Fairbanks: Northern Lights Chasing & Free Photography Pickup

Summary

Chasing aurora in Fairbanks night with photo memories and local stories

You’ll ride out from Fairbanks with a local guide chasing the northern lights across dark Alaskan roads. There’s no fixed stop—just you, real-time aurora hunting, and free photography so you can actually remember what you saw (even if your hands are shaking). Expect cold air, laughter in the dark, and maybe a little wonder you weren’t expecting.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous when we climbed into that van in Fairbanks—like, what if the northern lights just didn’t show? Our guide (he just went by Mike) had this calm way about him though, like he’d seen it all before. We drove out of town, headlights bouncing over patches of snow, everyone sort of whispering at first. It’s funny how you can feel both sleepy and buzzing at midnight out here.

The air outside was sharper than I expected—cold enough that my breath felt heavy. Mike kept checking the sky through the windshield, muttering updates about “aurora activity” and where clouds were drifting. At one point he pulled over quick and pointed—“There!”—and honestly at first I thought it was just a faint smudge. But then the green started to ripple and stretch, almost shy at first. Someone laughed (I think it was me), and Mike set up his tripod for those free photos they promised. My fingers were numb but I didn’t care; I could smell woodsmoke from some distant cabin and hear nothing but our own voices echoing.

We chased the northern lights for hours, moving whenever clouds rolled in or the color faded. There’s no bathroom on this tour—Mike warned us—but nobody seemed to mind much in the moment. He told stories about other nights when people cried or danced under the sky, which made me feel less silly for grinning so hard. The whole thing felt sort of fragile; sometimes the lights would vanish for twenty minutes and you’d wonder if that was it, but then they’d come back brighter than before. No guarantees here—just luck, patience, and a guide who knows when to wait.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights Viewing and Photography

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to chase Northern Lights
• Stop to photograph Northern Lights
• Return to hotel
• Receive photo link within 3 days

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this northern lights tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels listed in downtown Fairbanks.

Are photos included on the tour?

Yes, free photography is provided; JPG files are sent via OneDrive or Dropbox within 3 days.

Is there a restroom during the aurora chasing?

No, there are no restroom facilities since you’re actively chasing the lights.

What months can I join this northern lights tour?

The season runs from August 20 to April 30 each year.

How long does it take to receive my photos after the tour?

Your photo link will be sent within 3 days after your experience.

Can small children join this aurora borealis tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed on this trip?

No guarantee—the aurora is a natural phenomenon and depends on weather and activity.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in downtown Fairbanks and professional photography service throughout your northern lights chase; after your adventure, high-quality JPG images are delivered digitally within three days so you don’t have to worry about capturing them yourself while shivering under Alaska’s sky.