are too cloudy, raining, or snowing; or if the moon phase is too bright for the forecast aurora conditions (i.e., a quiet aurora with a bright moon). We do not believe that it is appropriate to run a tour when we do not believe there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights. We will also not run a tour if the National Weather Service has issued warnings or advisories that indicate travel may be dangerous. You will be provided an opportunity to reschedule your tour. If you cannot reschedule, then a full refund is provided when the tour does not run due to weather conditions.

AURORA LEVELS are the common standards based on the Planetary K-Index (Kp): Quiet – Kp0-2 Unsettled – Kp3 Active – Kp4 Minor storm – Kp5 Moderate storm – Kp6 Strong storm – Kp7 Severe storm – Kp8 Extreme storm – Kp9

MOON LEVELS are based on our own data for observability of a quiet aurora under different moon illuminations: Minimal moon – Up to 40% illumination, will not interfere with viewing a quiet aurora display Moderate moon – From 41% to 75% illumination, may impair viewing a quiet aurora display Bright moon – Over 75% illumination, will likely or will interfere with viewing a quiet aurora display (forecast of Kp3 or higher required for viewing)

CLOUD LEVELS (percentage of skies covered) Clear - 0-10% Mostly clear - 10-30% Partly cloudy - 30-60% Mostly cloudy - 70-90% Cloudy - 90-100%

This is a small group Anchorage northern lights tour for photographers and sightseers alike, though due to demand and limited seating, no discounts are available for non-photographers.

• Nightly, August 17 to April 24 when conditions are right, which means at least Kp1 and less than 50% cloud cover. (See our more detailed criteria above as to when we run a tour.)
• Departure is generally between 9-11 pm. Once the tour is confirmed to run, you will receive a specific pickup time at your Anchorage area location by text and/or email generally at around 3:00 p.m., but no later than 6:30 pm.
• Duration is  approximately 6-7 hours.

Ssshhh, it’s a secret, but we have several favorite spots within a 120-mile radius of Anchorage that offer wonderful views of the night sky, and great land features such as reflective lakes, forests, coastal waterways, and mountain peaks. After pickup at your Anchorage area accommodations, the locations we visit for this Anchorage northern lights tour are based on conditions at the time. We may travel to 1-3 locations during the evening.

How To Prepare

• Rest up before your scheduled booking(s).
• Dress in warm layers! We may be away from the vehicle for up to 1-hour. It’s important to gear up appropriately and plan to keep moving while out. It’s also better to wear one pair of warm socks than two. This is because the more socks you add, the more likely you are to constrict circulation. Try to leave a pocket of airspace around your foot in the boot. Also wear a warm, moisture-wicking under layer, mid layer [preferably fleece] and thick, snow proof outer layer, along with hat, scarf and gloves. Arctic gear including bibs, parka and boots are available to rent at Sixth Avenue Outfitters or Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental in Anchorage. For purchasing your own winter gear in advance of your trip, visit our Winter Outdoor Gear  idea list on our Amazon storefront!
• If capturing the northern lights on camera is your main objective, we recommend reading a  How to Photograph Northern Lights  before the tour. You’ll receive additional coaching in the field.

What's Included

What to bring, transportation.

A specially outfitted high-top 12-passenger van. Driver is your photography guide.

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION

• Cancel your reservation at least 24-hours in advance if your plans change and we will provide a full refund. If you are not available for the night you reserved and the tour runs, you will be charged for your seat if it was too late to fill with another guest.
• For those who book a  four-day pass , that does not guarantee that the tour will run each of the four nights. It allows you to participate in the tour as many times as the tour runs during those four days. The four days must be consecutive. The only time we will provide a full refund is if the tour does not proceed at all during your four-day pass  period. If the tour proceeds only one day, you are refunded your booking amount minus the rate for a single-day pass. If the tour proceeds only two days out of four, then no refund is provided (as the price for a four-day pass is slightly less than the cost of two single-day passes).
• You will be notified if the tour is canceled due to cloudy, rainy, or snowy conditions. You will be fully refunded in such a case.
• A 2-person minimum is required to run this tour. If the minimum is not met, you may be given the option to purchase a second seat, reschedule, or cancel.
• Payment is confirmation of your acknowledgment of the risk inherent in this natural phenomenon; once it’s received and the tour departs, no refund will be issued if auroras do not appear as expected. However, if you do not see the northern lights during your tour, you can join us on another booked tour for free. Simply contact us to see if there is another booked tour during your visit, and we will reschedule you.

Comparing Anchorage to Fairbanks

Anchorage aurora season 2021-2022 statistics.

How to Photograph Northern Lights

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Aurora viewing is dependent on both space and earth weather. While forecasts for the former are based on much scientific data coming from many tracking stations, space weather tracking and research is still in its infancy, and data is available only from a limited number of satellites. It’s best to expect the unexpected. Based on the previous year’s statistics, conditions were right to run 51% of the scheduled tours. Of the tours that ran, the aurora borealis was seen with the naked eye 80% of the time. So, you should be aware that although we only run our Anchorage northern lights tour when conditions are good for viewing the aurora, approximately 20% of the time the aurora is not visible with the naked eye. Your chances increase greatly the more nights you have available to tour. This is why our four-night pass is a great option!

A: We do our very best to run the tour when forecasts indicate conditions are optimal to see auroras. Nature sometimes surprises us in pleasant and unpleasant ways. Forecasts and the models they rely on are not 100% accurate, and sometimes we do not see the aurora borealis with the naked eye. Whatever happens, it is our aim to make the best of it. We will show you a variety of night photography techniques and prepare you for taking advantage of a better aurora viewing situation you will hopefully experience in the future. Once the tour commits to run and you have submitted payment, there are no refunds regardless of conditions. However, if we do not see the aurora at all during your tour, you can join us on a subsequent night for a free make-up tour if we have paid guests booked for that night.

A: Enjoy your day in Anchorage and if the weather is favorable, it might be wise to take an afternoon nap. We will notify you via email by approximately 3:00 p.m. the status of your tour and, if it is running, the pick-up schedule for the tour.

A: Our destination each night will vary according to conditions, but we usually travel within a 100-mile radius and visit 1-3 locations.

A: Up to 1 hour. There are some locations where we may stay within close range of the vehicle, and others where we may walk up to a half of a mile. Much depends on conditions and capability of the group.

A: Not many. Most State Park restrooms are closed this time of year and there are few other options available in the wee hours of the night, other than a bush or tree. Depending on the route, we may stop at a gas station for a bathroom break.

A: Yes! This Anchorage northern lights tour is guided by a professional photographer who will help you set your camera in advance and explain what the settings do. We want you to enjoy seeing them and photographing them!

A: No! We have many sightseeing guests. Your guide will take a complimentary portrait of you with the aurora, and it as well as scenic photos taken by your guide are complimentary parts of the tour.

A: Anchorage is within the aurora oval (region on earth where auroras are most frequently seen), and has its fair share of viewable nights. In a given season, the aurora borealis is visible on 75% of the nights the skies are clear. There are also some distinct advantages for aurora chasing in  Southcentral Alaska .

Both cities fall within the auroral zone, which in Alaska is around 60°- 70° N. At this latitude, communities positioned beneath the band will see northern lights almost every dark, clear night. That said, the following information may help you decide which location suits your aurora quest best.

Average January Temperature

• Anchorage: 17.1°F [-8°C]
• Fairbanks: -7.9°F [-22°C]

Median Cloud Cover

• Anchorage: 93% [clearest in March]
• Fairbanks: 73-92% [clearest in February]

Landscape Features to Include in Aurora Photos

• Anchorage: mountains, boreal and temperate rainforest, coastal areas, rivers and lakes with areas of open water for beautiful reflections throughout the season.
• Fairbanks: hills, boreal forest, [open lakes and rivers early in the season].

Aurora Season

• Anchorage: Aug 7 – May 7 Fairbanks: Aug 21 – Apr 21

Unique Advantages

• Anchorage: Auroras often tend to be brighter and more active farther equatorward, relatively warmer temperatures, a variety of landscape features to include in aurora photography, longer aurora viewing season.
• Fairbanks: More clear sky nights, more chance to see aurora during low activity periods.

Recommendations

Aurora chasers with a night or more in the Anchorage area have little to lose and much to gain by reserving an aurora tour here. Even those heading to or returning from Fairbanks will increase chances of seeing the northern lights, and enjoy the differing experience of each location. So if time allows, include both cities in your winter travel plan!

• OUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
• 10 REASONS TO TAKE AN ALASKA PHOTO TOUR
• ANCHORAGE NORTHERN LIGHTS FORECAST
• LEARNING CENTER
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• GUIDE CORNER
• (907) 350-0251
• [email protected]

Anchorage Northern Lights Tour

Book This Adventure

Embark on our Anchorage Northern Lights Tour to view and photograph the aurora borealis in and around the greater Anchorage area. We pride ourselves on offering intimate, small-group trip experiences.

