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Fairbanks Tours
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks
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Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks

By Alaska Journey Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 1-99, max of 18 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Photography Service
  • Pick you up at a Hotel in Fairbanks downtown
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • We DO NOT HELP with Client's Camera (or Phone) Setting up.
  • A Camera Workshop.
  • No Restroom because we are chasing the lights. Please let us know before the tour if you need


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
  • Hyatt Place Fairbanks, 400 Merhar Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
    We will pick you up at Hotels listed on TripAdvisor or Viator. If you do not stay at a hotel in Fairbanks, we may meet you at Hyatt Place Hotel (400 Merhar Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701) or we will let you know where we may meet you. (Pick up /Drop off time and Location are subject to change.)
Pickup details
  • *** FREE Photo Service *** We will pick you up at Hotels listed on Viator and TripAdvisor. (You may get an email for pick up time and location. We Do Not text you on your phone.) If you do not stay at a hotel in Fairbanks, we may meet you at Hyatt Place Hotel (400 Merhar Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701) or we will let you know where we may meet you. (Pick up /Drop off time and Location are subject to change.)
Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Not wheelchair accessible
      • Stroller accessible
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 285562P1

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Most travelers can participate
      • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
      • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 285562P1

      From
      $279.00
      per adult
      Select date and travelers

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      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Alaska Journey Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska
        313
        Fairbanks, Alaska
        Joined in October 2020
      • jenbudd
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience
        This was a great tour. This was not a lot of frills just straight to Aurora chasing. We met our driver at 10:45pm. There was a lot of communication and I appreciate that. We stopped at 3 different spots. The second spot that we stopped at was amazing. Joe was a great photographer and made sure everyone got pictures with the lights. The only thing I did not like was getting back into the vehicle to warm up. The lights would come on and would be very distracting.
        Written January 12, 2025
      • yisend
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing Dog Sledding Experience
        Friendly team, adorable dogs, and an exciting sledding adventure! The trip felt safe, and the photo service was a great bonus. Highly recommend!
        Written January 7, 2025
      • StephanieLaurel3
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        BEST CHOICE EVER
        Such an amazing experience!!!! WOW just WOW, I was so impressed with our tour guide and the cute pups! Thank you so much for a wonderful time!
        Written January 5, 2025
      • zirouy2025
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Best memories of my Fairbanks trip
        My husband and I booked this dog sledding experience the very last minute but it was the best decision I ever made! We got picked up at our hotel. The driver was super on time and the car was very comfortable. The owner of the kennel is very knowledgeable and caring for his dogs. We got to meet the pet the dogs before we heading out for the ride. We layered up so it wasn’t very cold. The dogs are so cute and so hardworking. We stopped in the middle for some photos and got to pet more dogs when we were back. We had so much fun!!! The photographer is really really good too! We got some great photos! Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Fairbanks!
        Written January 1, 2025
      • evalbuena16
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Chasing Northern Lights
        We were satisfied with our your guide David. He was very patient in taking us to different spots to get a view of the Northern Lights. It took us 4 places before we finally got to witnessed the amazing Aurora Borealis.
        Written December 30, 2024
      • Gjakins
        0 contributions
        1.0 of 5 bubbles
        AVOID AVOID AVOID
        Read the reviews. I did and was uneasy about this company, and I was right. Unprofessional and sketchy. Our musher was nice enough, but he made a comment about just putting his sled back together the night before, and we were his “guinea pigs.” Even if it’s true, don’t say it. We were told one time for pickup and then it was changed to an hour earlier. It’s a good thing we were closeby and could accommodate the change. Do yourself a favor and go to Rod’s in North Pole. Great operation. Streamlined and professional. Everything Alaska Journey Tours is not.
        Written December 30, 2024
      • angelikan931
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We loved the ride!
        We had a wonderful sled dog trip and we are so glad we booked this adventure! The dogs and the ride were amazing and our driver, Ashley, was skilled and very kind. You cannot dress too warmly, so throw on another layer and enjoy!
        Written December 27, 2024
      • X389SCedwardg
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Memorable Birthday Experience!!!
        My family and I had an amazing time, with the dog mushers. I Would highly recommend if you would like to do dog sledding. The views were breathtaking and the memories will be unforgettable.
        Written December 18, 2024
      • B4327IDsues
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Wonderful time
        It snowed too much the day before our reservation, but they picked us up safely. The way there was a beautiful snow world. We had a great time and they took wonderful pictures. It will remain in our children's memory for a long time.
        Written December 10, 2024
      • Z931GV_
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Unforgettable dog sledding experience.
        My husband and I had an unforgettable and exciting dog-sledding experience. The thrill of speeding through the snowflake world led by wonderful dogs was enough to relieve all my stress and get real healing. I want to try it again next time. Thank you very much for the guide and dog musher who did their best to provide the best service.
        Written November 27, 2024
      • 433wanessal
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nice to meet you, Aurora!
        I took two tours with Chasing Lights: the Minibus chasing the Northern Lights (with Bailey and Amad) and the Artic fjord road trip (with Andrea and Nathalia). Both were excellent, as the guides and drivers were very committed to offering the best experience to each person in the group. Thankfully we were able to see the aurora all night long and got back to Tromso at 3:00am. I highly recommend both tours.
        Written November 13, 2024
      • bakofan
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A SPECTACULAR TOUR!
        We again moved up our tour date because the weather was clear and good aurora activity was expected. David took us to areas where we saw the lights dance in new and totally unexpected ways. It was completely different from the previous night. Spectacular! What sets his tours apart is his passion about aurora photography because he enjoys the Northern Lights as much as his clients. This is THE tour to book! Thank you, David!!!
        Written November 11, 2024
      • 675sanhitad
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing experience
        David took us to several locations to male sure that we were able to get the best view possible. The pictures he took were also amazing!
        Written October 5, 2024
      • mem40753
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Don't miss this one!
        Really enjoyed this tour! Highly recommend "chasing" rather than just sitting in a lodge. If the weather is not the best, you have an option to change to another day. We had great weather to start the tour and got some amazing dark sky photos with all the stars. Then the aurora popped out and got great photos of that as well. Had some clouds so moved on to other spots. They have so much technology to check on weather and clouds in different destinations. Had a great tour guy who also helped us a lot figuring out our cameras. Be ready for a long night, few bathrooms stops and dress for the weather. So worth the time and money
        Written September 26, 2024
      • C5708VAchristiner
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Aurora Touchdown
        The trip was amazing! Our guide took us to several spots and was very knowledgable about the aurora. We ended up seeing it, and his genuine excitement added to the trip. Photos were amazing too.
        Written September 4, 2024
      See all 313 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

