Fairbanks: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Tour

Traveling to see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska is often at the top of many adventurers’ bucket lists. If you’re considering a tour in Fairbanks, the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Tour by Greatland Adventures might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on the info and reviews, here’s a thorough rundown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Northern Lights quest.

What we like about this experience is the small-group setup, which promises a more intimate and personalized outing, and the use of cutting-edge Aurora forecasting technology. A potential consideration is the price—it’s a bit on the higher side compared to some other options, especially if you’re budget-conscious. Overall, if you’re after a well-guided, tailored experience with a good chance of witnessing the Lights, this tour is worth considering, especially for those who appreciate good guides and technology-driven planning.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 8 participants) enhances comfort and personalization.
• Expert guides and Aurora forecasting increase your chances of a sighting.
• The tour operates between November 2 and April 14, during prime Aurora season.
• Departure times are flexible, between 8-11 PM, aligning with optimal darkness.
• The tour includes transportation, professional guides, and forecasting services—convenience factors.
• Price is around $322 per person, which might seem high but includes personalized planning and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is this Fairbanks Aurora Borealis Tour?

This Northern Lights tour is designed specifically to give travelers a close, personalized experience with one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. Based in Fairbanks, a prime location for Aurora viewing, the tour combines advanced forecasting technology with local expertise, aiming to position you at the best possible spot for seeing the Lights.

The emphasis is on intimate small-group outings—limited to just 8 people—to make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the experience without feeling lost in a crowd. The tour is suitable for anyone who wants to maximize their chances of witnessing the Aurora and appreciates the value of expert guidance.

The Itinerary and Experience

The tour starts with a hotel pickup at Fairbanks locations (note that stays in private Airbnbs or VRBOs may require additional coordination), usually between 8-11 PM. Once on board, the journey begins with comfort and flexibility in mind. The guides use innovative Aurora forecasting services—a key advantage—so they can select the night’s most promising viewing locations based on weather, Aurora activity, and light pollution levels.

Unlike traditional tours that might stick to one spot, this tour drives up to 3 hours outside of Fairbanks to escape city lights and find clear, dark skies. The vehicle serves as a mobile base camp, allowing the guides to adapt dynamically depending on weather conditions and Aurora strength. This flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest points because, as one reviewer pointed out, “The team informed us of the pickup time and were prompt in arriving at the Hotel,” and their efforts paid off when they found the Aurora at a second location.

During the evening, you’ll enjoy the star-filled winter nights, with the quiet and cold adding to the magic. The guides typically keep you comfortable with refreshments and a friendly, knowledgeable attitude. They go out of their way to maximize your chances of seeing the Lights, which, based on reviews, they do quite well.

The Guides and Their Role

The guides are a significant part of the experience. Reviewers consistently praise their knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication. For example, someone mentioned that “Shannon, our guide, was knowledgeable and kept us entertained,” and another remarked that the guide “found the Aurora, and finding the right spot to see off the highway was sheer magic.”

Good guides don’t just chase the Aurora—they explain what causes the phenomenon, help with camera settings for photos, and keep the group engaged during long waits. Their expertise is especially valuable, given the unpredictable nature of Aurora viewing—clouds, light pollution, and weather can all get in the way.

The Cost and What’s Included

At $322 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it includes a lot of value: transportation, a professional Aurora guide, and real-time Aurora forecasting. The tour lasts about 6 hours, which means you’ll get a substantial window in the dark hours to try spotting the Lights.

Some reviews highlight the cost compared to other tours—one reviewer mentioned that similar tours for about $100-$150 might be available, but often without the same level of personalized planning or guide knowledge. The higher price reflects the small group size, the use of technology, and the effort guides put into chasing the Aurora.

It’s worth noting that cancellations are flexible—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some peace of mind if weather conditions seem unfavorable or plans change.

More Great Tours Nearby

Timing and Seasonality

The tour operates during the Northern Lights season from November 2 through April 14. The best chances are during the dark, clear nights when the Aurora is most active and skies are free of light pollution. The timing of departure is flexible—between 8 and 11 PM—to match the darkness levels and Aurora forecast, which helps maximize viewing potential.