This Anchorage aurora tour will leave you in awe – and planning your next trip back to magical Alaska.

The  phenomenon of aurora borealis is one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth. Join us on our Anchorage Northern Lights Tour to view and photograph these spectacular swirling lights in and around the greater Anchorage area.

Our team uses innovative technology to forecast aurora viewing conditions. Each night’s tour location is chosen to maximize your chances to view the lights, with tour locations chosen based on weather forecasts, aurora strength, and driving distance from Anchorage. Our team of experts will get you to the most strategic location possible to witness the northern lights.

This tour is designed for anyone with an interest in viewing the aurora borealis.  Our tours include web-quality aurora portraits and basic photography instruction.

Greatland Adventures is proud to utilize a fleet of comfortable tour vehicles as traveling base camps. Tours generally depart between 8-11 p.m. and return between 3-6 a.m., depending on the season and forecast conditions. You will receive a forecast call from our aurora team between 3-5 p.m. on the day of your booked tour. This call will let you know what time pick up will be that night, estimated driving distance, and our expected return time. We will also discuss anticipated cloud cover, and any other potential challenges we might face that evening. If conditions are unfavorable and a tour is not recommended that night, we will work with you at that time to rebook to another night, based on availability.

Choose your preferred date via our online booking platform. We will ask for your arrival and departure date/time, and any potential additional nights you have available to join a tour, during the booking process. We gather this information from all of our guests so we may help to maximize your chances of seeing aurora while visiting Alaska! Our minimum age to join this tour is 13.

Season: August 21st through April 14th

Want to make this Anchorage, Alaska Northern Lights Tour a private experience for you and your close friends and family? Explore our Private Northern Lights Tour option.

In an effort to reduce our footprint, we are no longer providing single-use plastic water bottles. Please bring a reusable water bottle! Fresh Alaska water will be available to all guests throughout your tour.

Book This Adventure  

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Trip Highlights

• SMALL GROUPS!
• Experience the star-filled beauty of Alaska winter nights away from city lights.
• Create lasting memories with portraits and photos.
• Personalized forecast service. Know before you go!

What's Included

• Services of a professional Alaska aurora guide
• Aurora forecasting service
• Web-quality photographs and portraits
• Transportation in a clean and comfortable tour vehicle
• Snacks and hot drinks
• Hotel pick up and drop off in Anchorage
• $325 per person from Feb 15 – March 30, August 21 – September 30, and December 15 – January 4
• $295 per person for the rest of the season

Multi-night Aurora Chasing

Maximize your aurora-viewing experience by booking multiple nights with us! Here’s how it works:

• Book your preferred night of the Northern Lights Tour
• When you receive a confirmation email, look for the discount code and link for booking additional nights
• For additional nights, book with a 20% discount
• Or, add your name to the standby list for a 50% discount if space becomes open (all standby seats will be offered after 5 p.m. on the available day)

NOTE : These discount offers are only available after booking your first fully-paid aurora tour with Greatland Adventures

Departure Time

• Departure Time: 8-11 p.m.
• Duration: 8 Hours

Gratuities for Guides (Recommend $20 per person)

Please Note:

• Private Tours may be available upon request for such scenarios as children under 13, early morning flights, marriage proposals, guests with mobility issues, or other unique circumstances.
• We require a 2-guest minimum to operate a tour.
• Tour pick up and drop off is available at Anchorage hotel locations only and NOT available for private residences (ie Airbnb or VRBO) or Alyeska Resort . For guests staying at other locations, we can drop off at the nearest hotel to your accommodation.

Best Viewing Conditions

The aurora can be visible anytime we have adequate darkness; from late August through mid-April.  The main obstacles to finding auroras are cloud cover and light pollution. We will drive for up to three hours beyond Anchorage to find clear, dark skies.

Understanding the Moon’s phases and chasing aurora

A common question among interested aurora viewers relates to the Moon and its many phases each month. Lunar cycles may affect one’s ability to view the northern lights, but not necessarily in a negative way. Greatland Adventures aurora guides are experts at positioning guests in the optimum location for the best chance of viewing the lights, and the Moon can provide a stunning backdrop for shadows and wintery nighttime photography!

Below is a breakdown of the Moon’s lunar phases, what they mean, and how they may affect your aurora viewing experience:

New Moon – The new moon phase lasts for 10 days when the Moon is positioned directly between Earth and the Sun. Illumination of the Moon is less than 20% during this time and as such there is minimal light cast on Earth’s landscapes, making aurora and stargazing excellent when forecasts are positive for clear skies and solar storms. However, landscape photography and videography are generally more difficult during this phase due to the diminished lighting of the moon.

Mid-Moon – A mid-moon phase is the period of the moon cycle when the Moon’s illumination is between 20-80%. During this 10-day phase, the moon has minimal effect on aurora viewing or stargazing.

Full Moon – A full moon happens over 10 days when the Moon’s illumination is 80-100%. During this phase, the Moon lights up a night landscape and mild auroral activity will be difficult to see. However, when auroral displays are strong, a full moon phase allows our eyes to more easily perceive the true colors of the aurora, especially the greens and pinks. Additionally, landscape photography and videography are enhanced during this phase due to the extra ambient light from the Moon.

Vacations to Alaska don’t always fall on the calendar’s “perfect” time for spotting aurora, but rest assured that our local guides take into account the lunar phases and will make every effort to find the best viewing locations to maximize your aurora adventure.

Northern Lights Tour FAQs

• What is a forecast call and how does it work?

The forecast call is typically made between 3 and 5 p.m. on the day of the tour. Please read this page for a full detail on our forecast call.

•  What will you tell us during the forecast call?

Here are three possible scenarios for guests during the “forecast call” from the Greatland Adventures office:

The tour is confirmed : This means a 90% or greater probability of success exists. When conditions look favorable, we confirm a tour and give guests their pick up time during the forecast call. At that time we can also answer any questions and let you know the general plan for the night. Historically, on nights we confirm a tour we have a 90% success rate.

The tour is canceled : A tour is canceled if there is less than a 10% probability of success. On nights with extreme cloud cover or severe weather, we will cancel the tour and issue a weather cancellation for a full refund. (Note these nights are rare.)

Guest discretion : If we believe the possibility of aurora-viewing success is between 10-90%, we will openly and honestly discuss the conditions with each guest and help them make the decision to join or cancel for a full weather cancellation refund.

• What if we don’t see northern lights during the tour?

If the tour is unsuccessful at producing photographic evidence of the northern lights, a guest will be given a complimentary tour for any night up to 1 year from their departure date (subject to availability).

• Should I do my own forecasting before receiving your call?

You can do your own forecasting out of your interest but we don’t recommend you making the decision based on it. We often hear from guests who try their own northern lights forecasting, and end up canceling their planned tour for fear of the aurora not showing up or losing the deposit. Please know that our first priority is serving you, our guests; in fact, one of our core values is “honest and fair in all our interactions”. We are professionals at forecasting aurora viewing conditions, and do our best to put every guest in the best possible location at the best possible time. If conditions look even a little bit less than favorable, everyone has a chance to opt-out.

Best Price Guarantee

*Book direct with confidence. We guarantee you will receive the best price when booking directly on our website or we will refund the difference + $10!  Must show proof of a lower price found elsewhere for the same product and the same departure. Offer valid for tours operated by Greatland Adventures only. Offer not valid for 3rd party products.

#greatlandadventures

• Bev As a solo traveler I usually veer towards group tours and make my decisions based on ratings. Greatland Adventures definitely lived up to their high ratings and awesome reviews. I have booked several tours with them. From the beginning it was a pleasurable experience with Steve and Rochelle who have excellent communication with their clients and ensure you are fully accommodated for your tour. I did the northern lights tour with Mike who is an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable and he captured some excellent photos of me! I completed the glacier tour with Bill who is also very knowledgeable and ensured we had a great experience at the glacier by getting us there before others arrived and allowing us to safe explore all the accessible crevasses. I absolutely recommend this tour company they are amazing!
• Jane I want to sincerely applaud the members of Greatland Adventures! They made me and my friend's trip to Anchorage one of the most amazing experiences ever in our lives... We were all well educated about the lights before we got there and even had a chance to have a pitstop at a gas station to use the toilet and grab a coffee. We even saw the lights that night TWICE! Thank you, Steve! The memories we made will last a lifetime and we are so happy we chose Greatland Adventures. I am telling any and everyone that plans to visit Anchorage to book through them. No question!

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Arctic Circle Aurora Overnight Adventures

Find Your perfect trip

When will you come?

What do you want to see?

Coldfoot's far north location places it one of the world's best aurora viewing areas.

Tour Summary

The Arctic Circle Aurora Overnight Adventure departs from Fairbanks by land or air and offers optional aurora viewing, dog sledding, and Brooks Mountain Range excursions from your base camp at Coldfoot, Alaska.

