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Experience the magic of the Northern Lights from Fairbanks with guided tours that include photography, expert guides, and flexible options to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora.
Seeing the Northern Lights is often listed as a once-in-a-lifetime dream, and if you’re heading to Alaska, especially Fairbanks, chances are high that you’ll want to witness this natural spectacle. The Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography offered by Arctic Night Tours promises not only to chase the Aurora but also to help you capture stunning photos along the way. With a high rating of 4.9/5 from over 105 reviews, this tour has built a reputation for professionalism, flexibility, and a genuine passion for the Northern Lights.
One aspect we love is how personalized and flexible the experience is — the tour adjusts based on weather conditions and Aurora forecast data, maximising your chances of a sighting. Plus, guides like Elena and Ed are praised for their warmth, knowledge, and dedication to making sure everyone leaves with memorable photos and stories. A potential drawback? Because the tour depends heavily on weather and magnetic activity, there’s no guaranteed sighting — but the tour’s approach and expertise significantly improve your odds.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want more than just a fleeting glance of the Aurora. If you’re keen on professional photos, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and don’t mind some unpredictability, this experience could be a highlight of your Alaskan adventure.
Photography lovers can capture Fairbanks through these guided photo tours
The tour begins with pickup from a selection of 25 convenient locations around Fairbanks — from the cozy Hotel North Pole to the centrally located Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. This variety makes it easy to find a pickup point close to your accommodation, reducing early morning stress.
Once on the road, the guides—often a personable couple like Elena and Ed—drive into the wilderness, away from city lights and light pollution. The journey is flexible, sometimes taking you quite far depending on weather conditions, Aurora activity, and the aurora forecast. What’s comforting is the honesty from guides about the unpredictable nature of Aurora viewing; they track real-time data, adjusting on the fly to maximize your chances.
Throughout the ride, you’ll enjoy snacks and water, especially if the search extends longer than expected. This thoughtful touch keeps everyone comfortable and energized for the long night ahead.
When the guides spot signs of the Aurora, everyone hops out of the vehicle — a step that might be cold, but the thrill of anticipation makes it worthwhile. Once beneath the sky, your guides will start capturing the moment, taking professional shots of you and the luminous dance above.
Reviewers like Jyoti and Judy rave about the guides’ photography skills. Lena and Ed, in particular, are known for taking hundreds of photos, including time-lapse videos, which are shared afterward. This allows you to relax and focus on soaking in the experience without the pressure of trying to get the perfect shot yourself.
The duration varies based on Aurora activity and weather conditions, but it can extend up to 10 hours. Some travelers, like Debra, appreciated the perseverance of guides who kept driving to find the best viewing spots, even when Aurora activity was initially faint or obscured by fog. Flexibility is key — if the night is clear and the Aurora dances across the sky, you might find yourself out for several hours, bundled up and marveling at the natural wonder.
From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that guides like Elena and Ed make all the difference. They are passionate, knowledgeable about Aurora science, weather patterns, and photography. Many reviewers highlight their dedication, with some describing guides as “wonderful,” “homely,” and “enthusiastic.”
Their expertise isn’t solely about finding the lights but also about capturing the moment perfectly. As one reviewer put it, Lena and Ed “set up their cameras and took our pictures — a whole bunch of poses,” which resulted in stunning photos and videos. They also wait patiently, sometimes for hours, to catch reappearances or longer displays.
Few tours include professional photography as seamlessly as Arctic Night Tours. Guides use high-quality equipment to snap hundreds of pictures, then share these shortly afterward. Travelers consistently praise the photos — some even call them “outstanding” — and appreciate the ability to download them easily.
The photos are not just souvenirs but proof of the spectacular display in the sky, which can be fleeting and elusive. The time-lapse videos and multiple shots taken at different angles help you cherish the moment forever.
Transportation is modern and spacious, with vehicles that are warm and comfortable during the long night. Snacks and drinks, including water, are provided, which is especially appreciated on cold nights. Some reviews suggest adding hot beverages, but overall, guests appreciate the thoughtful amenities.
Tour start times are flexible, with pickup between early evening and late at night, depending on the Aurora forecast. The tour’s duration is variable, sometimes up to 10 hours, which might sound long but is necessary given the unpredictability of Aurora sightings.
At $195 per person, this tour offers solid value. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided Aurora chase, professional photos, snacks, and drinks. Considering how personalized the experience is — with dedicated guides, flexible planning, and high-quality photos — most travelers find it worth the price. Especially for those who have spent nights trying to catch a glimpse of the Aurora on their own, this guided tour dramatically improves your odds and makes the experience hassle-free.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights without the stress of planning each detail. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts, as guides take care of capturing professional images. If you’re traveling with a group, the small-group atmosphere creates a friendly, personalized experience.
However, if you’re on a very tight budget or prefer a shorter, less flexible experience, you might find other options. But for those seeking a well-organized, expert-led, and photography-packed adventure, this tour hits the mark.
The Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography from Fairbanks offers a blend of expert local guiding, flexibility, and genuine hospitality. Guides like Lena and Ed leave a lasting impression with their enthusiasm and dedication, and the professional photos they provide serve as beautiful reminders of your night under the Aurora.
While the Aurora’s appearance can never be guaranteed, the thoughtful approach, weather tracking, and experienced guides significantly boost your odds. The long hours, cozy transportation, and snacks ensure comfort, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to experience this awe-inspiring natural display.
This tour is best suited for travelers who value good value, personalized service, and stunning photographs. It’s particularly perfect for those visiting Fairbanks during Aurora season and willing to embrace some unpredictability for a chance at a magical night.
Q: How long does the Northern Lights tour last?
A: The tour can last up to 10 hours, depending on Aurora activity and weather conditions.
Q: What is included in the price of $195?
A: The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the Aurora Lights chase, professional photos, snacks, and drinks.
Q: Do I need to bring my own camera?
A: No, guides like Lena and Ed take professional photos using their equipment, and you will receive these afterward.
Q: Can I cancel the tour?
A: Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Q: Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
A: The tour is flexible and based on real-time weather and Aurora forecast data. If conditions are poor, guides may reschedule or cancel.
Q: What locations do they pick up from?
A: There are 25 pickup locations, including hotels and hostels across Fairbanks, making it easy to find a convenient spot.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the long hours and cold nights, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can handle the cold and late hours.
Q: Do guides provide hot beverages?
A: Snacks and water are provided; some reviewers suggest hot drinks could be added, but they are not currently included.
Q: What if I don’t see the Aurora?
A: Guides closely track Aurora forecasts and weather. They are committed to finding the lights and may offer a partial or full refund if the experience is unsuccessful, depending on the circumstances.
Q: Is the experience suitable for solo travelers?
A: Absolutely. The small group size and personalized service create a welcoming environment for solo travelers.
In summary, this Northern Lights tour from Fairbanks offers a well-rounded, engaging, and personal experience. It’s especially beneficial for photography lovers and those eager for a good chance to see the Aurora in a comfortable, guided setting. Expect professionalism, flexibility, and a sincere attempt to make your Aurora dreams come true.