Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 120 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks worth booking?
Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks is a 9-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $359 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 120 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (120)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $359 per person
Trade the crowded roadside pullouts for a private wilderness lodge deep in Alaska's interior—where the aurora appears directly overhead in skies with zero light pollution. Recommended by National Geographic and led by a native Alaskan aurora guide, this small-group tour (max 10 guests) gives you the best of both worlds: a warm lodge on clear nights, plus the flexibility to chase the lights by van when clouds roll in. No other Fairbanks tour offers both. Most Fairbanks tours park you at one roadside spot and hope. If clouds settle over that spot, the night is lost. We don't play it that way—when the sky closes in, we chase clear skies, so a cloudy forecast doesn't cost you the aurora. And on clear nights, there's nothing better than watching the lights blaze overhead, warm by the fire through the lodge windows. ✓ Small group of 10 or fewer—not a big-group operation—so everyone gets space and personal attention ✓ Out for the full night, not the 3-5 hours of a standard Fairbanks tour
What you get
About this experience
Trade the crowded roadside pullouts for a private wilderness lodge deep in Alaska's interior—where the aurora appears directly overhead in skies with zero light pollution. Recommended by National Geographic and led by a native Alaskan aurora guide, this small-group tour (max 10 guests) gives you the best of both worlds: a warm lodge on clear nights, plus the flexibility to chase the lights by van when clouds roll in. No other Fairbanks tour offers both. Most Fairbanks tours park you at one roadside spot and hope. If clouds settle over that spot, the night is lost. We don't play it that way—when the sky closes in, we chase clear skies, so a cloudy forecast doesn't cost you the aurora. And on clear nights, there's nothing better than watching the lights blaze overhead, warm by the fire through the lodge windows. ✓ Small group of 10 or fewer—not a big-group operation—so everyone gets space and personal attention ✓ Out for the full night, not the 3-5 hours of a standard Fairbanks tour
What's included
Included
- Hot drinks, snacks, and clean restroom facilities at the lodge
- Private wilderness aurora viewing lodge with fireplace, panoramic windows, and all amenities
- Help with phone or camera settings for anyone who wants to capture the moment
- Watermark-free aurora portraits of your group (1-3), delivered next morning
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Fairbanks
- Scenic drive through Alaska’s interior in a heated, spacious van (max 10 guests)
- Mobile aurora chasing if weather conditions require relocation
Not included
- Gratuities
- Cold-weather gear (dress warmly in layers; rentals available locally)
- Camera tripod (recommended if you plan to photograph the aurora)
What you'll see and do
Fairbanks
View the aurora in a private setting setting away from the crowds and the light pollution from the city. Experience viewing the aurora the way it should be, comfortably and pleasurable with the comforts of home! If it's cold outside feel free to come in and warm up by the fire while sipping on hot cocoa, tea, cider or coffee all the while taking in the show from the inside viewing area.
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- Face The Outdoors
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We have dogs, so if you are allergic beware. They are not always onsite during the tour.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 118 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
118 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tout
The guide was great and very knowledgeable.
via Tripadvisor
If there is any way possible to see Aurora,Michael Schultz of FTO is dedicated to getting you there! Highly recommend!
If you are serious about your desire to see the Aurora Borealis, book with FTO. Michael Schultz goes out of his way to make sure that , if there is any way possible to see it on any given night, he will get you there! The 2 nights we went, it was cloudy and rainy seemingly everywhere; and yet he found a place where we could see the dazzling glorious show of the Aurora! He helps you get your camera set up, tells you the best place to take the shot from, and will take up to 3 photos of you while Aurora is happening. He picks you up right at your lodging and returns you there safely ,and even educates you about the science of Aurora along the way. The entire experience of the Aurora chase is unforgettable: the countless stars, the mountains, the peacefulness, the people you meet, and, of course, the Aurora!!- totally, totally worth the price, time, and effort. I would give it a 100-star rating if possible!