• Learn the fascinating story of Alaska's Arctic from your guide. Travel through mining areas north of Fairbanks. 
• View the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. 
• Travel the famed Dalton Highway. Traverse the mighty Yukon River. 
• Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.

Coldfoot's far north location places it one of the world's best aurora viewing areas. For more information about the aurora, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Also, you can visit the   University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute website . 

Accommodations: Located halfway between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay, Coldfoot Camp provides an excellent base for travelers in Alaska's Brooks Mountain Range. Although rustic by urban standards, Coldfoot Camp is clean and each room features two twin beds and private bath facilities in each of the rooms, a luxury in the remote wilderness of Alaska's Arctic.

A round trip journey by land and air exploring Alaska's Brooks Mountain Range.

This adventure is for those who are serious about looking for the Aurora. To increase the odds of seeing them one should stay put for multiple nights in a location as close to the source of the lights as possible so that even on a quiet night the ability is there to see them. Quiet doesn't mean they are not occurring, quiet means the band they occur in is narrow and not visible miles away.

Tour Dates and Rates

August 21, 2024 - September 16, 2024

9:45 AM Departure

Days: Daily

Rate: $869 *

* Per person based on double occupancy for a 3 day / 2 night Adventure. Single Supplement $200

September 19, 2023 - October 7, 2023

November 18, 2023 - November 26, 2023

December 16, 2023 - January 2, 2024

February 10, 2024 - February 29, 2024

March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024

Days: Sunday Friday

Rate: $1039 *

* Peak Rate based on double occupancy for a 3 day / 2 night adventure. Single Supplement $200

October 8, 2023 - November 17, 2023

November 27, 2023 - December 15, 2023

January 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

April 1, 2024 - April 21, 2024

Rate: $889 *

* Standard Rate per person based on double occupancy for a 3 day / 2 night adventure. Single Supplement $200

• Arctic Circle
• Yukon River

TOUR SUMMARY:

• Ground tour in the personalized comfort of our ground tour vehicles. Appreciate the low light on the horizon as it shines on the windswept arctic tundra. Traverse the frozen Yukon River and enjoy the snow-sculpted forest as you make your way across the Arctic Circle.  Arrive in Coldfoot and settle in for your 3 night stay.  

DAY 2 (or more if staying more than 2 nights)

• Select from a variety of optional tours which include an excursion along the Dalton Highway, into the Brooks Mountain Range, as far north as Atigun Pass (weather permitting); a one-hour dog sledding experience with a local musher, and additional aurora viewing in Wiseman (optional tour prices are not included).

DAY 3 - or last day if staying longer!

• Depart Coldfoot by air for Fairbanks. Average time of return to Fairbanks is 4:30 PM, average flight time is 70 minutes. Departure time can vary based on number of guests and flight resources on day of travel. Most common time of departure is 3:00 PM but can range from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Departs 9:45 am by ground tour on DAY 1; Depart Coldfoot by air on your final day (average time of return to Fairbanks is 4:30 pm. Departure time can vary based on number of guests/flight resources on day of travel). Most common departure time from Coldfoot is 2:30 pm but can range from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

MEALS are not included; however, on day 1 we will make a quick stop at a grocery store for you to get food for lunch and all other meals at the Coldfoot Camp Trucker's Cafe ( Menu as of 3/23/23 ).

LUGGAGE : For your small plane flight, you are allowed to bring up to 20 pounds per person.  Your luggage should be in a carry-on size and soft-sided bag, like a backpack, duffle, or tote bag.  Nothing on wheels.  We will weigh all of your bags (overnight and day bags) at the time of check in.

All per person based on double occupancy. 

Single Supplement add $100 per night.

3 Day / 2  Night - Departs FRIDAY and SUNDAY = $889/ PEAK = $1039

4 Day / 3 Night - Departs TUESDAY = $989 / PEAK = $1139

5 Day / 4  Night - Departs FRIDAY = $1089 / PEAK = $1239

6 Day / 5 Night - Departs TUESDAY and SUNDAY = $1189 / PEAK = $1339

PEAK DATES:

September 19 - October 7, 2023

November 18 - 26, 2023

February 10 - March 31, 2024

For an Arctic Circle Aurora Overnight Adventure Tour Program click HERE .

OPTIONAL TOURS - available for purchase

We recommend you pre-book any activity you know you want to do.  Coldfoot will do their best to accommodate on site reservations; however, not always will you be able to make reservations once in Coldfoot due to space or guide availability.

Arctic Mountain Safari: Enjoy an afternoon exploring the Brooks Mountain Range on a guided ground tour north from Coldfoot on the Dalton Highway as far north as Atigun Pass (weather permitting).  Departs Coldfoot at 10:00 am and returns at 6:00 pm. Meals not included. Box lunch can be purchased at Coldfoot Camp. 

• $129/ person 

Arctic Snowshoe Outing : Enjoy a guided snowshoe outing on a trail near Clara Creek. The excursion lasts about 2 hours with about 1 hour of snowshoeing (between 1 - 2 miles) Hot drinks included. Departure times vary. 

• $39 / person

Arctic Village Aurora:  Enjoy an evening tour to historic Wiseman for a unique cabin visit and an  opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the Brooks Mountain Range as you scan the northern sky for Northern Lights. Cabin visit includes complimentary hot beverages. Departs Coldfoot at 10:00 pm and returns at 2:00 am.

• $89 / person 

Dog Sled Adventure:   Enjoy an afternoon with real Alaskan sled dogs.   Learn what it takes to have a dog team in Alaska.  Enjoy a ride, and, if you wish, drive a team of your own.  Times will vary and will be arranged by the guide in Coldfoot to fit within your schedule - experience takes approximately 1 hour. 

• $189 / person ( Only available December 15 - March 31  - booked only once at Coldfoot Camp.) 

Fat Tire Bike Adventure: Explore the beautiful Coldfoot wilderness area on a fat tire bike. Trip is 6 miles following Slate Creek on an old and rugged (but maintained) gold mining trail. Bikes and helmets are provided. Lasts approximately 2 hours.

For information on how to make a reservation, click on the link to our planning  page. 

Recommendations : For any of our adventures into Alaska's Arctic we recommend planning to arrive in Fairbanks the night prior to joining us and stay in Fairbanks the night returning with us.   If you are delayed arriving into Fairbanks and miss your tour departure that equals a non-refundable cancellation.  We will do our best to see if there is an alternate available for you; however, there is no guarantee of an equal replacement nor is the tour refundable if missed.

NOTE:   Guest safety always takes precedence over convenience.  The return on the final day is by small plane.  Small plane flying in Alaska's Arctic can be delayed or even cancelled on occasion due to weather.   If the weather requires us to alter the return method of travel from air to ground it will be done as an equal exchange of travel.

Alaska's Arctic -- premier destination to look for the Aurora -- Coldfoot is located directly under the Aurora Oval, where the aurora originate in the northern hemisphere.

Scene from Coldfoot Camp

Winter In Alaska's Arctic Dalton Highway South Of The Eyukon River

Denali Winter Drive Adventure

A One Day Guided Round Trip Journey By Land To North America's Tallest Mountain

• Χ Arctic Circle
• Χ Arctic Ocean
• Χ Polar Bear
• Χ Undiscovered Arctic
• Χ Yukon River

Denali WINTER Summit Flight (from Fairbanks)

Thrill at the excitement of witnessing firsthand Denali, North America's tallest mountain, by air from a unique perspective - eye level!

Alaska Northern Lights Tour

• Included in price
• Testimonials

Fall 2024 Alaska Northern Lights Tour

Experience our amazing fall 2024 alaska northern lights tour, fall 2024 tour dates:  september 16 – 23, 2024 (the itinerary for this tour is different from the one mentioned below. it goes from fairbanks – tok – valdez – denali highway  – fairbanks. please email us for more detailed information.), spring 2025 tour dates: march 18 – 25, 2025, march 25 – april 1, 2025, april 1 – 8, 2025 & april 8 – 15, 2025.

Why travel with us this fall to see the northern lights in Alaska?

Discover one of the best places in Alaska, where you can see and photograph the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) most often and also with greatest intensity. During our Fall 2024 Alaska Northern Lights tour, you will cross the Arctic Circle and explore the Dalton Highway of famed Ice Road Truckers. You will stay in one of the most picturesque villages in Alaska. Here, you will experience the magic of fall. You will also enjoy the solitude and beauty of Alaska’s wilderness on a some short walks and by driving by van across the Continental Divide in the Brooks Range. Finally, you will experience Alaska’s best hot springs.

On our Fall 2024 Alaska Northern Lights Tour, you will spend several days viewing the northern lights in the vicinity of the village of Wiseman. This quaint village (population 15) is one of the best places in Alaska and in North America to see the Aurora Borealis. In addition, this tour is happening during one of the best months for northern lights viewing. In September, there are generally frequent displays and clear skies.

