Everything You Need to Know About the Northern Lights Tour in Alaska’s Fairbanks

The northern lights or aurora borealis are natural light shows that occur primarily in the high-latitude regions such as Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. Witnessing this spectacular phenomenon is on the bucket list of many travelers, and Alaska’s Fairbanks is a popular destination due to its prime location under the auroral oval. If you’re planning to embark on a northern lights tour in Alaska’s Fairbanks, here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best months for northern lights viewing in Fairbanks are from late August to mid-April. During this period, the nights are long and the darkness provides an optimal viewing condition for the aurora displays. However, the months of November to February are known to be the most consistent for aurora sightings, so consider planning your trip during these months if you really want to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights.

What to Wear for a Northern Lights Tour?

Alaska’s winter temperatures can be extreme, so it’s important to dress accordingly for your northern lights tour. Wear multiple layers including thermal underwear, a warm sweater or fleece, waterproof jacket and pants, a hat, gloves, and wool socks. Comfortable and sturdy winter boots are also a must, as you’ll be standing outside for hours. Hand and feet warmers can also come in handy to keep you warm.

Where to Go for a Northern Lights Tour?

Fairbanks offers various northern lights tour options including guided bus tours, snowmobile tours, and dog-sledding tours. The Chena Hot Springs Resort is also a popular base for aurora viewing, where visitors can relax in natural hot springs while waiting for the aurora activity to peak.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights?

Photographing the northern lights can be a daunting task for beginners, but with the right equipment and a bit of practice, you can capture stunning photos of the aurora displays. Use a camera with manual exposure settings and a tripod to keep the camera steady. Set the ISO to a high value (around 1600-3200) and the shutter speed to anywhere between 5 to 30 seconds, depending on the brightness of the aurora. A wide-angle lens is also ideal to capture as much of the aurora displays as possible. Lastly, patience is key – sometimes the auroras can take a while to appear, so be prepared to wait.

Tips for a Memorable Northern Lights Tour

Here are some tips to make the most of your northern lights tour in Alaska’s Fairbanks:

• Check the aurora forecast regularly to increase your chances for aurora sightings.


• Book your tour in advance as they can be sold out during peak season.


• Be prepared to wait – the aurora displays can be unpredictable and may take hours to appear.


• Stay warm and comfortable with multiple layers and hot drinks.


• Be patient and enjoy the experience – the northern lights are a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon!

Conclusion

Fairbanks, Alaska is a prime destination for observing the northern lights, and with the right planning, equipment, and patience, you can experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Dress warmly, choose the right tour option, and prepare to witness one of the most stunning natural light shows on earth.