Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks worth booking?
Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks is a 9-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $585 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $585 per person
The only private aurora tour in Fairbanks with both a wilderness lodge and mobile chase capability. Recommended by National Geographic, your group gets exclusive use of the lodge, van, and guide—the night runs entirely o
What you get
About this experience
The only private aurora tour in Fairbanks with both a wilderness lodge and mobile chase capability. Recommended by National Geographic, your group gets exclusive use of the lodge, van, and guide—the night runs entirely on your schedule. Most aurora tours make you choose: sit at a lodge and hope, or ride in a van all night. This tour does both. On clear nights, you watch the aurora from a warm cedar cabin with panoramic windows, a fireplace, and hot drinks deep in Alaska's interior. If clouds move in, your guide Michael, a lifelong Alaskan, takes your group mobile to chase clear skies—so a cloudy forecast doesn't cost you the lights. No other private tour in Fairbanks offers this. Groups of 2-9 guests, families with children under 10 welcome. Stay out until 5 AM or wrap up early—the pace is yours, start to finish.
What's included
Included
- Private wilderness aurora viewing lodge with fireplace, panoramic windows, and all amenities
- Watermark-free aurora portraits of your group (5-7), delivered next morning
- Private transportation
- Snacks
- Aurora education, viewing guidance, and phone/camera help tailored to your group
- Flexible pacing and timing based on your group’s priorities
- Scenic drive through Alaska's interior in a heated, spacious van
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Fairbanks
- Exclusive use of the lodge, van, and guide for your private group
Not included
- Gratuity
- Cold-weather gear (dress warmly in layers; rentals available locally)
- Camera tripod (recommended if you plan to photograph the aurora)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Face The Outdoors
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Incredible experience!
We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience with Michael at Face the Outdoors! Both my kids and I learned so much about Alaska, the Aurora and were absolutely filled with awe by the light show in the night sky. Michael is so incredibly knowledgeable and makes everyone feel welcome, whether is it a night of chasing or from his gorgeous home. Could not have asked for a better experience! We would highly recommend without reservation to groups of all sizes and people of all ages! Would love to go again!
Response from the operator: A family aurora adventure—doesn't get better than that! So glad you and your sons got to share those moments together under the Fairbanks sky. Two different types of nights and two different wins. Clear skies in Fairbanks, Alaska are a gift, but the chase nights? That's where local knowledge really matters. Knowing where to go when conditions shift is what separates a Fairbanks aurora tour from just hoping for the best. Glad I could find those windows when other groups couldn't. That's the commitment on every Face The Outdoors northern lights tour—whether the sky cooperates or we have to work for it, I'm going to put you in the best position to see the show. Thank you for trusting me with your family's Fairbanks northern lights experience. Watching you and your sons take in that spectacular sight is exactly why I do this. Hope Alaska calls you all back for round two someday! 🌌 — Michael
via Tripadvisor
Best Private Tour Available!!!
Michael and Faced The Outdoors helped deliver one of the most magical nights of my life. I want to be clear I booked a private tour so the review and information I have are for that experience. With that said if anyone is looking for someone who can help capture a personal night with the best chances of seeing the lights then booking the private tour with Michael is a MUST do! I proposed on the night of my tour and this experience was above and beyond what I hoped to have and capture the night for my fiance and I. The lights are never guaranteed and anyone promoting that they are is simply trying to make a buck off you. the FTO website is extremely honest and well filled with information regarding the lights and what to expect throughout your experiences with them and I HIGHLY recommend taking the time to read the site and FAQs. But if your looking for someone who is extremely knowledgeable and honest about getting you the best opportunity to see them and take breath taking photos of you then Michael is your man! His home is beautiful and the view from the site if the sky and lights (when there of course) is like no other and the fact that the option to chase on nights where its necessary exist makes this experiences the absolute best available near Fairbanks!
Response from the operator: A proposal under the Fairbanks northern lights? Now THAT'S a magical night. Congratulations to you both! Private tours exist for exactly this reason—moments that matter. When it's a once-in-a-lifetime night like yours, you deserve the full attention, the flexibility, and the space to make it personal. So honored you trusted Face The Outdoors with something that important. And thank you for saying what needs to be said: the aurora is never guaranteed. Anyone promising otherwise isn't being honest with you. What I CAN promise is knowledge, effort, the best positioning, and the willingness to chase when conditions require it. That's what gives you the best chance on any Fairbanks aurora tour—not gimmicks. Glad you took the time to read the website and FAQs! I put a lot into making sure guests know what to expect before they ever book. Honest expectations lead to better experiences. No surprises, no disappointment—just a real shot at something incredible. The home, the viewing site, the wide open Fairbanks sky with zero light pollution—it's all built around giving guests the best possible Fairbanks northern lights experience. And when the clouds roll in? We chase. That flexibility is what sets this apart. "Most magical night of my life"—I'll be holding onto that one for a long time. Thank you for choosing Face The Outdoors for your Fairbanks, Alaska
via Tripadvisor
A Dream Come True!