Response from the operator: Thank you, a hundred stars means a lot. Two cloudy, rainy nights in a row is a tough draw, so being able to find you a break in the sky both times felt pretty good. That's what the chase is about, if there's any way to get you under the lights, we go get it. Glad the whole night landed for you too, the stars, the mountains, the quiet, the people, not just the aurora. That's the part I love. Thank you for trusting me with it, and for the kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Sky Chasers
Our experience was amazing because the guide knew exactly where to chase the northern lights, he was very insightful and provided scientific facts on this fabulous phenomenon. I would, however, recommend for the tour guide to provide beverages as the booking suggests as the tour can take a couple hours.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the kind words — glad the chase and the science behind the lights made the night for you. On the drinks: that night the clouds kept us from the lodge, so we were out chasing for hours with no restrooms around — that's why I keep drinks limited on chase nights, which I go over before and during the tour, and we made a stop where folks could grab what they wanted. Appreciate you coming out, and hope to get you back under the lights.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience and was on my bucket list
This was an amazing trip and on my bucket list for a few years. Michael is amazing. I discussed with him earlier this year about doing this trip. I hate the rain/snow/cold so I booked for 9/2/26. He picked me up and went to the lodge. That place is amazing. It's perfect to hang out in until the Aurora appears. It was faint to the naked eye but so beautiful on cell phone & camera. Then we headed back to Fairbanks and lo and behold, the Aurora appears again even more beautiful. I'll never forget this Michael. You made my day. One thing to remember, the Aurora is nature/phenomenon. It does not appear on command so discuss with Michael to optimize your possibilities. Michael is a local/grew up there, he has done this all his life and knows about the Aurora. And his photography knowledge is top notch. I rented one of his camera's as I anticipated my own camera would not be able to handle the needed manual settings and I was right. Thank you again Michael. I appreciate you.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much — this means the world to me. I still remember us talking about this trip earlier in the year, so getting to finally make it happen and have the aurora show up twice, once on the way back to Fairbanks, was something special. You picked a great window. And you nailed the most important thing for anyone reading this: the aurora is nature, not a guarantee, so the more we plan around the conditions, the better your odds. Glad the camera rental came through for you too — those manual settings are no joke. Thank you for trusting me with a bucket-list night. Come chase again anytime.
via Tripadvisor
An Amazing Experience
We know that Aurora votings cannot be promised, especially when it is pouring rain in Fairbanks, however Michael with Face the Outdoors managed to find two spots with open skies for us to witness an amazing Aurora display. We chased the lights! It was due to Michael’s knowledge of the area, understanding the nature of the Aurora’s and his positive outlook that made for an incredible experience. He helped with camera settings & techniques to help us capture the beauty of this natural phenomenon. Keep on chasing, Michael.
Response from the operator: Thank you, this one means a lot. Pouring rain in Fairbanks is about the toughest hand you can get dealt on a tour, so being able to find two pockets of open sky to get you under the lights felt pretty good. That's the whole game on nights like that, knowing the area and being willing to chase it. Glad I could help with the camera settings too. Thanks for rolling with it and keeping the faith, keep chasing.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 42
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks cost?
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Prices start at $359 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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 120 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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks?
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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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks?
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Around 42 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?
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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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks?
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Included: Hot drinks, snacks, and clean restroom facilities at the lodge; Private wilderness aurora viewing lodge with fireplace, panoramic windows, and all ameniti; Help with phone or camera settings for anyone who wants to capture the moment; Watermark-free aurora portraits of your group (1-3), delivered next morning; and Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Fairbanks. Not included: Gratuities; Cold-weather gear (dress warmly in layers; rentals available locally); and Camera tripod (recommended if you plan to photograph the aurora). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 22 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks.
What languages is Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks offered in?
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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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks?
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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 Northern Lights Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks if the weather is bad?
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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 Lodge & Chase Tour from Fairbanks?
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Across 120 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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