Our sun has a 12 year cycle of activity and as it becomes more active, there will be more sightings of the northern (and southern) lights. In 2024, we will be at the peak of the 12 year cycle. As a result, we therefore expect the northern lights viewing to be excellent in the fall of 2024.

‘ Words cannot describe the incredible adventure we had with Wild Alaska Travel and Laurent Dick on their Alaska Northern Lights Tour. We saw things we never would have been able to experience, not just the incredible lights which were the highlight! Laurent went out of his way to make sure we got the experience we all had hoped for, with great food and laughter the entire time!’ Vickie Fageol, California

‘The Northern Lights Tour was hands down the best vacation I’ve ever taken. I have traveled extensively throughout NA, Europe, Australia, and NZ, but experiencing Alaska like the way we did on this tour tops all of my adventures.’ Kirsten Watters, Florida

To participate in this tour, we expect you to be in good physical condition with no mobility issues.

If you want to experience the northern lights in the spring of 2024, you may want to consider our Iditarod Start Tour with the Northern Lights Add-on, February 28 – March 8, 2024, or our  Iditarod Finish & Northern Lights Tour in Nome, March 10-18, 2024. These tours combine northern lights viewing with experiencing the Start/Finish of the Iditarod. The 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is Alaska’s #1 winter event.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT(S) NOW

• Travel along the Dalton Highway, an almost mythic road that runs for over 400 miles through Arctic wilderness, and follow the famous Ice Road Truckers
• Discover some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska
• Experience the magic of the fall colors in Interior Alaska
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Stay with local Alaskans in the Brooks Range wilderness
• Experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and learn how to capture them with your own camera
• See Arctic Wildlife such as Dall sheep
• Dip your toes in amazing hot springs
• Visit an ice museum and enjoy a drink at the ice bar
• 8 days (7 nights) of lodging
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• All transportation during the tour
• All activities (dog mushing experience – spring tours only), ice museum, hot springs)
• Professional instruction on how to take photos of the northern lights

ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR  – SPRING ITINERARY

Day 1- fairbanks (arrival).

Welcome to Fairbanks and Interior Alaska, the jumping off point for this amazing Alaska aurora experience. We will pick you up at Fairbanks International Airport and transfer to your hotel. An orientation followed by the welcome dinner will follow. The next week is all about fun and chasing the magnificent northern lights, and if the conditions are right, you will already head out tonight to view the northern lights in a location away from the city lights with a spectacular and spectacular and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. Fairbanks is located under what is called the “Aurora Oval”, a ring-shaped region around the North Pole. The location offers a great balance of occurrence, frequency and activity. Intensity varies from night to night, with the best viewing from late evening through the morning hours.

Day 2- Fairbanks – Wiseman

You head north along the James Dalton Highway, a 414 mile road connecting Deadhorse to the Elliot Highway near the town of Livengood, located approximately 80 miles north of Fairbanks. Made famous by the recent Ice Road Trucker series, it’s considered by many to be one of North America’s most scenic and beautiful wilderness roads. Also known as the Haul Road, the Dalton Highway is critical to the delivery of material, equipment and supplies to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. You will travel through the boreal forest and north of the Yukon River you will reach a milestone on our trip: the iconic Arctic Circle, an invisible line at the elegant latitude of 66º33′. North of the Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer. Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle you will reach the foothills of the Brooks Range, and a couple hours later you will arrive at our oasis in the wilderness in Wiseman, population 13, a historic gold mining community town located in the heart of the Brooks Range. During our nights in Wiseman we will keep a watchful eye for the northern lights. Wiseman is located closed to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska (and in North America!) where you can see the northern lights most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 3- Wiseman

Imagine the vivid northern lights bursting across the night sky as you peer over the horizon. Untouched valleys of snow and trees blanketed with their white cover. The moon shining down from above lighting the pathway through the open tundra a s the snow-capped mountains loom in the background letting you know just how vast this grand earth is. You can be a part of this incredible landscape and see the inspiring sights that the Brooks Range has to offer right from the doorstep of your cabin. No city lights, no traffic, no bustle on the city streets bumping elbows with strangers – just pure peace. You will explore the surroundings of Wiseman today. Located on the middle fork of the Koyukuk River, much of Wiseman’s colorful gold rush history is preserved in its buildings.

Day 4 – Wiseman

Today you will drive north along the Dalton Highway and across Atigun Pass (4643 ft.), the only pass in the Brooks Range that is crossed by a road. Atigun Pass also is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year-round pass in Alaska. This area is one of the best for seeing Dall Sheep. We will turn around at Galbraith Lake, on the northern foothills of the Brooks Range. Driving the Dalton is always an adventure. Frommer’s Guide described the Dalton Highway as follows: “The experience of the Dalton Highway for a traveler is so far beyond the ordinary as to require a whole new frame of reference to take it all in. The road is so very long, so remote and free of traffic, and the scenery is so mind-boggling in its grandeur and repetition, that after a time it feels like you’re living in a dream. At some point, you have to swallow and say to yourself, “I guess I didn’t know that much about the world after all.” Back in Wiseman, we will be spending much of the night scanning the night sky for the northern lights.

Day 5 – Wiseman

This morning you may join us for a walk with snowshoes up a beautiful canyon or prefer a quiet morning curled up with a book in your cozy cabin nestled in the boreal forest. The highlight of this afternoon is to go dog mushing and experience the thrill of coasting across the snow with a team of friendly Alaska huskies. This experience provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn about sled dogs and why mushing is Alaska’s state sport. You will experience the exhilaration of a sled dog ride on snowy trails around Wiseman. After dinner , you may want to take a nap, before we will get up and keep our eyes peeled to the sky. One thing’s for sure: late nights of watching the aurora borealis requires also some rest! The Northern Lights are really one of nature’s great displays: a mysterious, multicoloured show in which the night sky is suddenly lit up with a wondrous glow that twists and swirls like a heavenly lava lamp. Elusive and ethereal, it is one of the great, timeless thrills of travel, a beautiful, shifting dance of nocturnal rainbows that many viewers find a humbling and spiritually uplifting experience.

Day 6 – Wiseman – Chena Hot Springs Resort

You leave your home away from home in Wiseman today and drive back south along the Dalton Highway to the Chena Hot Springs Resort. You will have the opportunity to soak in the hot spring this evening and relax after the long drive from Wiseman.

Day 7 – Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks

This morning, you will have another opportunity to soak in the hot springs. The Chena Hot Springs Resort is internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs. This facility is kept at a constant 28 degrees F and is operational year round with the same geothermal energy that keeps the resort open for business.  After lunch, we will visit the Aurora Ice Museum. The museum features a gallery and ice bar, overhead chandeliers made of individually carved ice crystals which change color every six seconds mimicking the northern lights, countless sculptures including a gigantic chess set, life sized jousting knights, an ice fireplace and four galleries with varying themes.  The entire resort is powered by the utilization of the 165 degrees hot springs ground water, which flows to a heat exchanger to develop the heating system loop and transformed to electrical power for lighting and power at the resort. There is also a green house where the fruits and vegetables used at the restaurant are grown. You will be heading back to Fairbanks in the afternoon, drop your bags at your hotel before enjoying your farewell dinner at the Pump House Restaurant, which offers one of the best dining experiences in Fairbanks.

Day 8 – Fairbanks (departure)

This morning you will bid farewell to Alaska and your travel companions. You return home enchanted by the northern lights and an appreciation for the magic of winter in Alaska that you have discovered on this unique Alaska Northern Lights Tour. You will bring back memories that will last a lifetime.

While the focus of this tour is to see and experience the northern lights, a more crucial decision is what else you want to do when you’re not standing outside in sub-zero temperatures staring up at the night sky. We believe it’s important not to be obsessed with the single goal of beholding the aurora, but to see this as just one of many highlights of this winter holiday to Alaska. Stepping into sparkling white landscapes and gorgeous scenery, experiencing authentic Alaska off-the-beaten path and enjoying the solitude and beauty of Alaska wilderness are reasons enough to go. Going dog mushing, visiting an ice museum and experiencing the legendary healing waters of Alaska’s most developed hot springs spa resort are other reasons to embark on this unique journey.

ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR  – FALL ITINERARY

Day 1 – Fairbanks (arrival)

Day 2 – Fairbanks – Wiseman

Day 3 – Wiseman

Imagine the vivid northern lights bursting across the night sky as you peer over the horizon. The moon shining down from above lighting the pathway through the boral forest as the rugged mountains loom in the background letting you know just how vast this grand earth is. You can be a part of this incredible landscape and see the inspiring sights that the Brooks Range has to offer right from the doorstep of your cabin. No city lights, no traffic, no bustle on the city streets bumping elbows with strangers – just pure peace. You will explore the surroundings of Wiseman today. Located on the middle fork of the Koyukuk River, much of Wiseman’s colorful gold rush history is preserved in its buildings.

