If you’re dreaming of witnessing the magical dance of the Aurora Borealis during a trip to Alaska, this tour from Fairbanks might catch your eye. We’ve gathered reviews and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect—no hype, just the facts.
What really stands out about this experience are the expert guides who know exactly where to find the best views and the professional photography service that leaves you with stunning photos of one of nature’s most incredible displays. On the flip side, you should know that seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed—weather and solar activity play a big part in whether the sky puts on a show during your outing.
This tour is best suited for travelers who aren’t just after a quick glance but want a well-organized, informative experience with the added bonus of great photos. If you’re okay with some uncertainty and appreciate expert guidance, this might be a fantastic addition to your Alaska itinerary.
We traveled to Fairbanks for our elopement and to chase the northern lights. Unfortunately, the night that we booked the tour, the weather was very cloudy. We were given the option to refund, reschedule, or still try for that night. Our flight back home was at 1:45 AM the next night, so we informed the host that we would love to try again but had a flight home. They offered to drop us back off at the pick up point to make our flight, we agreed! David was an amazing guide. He was so kind, hospitable, and a great photographer. He went out of his way to assist us with finding our lost rental car key. We were SO thankful for him. The moon was nearly full, so the lights were pretty obstructed, b…
Guide tries very hard to find lights. Unfortunately, was a cloudy evening. Guide looks after comfort also
There are restrooms along the route We didn’t see the Aurora but David did everything he could to get us to areas where they would be best seen…
- Key Points
- What to Expect on the Tour
- The Stops and Their Significance
- The Experience
- The Timing and Duration
- The Price and Value
- The Travel Experience: Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Cons
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- More Photography Tours in Fairbanks
- More Tours in Fairbanks
- More Tour Reviews in Fairbanks
- Our NewestFairbanks Activity Reviews
Key Points
- Expert guidance helps maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis and offers insightful explanations about the phenomenon.
- Professional photography ensures you leave with memorable, high-quality images without wasting time fiddling with your camera.
- Hassle-free transfers from downtown Fairbanks make the whole experience more relaxed.
- Weather dependency means that the Northern Lights are not guaranteed, but the guides do their best to find clear skies.
- Flexible scheduling allows for rescheduling if weather conditions aren’t favorable.
- Limited group size (maximum of 18 travelers) offers a more intimate experience.
What to Expect on the Tour
This northern lights chase is a well-rounded experience that combines history, science, and photography. Starting at Hyatt Place Fairbanks at 10:30 pm, the tour features round-trip transport from downtown hotels—no need to worry about driving yourself in the middle of the night.
Your guide, often praised for their knowledgeable and enthusiastic approach, will take you to a few strategic spots around Fairbanks. These locations are chosen based on weather forecasts and local conditions, aiming to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora. Multiple reviews highlight guides like David, who are described as super informative, passionate, and dedicated to chasing the lights. One review even calls him a “master aurora chaser,” which says a lot about his expertise.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Fairbanks
The Stops and Their Significance
The tour’s stops are mainly strategic spots around Fairbanks, selected to avoid city light pollution and increase your chances of Aurora sightings. While specific locations aren’t listed, reviews mention multiple site visits—up to three different spots—each offering unique vantage points of the night sky.
Travelers have noted that guides will drive to different locations if the sky isn’t clear, which is a smart move given how unpredictable weather can be in Alaska. One reviewer mentions, “David did a good job driving to different locations trying to find a visible spot,” highlighting the effort put into finding the best view possible.
The Experience
What really makes this tour special is the photography service. Instead of worrying about camera settings in the dark, a dedicated photographer captures stunning images of the Aurora along with group shots against the sky. Reviewers consistently mention how great the photos turned out, and some received a download link of their images a few days later.
One guest shared, “He took numerous photos from a variety of angles of all participants and placed them in Dropbox,” which means you go home with quality photos—an invaluable souvenir. Many reviews also emphasize the personal attention from the guide/photographer, making the whole experience feel curated and special.
