Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour: Small Group Photography

Track the aurora with a guide and capture it as it dances across the sky.

A four-hour Northern Lights tour from Fairbanks takes small groups to remote locations away from city lights, where an expert guide uses live tracking technology to position you for the best aurora views. You travel by vehicle from Fairbanks to the viewing site, watch the sky with snacks and water provided, and have access to photography services to document the display. Children from age five are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Travel to Aurora viewing location

• Depart Fairbanks
• Travel to Aurora location

The experience

The tour runs four hours total, with transport from Fairbanks to an off-the-beaten-path location chosen for minimal light pollution and clear sky visibility. Your guide uses current aurora forecasting data to track activity and position the group where the Northern Lights are most likely to appear. Small group sizes mean you're not competing for space or attention. The setup is built around personalized service rather than moving crowds through a standard route.

You'll have snacks and water available throughout the evening, and photography services are included so you can capture the aurora without worrying about camera settings or technique. The guide speaks English or Chinese depending on your group, and children from age five can join. Pickup from Fairbanks is part of the booking, so you don't arrange separate transport to the viewing site.

What’s included

• Photography services.
• driver and guide.
• snacks and water throughout the evening.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 22:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Audio guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Alaska Custom Tours

Is this one for you?Small group sizes keep the experience intimate and personalized, which matters if you want individual attention from the guide and room to move around the viewing site without crowds. The four-hour window fits a single evening in your Fairbanks itinerary, so you can plan the rest of your day around it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Northern Lights tour depart from Fairbanks?

The tour departs from Fairbanks in the evening to position you for peak aurora activity, which typically occurs after dark. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time based on current aurora forecasts and seasonal conditions.

How does the guide know where to take us to see the Northern Lights?

The guide uses live aurora tracking technology to monitor current activity and position the group at locations with the clearest skies and best visibility. This real-time data helps maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora rather than relying on a fixed route.

Can I bring a camera, or do I need to use the photography services?

You can bring your own camera, and photography services are included in the tour so you have professional support capturing the aurora. The guide can help with settings and composition if you want assistance.