Day 4 – Wiseman

Today you will drive north along the Dalton Highway and across Atigun Pass (4643 ft.), the only pass in the Brooks Range that is crossed by a road. Atigun Pass also is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year-round pass in Alaska. This area is one of the best for seeing Dall Sheep. This is the only time you may encounter snow. We will turn around at Galbraith Lake, on the northern foothills of the Brooks Range, or a bit earlier, depending on road conditions. Driving the Dalton is always an adventure. Frommer’s Guide described the Dalton Highway as follows: “The experience of the Dalton Highway for a traveler is so far beyond the ordinary as to require a whole new frame of reference to take it all in. The road is so very long, so remote and free of traffic, and the scenery is so mind-boggling in its grandeur and repetition, that after a time it feels like you’re living in a dream. At some point, you have to swallow and say to yourself, “I guess I didn’t know that much about the world after all.” Back in Wiseman, we will be spending much of the night scanning the night sky for the northern lights.

This morning you may join us for a walk through the boreal forest or if you prefer enjoy a quiet morning curled up with a book in your cozy cabin nestled in the boreal forest. After lunch, we will go another walk up along one of the mining roads near Wiseman. After dinner , you may want to take a nap, before we will get up and keep our eyes peeled to the sky. One thing’s for sure: late nights of watching the aurora borealis requires also some rest! The Northern Lights are really one of nature’s great displays: a mysterious, multicoloured show in which the night sky is suddenly lit up with a wondrous glow that twists and swirls like a heavenly lava lamp. Elusive and ethereal, it is one of the great, timeless thrills of travel, a beautiful, shifting dance of nocturnal rainbows that many viewers find a humbling and spiritually uplifting experience.

Day 6 – Wiseman – Fairbanks

You leave your home away from home in Wiseman today and drive back south along the Dalton Highway to Fairbanks. We will stop multiple times along the way to break up the trip and enjoy the fall colors along the Dalton Highway.

This morning, we drive up Chena Hot Springs Road to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs. This facility is kept at a constant 28 degrees F and is operational year round with the same geothermal energy that keeps the resort open for business. Take a dip in the hot springs and ssoak your tried bodies in the legendary healing mineral waters. After lunch, we will visit the Aurora Ice Museum. The museum features a gallery and ice bar, overhead chandeliers made of individually carved ice crystals which change color every six seconds mimicking the northern lights, countless sculptures including a gigantic chess set, life sized jousting knights, an ice fireplace and four galleries with varying themes.  The entire resort is powered by the utilization of the 165 degrees hot springs ground water, which flows to a heat exchanger to develop the heating system loop and transformed to electrical power for lighting and power at the resort. There is also a green house where the fruits and vegetables used at the restaurant are grown. You will be heading back to Fairbanks in the afternoon, drop your bags at your hotel before enjoying your farewell dinner at the Pump House Restaurant, which offers one of the best dining experiences in Fairbanks.

Day 8 – Fairbanks (departure)

Hemant Parmar, Michigan

Lisa Odgers, Australia

Mel Carll, California

Lucy & Susan Yarnell, Washington, D.C.

“I recently got back from a northern lights tour with Laurent and the entire experience was incredible. His knowledge of Alaska and the northern lights was so helpful in having a successful time viewing that colorful light dance in the sky. He also taught me how to set the camera up to take pictures of it. The places he set us up to stay were also very nice, clean and quaint. I would definitely recommend his tours to anyone interested and I am hoping to get the opportunity to go on another one sometime soon. Thanks so much! “

Crystal Vanderlinde, Ontario, Canad

Belinda Lashea, North Carolina

Steve and Deb Lardner, Australia

Richard and Lori Rothstein, Florida

Julie Wuellner, Illinois

Xiaozhuo Wang – California

Franscico Ramelli, Columbia

Jean Kayat, Florida

Karthryn Raistrick, Illinois

Don & Denise Walters, Arizona

Karen Carll, California

Sharon Lobel, California

Joan Truskett, Australia

**We only require a $500 deposit per person to hold your space.

Our Aurora Borealis Tours

Aurora Chaser Tour

One of our most popular tours, the Aurora Chaser gets you out into the very best possible areas for viewing/photographing northern lights in the prime auroral zone (the area north of the Alaska Range) for the specific night of your tour. We consult our numerous contacts …

Chena Hot Springs / Aurora Tour

Enjoy a visit to world famous Chena Hot Springs, with an evening of spectacular aurora viewing afterwards on this most popular Chena Hot Springs/Aurora tour! We’ll pick you up at your Fairbanks area hotel in late afternoon …

Custom Tours

Our vast experience living, working and guiding in Alaska’s outback, combined with an extensive network of connections built over the years allows AuroraQuest to put together unique custom tours that combine aurora viewing with your choice of other exciting winter …

Protect Your Trip »

How to see the northern lights in alaska in 2024.

If seeing the northern lights in Alaska is on your bucket list, this is the year to do it.

How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Chris McLennan | Courtesy of State of Alaska

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says solar activity is intensifying and will peak (at a higher level than previously thought) in 2024. This means travelers will have more opportunities to see the northern lights around the world .

If you're considering a trip to Alaska to witness this atmospheric phenomenon, read on to discover the best months to visit as well as a variety of viewing options.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska

Where to see the northern lights in alaska, northern lights alaska cruises.

• Alaska northern lights tours

Courtesy of Travel Alaska

According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the best time to see the northern lights is typically from Aug. 21 to April 21 , also known as the Aurora Season. While the aurora can appear at any time of night, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are the prime viewing hours.

The winter solstice – which is the shortest day of the year, typically falling between Dec. 20 and 23 – is a particularly good time to be in Alaska for the northern lights. This day affords less daylight and more time to spot the aurora. In parts of Alaska, the amount of daylight during the winter solstice can range from around six hours in Anchorage to less than four further north in Fairbanks. Up in remote Utqiagvik (formerly called Barrow), about 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there are roughly 67 days of darkness from Nov. 18 to Jan. 23, resulting in even more opportunities to spot the northern lights.

Of course, 2024 is expected to be a little different. Scientists say solar activity will reach its peak from January to October, expanding the typical time frame for spotting the aurora. Ahead of and during your visit, experts recommend utilizing these forecasting resources:

• Aurora Tracker: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aurora chaser, you'll appreciate Explore Fairbanks' real-time Aurora Tracker . This online reference shows up-to-the-minute information on the temperature, weather and likelihood of catching the northern lights in Fairbanks. Much of the data comes from one of the world's foremost aurora research centers, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks . To further assist in your search, you can also download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app on your smartphone.
• Aurora Forecast: For other parts of the state, the Geophysical Institute website's Aurora Forecast has daily forecasts of geomagnetic activity up to three days in advance and taken at three-hour intervals. There's also a summation on the webpage of whether the aurora will be active – or not – and where you'll find the best visibility in Alaska.

Courtesy of Aurora Villa

Below are the top destinations to consider when deciding where to see the northern lights in Alaska.

Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart of Alaska, sits at 65 degrees north latitude, making it an excellent choice for aurora hunters, especially first-timers. It's easily accessible and offers plenty of accommodations , restaurants and other unique attractions . You can also be outside of Fairbanks within minutes to find excellent northern lights viewing locales.

Your chances of seeing the aurora display are excellent as the city sits where the activity of the polar lights is concentrated – under the ring-shaped zone known as the auroral oval. Local experts say that on clear evenings when the sky is very dark, you should be able to witness the skies light up on an average of four out of five nights in Fairbanks.

Where to stay:

• Aurora Villa : Located on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Aurora Villa offers luxurious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the northern lights in a cozy private space. The modern wooden cabin sits on 10 acres surrounded by forested hills, yet it's close enough to the city (less than 15 miles northeast) to explore all that Fairbanks has to offer.
• Pike's Waterfront Lodge : Located along the Chena River in Fairbanks, just minutes from Fairbanks International Airport, this property offers 180 rooms and 28 cabins for aurora-hunting adventurers. As a guest of the lodge, you can request that the front desk alert you when the northern lights appear – no matter the time of day or night. Pike's Waterfront Lodge also offers amenities to keep guests warm while viewing the light show outdoors.

Talkeetna sits about 115 miles north of Anchorage in south-central Alaska, at the base of Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America. With its old clapboard buildings, log cabins and roadhouse dating back to 1917, this historic town offers a lot of outdoor fun beyond chasing the aurora. Main Street is filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and a brewery. The quirky village, once a former mining town, was the inspiration for the imaginary borough of Cicely in the TV show "Northern Exposure."

If you visit in December, check out the festivities at the monthlong Winterfest. This event features a parade of lights, a tree lighting ceremony and the Taste of Talkeetna food festival, plus entertaining events like the Bachelor Auction and the Wilderness Woman Competition.

