
Northern Lights by Fire
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights by Fire worth booking?
Northern Lights by Fire is a 5-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $200 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $200 per person
Fully guided Alaskan experience led by a local guide who is dedicated giving you the best possible chance seeing the Northern Lights. I actively track weather patterns, aurora forecasts, and cloud coverage throughout the night adjusting locations in real time to maximize visibility. The experience is never a guess, we go where skies are clear starting at a warm welcoming lodge with hot drinks, indoor seating, restrooms, so you’re never left standing in the cold waiting combine comfort with adventure by exploring additional viewing locations when conditions allow. I keep groups smaller more personal, allowing for a relaxed, authentic experience where you’re not just another seat on a bus. I also provide photo assistance, local insight, storytelling that connects you to Alaska beyond just the light I operate with honesty and integrity if the chances of seeing the aurora are low, I will tell you. My goal is not just to run tours, but to help create a once in a lifetime experience.
What you get
About this experience
Fully guided Alaskan experience led by a local guide who is dedicated giving you the best possible chance seeing the Northern Lights. I actively track weather patterns, aurora forecasts, and cloud coverage throughout the night adjusting locations in real time to maximize visibility. The experience is never a guess, we go where skies are clear starting at a warm welcoming lodge with hot drinks, indoor seating, restrooms, so you’re never left standing in the cold waiting combine comfort with adventure by exploring additional viewing locations when conditions allow. I keep groups smaller more personal, allowing for a relaxed, authentic experience where you’re not just another seat on a bus. I also provide photo assistance, local insight, storytelling that connects you to Alaska beyond just the light I operate with honesty and integrity if the chances of seeing the aurora are low, I will tell you. My goal is not just to run tours, but to help create a once in a lifetime experience.
What's included
Included
- Tea and coffee
- Admission fees
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
What you'll see and do
Fairbanks
Travelers will journey along the beautiful, quiet back roads of Fairbanks as we head away from city lights and into darker areas where viewing conditions for the Northern Lights are at their best. This drive is part of the experience, offering a peaceful and scenic introduction to Alaska at night. While waiting for lights to appear you’ll enjoy a cozy Alaskan atmosphere with a warm bonfire educational experience about northern lights while enjoying hot chocolate, tea, hot cider and cookies that are provided Depending on the location and weather conditions, we may also offer a chance to explore the night sky through a telescope and view the stars. Photography is included your guide will help capture memorable moments under the night sky so you can take home more than just the experience. This tour is designed to be relaxed, comfortable and authentic focused on giving you the best possible opportunity to witness the magic of the Aurora while enjoying a warm and welcoming environment.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Fairbanks
I will contact you and give you details prior day to the tour for further instructions as to following or pick up needs.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
I will contact you and give you details prior day to the tour for further instructions as to following or pick up needs.
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- AK Bucket List Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights by Fire. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Five Stars For Sure!
Gina is a wonderful guide - highly recommend booking your aurora tour with AK Bucket List Tours. She helped make lifetime memories on our trip to Alaska. Thanks Gina & Kendall!
via Tripadvisor
September 25th 2026 Aurora Storm.
I'll begin with the guide Gina. She is upbeat and energetic. She is enthusiastic about showing off the highlights of Fairbanks and is dedicated to providing an optimal experience . We did a northern lights experience with her. The lights can be hit or miss. We stayed at Chena Hot Springs for a week and saw nothing due to clouds or no solar activity. On our last nights we stayed in Fairbanks and connected with Gina for one last chance to see something. She picked us up at Pikes Waterfront Lodge and we drove for a while to get out of the city lights. We ended up at a lodge designed for northern lights gatherings and other social activities. It was a large, well appointed hall with heat, snacks, drinks, a pool table, sofas, and a nice bathroom. Both Gina and the lodge host were well informed about the "lights" and we could sit in the lodge if we chose to, knowing that if the lights showed up they would tells us. It was a great night! The sky was clear, there were various green aurora bands and then an astounding aurora "storm" which lasted for about three minutes. We know we were lucky to have seen this. Gina's aurora tour began around 9 and went deep into the morning since that is prime time. On the way back Gina did a small side trip and showed us the Alaska pipeline. Thanks for that!
via Tripadvisor
Best experience ever.
We stayed at Chenea Hot Springs and met Gina. The owner of AK bucket list and she helped us through one night while we're there at the Hot Springs to see the lights, she told us at 1 o'clock in the morning to go outside and look and there they were so we booked A Tour with her and that night was the best night ever. She knew how to read the numbers. She knew how to read the sky. She knew exactly what was she doing. I'd recommend it to anybody her tour.
via Tripadvisor
Phenomenal Aurora Tour
I am so glad that we bumped into Gina at Chena Hot Springs just by sheer luck. Right off the bat, without even advertising her business, she was already educating us about the northern lights. She also kept us up to date with all the ins and outs of the northern light the next day when we did the tour with Chena Resort. She was spot on the probability and timing of us encountering the northern lights while at the resort. And she did all of this without charging us a dime just demonstrating that Gina truly cares about helping people in general and enjoys what she does. We ended up booking a formal northern lights tour with Gina the next day. She picked us up from our hotel right at 9:15PM. The drive was smooth and comfortable. When we got to the Champion Lodge, there were plentiful of snacks and drinks. She made sure all of her clients were comfortable and educated us on the science of northern lights. We got lucky and the aurora was absolutely phenomenal! It was literally popping and changing colorsn 360 degrees almost all night long. Overall, I feel like Gina's tour company is truly one of a kind. She truly cares about her clients and enjoy the things she does. I had a great time with the aurora tour with Gina and left truly satisfied. The price is extremely reasonable. Highly recommend if you are in Fairbanks (Gina also does.day tours to show you Fairbanks just fyi).
via Tripadvisor
Bucket list item unlocked
Our Northern Lights by Fire tour with Gina was hands down the highlight of our Alaska trip! From the moment she picked us up, we felt like we were exploring with a friend who genuinely wanted us to have the best experience possible. She shared fascinating stories about Alaska, explained the science and folklore behind the aurora, and made the entire evening fun and relaxing. The warm lodge, hot drinks, cookies, bonfire, and beautiful dark-sky locations made the night so special. Gina also helped everyone with camera settings and captured amazing photos that we'll treasure forever. She truly goes above and beyond for her guests, and her passion for Alaska is contagious. If you're looking for more than just an aurora chase and want a memorable, personal experience
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $200 to $250
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by AK Bucket List Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything AK Bucket List Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights by Fire: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Northern Lights by Fire cost?
+
Prices start at $200 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 Northern Lights by Fire take?
+
Plan for about 5 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 Northern Lights by Fire worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 Northern Lights by Fire?
+
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 Northern Lights by Fire suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights by Fire?
+
Around 2 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights by Fire 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 Northern Lights by Fire?
+
Included: Tea and coffee; Admission fees; and Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights by Fire include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 10 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Northern Lights by Fire 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 Northern Lights by Fire?
+
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.
Is Northern Lights by Fire wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Northern Lights by Fire 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 Northern Lights by Fire?
+
Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Northern Lights by Fire.
Pick your date




