Northern Lights Photography in Fairbanks: Chase & Capture Aurora

Drive through the dark and photograph the aurora when it appears overhead

This is a Northern Lights chasing activity in Fairbanks running from August 20 through April 30, where you ride in a vehicle hunting for aurora activity, and a guide photographs the display for you. Hotel pickup is included, and your photos arrive as JPG files within three days. The lights are a natural phenomenon with no guarantee: weather and aurora intensity shift throughout the night, and conditions may prevent visibility.

The experience

You get picked up at your Fairbanks hotel and spend the next four hours driving to chase the Northern Lights as they appear. The guide watches the sky and the aurora forecast, moving to different locations when activity picks up or when cloud cover blocks the view. When the lights emerge, you step out and the guide photographs the display for you: no camera setup required on your end. The photos arrive as JPG files uploaded to OneDrive or Dropbox within three days.

The activity runs nightly from August 20 through April 30, though the lights are strongest in the darker months. Because you're chasing the aurora across the landscape, there are no restroom facilities, chairs, or blankets in the vehicle. It's built for movement, not waiting in one spot. If you need a restroom break before the tour starts, let the operator know. The guide speaks English and can answer questions about what you're seeing, but the focus stays on finding the lights and capturing them while conditions allow.

Weather and aurora activity both shift unpredictably during the night. Clear skies at the start can cloud over, or the aurora can fade. Low visibility, cloud cover, or weak geomagnetic activity may mean you see little or nothing. This is the trade of chasing a natural phenomenon. The operator cannot guarantee the lights will appear, and conditions may change multiple times across the four hours.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in downtown Fairbanks.
• a four-hour Northern Lights chasing activity with a live English-speaking guide.
• professional photography of the aurora.
• JPG files delivered to your cloud storage within three days.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 22:30Last departure this season: 10 Apr 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by Alaska Journey Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to chase active aurora across multiple locations rather than watch from a single spot: the four-hour moving format works best when the lights are dancing, but means minimal shelter between stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the chances of actually seeing the Northern Lights on this tour?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon with no guarantee. Weather and aurora activity both change throughout the night, and either one can prevent visibility. The operator cannot control Mother Nature, and low visibility or weak activity may mean you see little or nothing despite favorable conditions at the start.

Do I need to bring my own camera, or does the guide handle the photography?

The guide photographs the Northern Lights for you. You don't need to set up or operate your own camera. The operator does not help with camera or phone settings, so if you want to take your own photos, you'll need to know how to use your equipment. Your guide's photos arrive as JPG files within three days.

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

The tour runs regardless of conditions, but weather or weak aurora activity may prevent you from seeing the lights. Cloud cover, low visibility, or geomagnetic activity shifts can all reduce what you see. Since the lights are not guaranteed, you're chasing a natural event that may not cooperate.

Is there a restroom available during the four-hour tour?

No restroom facilities are available because the activity involves driving and chasing the lights across different locations. If you need a restroom break before the tour starts, let the operator know in advance.

When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks?

The tour runs from August 20 through April 30, but the lights are strongest during the darker months when nights are longest. August and April have twilight that can wash out fainter displays, while September through March offer the longest, darkest nights for aurora viewing.

How does the photo delivery work after the tour?

The guide photographs the Northern Lights during the tour and uploads the JPG files to OneDrive or Dropbox. You'll receive a URL link within three days so you can download your photos.