      Popular mentions

      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles214 reviews
      Excellent
      208
      Very good
      3
      Average
      1
      Poor
      1
      Terrible
      1

      617janice
      San Francisco, CA4 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2020 • Couples
      Back in January 2018 my friends and I struggled to find a aurora viewing tour company in Fairbanks. Luckily I stumbled upon this company’s Instagram page (@Alaska102) and reached out to them. They were great at communicating quickly, were on time, and our tour guide David was amazing. He drove us to a couple of great viewing spots and took amazing pictures for us too. You can tell he really loves what he does because even though he’s seen the lights many many times he still is in awe every time he sees them. He was so excited for us when there was a great light show.

      I came back to Alaska with my husband in February 2020 and was welcomed by David again. Prior to this our flight was delayed and the tour company was so accommodating for our last minute change request and worked with us to reschedule our tour day and time. We were fortunate enough to see an even better light show this time.

      I always read that March and September are the best months to view the lights, but I was able to see them in the months of January and February. This tour company really knows when and where to view the lights no matter what month it is.

      Thanks Aurora Tours Co. We hope to see you again in the future when we can bring our little girl to see the lights.
      Written October 13, 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      We are so glad that God allowed you guys to see the beautiful ones two times. Thank you for writing the review on this TripAdvisor of "Alaska Journey Tours." David Loves the above review. He wants me to tell you "Thanks" for it. Have a blessed day. We can not wait to see your little girl for an Aurora Chasing. Leah
      Written October 13, 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Andrew
      Los Angeles, CA16 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2021 • Friends
      Went out with Joseph and Sarah on the northern lights chasing tour and had an amazing time. Joseph has such an enthusiasm for the northern lights and made sure we went to 3 great spots to see them and captured amazing photos for us. I really liked that each location was relatively close and we weren’t spending tons of time in the SUV driving from one location to the next. They also asked us to reschedule when the weather report wasn’t good for the night of our initial reservation which shows how much they care that their customers get the best chance to see the lights. Our rescheduled day (11/3) turned out to be a night with one of the strongest displays you’d ever be lucky enough to see! I highly recommend their tour.
      Written November 4, 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi, Thank you for the GREAT Review on TripAdvisor. It was fog when we started. When we came by the 1st spot, the Northern Lights were dancing beyond cloudy and fog. It was blessed that Mother Nature opened the sky while we were chasing. Thank you again. Have a blessed trip. Sarah Alaska Journey Tours
      Written November 5, 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Aliana B
      11 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Northern lights are not easy to find, a lot of factors affect your chances of seeing them. But if you want to maximize your chances of not only seeing them, but also capturing the experience on camera, you have to go Aurora chasing with AJT!

