Luxury Northern Lights Tours in Alaska: Everything You Need to Know

Alaska is undeniably one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Imagine standing under the clear, starry night sky, gazing at the dancing lights in vivid hues of green, purple, blue, and pink. The experience is nothing short of magical.

While you can certainly go on your own to try and spot the Northern Lights in Alaska, a guided luxury tour could make the experience all the more special. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about luxury Northern Lights tours in Alaska, including when to go, what to expect, and the best tour operators in the state.

When to go on a Northern Lights tour in Alaska

The best time to go on a Northern Lights tour in Alaska is during the winter months, from November to April. During this time, the nights are long and dark, providing ample opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis in its full glory. However, it’s important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and while they do occur frequently in Alaska, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll see them on any given night.

What to expect on a Northern Lights tour in Alaska

On a Northern Lights tour in Alaska, you’ll typically be taken to remote locations away from light pollution, so that you have the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Most tour operators offer warm and comfortable accommodations, such as log cabins or heated tents, so that you can stay warm during the cold winter nights. Some tours also include outdoor activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing.

The best luxury Northern Lights tour operators in Alaska

Here are some of the best luxury Northern Lights tour operators in Alaska:

1. Northern Alaska Tour Company

The Northern Alaska Tour Company is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1986. They offer several Northern Lights tour packages, ranging from two to five days, that take you to remote locations north of the Arctic Circle. Their packages include accommodations, transportation, and meals.

2. Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions offers a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience that includes exclusive access to a remote lodge in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Their Northern Lights tour packages include outdoor activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling, as well as gourmet dining and spa treatments.

3. Alaska Tours

Alaska Tours is one of the largest tour operators in Alaska and offers a wide range of Northern Lights tour packages, from budget-friendly to luxury. Their luxury packages include private cabins, helicopter tours, and gourmet dining.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a truly magical and unforgettable experience, a luxury Northern Lights tour in Alaska could be just what you need. With the right tour operator, you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the Aurora Borealis in style and comfort. Just remember to pack warm clothes, and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!

Luxury Northern Lights Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska: Everything You Need to Know

Fairbanks, located in the heart of Alaska, is known for its stunning natural beauty, especially the Northern Lights phenomenon. This city is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore the wilderness and witness the Northern Lights in luxury. Here is an insider’s guide to Fairbanks for anyone planning a luxury Northern Lights tour in Alaska.

Local Attractions

Fairbanks offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences. Among the top attractions in the city are:

• Aurora Ice Museum: This is the world’s only ice museum, located in Chena Hot Springs Resort. Visitors can witness ice sculptures, a frozen bar, and learn about the history of ice.
• Denali National Park: This park is a vast wilderness area with abundant wildlife, glaciers, and mountains. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing tours.
• Chena Hot Springs Resort: This is a unique resort with natural hot springs, ice museum, and Northern Lights viewing options. Visitors can also enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, and relaxing at the spa.
• Museum of the North: This is an excellent museum to learn about the history, culture, and wildlife of Alaska. Visitors can also see some excellent artworks, ethnographic items, and exhibits about Alaska’s natural environment.
• University of Alaska Museum of the North: This museum has some of the best collections of art, history, and science exhibits in Alaska. Visitors can learn about the natural history of the region and see some remarkable artifacts from Palaeolithic times.

Dining Spots

Fairbanks has some incredible dining options serving local and international cuisine. Some of the best dining spots in the city are:

• The Pump House: This is a fine-dining restaurant serving American and Alaskan cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the Chena River and has an extensive wine list.
• Southside Bistro: This is a cozy restaurant serving Mediterranean and French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients, unique presentation of dishes, and excellent wine list.
• Big Daddy’s BBQ & Banquet: This restaurant is known for its southern-style BBQ and comfort food. Visitors can enjoy their delicious ribs, brisket, chicken, and desserts.
• Lavelle’s Bistro: This restaurant serves contemporary international cuisine and has an extensive wine list. Visitors can enjoy dishes like Alaskan king crab, salmon, and lamb.
• Cookie Jar: This is a cozy cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and desserts. The cafe is known for its homemade pastries, cakes, and cookies.

Cultural Experiences

Fairbanks is rich in cultural experiences and heritage. Some of the best cultural experiences in the city are:

• Alaska Native Heritage Center: This center is a great way to learn about Alaska’s indigenous cultures, traditions, and history. The center offers guided tours, storytelling, and dance performances.
• University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute: Visitors can learn about the science of the Northern Lights and other geophysical phenomena. The institute has an interactive display of aurora, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
• Fairbanks Ice Museum: Visitors can learn about ice carving and the history of ice in Alaska. The museum often has spectacular ice carvings and demonstrations.
• Holocaust & Human Rights Center of Alaska: Visitors can learn about the history of the Holocaust and Alaska’s role in the civil rights movement. The center has educational exhibits and programs for visitors.
• Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival: This festival features music, dance, and theatre performances throughout July and August. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of performances by local and international artists.

Local History

The history of Fairbanks is fascinating and is closely associated with the Gold Rush. Here are some of the must-see sites for history buffs in the city:

• El Dorado Gold Mine: Visitors can learn about gold mining and try panning for gold at this interactive attraction.
• Alaska Railroad Museum: Visitors can learn about the history of the Alaska Railroad and see vintage trains and locomotives.
• Pioneer Park: This park has historic buildings from the Gold Rush era, offering a glimpse of life in the early 20th century in Alaska.
• Fairbanks Community Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Fairbanks area with exhibits and artifacts on display from the Gold Rush era to modern times.
• Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum: This museum displays the largest collection of pre- World War II automobiles in Alaska. History and car enthusiasts will enjoy seeing these unique antique cars.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For travelers looking to experience something unique and off-the-beaten-path, here are some suggestions:

• Chena River State Recreation Area: This park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and canoeing. Visitors can also witness the Northern Lights from the park.
• Angel Rocks Trail: This hike is six miles long and offers an excellent view of the Northern Lights and the surrounding wilderness.
• Flying over the Arctic Circle: Visitors can take a scenic flight over the Arctic Circle, offering a unique perspective on the natural beauty of Alaska.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride over Fairbanks: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over Fairbanks and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
• Winterlake Lodge: This lodge offers luxury accommodations and activities like dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can witness the Northern Lights from the lodge.

Conclusion

Fairbanks, Alaska, is a fantastic destination for travelers looking for luxury Northern Lights tours. This city is rich in natural beauty, cultural experiences, and history. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, dine in some of the best restaurants, and witness the wonders of the Northern Lights in luxury.