When it's time to look up in the sky for the lights, local aurora hunters recommend heading out of town to Christiansen Lake or past the airport on Beaver Road. If you prefer to stay close by, look north into the sky toward Denali from Talkeetna Riverfront Park.

• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge : Book a Mountain View room for views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. The cozy lodge offers multiple dining venues, including the award-winning Foraker Restaurant.
• Talkeetna Lakeside Cabins : These cabins provide peace and quiet on a private lake just 12 miles from Talkeetna.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is another spectacular place to view the northern lights in Alaska – not to mention one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S. The National Park Service says almost everywhere within the park is free from city light pollution, so if the conditions are right (meaning that's it's clear and dark enough), you should be able to see the aurora borealis, especially when looking toward the northern horizon.

However, when wintertime rolls around – from September or October through April – it's more difficult to access parts of the park, even though it's open year-round. Keep in mind, too, that the lodges closest to the park are typically closed from mid-September to mid-May.

Where to stay: Located less than 15 miles from the Denali National Park entrance, the Aurora Denali Lodge offers year-round accommodations equipped with queen-sized beds, smart TVs and private bathrooms. Rates at the lodge include a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and complimentary hot drinks. What's more, the property says visitors can expect plenty of wildlife sightings, such as bears, moose, lynxes, owls and snowshoe hares, just outside your door.

Coldfoot Camp

Coldfoot Camp is situated above the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Mountain Range, near the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The remote wilderness destination is ideal for aurora viewing since it sits directly under the auroral oval. It's also the perfect locale for backcountry snowshoeing, wildlife viewing and dog mushing.

Where to stay: The Inn at Coldfoot Camp offers rustic accommodations located in trailers that once housed Alaskan pipeline workers. The rooms include two twin beds and a private bathroom and shower. Guests can dine at the on-site Trucker's Cafe, which offers breakfast and dinner buffets in the summer months and all-day a la carte dining in the winter. When you're ready for a cold one at the end of the day, check out the Frozen Foot Saloon and order an Alaska-brewed beer.

If you prefer camping and have your own gear , you can camp free of charge on the property during the summer months. Coldfoot Camp also hosts a selection of year-round Arctic adventures and excursions, including a trip to the nearby village of Wiseman for aurora viewing.

This remote wilderness retreat has just 13 full-time residents. Wiseman is located in Alaska's Brooks Range, about 15 miles north of Coldfoot Camp, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from Fairbanks. The community sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights. You can expect to see the spectacle in the sky in Wiseman about 250 nights a year, especially between late August and mid-April.

• Arctic Hive : Arctic Hive has the distinction of being the northernmost yoga studio in the U.S. A common fiberglass lodge allows guests to gather for cooking and meals, and meditation, educational gatherings and other activities are hosted in a geodesic dome. Arctic Hive also offers retreats that include northern lights viewing opportunities in February and March.
• Arctic Getaway : This bed-and-breakfast sits between the middle fork of the Koyukuk River and Wiseman Creek, offering three cabins. While here, you can learn what it's like to homestead in Alaska above the Arctic Circle and enjoy outdoor activities like dog sled rides across the vast wilderness, cross-country skiing , pack rafting and flightseeing by bush plane.
• Boreal Lodging : Reachable by vehicle, Boreal Lodging has several rental options, ranging from lodge rooms to larger cabins with living areas and kitchens.

Located in western Alaska overlooking the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, Nome is the ending point for the more than 1,000-mile, 51-year-old Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race in March. Once the most populated city in Alaska, Nome had almost 20,000 residents and an average of 1,000 new people arriving daily during the height of the gold rush in 1899. Nome is a little quieter now, with a population of less than 4,000 residents.

Where to stay: Some of the best spots for viewing the aurora are at the end of town, where the 52-room Aurora Inn & Suites is located. The hotel conveniently offers car rentals on-site.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Situated on the banks of the Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the U.S. The town, formerly known as Barrow, changed its name in 2016 back to Utqiagvik, its traditional Inupiaq name. Utqiagvik is only accessible by plane: Alaska Airlines and other regional carriers offer service from both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Where to stay: For accommodations, make reservations at a hotel named for its location – the Top of the World Hotel . The property's comfortable rooms offer views of the Arctic Ocean, and the on-site restaurant, Niggivikput (meaning "our place to eat"), serves traditional local dishes like reindeer soup. While you may be there for aurora hunting, don't miss the excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities: You may see polar bears, caribou, foxes, bearded seals, whales, walruses, migratory birds and the great snowy owl on the tundra.

Borealis Basecamp

One of the best glamping destinations in the U.S. , Borealis Basecamp is a remote 100-acre property that sits within a boreal forest 25 miles north of Fairbanks. The property features 20 individual igloos, resembling those you'd find at Arctic research stations and on polar expeditions, as well as five glass cubes. All accommodations allow guests to gaze up at the aurora and the starry night sky while snuggled up in bed. You'll also enjoy many amenities you'd find in a hotel, including full bathrooms with toiletries and a selection of coffee, hot cocoa and tea.

Choose from a variety of packages that include accommodations and activities like dog-sledding, UTV tours, helicopter sightseeing experiences and more.

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One of the best times to cruise to Alaska is during the aurora season. Aurora season sailings to Alaska are available with the following cruise lines this year.

If you're interested in excursions for aurora viewing, look for a line that offers cruisetours, such as Holland America. These tours offer the best of both worlds, giving you time on land and at sea to view the dancing night sky. Holland America's cruisetours range from overnight stays just 2 miles from Denali National Park at the McKinley Chalet Resort to a domed luxury train ride through Alaska's backcountry on the McKinley Explorer. On a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali, look for Alaska's "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Just keep in mind that none of the above cruise lines can guarantee you'll see the northern lights during your journey.

The best northern lights tours in Alaska

Jody Overstreet | Courtesy of State of Alaska

If you want to experience the aurora borealis by joining a tour group, you'll find a variety of options led by expert guides and granting you easier access to many of the state's remote destinations, often with other activities included. (Just be aware that, on any tour or excursion, there's no way to guarantee that the aurora will be visible.) These are some of the best northern lights tours in Alaska:

Arctic Dog Adventure Co.: Aurora Overnight Tour

Dog-sledding is one of the top winter activities in Alaska, and you can choose to do it by day or night. If you want to experience an Alaska dog-sledding adventure while chasing the aurora, book a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Arctic Dog's Aurora Overnight Tour. Highlights of this two-day, one-night excursion – which starts in Fairbanks – are dog mushing your own sled team and glamping in a heated tent under an aurora-filled sky. Other features of the tour include cold weather gear, a photography lesson and Alaska-inspired meals.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Murphy Dome Tour

Located around 20 miles northwest of the city, Murphy Dome is regarded as one of the best places to watch the northern lights in Fairbanks at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. This location, once home to Murphy Dome Air Force Station with as many as 250 personnel stationed at the base, now houses a long-range radar station that detects military air threats from overseas.

Alaska Wildlife Guide leads 5.5-hour northern lights tours to Murphy Dome, typically from late August to early April – you can check with the company for day-to-day tour availability. Excursion prices include round-trip transportation from Fairbanks, 360-degree views of the north-facing sky, hot beverages and bottled water – in addition to (hopefully) hours of memorable aurora viewing.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

This full-day (14-hour) excursion, also offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide, begins in Fairbanks and crosses the Arctic Circle into Alaska's vast and remote wilderness. The tour includes a drive along the more than 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and a half-mile walk along the loop at Finger Mountain with views overlooking the Kanuti Flats (depending on the season). Your guide will also stop along the riverbank after crossing the Yukon River Bridge.

During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the pipeline and hear narratives around the other included stops. A snack and warm beverage are included; then, if conditions are just right, you'll have the chance to see the brilliant light show dance across the dark, clear skies before you arrive back in Fairbanks at dawn.

Alaska Journey Tours: Northern Lights (Aurora) Chasing Tour

Get picked up at your Fairbanks hotel (or meet at the Hyatt Place Fairbanks) for this three-hour northern lights tour in a heated SUV. Guides take photos of tourgoers as well as their own photos of the night sky, which are later shared with the group. Recent travelers praise this tour, and appreciate that the guides are always determined to give them the best northern lights viewing experience.

Alaska Tours: Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Hosted by Alaska Tours, the Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure is available January to March and August to December. This excursion includes two, three or four nights at this wilderness lodge about 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle. During the winter days, enjoy outdoor Arctic sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or stay warm indoors chatting with other guests at the Aurora Lodge. In the evenings, you can bundle up and head outside at one of the best places in Alaska to see the spectacle in the sky.

Prices include round-trip airfare between Fairbanks and Bettles, accommodations at the lodge, meals, a village tour and complimentary use of the Arctic gear (in season).

