Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour
Fairbanks, United States

Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour

Outty Ranking 66 4.9 · 28 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $376
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour worth booking?

Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour is a 8-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $376 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (28)
Duration
8 hours
From
$376 per person

Embark on a journey to view and photograph the aurora borealis in and around the greater Fairbanks area.  Aurora Borealis portraits and photo instruction included.  We will use our luxury tour vehicle as a base camp as well as an authentic Alaskan cabin with wood stove and hot drinks.

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a journey to view and photograph the aurora borealis in and around the greater Fairbanks area.  Aurora Borealis portraits and photo instruction included.  We will use our luxury tour vehicle as a base camp as well as an authentic Alaskan cabin with wood stove and hot drinks.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hot drinks
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Web quality photographs and portraits
    • Snacks
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Fairbanks

      The aurora borealis is one of the most amazing natural wonders on earth.  Join us on a quest to view and photograph the northern lights in and around the Fairbanks area.  Depending on the nights weather conditions we may head out to our cabin with a cozy fire, or head out on a chasing tour. The length of the night out and final location will depend on cloud cover and strength of aurora. Our team will reach out to you via forecast phone call between 3:00pm - 5:00pm to provide details on the pickup time, tour length, and destination for the night.

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

    We pickup at downtown and airport hotels in Fairbanks. If you are staying at a private residence or AirBnb we will give you a meeting place during the forecast call between 3:00pm - 5:00pm.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Fairbanks · Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Greatland Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Minimum age 11. For groups with younger children, please inquire about our private northern lights tour.

    Photos

    Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour, photo 2Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour, photo 3Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour, photo 4Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour, photo 5Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour, photo 6Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    28 verified traveler reviews for Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Nina_W · September 2026

    Great tour.

    Ben went out of his way to make sure we experienced the aurora borealis. The communication between Mike and Ben made sure we were successful. Great team!

    Response from the operator: We are thrilled to hear that Ben and Mike took such great care of you and ensured a successful night under the aurora borealis. Teamwork makes the dream work when aurora hunting, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to both of them. We hope to welcome you back for another Alaska adventure in the future!

    via Viator

    24mm · August 2026

    Poorly run. No back up agenda if lights dont show

    I would recommend waiting till the last minute to book this, b/c cancelling isn't an option if it's cloudy. Granted, the clouds may part and you may get to see the northern lights, but it's a looong boring night if you don't. They don't have any back-up entertainment or education in case the clouds dont part, so you're stuck in a yurt until 2 a.m. with a bunch of also tired strangers. The best part was meeting Ash Nederhoff and listening to his Big Foot experiences, but alas, he was tired too and had the option of going to bed so he did. I don't blame him. Overall, poorly run. Didn't appreciate rap music on bus. Driver should consider the audience... if they want a tip from me anyway.

    Response from the operator: We highly value any and all feedback from our guests, as we continuously use constructive input to refine our services and deliver a better overall customer experience. However, we must clarify several significant inaccuracies in this post for future travelers reading along: Tour Availability: We haven't operated this specific tour since April 2026, making the timing of this review puzzling. Guest Verification: We have never hosted Ash Nederhoff, an HBO reality TV star, on any of our Alaskan tours, so this description is not reflective of our actual past operations. In-Van Music Policy: We maintain a policy of not playing music in our vans during public tours unless expressly requested by the entire group. Guide & Educational Standard: Our professional guides consistently provide engaging aurora education and foster a friendly, fun environment throughout the night, regardless of weather conditions. Because of these stark discrepancies, we strongly believe this is a false review that does not reflect our team or our guest experiences. We invite anyone planning a trip to explore our lengthy history of verified 5-star reviews to see what a night with us is truly like.

    via Tripadvisor

    128renur · March 2026

    Great Aurora Experience with a Professional Team

    Very professional crew. The heated yurts made the experience comfortable despite the cold, and we were lucky to witness a great aurora show. Highly recommended.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the kind review of our Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour! We’re so glad you enjoyed the comfort of our heated yurts, it definitely makes those cold Alaska nights much more enjoyable. Even better that you were treated to a great aurora show! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    Odyssey67174160372 · March 2026

    Beyond my wildest expectations!

    Of course the tour company and guides have no real control over the Aurora, but they certainly do what they can to ensure the best possible experience for us! We went on two consecutive nights and I have to think they were two of the best nights of the season. Mike and Ben were constantly checking apps that provided the latest information on conditions and they were able to educate us on what has to happen in order for the northern lights to appear. We were with them for hours, either outside watching (and you knew when to go outside because the excited yells would start), or inside the heated yurt (a necessity!). Their passion for this activity was very apparent and it rubbed off on all of us! They were very personable and available to answer questions the whole night. They took lots of pictures of the Aurora and of us to share with us which added to the experience. I can't recommend this tour enough ... as long as the conditions are favorable and I believe they have other tours for when they aren't.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful and detailed review of our Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour — it truly made our day! You are absolutely right that the aurora has a mind of its own, but we are so glad Mike and Ben were able to create the best possible conditions for you to experience it at its finest — two incredible nights in a row is something special! Your description of them constantly monitoring the apps, educating guests on the science behind the lights, and rallying everyone outside with excitement is exactly the experience we strive to provide. We're also so happy the heated yurt kept everyone comfortable and that the photos added a lasting memory to take home. Mike and Ben are truly passionate about what they do, and it means everything to hear that their enthusiasm was contagious. Thank you for taking the time to share such a wonderful and detailed account — reviews like this one mean the world to our entire team. We hope to have you back under the Fairbanks sky again someday!

    via Tripadvisor

    Trip557770 · March 2026

    An amazing experience!

    This was the highlight of our trip! We loved the small group and the viewing options. Mike and Ben were great. 1st class all around. We recommend to everyone!

    Response from the operator: Wow, thank you so much for this amazing review of our Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour! We are absolutely thrilled that it was the highlight of your trip! Mike and Ben are two of the best in the business, and we know they will be so proud to hear your kind words. We're also glad the small group setting and viewing options added to the experience — we really do believe that's the best way to enjoy the aurora. Reviews like yours remind us why we love what we do. We hope to welcome you back under the Fairbanks sky again someday!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    10
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Greatland Adventures, who run 11 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.

    See everything Greatland Adventures runs

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)46
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)52
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.

    How much does Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $376 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fairbanks usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fairbanks is not rushed.

    Is Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 28 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour?

    +

    Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fairbanks can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fairbanks and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fairbanks within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Fairbanks?

    +

    Fairbanks is the aurora capital of interior Alaska: heated viewing lodges, late-night chase tours, Arctic Circle day drives up the Dalton Highway, dog sledding and summer riverboat cruises. On Outty we rank every Fairbanks experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours, Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole, Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?

    +

    Late August to April for aurora, June to August for midnight-sun river trips. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Fairbanks?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour?

    +

    Included: Hot drinks; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Web quality photographs and portraits; Snacks; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 15 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour?

    +

    Across 28 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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