Aurora Chase in Fairbanks: 5-Hour Photography Activity

Chase the aurora across Fairbanks skies, photograph it, learn the science behind it, and warm up with hot cocoa between sightings.

A five-hour aurora chase in Fairbanks with a live guide, flexible pickup between 9:30pm and 11:30pm based on nightly forecasts and weather. You travel up to 50 miles in search of clear skies, stop at a cabin or static location as conditions allow, and receive five edited photographs of yourself with the aurora plus help framing shots on your own camera or phone. Hot cocoa, coffee and tea are provided.

The experience

The guide decides pickup time each evening around 7pm, timing it to the aurora forecast and cloud cover for that night. Arriving late to Fairbanks or leaving early, or simply too tired for a full night out: this five-hour version fits the gaps in your schedule. The chase itself covers under 50 miles total, either moving to track clear skies or settling at a cabin or other shelter depending on what the weather does. You learn the science of the aurora as you wait and watch, and the guide helps you frame shots on your phone or camera as the lights appear.

Five edited photographs of you with the aurora are included in the booking. Simple snacks come along, and the guide provides makings for hot cocoa, instant coffee or tea to keep you warm during the night. Restroom facilities are outside in the remote areas where the chase takes you (there is no plumbing out there), though you may stop at a cabin for part of the night if weather allows.

Pickup runs from all lodgings within 25 miles of Fairbanks airport, including North Pole. If you are staying further out, contact the operator about a small fuel surcharge, or meet them in town instead. The guide speaks English and travels with you the entire time.

What’s included

• Five edited photographs of you with the aurora.
• help framing shots on your own camera or phone.
• hot cocoa, instant coffee and tea.
• a discussion of the science behind the aurora.
• pickup from your Fairbanks or North Pole lodging within 25 miles of the airport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 23:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (19 and older) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Infant (under 8)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

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

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 160

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 lodging within 25 miles of the airport means you do not need a car or arrange separate transport. If you are staying further out, a small fuel surcharge applies or you can meet the guide in town instead. The five-hour window works for travelers arriving or leaving at odd hours, too tired for a full night, or concerned about restroom access on a longer chase.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (8 to 11 years); Infant (under 8).

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 time does the aurora chase actually start?

Pickup happens between 9:30pm and 11:30pm each night, decided around 7pm based on the aurora forecast and cloud cover for that evening. An earlier pickup is possible if aurora data looks strong. A later one maximizes your time out if conditions warrant waiting.

What happens if the sky is cloudy or the aurora does not show up?

The guide plans the chase around the nightly forecast and chooses the direction most likely to find clear skies. You may move to different locations or stop at a cabin depending on what the weather does. The activity itself (the chase, the discussion of how the aurora works, the photography help) happens either way.

Can I bring my own camera, or do I need to rent one?

Bring your own camera or use your phone. The guide helps you frame and shoot with whatever you have. Camera and tripod rentals are available separately if you want to upgrade, but they are not included in this booking.

How far do you travel looking for the aurora?

The chase covers under 50 miles total across the night, moving to track clear skies or settling at a static location like a cabin as conditions allow. You stay within the Fairbanks area and surrounding remote regions of Alaska.

What should I wear for a five-hour night in Fairbanks?

Dress warmly in layers. Temperatures drop well below freezing at night. The guide provides hot cocoa, coffee and tea to help you stay warm during the chase, and you may spend part of the night at a cabin or shelter depending on weather.