      Our guide David was absolutely amazing - I think he is the best at chasing the Northern lights and taking photos of you with them. He is so sweet and funny, and definitely wants you to have these photos to cherish this experience forever! Our group had a blast with David, we laughed the entire night :D
      Written January 5, 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Christie MacMurray
      2 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2021 • Friends
      I know my tour guide can’t control the weather and activity. But he kept turning the heat off in -35 weather. We were also in his personal truck. It’s not a tour bus or shuttle we were in his Ford Expedition. He kept taking pictures that only his camera could see and kept telling us to wait. Which at that point when we looked up activity it was inactive and in general turned out to not be a good night chasing. My grandma also had a terrible time climbing in and out of his personal truck. We ended up sitting in the truck more than actually going to places to see them. He also doesn’t go outside of Fairbanks. I think at some point these tour guides need to be honest and maybe reschedule for a better night because we paid $$$$$$ to be there.
      Written February 20, 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      We are sorry that you feel uncomfortable with last night's tour. Yes, we cannot control the Mother Nature. It was low aurora forecast (#2) and activity was not strong. But the weather was clear, which means that will be a good chance to see the lights. Depends on the lights, we need to wait for a while. It is normal that the lights do not always come out. Our vehicle is NOT a personal one. We got 4 WD Large SUVs only as you mentioned (Ford Expedition) because of safety. We can NOT use a Van, bus or shuttle to chase the Northern Lights. We put top priority on our clients' safety because we are driving on the snow. In addition, our aurora chaser did not turn off the engine because of the weather. He turned on the heater. It is an automatic controller to set the temperature. You told him that you felt cold while he tried to drop you off. Then, he said, "Thank you for letting me know" Then, he increased the temperature setting. We had more than 10 years experience to chase the Northern Lights. He chased the lights and stopped 4 different spots. These spots are the better ones. When the lights was little bit bright, he asked you to come out to take pictures. We post on "What to Expect" on TripAdvisor as followings: "We are driving and chasing the northern lights. You’re staying in the SUV. When the northern lights come, you get it off. Then, we will take pictures for you." SUV has a bigger tires than a Van, bus or Shuttle. It is right that getting on and off the SUV is not little bit easy. But, it is not true her grandma had a terrible time climbing in and out of our SUVs. She did not tell me about it. He took pictures for her 2 times when she got off the SUV. Leah 1-907-987-0229 Alaska Journey Tours
      Written February 22, 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Andrea R
      Suffolk Park, Australia7 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dec 2020 • Family
      Chasing the Aurora in Fairbanks with David was probably the highlight of our whole trip. David our guide not only made sure we had the best view of the aurora but also took the best pictures with his incredible camera. Rest assure if you chase the northern lights with David he will make every possible effort for you to see them and you will have the best shots as well.

      My sister, brother-in-law and I can’t thanking him enough for this wonderful experience!
      Written December 30, 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for the Amazing review and mentioning about our aurora chaser, David. We appreciated your referral to a couple from NY. Have a blessed day. Leah
      Written January 6, 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Karen H
      Perth Amboy, NJ36 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We have been chasing the northern lights in two countries and wanted to capture our first sighting with photographer and great company. The guide knew exactly where to take us. The weather wasn’t ideal but the photographer was able to capture the lights and AMAZING pictures . We had an amazing time and were so happy we got the pictures we wanted. The service was amazing from pickup to drop off. Don’t hesitate to book,you won’t regret.
      Written March 3, 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Terry B
      3 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dec 2022 • Family
      Don’t think twice! They took us to spots where the auroras were AMAZING and we got a spectacular show of lights. They cancelled on us the first 2 nights because of unfavorable viewing conditions and rescheduled us; they weren’t just out to get our money, they made sure we saw the lights at the right time and got our moneys worth. David took the best photos!
      Written December 30, 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Happy New Year! We really appreciate your Wonderful Review on TripAdvisor. You were blessed that you saw the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. We are glad that you got the best photos that David took for you. Have a blessed day. Leah Alaska Journey Tours
      Written December 31, 2022
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Daehun L
      1 contribution
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Family
      Experience with Alaska Journey Tours on 12/27

      Background:
      I came to Fairbanks on 12/24 but failed to capture any photos of the aurora over three days. Then I stumbled upon Alaska Journey Tours’ Instagram account, where they posted photos taken on 12/24 and 12/25. With nothing to lose and a strong desire to make the most of my last day before returning home, I booked a tour in desperation.
      - Booked Product: 2-hour tour (USD 149/person Ă— 4 people [2 adults, 2 children] = USD 596 via bank transfer).

