Fairbanks: Northern Lights Chase & Mobile Aurora Lodge Tour

Chasing the aurora in Alaska’s wild night sky with real-time tracking

You’ll chase real-time Aurora forecasts from Fairbanks in a heated van with a local guide, warm up at a mobile lodge with campfire dinner and drinks, and get pro photos under Alaska’s wild sky. Expect laughter around the fire—and maybe a moment alone with just you and those swirling lights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights chase from Fairbanks

• Depart from Fairbanks base
• Pass Santa Claus House in North Pole
• Travel toward Murphy Dome viewpoint
• Consider Chena Hot Springs region
• Visit elevated points like Ester Dome
• Explore Two Rivers and Pleasant Valley
• Head to Nenana Hills if skies clear west
• View Denali National Park from afar
• Enjoy twilight campfire meal
• Relax at mobile Aurora lodge
• Sip drinks at Borealis Brew Bar
• Receive unlimited Aurora portraits
• Use tripod rentals and night-lapse video

The Experience

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel nervous before the SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience. Maybe it was the cold—my breath already fogging as we waited outside our hotel in Fairbanks. Our guide, Jamie, pulled up in this big Mercedes Sprinter van (toasty inside, thank god) and greeted us by name. She had that calm, local confidence you only get from chasing Aurora for years. I tried to ask about our chances tonight and she just grinned: “We don’t guess—we chase.” That stuck with me.

The drive out of Fairbanks felt like slipping into another world. Streetlights faded fast, replaced by black spruce forests and the crunch of snow under tires. Jamie kept checking her tablet—something about their “Lights-for-Life Formula” tracking solar stuff and clouds in real time. It wasn’t some set route; we were actually chasing clear skies. At one point we passed through North Pole (yes, really), and someone spotted Santa’s House all lit up. The van got quiet when we finally stopped near Murphy Dome—the air sharp enough to sting your nose, but honestly, I barely noticed once I stepped out.

The mobile Aurora lodge was already there—a heated tent glowing softly against the snow. Inside smelled like wood smoke and coffee (they call it the Borealis Brew Bar—try the spiced cider if you go). There was a firepit outside where they cooked reindeer sausage for dinner (vegan option too). I’m not usually one for group tours but everyone kind of loosened up around the fire, swapping stories while waiting for the sky to do its thing. When the first green ribbons appeared overhead—slow at first, then swirling—I just stood there grinning like an idiot. Jamie helped set up my camera (tripod rentals included) and their photographer snapped portraits for us all night. My hands were shaking too much to get a good shot myself but honestly? Didn’t care.

At some point I wandered off alone for a minute—just me, boots crunching on ice, watching Gates of the Arctic shimmer on the horizon under that huge Alaskan sky. It’s funny how quiet it gets out there; even with people laughing by the fire behind me, it felt like standing at the edge of something enormous. And yeah, we saw plenty of lights that night—but it’s that feeling I still think about now.

Top questions

How long does the SkyChase Northern Lights tour last?

The tour typically runs overnight, departing after dark from Fairbanks and returning early morning depending on Aurora conditions.

Is hotel pickup included in this Northern Lights tour?

Yes, hotel or B&B pickup is included within 5 miles of downtown Fairbanks.

What if we don’t see any Northern Lights?

If no Aurora is visible to eye or camera on a guaranteed night, you get a 50% refund or free rebooking.

Are meals provided during the tour?

A twilight campfire meal is included—Alaskan reindeer sausage or vegan option—plus drinks from their Borealis Brew Bar.

Can I get professional photos during this experience?

Yes, unlimited Aurora portraits by pro photographers are included along with downloadable images and time-lapse video.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since most viewing is from accessible locations near the van or lodge.

Do they provide camera support or tripods?

Yes, hands-on camera support and tripod rentals are included in your tour package.

Where does this Northern Lights tour go?

The route changes nightly based on real-time conditions; possible stops include Murphy Dome, Chena River State Recreation Area, and other remote spots near Fairbanks.

What’s included

Your night includes hotel pickup within downtown Fairbanks, travel in a heated Mercedes Sprinter van guided by an expert local “Auro-meteorologist,” flexible routing using real-time Aurora tracking tech, access to their unique mobile heated lodge with fire pit, a twilight campfire meal (reindeer sausage or vegan), drinks from an eight-option Borealis Brew Bar, unlimited professional photography including portraits and time-lapse video downloads, plus camera support and tripod rental—all backed by their Aurora Guarantee if no lights appear that night.