Like so many people, seeing the Northern Lights has been on our bucket list! Luckily, we choose “Face the Outdoors,” with Michael He is a native of Alaska with lots of knowledge and years of experience photographing the Aurora. He picked us up around 8:00 pm from our hotel in Fairbanks and bought us out to a large open field by his house. We dressed for the cold, prepared to spend hours outside. Seeing the northern lights is always a crap shoot, and luck was in our favor! Michael is very knowledgeable about the Aurora and photography. He helped us know what to look for and how to capture a shot with our iPhone. (BRING A TRIPOD!). He also took a beautiful photo of us framed by the Northern Lights! We highly recommend booking with Michael at “Face the Outdoors.”
Response from the operator: Bucket list: checked! ✓ So glad you chose Face The Outdoors to make it happen. You said it perfectly—seeing the Fairbanks northern lights is always a bit of a gamble, but preparation and positioning stack the odds in your favor. Dressing for the cold and being ready to spend hours outside? That's the mindset that leads to success. Hotel pickup in Fairbanks, the drive out, and that wide open field with sky in every direction—it's all designed to give you the best possible Fairbanks aurora experience. No light pollution, no obstructions, just you and the lights. BRING A TRIPOD! 📣 Love that you're passing that tip along. iPhones can capture incredible aurora shots, but steady wins the race. Helping guests dial in their settings and know what to look for is one of my favorite parts of every Fairbanks aurora tour. And the portrait framed by the northern lights? That's so you go home with proof you were actually there—not just behind the camera the whole time! Years of photographing the aurora across Alaska have taught me what works. Being a native Alaskan means I know this land, this sky, and how to read what's coming. Glad all of that came together for your night. Thank you for the recommendation and for trusting Face The Outdoors with your Fairbanks, Alaska bucket list adventure. Hope the aurora calls you back someday! 🌌 — Michael
via Tripadvisor
Amazing guide & lucky night of viewing!
Michael is an amazing tour guide, his knowledge of the aurora is off the charts! We were lucky enough to go on 2 consecutive nights for private tours. The first night we went to Michaels beautiful house in Delta Junction, with an unobstructed, open field for viewing just out the door. Unfortunately for us Aurora didn’t cooperate that night. Nobody’s fault, just nature, it’s always a crap shoot. But Michael waited till the end of our time before calling it a night, hoping they’d come out. Our second night we went chasing. Literally driving hundreds of miles due to heavy cloud cover but great projections. Michael didn’t give up he kept going trying to find an opening in the clouds. Finally on the way back about 120 miles from the hotel & at 3:30 am he saw it, the opening! The winds were howling 60 to 70 mph so it was very hard to hold still for pictures or for him to keep his camera still but he got us some pictures & at least 45 minutes with Aurora shining brightly above us. Michael never gave up, he wants to give you the best possible trip he can. He shares his knowledge about Aurora in an easy way to understand making it interesting while learning about one of Gods little miracles on earth. Thank You Michael for an amazing 2 nights of Aurora hunting & finally finding them & getting pictures of us to share with family & friends in the most difficult conditions. You are great & we highly recommend you to anyone going to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights!
Response from the operator: Appreciate all the kind words and for the review! We don’t mind going that extra mile in helping our guests out during their time here in hopes of seeing the aurora!
via Tripadvisor
Chasing the Aurora
This was a bucket list item for us. there were quite a few clouds at the start of our evening. As we set up our camaras we could only see clouds to the north. The skies however were clear to the south so Michael loaded us all up in the van and we traveled south for almost an hour. once we made it to his viewing area the skies cleared up and we got our first view of the Northern Lights. It was a little less than spectacular, but still pretty neat. The tour was scheduled to return at 3:30am, but the longer we stayed the better the lights became. Michael was determined to give us the best show possible so as we started back, he kept a sharp lookout and we were able to stop again and get a much better viewing opportunity, We stayed an extra two ours and didn't head back till 5:30. If you go to all of the trouble like we did to go to Fairbanks to see the Norther lights you don't want to do it on your own. You defiantly need to have a guide, and I don't think there is anyone who puts in the effort and will actually chase the clear skies like Michael at "Face the Outdoors". A few tips: Because of the nature of weather and Aurora itself, you need to plan on staying at least 3 days. If you have a good camara and a tripod, take it. The camara picks up colors that you can't see with the naked eye. If you are going to use a phone camara you still need a tripod because the shutter needs to be set on 3 to 10 seconds. Take a nap before you are picked up, this is an all nighter. Dress for very cold weather. Thanks, Micheal, for the great adventure.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! The word “give up” isn’t in my vocabulary and it shouldn’t be in our guests either. I try to put folks in the best situation possible to fulfill their dream of seeing the aurora. Granted not every night is that WOW factor, but to witness the phenomenon itself is still an experience worthy of seeing. Enjoyed meeting you guys and had fun helping you guys in search of the aurora. Take Care!
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks cost?
+
Prices start at $585 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 Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks take?
+
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 Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 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 Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks?
+
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 Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks?
+
Around 3 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Northern Lights Lodge & Chase – Fairbanks.
Pick your date