      Review:
      1. Although we booked a 2-hour tour, the actual time at the site was just 1 hour (1 hour spent traveling round-trip between the pick-up and observation locations).
      > Recommendation: Opt for at least the 4-hour tour (actual observation time: 3 hours). The online price is USD 229 (USD 199 via bank transfer). We chose the shorter tour due to an early morning departure.

      2. The quality of the experience greatly depends on the assigned guide, as their spot selection and photography skills vary.
      > Tip: Confirm via text message whether the assigned guide is a professional photographer by checking their recently shared photos.

      3. Read the text message instructions carefully.
      > The first message (7 points) did not include any disclaimer about aurora sightings not being guaranteed, but the second message (8 points) clarified this with additional instructions.

      4. Avoid booking if the weather forecast predicts clouds.
      > Although the guide tried to relocate to better spots during the tour, the cloudy skies prevented us from seeing the aurora, and the 1-hour duration proved too short. It would have been better if they had honestly warned us about the low chances of success, rather than immediately confirming the reservation with "Yes, we do," which gave us false hope.

      5. Since we couldn’t see the aurora, we didn’t receive any photos.
      > The package included photography, but no aurora meant no photos were taken. Not even a family photo commemorating the aurora-chasing tour was provided.

      Conclusion:
      This experience taught me that seeing the aurora depends heavily on luck and conditions. While the effort to chase the lights was appreciated, the tour left much to be desired, especially for the price($600). For future travelers, I recommend thoroughly checking the weather forecast and ensuring realistic expectations before booking such tours.
      Written December 28, 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      You are not a client who booked thru TripAdvisor. I’m so sorry to hear that you were not satisfied. However, northern light' seeing is purely based on the Aurora forecast and many conditions, as you state - it’s all Mother Nature. Not much we can control on that. We tried our best to accommodate you by fitting you into a none planned schedule, made up 2 hours you asked to have. All of our employees are trained to be professional photographers, and not one is better than the other. We hope you had a great rest of your trip in Alaska. Leah Ford Alaska Journey Tours
      Written December 29, 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Carmen T
      Denver, CO38 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2023 • Solo
      If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, go with these professionals!

      I would have MISSED the northern lights had I not booked this trip. I had been here for 3 days with my own car and an iPhone to capture pictures of the northern lights. On my first day of went to a “location” viewing of the lights. Stayed out there 5 hours. Nothing. Day 2, I ventured out on my own in my rental car. I stopped at a few recommended spots but saw nothing… or possibly I could see something but the lights can be elusive. If you don’t know what you’re doing or looking for it’s easy to miss them. The 3rd night it was snowing lightly so I did not attempt. On my 4th and final night I booked this CHASING tour with photography. It was a WIN. Not only did the guide/photographer David found the lights for our group (it took 1 1/2 to 2 hr to find them) but he captured fantastic and professional pictures. I took a few pix with my iPhone (I did the recommended setting changes that you can read about) but they do not compare to what David delivered. Plus, I didn’t have to drive myself around on dark deserted roads in the middle of the night. I just slept until David drove us to the next stop, woke up, got out to view the activity and take pictures, then climbed back into the comfy Suburban and rested. David was a very thoughtful and cautious driver, as well.

      Thank you for helping me fulfill a bucket list adventure!
      Written November 11, 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Carmen, We really appreciate your Amazing Review on TripAdvisor. It was totally God's grace and blessing that you saw the lights when it was your birthday. God allowed you to see the lights because He opened the Sky. Thank you again for your mentioning about how he was doing during the tour. You were blessed to check off one of your Bucketlist. Have a blessed trip in Fairbanks. Leah Ford Alaska Journey Tours
      Written November 12, 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Jamie T
      16 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We had an amazing time “chasing” the Northern Lights! Basically that means our fabulous guide picked us up at our hotel and drove us to a perfect spot where the lights were coming out. He sat up the tripod and continuously took pictures of us and the couple other people in our small group. The lights cooperated and we got some AMAZING pictures!!! Jumped back in the vehicle and went to another spot for some more photo opportunities and then back to our hotel. It was absolutely perfect for me and my sister who was visiting from Oklahoma... definitely made this once in a lifetime opportunity perfect for her. Highly recommend!!
      Written February 10, 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      …
      Showing results 1-10 of 211
      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks provided by Alaska Journey Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska

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