Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza

If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing overhead, this tour in Fairbanks might just be the kind of experience you’re after. It’s not just about catching a glimpse of those vibrant swirls—this package promises professional-quality photos, cozy comforts, and a fun, memorable night out. We’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out and what you should keep in mind before booking.

Two things we love? First, the expert photographer who ensures you walk away with stunning portraits and landscape shots—no more blurry, poorly framed aurora photos. Second, the warm shelter and gourmet pizza that keep everyone comfortable and well-fed, even if the sky stays quiet. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the weather dependency—cloud cover can block the lights, but the tour offers flexibility with full refunds or rescheduling.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a guided, well-organized outing that combines photography, comfort, and fun activities. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a small group of friends, this tour is crafted to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora while making the night enjoyable and stress-free.

Key Points

• Professional Photography: You’ll be guided by an experienced photographer with high-quality gear, ensuring you’ll have beautiful photos to remember the night.
• Comfort & Warmth: The tour provides heated shelters, thermal gear, and warming stations, which are crucial in the cold Alaskan nights.
• Prime Viewing Locations: The driver takes you 15-40 miles north of Fairbanks to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, depending on weather and cloud cover.
• Food & Drinks: Gourmet hot pizza from a 930-degree stone oven, along with hot cocoa, coffee, and chai tea—perfect for keeping warm and energized.
• Activities & Extras: Aside from aurora chasing, you can participate in fun activities like flying paper lanterns and steel wool photography.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 travelers, this tour offers a more personalized feel and more attention from guides.

What to Expect on the Tour

This isn’t your typical crowded aurora viewing trip. Instead, it’s a carefully thought-out adventure where comfort and quality matter. The tour begins around 10:00 pm, a prime time for aurora viewing. You’ll be picked up from your Fairbanks hotel or designated meeting point in a small, intimate group.

Once you’re onboard, your guide, Nathan—who has over 23 years of outdoor experience in Alaska—drives you out of town to one of several excellent backcountry spots. The drive is part of the journey; Nathan often stops to share insights about the science of the aurora and local tips, making the trip educational as well as scenic.

At the spot, the group is welcomed into a heated shelter equipped with seats and blankets. This is a highlight, especially for those who find the cold challenging or simply want a cozy base while waiting for the lights. During the wait, you’ll be served hot pizza cooked in a portable oven, alongside hot drinks. Many reviews highlight the quality and tasty nature of this pizza, which turns out to be an unexpected treat in the middle of a winter night.

While you relax, Nathan sets up your camera, offers tips, and captures portraits of everyone under the night sky. The photos are included in a digital album—think landscape shots and stunning portraits—so you leave with tangible memories of your adventure. As the aurora appears, Nathan often stops again along the drive back to catch those fleeting moments, even if the sky stays quiet, the experience remains engaging and fun.

The Photography Experience

The main draw here? The professional photography. Nathan is highly praised for his skill in framing shots, using the right lighting, and ensuring everyone gets great portraits. Several reviews mention the quality of the photos and how much they cherished having professional images taken during this once-in-a-lifetime event. Plus, he’s knowledgeable about how to photograph the aurora, which is a huge plus for those wanting to learn some tricks.

Comfort & Safety

The comfort factor is clearly a priority. The heated shelter, hand and foot warmers, and thermal gear mean you’ll be dry, warm, and comfortable despite the cold temperatures in Fairbanks during aurora season. Reviewers repeatedly say how well Nathan takes care of everyone’s needs, making the experience inclusive and worry-free.

Food & Beverages

Hot pizza and warm drinks elevate this tour from just a viewing trip to a full experience. Many reviewers mention how tasty and satisfying the pizza was, especially after hours in the cold. The hot cocoa, coffee, and chai tea add to the warmth, making the wait more pleasant.

Activities & Fun Extras

Beyond just watching the sky, this tour incorporates fun activities like flying paper lanterns and steel wool photography—adding an extra layer of entertainment. These moments give everyone something to do while waiting for the aurora to appear, making the time go faster and keeping spirits high.

The Value of the Tour

At around $300 per person, this tour offers a lot. You get transportation to a prime viewing spot, a professional photographer, warm shelter, hot pizza, hot drinks, and a digital photo album—all in about 6 hours. When you consider the cost of private or less organized aurora tours, this package seems quite competitive, especially given the small group size and personalized approach.

Many reviews highlight how the experience exceeded expectations. Guests repeatedly mention the guide’s expertise, the quality of the photos, and the overall organization. Some even point out how the tour’s comfort and extras turn what could be a cold, bleak night into a warm, fun-filled adventure.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re serious about capturing beautiful photos of the aurora and want the comfort of a well-organized, small-group experience. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a knowledgeable guide, quality food, and the opportunity to learn about the science behind the lights. It also suits those who value having professional portraits taken as part of their trip.

While it’s not explicitly labeled as family-friendly, the moderate physical activity involved (short drives, walking outside briefly) suggests it’s suitable for most physically fit travelers. If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, you’ll find this tour offers a cozy, engaging atmosphere.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a Northern Lights experience that combines safety, comfort, and fantastic photography, this tour hits all the right notes. It offers not just a chance to see the aurora, but an overall well-rounded adventure, complete with delicious food, warm shelter, and expert guidance. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the included photos mean you leave with more than just memories—you have stunning images to cherish.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora while enjoying a fun, relaxed, and well-organized night out. It’s a solid choice for those who value quality over quantity, and who dream of having beautiful, professional photos of their Alaskan adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers with moderate physical fitness can participate comfortably, as the experience mainly involves short outdoor walks and vehicle transport. The warm shelter and heated amenities make it manageable even in very cold weather.

What happens if the Northern Lights don’t show?
Many reviews mention that even if the lights stay quiet, the tour is still worthwhile. Nathan often stops along the way to look for chances to see the aurora, and the experience, activities, and food make it a memorable night regardless.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting around 10:00 pm. It includes transportation, outdoor time, and activities.

What’s included in the price?
You get transport to a prime viewing location, a professional photographer for portraits and landscape shots, warm shelter, hot pizza, hot drinks, and a digital photo album.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for families, the moderate physical effort and small group setting suggest it’s suitable for most travelers in good health. Always check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

Can I book last minute?
The tour is typically booked around 62 days in advance, but it’s worth checking availability if you’re planning a last-minute trip. The small group size means spots can fill up quickly.

What if the weather cancels?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This ensures you aren’t left disappointed due to cloudy skies or storms.

This Aurora adventure combines the crucial elements of a successful Northern Lights trip—expert guidance, comfort, great photos, and fun extras. It’s a memorable way to chase one of nature’s most spectacular displays, with a little help from a passionate local guide.