Aurora Chase Adventure: 12-Hour Northern Lights Tour in Fairbanks

Spend a full night chasing the aurora across dark Alaskan backcountry

The Aurora and Beyond Premiere Chase Adventure is a 12-hour Northern Lights activity in Fairbanks that takes you 1.5 to 3+ hours into remote wilderness for optimal viewing and dark skies. You snowshoe through the landscape, warm up at a campfire, and get photography help capturing the aurora. The operator provides up to 10 edited photos, snacks, hot beverages, and transportation from your lodging within 15 miles of the airport.

The experience

This isn't a stationary viewing experience. You drive deep into remote Alaskan terrain where the sky stays dark enough to see the lights clearly, then move through the landscape on foot with snowshoes. The full night means you're out for the hours when aurora activity peaks, and the operator adjusts the route and timing based on weather and sky conditions: sometimes stopping at a cabin or other shelter partway through, depending on what the night brings.

Photography is built into the experience. Whether you bring your own camera or phone, the guide helps you frame and capture the aurora, and you receive up to 10 edited photos afterward. Between viewing windows, you gather at a campfire for warmth and conversation, with s'mores, hot cocoa, coffee, and tea provided. The operator also includes an aurora discussion so you understand the science of what you're watching. Seasonal activities (like ice singing on a frozen lake or berry picking if conditions allow) add to the adventure.

Transportation picks you up from your lodging anywhere in the Fairbanks or North Pole area within 15 miles of the airport. If you're staying further out, contact the operator about a fuel surcharge. You can also meet them in town. Restroom facilities don't exist in most of the remote areas you'll visit, so bathroom breaks happen outdoors. The operator welcomes all ages but notes that very young children may struggle with a full night in extreme cold. Contact them ahead of time if you have concerns about a child's comfort.

What’s included

• Transportation from your lodging within 15 miles of the airport in the Fairbanks or North Pole area.
• snacks, s'mores, and hot beverages (cocoa, coffee, tea).
• an aurora discussion covering the science behind the Northern Lights.
• photography help with your own camera or phone.
• up to 10 edited aurora photos.
• and seasonal activities like ice singing or berry picking based on weather and conditions.

Information

Lasts 12h, runs every day at 20:00, from US$ 325 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 6.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 20:00

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wandering Alaska LLC

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Fairbanks or North Pole lodging means you don't need a car or a rental to reach the remote viewing areas. If you're staying elsewhere within 15 miles of the airport, contact the operator about accommodation options. If you're further out, a small fuel charge applies. The full 12-hour commitment and remote wilderness setting suit travelers ready for an intense, all-night experience rather than a quick evening outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What does a 12-hour aurora chase actually involve? Am I driving the whole time or moving around on foot?

You drive 1.5 to 3+ hours into remote wilderness, then snowshoe through the landscape during viewing windows. The night includes stops at a campfire for warmth and rest, and possibly a cabin or shelter depending on weather. You're active and moving, not sitting in one spot.

Do I need my own camera to get photos of the Northern Lights, or is equipment provided?

You can use your own camera or phone. The guide helps you compose shots and provides photography assistance throughout the night. You receive up to 10 edited photos after the tour. Camera and tripod rentals are available separately at checkout if you want to upgrade your gear.

What happens if the aurora doesn't show up or the weather turns bad?

The operator adjusts the route and timing based on weather and sky conditions in real time. Extra perks and surprises are added based on what conditions allow. The full 12-hour commitment means you have the full night to chase optimal viewing windows.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in North Pole instead of Fairbanks?

Transportation is included from any lodging within 15 miles of the airport in both Fairbanks and North Pole. If you're staying further out, contact the operator about adding a fuel surcharge. You can also meet the group in town for pickup.

What's included in the snacks and beverages during the night?

S'mores, hot cocoa, instant coffee, and tea are provided. These are served during campfire breaks to keep you warm and fueled through the 12-hour experience.