Alaska Photo Treks: Anchorage Aurora Quest

Alaska Photo Treks offers one of the best ways to see the northern lights in Anchorage – and you'll even learn how best to photograph the aurora, which can be a challenge to capture digitally or on film. This experience, the Anchorage Aurora Quest, is available nightly (when conditions are right), typically from mid-August to mid-April. The approximately six-hour guided tour with a professional photographer explains the science behind the northern lights and provides photo tips for budding aurora photographers in a small-group format. Tourgoers are picked up from their hotel by the guide at about 10 p.m. and return around 4 a.m., though that time can vary based on the aurora forecast.

On the Alaska Photo Treks website, you'll find a list of recommended camera equipment to bring. If you're using a smartphone, the tour group suggests downloading an aurora app and bringing a tripod. The company also advises that you'll be outdoors for about two hours, so you need to dress appropriately for the weather. For the best aurora viewing, the guides usually travel between one to three locations within a 70-mile radius of Anchorage. If you're in town for an extended stay, Alaska Photo Treks also offers a four-day pass for even more nocturnal viewing of the auroral activity.

Alaska Tours: Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights

Chena Hot Springs Resort is known for its therapeutic waters and aurora-viewing opportunities. If you prefer to head out with a guide rather than on your own, book the Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights tour with Alaska Tours. This package includes a four- to five-hour Aurora Expedition tour, four nights of accommodations, and access to resort amenities including cross-country skiing and snow machine tours.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs

Day trips are also an option for those who'd like to enjoy the resort amenities and a chance at seeing the northern lights from Chena Hot Springs. This tour offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide includes admission to the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum as well as pickup from local hotels. Recent travelers say the tour guides are top-notch.

John Hall's Alaska: Alaska's Winter Wonders

For an extended land tour to chase the aurora – and experience Alaska's magical winter wonderland – book this bucket list eight-day adventure with John Hall's Alaska. The company's Alaska's Winter Wonders tour is offered in February and March; it features up to seven nights of northern lights viewing, as well as adventure-filled days with skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. You'll also take an awe-inspiring flightseeing bush plane ride over Denali National Park, which includes a fly-by of the Foraker, Silverthorne, Hunter and Moose's Tooth peaks before landing on the Great Gorge of Ruth Glacier – the deepest in the world.

If that's not enough adventure, test your skills at dog mushing and curling or take an aerial tram ride. Travelers can also check out the local breweries or just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views. Additional highlights include spending two evenings under the dancing night sky in one of the domed igloos at Borealis Basecamp, as well as aurora borealis photography lessons.

All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, luxury land and small plane transportation, fully guided service, gratuities, and baggage handling – plus a black subzero jacket to keep you warm during your Alaska adventure.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship for year-round outdoor adventure and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She writes about the travel and culinary industries for a variety of major publications.

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• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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IT'S YOUR ADVENTURE.

Let us be your guide, exploring arctic / interior alaska, fairbanks  |  north pole, the adventure begins, northern lights viewing, arctic circle tour, all alaskan sightseeing & wildlife, chena hot springs, dog sledding, cabins / log homes.

Tours & Sightseeing Trips in Fairbanks, Denali & the Arctic Circle.

Touren & sightseeing in fairbanks, zum denali park & polarkreis ., aurora dinner.

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The perfect Aurora Borealis viewing opportunity as well as the chance to be personal dinner guests at an off the grid, Alaska yurt.

Your Aurora Borealis Dinner Tour begins right at your Fairbanks hotel, so you don’t need to plan how to get to us and you will save additional taxi costs.

Free guest pickup from 9:30pm to 10:15pm.

Let us surprise you with a hearty home cooked meal and wonderful entrees.

While waiting for the Aurora Borealis, our conversation can involve dog mushing, interesting facts and native stories about the Northern Lights, or any Alaskan subject you are interested in.

Explore life on the edge, living off the grid and close to nature. Large north facing windows allow you to view the aurora from the warmth of our yurt, but most people want to enjoy the dancing of the Northern Lights at our spacious outdoor viewing area.

A variety of entertainment is in place for your enjoyment while waiting for the Northern Lights to dance.

* ATTENTION * Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and can not be guaranteed. There is NO refund if the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights can not be seen.

Dinner Menu

Cheese, Crackers, Sausage

Alaskan Appetizer

Fresh Green Salad

Alaskan Fare      or     Vegetarian: Pesto w/ Pasta

Bread and Homemade Jam

Dessert w/ Ice Cream

• Cancellations 30 days prior to the tour date are subject to a 5% banking charge.
• Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of a medical emergency or flight delay/cancellation. 1st Alaska Tours is NOT refunding inside the 30-day cancellation policy.

Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and can not be guaranteed. There is NO refund if the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights can not be seen. 

IMPORTANT : A minimum of 2 people is required for online booking. Single travelers and short notice reservations (within 7 days of tour date) always have to contact us for availability at [email protected] or 907-590-5900.

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location/Lage/接送地點: Pick up from Fairbanks

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The 9 Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

T here's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

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When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

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Holland America Line

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9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Princess Cruises

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11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

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Celebrity Cruises

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The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

Norwegian Cruise Line

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13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Royal Caribbean International

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12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Luxury Alaska Cruises
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Best Alaska Shore Excursions

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The best hotels in North America to see the northern lights

If seeing the aurora borealis is your goal, you don't have to leave the continent.

• Margeaux Baulch Klein
• March 27, 2024

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, this coming fall and winter might be the perfect time to make it happen. 2024 is predicted to be one of the best years to see the northern lights , or the aurora borealis as they’re otherwise called, in decades. To see the northern lights, you’ll want to head to Canada and the northernmost parts of the U.S., like Alaska, during the peak viewing season. That’s typically thought to be around September 2024 through early spring 2025.

While you could plan a trip to Europe to view the lights, there’s no need to leave the continent if you don’t want to. There are more than a few places where you can see them in the U.S. and Canada. Here are some of the best hotels in prime northern lights viewing locations.

MORE: You’re guaranteed to see the northern lights on these cruises

Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks, Alaska

Want to enjoy the northern lights while relaxing in a warm, natural hot spring lake? If so, the Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska — where you can also catch the aurora borealis from a yurt on top of a nearby mountain — should be on your radar.

The resort offers a wide range of rooms and cabins to stay in during the winter season and will even provide a northern-lights wake-up call on request if you’re concerned you might accidentally sleep through it. Tours of the Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks, as well as spa treatments, dog sled tours and ice fishing are among the other activities you can enjoy while staying at the resort.

Alaska Grizzly Lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska

Another option on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Alaska to see the northern lights is the Alaska Grizzly Lodge. This cozy bed and breakfast boasts 12 rooms with either a private balcony or deck to watch the aurora borealis. A wake-up call can be provided so you don’t miss the lights, and an aurora guide is available to answer any questions or provide tips on how to best photograph the lights. Afterward, enjoy the homemade breakfast that’s included in the nightly rate. A variety of winter activities can also be arranged for an additional fee, and moose and other wildlife are a common sight around the lodge.

As you can see, this place has great viewing of the northern lights. You can look for rooms on Expedia for the 2024-2025 season.

Aurora Borealis Lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska

Located 20 miles north of downtown Fairbanks, Alaska in a remote area, the aptly named Aurora Borealis Lodge offers prime northern lights viewing from any of its north-facing rooms during peak season (mid-August to mid-April). While there’s no restaurant on-site or nearby, every room comes with its own private kitchen. Additionally, the hotel offers nighttime aurora borealis tours for anyone not staying at the lodge.

Nightly rates start at $229 for the 2024-2025 season. Here’s a Facebook post showing the site at the beginning of the year.

Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska

Also located in the Alaskan wilderness 25 miles from Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp boasts northern lights igloos and family-friendly cube rooms to take in the northern lights. The fiberglass igloo rooms feature a 16-foot window on the roof, so you can take in the northern lights even while lying down. The cube rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel offers two-, three- or four-night packages that include accommodations and shuttle transportation to and from the hotel or Fairbanks International Airport. You can also experience dog sledding and snowmobile tours and there is a restaurant on-site.

The viewing has been great in this area in March, according to the Facebook page. These pictures showcase the glass-windowed igloos that offer such great northern lights viewing. And two-night stay packages start at $980 per person for winter 2024-2025.

Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Whitehorse, Canada

For a unique way to experience the northern lights, look no further than the Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Canada. This adults-only Yukon igloo hotel offers glass chalet rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows to better view the aurora borealis. The resort also offers four traditional log cabin rooms — but the glass rooms are truly the draw with their wrap-around windows. During the day, you can also enjoy a massage at the resort’s spa, explore the Yukon area with a guided tour, or go snowmobiling or dog sledding.

In this Facebook post, you can see both the Aurora Glass Chalet rooms and the log cabins, which they call Alpine Chalets. Packages here cost $1,025 USD per person and up.

Blachford Lake Lodge & Wilderness Resort in Yellowknife, Canada

Overlooking a beautiful lake in Northern Canada, this five-cabin lodge is located in a remote location that’s only accessible by a 25-minute bush plane on skis. It once hosted Prince William and Princess Kate during their royal tour of Canada. Because of its remoteness, it offers a fantastic viewing location of the northern lights that is unhampered by city or street light pollution.

