Alaska Northern Lights Adventure
Embark on a Northern Lights winter adventure in the far north of the United States on this 6-day group tour in Alaska. Enjoy three nights of dedicated Northern Lights excursions, including an aurora photography class and an evening in a yurt with 360 degree views. Go snowmobiling, take a husky sleigh ride and enjoy a spot of ice fishing. Relax in the Chena Hot Springs, visit the city of North Pole where Christmas is every day, and discover the Aurora Ice Museum on this tour which starts and ends in Fairbanks.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Alaska
Day 1 Welcome to Alaska
Welcome to Alaska! On arrival in Fairbanks, take the complimentary hotel shuttle to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this frontier city at your own pace. If there's any winter gear you still need to purchase then head out to the local shops, or do some sightseeing in this remote settlement. At 16:00, meet our tour guide in the lobby of the hotel, who will be on hand to brief you about the tour and answer any questions you may have. The hotel has an Aurora Wake Up Call, which means that should the Northern Lights become visible during the night, the hotel reception will call your room to ensure you don't miss them.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites or similar
Day 2 Fairbanks sightseeing, snowmobiling & Northern Lights
Day 2 Fairbanks sightseeing, snowmobiling & Northern Lights
Begin today with some group sightseeing in Fairbanks. We visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center and the Museum of the North, where we can learn about Alaskan native cultures, the state's unique biodiversity and the stories of Arctic dinosaurs.
After a break for lunch, we head out of the city to a snowy forest where we enjoy an included guided snowmobile excursion. All gear and training is provided, so no prior riding experience is necessary.
We have an included group dinner tonight before heading north to an Aurora Viewing Lodge far from the city lights. Relax in the warm with a hot drink as we wait for the Northern Lights to appear and enjoy an aurora photo class to learn how to take the best photos. When the lights appear, we head outside to take in the sights and snap photos. Northern Lights viewing will continue into the early hours, and we return to Fairbanks at around 2:30 in the morning.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites or similar
Day 3 Dog sledding, hot springs & Northern Lights
Day 3 Dog sledding, hot springs & Northern Lights
Fairbanks - Chena Hot Springs. Enjoy a lie in this morning after our late night, we'll ensure breakfast is put on late for you. Mid-morning, we depart Fairbanks and head for a dog sledding adventure. Meet some Alaskan huskies and their handlers and enjoy a thrilling sled ride around the boreal forest. Back at the kennels, learn more about this hardy breed and life in the wilderness of Alaska.
Continuing to Chena, we have some free time for you to unwind in the area's natural hot springs and explore the resort. There's an included dinner before we head out for another Northern Lights excursion. Taking a military-style snowcat to the top of Charlie Dome, we can enjoy a 360° unobstructed view, heated yurts to warm ourselves in, outhouses, and complimentary hot beverages and snacks as we wait for the Aurora Borealis to appear.
Accommodation: Chena Hot Springs or similar
Day 4 Aurora Ice Museum
Day 4 Aurora Ice Museum
Created from over 1,000 tonnes of ice and snow, the Aurora Ice Museum is the world's largest year-round ice environment, and was made using ice only from this area. Kept at a cool -7 degrees Centigrade by a patented absorption chiller, the museum is home to all manner of ice sculptures, an ice bar and even a number of hotel rooms! We have an included visit to the museum this morning.
The rest of the day is at leisure in the Chena Hot Springs resort. You can take a winter hike through the forest, enjoy cross-country skiing, book a massage or simply unwind in the therapeutic hot springs - the choice is yours!
Accommodation: Chena Hot Springs or similar
Day 5 Ice fishing & North Pole
Day 5 Ice fishing & North Pole
Chena Hot Springs - North Pole - Fairbanks. Our final full day begins with a traditional ice fishing experience. From the toasty warmth of an icehouse, a seasoned local guide will help you land a fish, and will even cook it for you so you can taste the freshest Alaskan seafood!
After fishing, we head to the small Alaskan city of North Pole, known for its year-round Christmas decorations, candy-cane street lights included. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and can even meet Santa Claus, whilst there is also free time to shop for any souvenirs for folk back home. We then make our way back to Fairbanks.
Enjoy a group farewell dinner and a final Aurora excursion to hopefully see the Northern Lights one last time.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites or similar
Day 6 Fairbanks
Day 6 Fairbanks
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before taking the complimentary hotel shuttle to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
This hotel offers views of the Chena River, this relaxed hotel is 3.2 km from Pioneer Park and 9.7 km from the Georgeson Botanical Garden at the University of Alaska. The cosy suites include kitchens, desks, and separate living areas, along with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy complimentary parking and continental breakfast. The hotel also features a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Situated in a remote wilderness with seasonal views of the Aurora Borealis, this century-old rustic lodge and resort complex is located 98 km northwest of downtown Fairbanks. The straightforward rooms and 2-bedroom suites, decorated in traditional Alaskan style, are equipped with coffee makers and TVs, Some rooms do not have phones. Amenities include on-site hot springs, a heated indoor pool, hot tubs, an ice museum, and a massage centre. A casual restaurant serves produce from the on-site greenhouse, and there is also a lounge.
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