You have to love it when you get lucky and the stars align. It’s been days between sightings but we were blessed last night to fulfill a dream to see the northern lights. All I can say is wow and thanks to David our wonderful guide. David is great and did not disappoint. we were viewing the beauty of the borealis within 20 minutes of his picking us up. Professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
This is amazing highly professional. Our guides David great guy; He holds 18 years of experience is the best he found on the lights in the cloudy bleak rainy weather. I was surprised.. They even gave me a option to reschedule but as i was leaving the next day I chose to go for it.
Great experience with photos. Its pretty rare to catch the aurora but glad we did. It was worth traveling to Alaska for.
The Timing and Duration
The tour lasts about four hours, starting late at night—perfect to get a good window of darkness for Aurora viewing. The timing is ideal because Aurora activity is strongest between 10 pm and 2 am in Fairbanks, and the small group size (up to 18 people) means a more personalized experience.
The Price and Value
At $179 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value, especially when you consider the professional photography included. Many travelers mention that it’s a worthwhile investment—getting expert guidance, multiple site visits, and digital copies of their photos.
Compared to more casual or self-guided options, paying a little extra for a guided chase with a photographer enhances your chances of both seeing the lights and capturing them beautifully. Reviews consistently praise the guides’ dedication and the quality of the photos, which justifies the cost for many.
The Travel Experience: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Knowledgeable guides like David make a difference, actively searching for clear skies and explaining the science behind the Aurora.
- The photo service means you leave with professional shots, often cited as “great pictures” and “beautiful photos,” making this a fantastic option for travelers who want memories without the hassle.
- Hassle-free pickups from downtown Fairbanks remove logistical worries, especially late at night.
- The small group size keeps things personal and comfortable, with many guests indicating they felt well cared for.
- The flexibility to reschedule if weather doesn’t cooperate shows a genuine effort to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora.
Cons
- The Northern Lights are not guaranteed—weather conditions and solar activity are outside the guide’s control. Some reviews mention traveling to multiple locations without success.
- The tour starts late at night, which might not be suitable for early risers or travelers with young children.
- The guide does not assist with camera or phone setup, so you'll need to be comfortable operating your device or rely on the professional photographer.
- As with any outdoor activity in cold Alaska, dress warmly and be prepared for potentially chilly conditions.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who are looking for a guided, informative, and photo-ready Aurora chase. If you’re a photography enthusiast or want professional shots of the Northern Lights, you'll find this especially valuable.
It’s also ideal for those who appreciate local expertise and personalized service—the guides really go the extra mile to find the best viewing spots and ensure everyone gets good photos.
However, if your main goal is to guarantee a sighting, keep in mind that seeing the Aurora isn’t guaranteed, so flexibility and patience are key.
Final Thoughts
This Chasing Northern Lights Tour with Photography from Fairbanks offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience the Aurora Borealis. The combination of expert guides, strategic location stops, and professional photographs makes it stand out as a memorable part of any Alaska trip. While the weather can be unpredictable, the guides’ efforts to find clear skies and their enthusiasm make the experience worthwhile.
If you’re someone who values good service, expert guidance, and quality photos, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a more personal, engaging experience with a high likelihood of capturing stunning images of one of nature’s most incredible displays.
Chasing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Tour with PHOTOGRAPHY
"We traveled to Fairbanks for our elopement and to chase the northern lights. Unfortunately, the night that we booked the tour, the weather was very..."
FAQs
Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?
No, the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon affected by weather and solar activity. Guides do their best to find clear skies, but sightings are not guaranteed.
What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 10:30 pm, making it ideal for late-night viewing when Aurora activity peaks.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including transfers and multiple site stops.
Does the tour include photography?
Yes, there is a professional photography service, and you will receive photos from the excursion a few days later.
Are meals or drinks included?
No, the tour does not include coffee or tea, and travelers are responsible for their own refreshments.
Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While it’s generally accessible to most travelers, the late-night timing and outdoor cold conditions require careful consideration, especially for young children or those sensitive to cold.
This Fairbanks Northern Lights experience is a solid choice for those wanting expert guidance, memorable photos, and a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. Just remember, patience and a bit of luck are part of the adventure—and that’s part of the magic of chasing the Aurora.