Keep in mind that cloud cover and light pollution are main obstacles, so the guides will drive out to locations that promise the clearest skies. From several reviews, it’s clear that the guides are quite proactive about this, which is a big plus in terms of value for your money.

The View and What You Might See

Depending on luck and conditions, you might see the Aurora dancing overhead in vibrant greens, pinks, or even reds—truly a spectacular sight. The Lights are a natural phenomenon; no one can guarantee a sighting, but the personalized, forecast-driven approach definitely boosts your odds.

One reviewer summed it up: “The aurora borealis was great. However, the trip was supposed to be for 8 hours and possibly hopping through 2-3 locations. We were taken to one cabin and stayed there for 4 hours, the total trip was only 5.5 hours.” While some found the trip shorter than expected, many appreciated the guide’s effort and the magical experience of seeing the Lights at a second location.

What the Reviews Say

Overall, reviews are quite favorable. Out of 7 reviews, the average rating is 4.6/5, with comments highlighting the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge. One reviewer noted, “Ben was awesome. We did not get to see much of the aurora due to overcast weather, but Ben tried really hard to find it,” illustrating the dedication of the team.

Another said, “They went out of their way to ensure our bucket list wish of seeing an Aurora was fulfilled,” reinforcing that guides genuinely care about guest experience. That said, there is some critique about the trip length and cost, with at least one reviewer feeling it was somewhat more expensive than other options for a similar experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who value personalized service, want the best chance to see the Aurora, and don’t mind paying a premium for comfort, guidance, and technology. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate expert guides who are proactive and enthusiastic about chasing the Lights.

If you’re traveling with children older than 12, this could be a memorable family adventure, though the reviews don’t specify if younger kids are suitable. The main concern would be the late hours and cold weather. For solo travelers, couples, or small groups, this tour offers a cozy, tailored approach that many find rewarding.

The Sum Up

The Fairbanks Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Tour by Greatland Adventures offers a comprehensive, personalized experience designed to maximize your chances of witnessing this incredible natural display. With small-group sizes, expert guides, and real-time Aurora forecasting, it provides a high level of comfort and confidence that you’re doing everything possible to see the Lights.

While the price may seem steep to some, many reviews suggest the guides’ dedication and high-tech approach make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about catching the Aurora. It’s best suited for travelers who seek a more intimate, guided adventure and are comfortable with the potential unpredictability of Aurora viewing.

If your goal is a well-organized, knowledgeable, and flexible Aurora tour—especially if you’re willing to pay a bit more for peace of mind and a higher likelihood—you’ll likely find this experience worthwhile. Just remember, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so patience and a little luck are still part of the package.

FAQ

Q: What is included in the tour?
A: The tour includes transportation, a professional Alaskan Aurora guide, and Aurora forecasting service. Refreshments are also provided to keep you comfortable during the night.

Q: What are the departure times?
A: Departure times vary between 8 and 11 PM, depending on the weather forecast and Aurora activity, to optimize your chances of seeing the Lights.

Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, though the actual duration may sometimes be shorter depending on conditions. One review noted a trip length of about 5.5 hours instead of 8.

Q: Are hotel pickups available?
A: Yes, pickup is included at Fairbanks hotel locations, but not at private residences like Airbnbs or VRBOs. The tour provider will contact you if you stay at one of these.

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: The tour recommends children be over 12 years old, likely due to late-night hours and cold temperatures.

Q: What is the best time of year for this tour?
A: The tour operates from November 2 through April 14, which is peak Aurora season. Clear, dark nights during this period offer the best chance to see the Lights.

Q: How do guides increase the chances of Aurora sighting?
A: They use innovative forecasting technology to select locations away from light pollution and with favorable weather, then drive up to 3 hours outside of Fairbanks to find clear skies.

Q: What if I don’t see the Aurora?
A: Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, as they depend on weather and solar activity. However, guides do their best to find good viewing spots, and many travelers do see the Lights.

Q: Is this tour expensive?
A: At about $322 per person, it’s on the higher end, but many find the personalized approach and guide expertise worth the cost, especially with the focus on maximizing viewing chances.

In summary, this tour offers a well-thought-out, guided approach to one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. It’s perfect for travelers who want a dedicated, personalized experience and don’t mind investing in higher-quality service to improve their odds of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

You can check availability for your dates here: