
Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska worth booking?
Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska is a 6-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $360 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (14)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $360 per person
Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and guide, Riley, in Fairbanks, Alaska. This intimate aurora tour is designed for adventurers and photographers of all skill levels, focusing on lesser-
What you get
About this experience
Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and guide, Riley, in Fairbanks, Alaska. This intimate aurora tour is designed for adventurers and photographers of all skill levels, focusing on lesser-known viewing locations to ensure a peaceful experience. You'll learn about the science behind auroras and receive professional tips to create stunning photographs. Enjoy 6-8 hours of aurora chasing, with transportation to and from remote spots away from city light pollution. With a maximum of two guests per night, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout this unforgettable night under the aurora. - Small group size for personalized instruction (max 2 guests) - 6-8 hour tour duration, with pick-up and drop-off in Fairbanks - Aurora portraits included - Photography tips suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros - Photo gear rental options available for those needing equipment
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Fairbanks
As your starting point for your tour, Fairbanks sets us up for success in experiencing the aurora regardless of the nautical direction we travel from the city. Whether we travel west, north, or east, we'll find excellent viewing spots away from crowds and city lights. As we chase the aurora, it'll become clear as to why Fairbanks and Interior Alaska is one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights! Located at 65°N latitude, Fairbanks sits in a very special geographical location: directly under the northern auroral oval. The auroral ovals are ring-shaped zones around each of Earth's magnetic poles where the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis occur. In Alaska and throughout polar latitudes in the northern hemisphere, we have the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis, a spectacular and mesmerizing phenomenon that's potentially visible on any clear night.
480 minutes here
George Parks Highway
The Parks Highway stems west from Fairbanks and is the main artery between Fairbanks and Anchorage. Along the Parks are a number of beautiful viewpoints suitable for aurora viewing. On nights where northerly conditions are not favorable, we may head west toward the small community of Healy, just outside of Denali National Park.
Pass by without stopping
Elliott Highway
Heading north from Fairbanks is the Elliott Highway, which spans about 70 miles before reaching the infamous Dalton Highway. Along this remote roadway are numerous excellent aurora viewing locations where other aurora chasers are seldom spotted. Because of the Elliott's remoteness and frequent open views of the northern sky, it is a preferred route for your tours.
Pass by without stopping
The Richardson Highway connects Fairbanks to the famous Alaska Highway before jutting south at the town of Delta Junction, where it continues south and soon enters the Alaska Range. Along the Richardson are numerous excellent viewing areas, from wide-open lakes to vistas of the Alaska Range. This is a preferred route when weather to the north is prohibitive and when weather in the direction of the Richardson is favorable.
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Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 2 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Far North Aurora Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 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
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
My tour with Far Notth...
My tour with Far Notth Aurora Tours was the highlight of my trip. Riley took me to beautiful locations away from crowds so we could focus on photographing the amazing light display. I also learned about the science of the Aurora and photography skills. Thanks Riley! I'll definitely book again on my next trip to Alaska.
via Viator
Epic and Unforgettable Experience!
Absolutely LOVED going out with Riley to hunt down the Aurora! We were super lucky to experience a geomagnetic storm and the WHOLE SKY lit up! Riley was able to snap some shots of us and sent them to us after! Riley took us to a secluded spot and provided up with delicious snacks and warm drinks! He shared loads of information about the Aurora and was a lovely bloke! Thanks again for a great experience! 5 ⭐️ Super stoked we chose is tour - won’t forget this experience!
via Viator
Aurora photography tour
Great experience and our guide did wonderful job on this Aurora tour. Great knowledge of aurora and locations to get great photographs. Would highly recommend our guide, Riley, as he has terrific passion for Aurora photography.
via Viator
Insane experience in Alaska
Our guide Riley shared his passion and knowledge of the auroa borealis on a tour north of Fairbanks. On a cold night we were fortunate to see the northern lights progressing from north to south over 4 hours. Riley was a great guide and highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
10/10
We had a great experience on Riley’s tour. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the aurora, and on a night where clouds were in the forecast, he took us to a remote location where we could find clear skies. Would highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $360 to $395
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska cost?
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Prices start at $360 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 Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 14 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 Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska?
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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 Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska?
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Around 5 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska 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.
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