The lodge’s accommodations feature rustic rooms with wood-burning stoves and large windows. Some have bunk beds to accommodate families. Keep in mind that showers are shared facilities in the main lodge, although there is a wash basin and composting-style toilet in each room. Activities available at the lodge include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even seasonal igloo-building.

Check out this view! Even if you don’t see the northern lights, you’ll love the landscape. Three-night packages cost $1,902 USD and up.

Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, Alaska

If money is no object, consider the Sheldon Chalet located inside Denali National Park. To access it, you’ll be picked up by helicopter from Anchorage or Talkeetna and flown to the chalet’s remote location that’s perched on top of a ridge overlooking fields of ice.

Although the chalet is truly off the grid with no internet access, you can take in your environment during the day by skiing, sledding or hiking through the glaciers. At night, enjoy a chef-prepared meal and view the aurora borealis from the chalet’s incredible vantage points, including any of its five guest rooms.

In this image from several years ago, you can see a hint of the spectacular early-morning mountain scenery available from your accommodations. According to Travel and Leisure , your stay will cost $32,000 a night and there’s a three-night minimum.

Hill’s Resort in Priest Lake, Idaho

To see the northern lights without leaving the lower 48 states, the 58-room Hill’s Resort in northern Idaho may be a great option. The hotel’s lakefront dock and beach are prime viewing spots to try to catch the aurora borealis, while its rustic rooms all come equipped with a fireplace to warm you up when you come back inside. During the day, the hotel offers a variety of activities to keep you busy, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to sledding and snowmobiling. A restaurant is also located on the property.

Remember, seeing the northern lights is never a guarantee. For the best opportunity to see them, you’ll need clear, cloudless weather and a view unhampered by mountains or tall trees. But if you’re lucky enough to glimpse the aurora borealis, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Check out this view! This looks like a great place to stay, northern lights or not. Check the website for nightly rates.

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Northern lights predicted in US and UK on Monday night in wake of solar storms

Spectacular aurora borealis caused by geomagnetic storms on sun’s surface may be visible in North America as far south as the midwest

• Northern and southern lights: share your pictures

Solar eruptions are sending a stream of particles towards Earth, creating spectacular auroras in both hemispheres.

The aurora borealis – in the northern hemisphere – will be potentially visible on Monday night in the US as far south as the midwest. The northern lights, more commonly seen within the Arctic Circle, could also be visible in Scotland.

In the southern hemisphere, the aurora australis could be visible in southern Australia, from Victoria to Western Australia.

The shimmering spectacle comes on the same night as a penumbral lunar eclipse, which will be visible around the world.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather forecasting centre issued an aurora alert on Monday morning, saying a severe solar storm was in progress and the southern lights could be visible.

The storms are caused by coronal mass ejections, when clouds of plasma erupt from the sun’s outer atmosphere. Particles stream towards Earth, creating the spectacular display as they strike the Earth’s magnetic field.

In Australia, the storm peaked at 6 on the Kaus Index, a scale of one to eight measuring geomagnetic activity, meaning auroras will potentially be visible across Tasmania, along Victoria’s coastline and even on Western Australia’s south-west coast.

Both types of aurora are more commonly seen near the magnetic poles, in northern Canada and off the coast of Antarctica. Magnetic poles drift, and are not the same as the geographic poles.

The more severe the storm, the further away from the poles the auroras appear.

Severe storms can disrupt power networks and the satellites that provide navigation, surveillance and communication services. They can also pose a radiation risk to astronauts and people in high-flying aircraft.

A BoM spokesperson said significant space weather had “the potential to impact technology and critical infrastructure assets on Earth and in the near-Earth space environment”.

The BoM advises people hoping to see the aurora australis to find somewhere dark, like a beach or a hill with an unobstructed view south. Dark, moonless, cloudless skies away from city lights are ideal, and the best viewing time is between 10pm and 2am.

Last year, there were reports of shimmering night skies from Busselton in WA, to Ballarat and Canberra.

Macquarie University astronomer Dr Stuart Ryder said the 11-year solar cycle was likely nearing its peak this year.

“It goes from a relatively benign, calm state with very few sunspots on the surface to a very active phase about five or six years later, with a maximum number of sun spots,” he said.

“It’s much more likely to release huge flares of energy, enormous quantities of charged particles radiating away from the sun … their characteristic colours are green or red but people report blues, yellows, even purples.

“The more powerful the flare and the more it puts out, the greater the chance that people who live more towards the equator might get to see them.”

The BoM spokesperson said the current cycle began in 2019.

“The original prediction … was that solar maximum for this cycle would be reached in 2025, however, recent consensus amongst space weather researchers is that this cycle is likely to peak earlier, potentially in 2024,” the spokesperson said.

“This implies a higher level of solar activity over the next few years, but significant space weather can occur at other times in the cycle too.”

Meanwhile, at about 7pm tonight in Sydney and 7.30pm in Melbourne, the Earth’s shadow, or penumbra, will dim the moon.

The eclipse will be visible in spots including parts of Europe, North and South America, as well as parts of Asia and Africa. The details for people hoping to catch it are published on timeanddate.com .

Ryder said the eclipse will be half over by the time the moon clears the horizon. “Even when it does, the moon won’t pass through the deepest part of the Earth’s shadow,” he said. “It will be a full moon, and the upper part could appear a bit darker, because it’s deeper into the Earth’s shadow.

“Then the moon will move out of the shadow that it’s in and will be restored to full brightness … which unfortunately could ruin people’s chances of seeing the aurora.”

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Alight here for the aurora borealis: on the Arctic Circle train to northern Sweden

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This Swedish overnight train takes you straight to the northern lights

Located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Abisko is one of Sweden’s northernmost settlements. Its clear skies make it a dream destination for aurora seekers.

For travelers on the 17-hour train from Stockholm to Abisko , there’s a shared goal— seeing the northern lights. The small town, about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Sweden ’s northernmost settlements and has some of the clearest skies in Europe, a golden ticket for aurora hunters. The village’s unique microclimate produces a “ blue hole ” phenomenon, or sky-clearing jetstreams that increase the chances of aurora sightings.

Settling in my window seat, I peer out into the darkness. Those seeking the northern lights have extra incentive to head to Abisko. In 2024, experts say the sun is reaching the peak (called the “ solar maximum ”) of its roughly 11-year cycle, in which solar activity will be greatest.

“In the grandest outbursts, the aurora may become all-sky, a breathtaking, rapidly moving kaleidoscope of color,” says astronomer John Mason . Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Nature’s light show

The train departs from Stockholm at 6 p.m. daily and arrives to a pink sunrise over snow plains and fir trees in Sápmi —the traditional territory of the Sámi people, which encompasses northern Norway , Sweden, Finland , and Russia ’s Kola Peninsula.

A couple of tour operators run daytime excursions from Abisko, including ice fishing, ice climbing, Sámi cultural experiences , moose spotting, and photography tours around neighboring Norwegian fjords.  

But the activities don’t stop after hours. At night you can spot the Milky Way and other dark sky phenomena from your hotel window or head to remote areas of the village, such as Lake Torneträsk Pier, for a guided tour. “We don’t have much light pollution,” says Niklas Hjort, the manager of Abisko Mountain Lodge . “You can just open the door and look out and see the northern lights.”

( Here are five spectacular ways to see the northern lights in Canad a .)

Walking out my hotel door, sure enough, there they were—iridescent ribbons of dancing green.

Chad Blakley, the founder of Lights Over Lapland , says the blue hole phenomenon sets the village apart from other light-spotting destinations. “Abisko has some of the clearest skies on the planet,” he says. “We have a dominant wind direction that, when it hits the Norwegian mountains, leaves a small hole in the clouds.”

This near permanent small blue hole creates a windbreaker effect, with the mountains dispersing the cloud layer to provide reliable clear nights for the town below. With no cloud coverage, it’s said there’s an 88 percent chance of seeing the northern lights when visiting Abisko within a three-day visit.

“It is an example of a so-called microclimate, a set of localized atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding area and create a weather pattern unique to that region.” says Mason. “ Abisko National Park in northern Sweden enjoys more clear nights than most other places within the northern auroral oval.” Visitors to the park can witness the play of lights over Abisko Valley and Lake Torneträsk from the Aurora Sky Station’ s large outdoor terrace (2,953 feet above sea level).

( Here’s how to see auroras—from the Great Lakes .)

Still, the best way to see the lights may be on the return train to Stockholm. Barely 30 minutes have passed before an announcement rings out over the train’s speakers: “If passengers look out of the right-hand windows, you’ll see a wonderful show from our northern lights.” The handful of tourists in the carriage rush to press their faces against the windows and are treated to hours of recurring lights.

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