Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks

If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky, a guided chase in Fairbanks might be just what you’re after. This particular tour, run by Alaska Journey Tours, has garnered glowing reviews, with many travelers calling it an outstanding, well-organized, and memorable experience. We’re here to give you a detailed, honest picture of what to expect — from the good stuff to a few considerations you might want to keep in mind before booking.

What really sets this tour apart? First, it’s not just about chasing the lights; it’s about doing it in a way that feels personalized and professional. The guides are known for their knowledgeable approach and genuine enthusiasm. Second, the free photography service means you’ll walk away with photos of your experience, which is a huge bonus when trying to capture something as fleeting and tricky as the Aurora. On the downside, it is a weather-dependent activity, so some unpredictability is part of the package. This tour is best suited for those who are serious about witnessing the Aurora, don’t mind a bit of cold, and really appreciate expert guidance and photography help.

Key Points

• Expert guides know how to find the best spots for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
• Small group size ensures a more intimate and attentive experience.
• Free photography allows you to focus on the moment without worrying about snapping photos.
• Weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility and patience are key.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, making logistics simple.
• It’s cost-effective considering the personalized service and included photography.

Why Choose This Aurora Viewing Tour?

When planning a Northern Lights trip, you want more than just a chance to see the sky; you want a reliable, enjoyable experience. This tour does a good job of balancing professionalism with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. With an average booking window of 40 days in advance, it’s clearly popular — which speaks to its reputation.

One of the immediate perks is the hotel pickup in Fairbanks downtown. That means no confusing logistics or worries about finding a meeting point after a long travel day. Once on the bus, you’ll be taken into the rural areas where light pollution drops away, giving you a better shot at seeing the Aurora in its full glory.

The Itinerary: What Happens on the Night?

This isn’t your typical “drive-by” tour. Instead, the guides aim to find the clearest skies and the best viewings. The exact locations vary depending on weather and cloud cover, but they are carefully selected to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. As some reviews mention, even under partly cloudy skies, the guides are skilled at finding any open patches of sky that reveal dancing curtains of green, pink, or white.

The tour lasts about 4 hours, which is enough time to wander through different spots if needed. You’ll spend most of this time out in the cold, in search of the best views. The guides do their best to keep everyone comfortable—they try to keep the van warm and are generally very attentive. However, since the activity involves chasing the phenomenon, there’s no fixed schedule—timing depends on the weather and Aurora activity.

The Guides and Photography: Making Memories

One of the biggest highlights, according to reviews, is the free photography service. Guides like David and Joy are praised for their knowledgeable, enthusiastic approach, and they make a real effort to capture your moments in the best possible light. They take photos during the tour and send them afterward, so you’ll have professional-looking images to cherish.

Reviewers mention that the guides are informative about the Aurora, sharing insights on how and when to see it. Some reviews note that they do not help with camera or phone settings, so if you want perfect shots, you might need to bring some basic knowledge yourself or be prepared for trial and error. Still, having someone else take the photos and do the driving means you can just relax and enjoy the experience.

Weather and Visibility: The Great Unpredictability

This tour’s success depends heavily on weather conditions. Even with the best guides and locations, clouds can obscure the Aurora. Several reviewers mention that, despite forecasts of partly cloudy skies, the guides wait patiently and adapt — and many still end up seeing strong displays. One review states, “Even though the weather forecast was mostly cloudy, they found clearing sky and waited for a while so that we could see the lights dancing.”

However, there is a risk of not seeing the Aurora at all if clouds persist, and the tour is non-refundable if canceled due to poor weather. That said, the tour provider does offer flexibility to reschedule or get a full refund if weather conditions are too unfavorable.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 18 travelers, you’re not crammed into a large bus. This smaller group size really enhances the experience, allowing guides to give more personalized attention and quickly adapt to changing conditions. Several reviews highlight how lucky they felt by just seeing the Aurora right out of the gate—which can sometimes happen with smaller groups that can move swiftly to the best spots.

The transportation is a comfortable vehicle, and guides do their best to keep everyone warm, which is crucial in Arctic evenings. If you get cold easily or need the restroom, be sure to let the guides know beforehand, as access is limited during the chase.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $279 per person, this tour offers a fair balance of value and quality. You’re paying not just for transportation but also for the expert guiding, the photography service, and the chance to see the Aurora with a knowledgeable group. Several travelers mention how they appreciated not having to mess with camera settings or worry about the logistics—they could just focus on the experience.

Considering that many Aurora tours are weather-dependent and charge premium prices, this one’s value is amplified by the included photos, hotel pickup, and small group setting. Of course, if seeing the Aurora is your top priority, and you’re willing to be flexible with the weather, this experience offers a good shot at making that happen.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a reliable, guided experience rather than a DIY chase. It’s suitable for those who value expert guidance and professional photos, especially if you’re camera-shy or unsure how to capture the Aurora yourself. If you’re traveling with family or a small group who want a relaxed but immersive night out, you’ll find the small group size and friendly guides particularly appealing.

However, if your schedule is rigid or you’re counting on perfect weather, be aware that the activity is weather-dependent, and your chances of seeing the Aurora can vary. Also, consider that the tour doesn’t include any stops for food or restrooms, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Northern Lights Chasing Tour with Photography in Fairbanks offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to experience the Aurora Borealis. You’ll appreciate the small group atmosphere, expert guides, and professional photos that make this tour stand out. It’s a great choice for anyone who truly wants a dependable chance to see the lights without stressing about logistics.

While the inevitable unpredictability of the weather means you might not see the Aurora every single night, reviews consistently mention strong, memorable displays. The added bonus of having your photos taken by guides adds a personal touch that most travelers find invaluable. If you’re after a fun, memorable night with a good shot at witnessing one of nature’s most amazing displays, this tour is certainly worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You get hotel pickup in downtown Fairbanks, guided chasing of the Aurora, and a professional photographer takes photos of your group during the night. The photos are shared afterward, so you can relive the moment.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 4 hours long, giving enough time to move between different locations in search of clear skies and good Aurora views.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that it involves being out in cold outdoor conditions for several hours. Let the guides know if you need the restroom or extra warmth.

Can the guides help me set up my camera?
They do not assist with camera or phone settings, so you might want to have some basic understanding beforehand if you want to optimize your photos.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since this activity relies on clear skies, poor weather may result in cancellation. The tour offers a full refund or rescheduling if the weather prevents sightings. Guides will do their best to find clearing skies when possible.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, especially if you’re traveling with kids who are excited about the Aurora. The small group setting and friendly guides make it suitable for families, but be prepared for cold temperatures and outdoor conditions.

Whether your goal is a picture-perfect Aurora or just a memorable night under the stars, this tour offers a solid, well-reviewed way to experience Alaska’s stunning skies. Just remember to dress warmly, be flexible, and enjoy the ride — those dancing lights are worth it.