Top USA Northern Lights in 2026

Spend an incredible night on the hunt for the elusive northern lights with guides passionate about helping you make the most of your Fairbanks trip. Travel in a comfortable vehicle with included hotel pickup on this flexible journey and get complimentary photography if you finally see the aurora borealis to help make sure these are memories that will last a lifetime.

Venture away from the light pollution of Fairbanks, without worrying about navigating the snowy roads, with this aurora-chasing tour. Travel from your hotel in a heated van in search of the colorful natural phenomenon. Learn about the aurora and Alaskan culture from your guide, enjoy a twilight campfire meal, and even get tips on how to capture the northern lights on your camera.

Increase your chances of viewing the magical aurora borealis on this guided tour in Anchorage. Enjoy expert photo instruction, portraits under the northern lights, and warm drinks while learning about the science behind the aurora. With snacks, hotel pickup, and forecasting services included, this unforgettable experience lets you witness nature’s most stunning light show.

Witness the enchanting northern lights from the comfort of the unique Aurora Sphere in North Pole, Alaska. This cozy experience allows you to relax indoors with complimentary hot drinks and Wi-Fi while you wait for the aurora to illuminate the night sky. When the lights appear, step outside for breathtaking views and professional photography opportunities. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to share insights about this natural wonder, ensuring an enriching experience. Enjoy the convenience of a heated space paired with outdoor access for an unforgettable evening under the Alaskan sky.

Increase your chances of seeing the northern lights by joining this small-group northern lights tour from Anchorage over the summer. Follow your guide, using resources such as weather tracking tools, Kp index, and local knowledge, and travel around in comfort in a private vehicle in search of the northern lights.

Set out on a nocturnal adventure in search of the elusive northern lights with this photography-focused tour departing from Anchorage. Get picked up at your hotel and go in search of the aurora borealis with a small group. Led by a professional photographer guide, learn new photography skills and gain insight into the science behind the aurora borealis. No photography experience is needed to join this tour.

What makes us special is our dedicated, professional guide, who will accompany you throughout your entire journey. Relax while we handle the driving, and rest assured that your guide will be there to provide valuable information, Alaskan facts, and stories about Alaska. Additionally, if the Northern Lights are visible during your tour, we will include a professional portrait photography session to capture the magic of the moment.

Journey north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and northerly roads accessible by vehicle, to the Arctic Circle. You’ll spend the day moving deeper into Alaska’s far north as forest thins and the landscape opens into wide valleys and tundra. We make several scenic stops at viewpoints for photos and short walks throughout the day, including time at the Arctic Circle sign (66°33′N). On the return, the late-night drive is timed for prime aurora viewing hours, with a chance to see the northern lights. Your guide uses real-time aurora forecasts to choose the best stops and timing. This is primarily a road-based experience with short, easy walks and ongoing commentary from your knowledgeable Alaskan guide. Non-smoking tour. Guests must be 15 or older. Groups limited to 6 guests in a new 11-passenger van fully outfitted for Arctic conditions, with guaranteed window seats, an unhurried pace, regular breaks, and flexibility, plus snacks, water, & hot drinks.

Set out in search of the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis during your time in Alaska on this nighttime excursion. Depart from Fairbanks after dark and venture deep into the forest in search of locations with little to no light pollution. If you find the colorful, dancing lights, your guide captures photos of your group so you can cherish the moments forever. Hotel pickup from downtown Fairbanks is included for convenience.

As well as chilly snowy landscapes, Alaska is home to refreshing hot springs that cold tourists are sure to find revitalizing. Enjoy the Chena Hot Springs Resort on this private full-day experience that includes the chance to see the Northern Lights dance in the night sky. If the aurora arrives, your guide will whisk you off to a vantage point to enjoy the show.

How many people can say they’ve crossed the Arctic Circle? Experience the landscapes of a lifetime on this full-day guided trip from Fairbanks to search for the northern lights. Journey through Alaskan wilderness aboard comfortable transport, and take a stroll along the Yukon River. On a high plateau of Finger Mountain, spot wildlife such as foxes, moose and bears. On the way back, hope to witness the splendor of aurora borealis.

Although we cannot guarantee that you’ll see the northern lights we promise to deliver a stress-free Alaskan evening with the goal of catching a great aurora show. Other tours offer a single predetermined destination or a night of riding around in a van. We offer BOTH. Each night we will review up-to-the-minute weather/solar data to determine where the best vantage point might be. We have access to a few local lodges and know lots of prime spots the catch the aurora in and around Fairbanks. Our experienced guides will be sure to keep you safe, entertained and informed throughout the process.

It's not just about seeing the Northern Lights; it's about experiencing them in a way that few ever do. Our expert guides take you to the most exclusive, off-the-beaten-path locations, far from the city lights, where the Aurora Borealis dances across the sky with breathtaking clarity. With our small group sizes, personalized service, and the latest technology to track the Northern Lights, we maximize your chances of witnessing this incredible natural wonder.

Explore beyond Fairbanks city limits—and enjoy an exciting but relaxing array of activities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort—on this small-group tour. Admire ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum, unwind in the resort’s hot mineral springs, and upgrade to enjoy drinks or a meal on site. If the conditions are right, you can then cap off the experience with a northern lights viewing before returning to your hotel.

Choose this activity if you are all about maximizing your time to get your best chance at viewing the lights for a full rotation of the Aurora Oval throughout a night. Then activity is the one for you!!!

Fully guided Alaskan experience led by a local guide who is dedicated giving you the best possible chance seeing the Northern Lights. I actively track weather patterns, aurora forecasts, and cloud coverage throughout the night adjusting locations in real time to maximize visibility. The experience is never a guess, we go where skies are clear starting at a warm welcoming lodge with hot drinks, indoor seating, restrooms, so you’re never left standing in the cold waiting combine comfort with adventure by exploring additional viewing locations when conditions allow. I keep groups smaller more personal, allowing for a relaxed, authentic experience where you’re not just another seat on a bus. I also provide photo assistance, local insight, storytelling that connects you to Alaska beyond just the light I operate with honesty and integrity if the chances of seeing the aurora are low, I will tell you. My goal is not just to run tours, but to help create a once in a lifetime experience.

Go far off the beaten track on this small-group tour that takes you along one of the world's most isolated roads. Travel into the Alaskan wilderness along the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights, though the natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed.

Brand-new for 2025, the Aurora Glass House sits atop Cleary Summit in Fairbanks, Alaska. With floor-to-ceiling windows and over 270° panoramic views, this modern cabin offers a warm, cozy space to enjoy the Northern Lights. Relax in plush lounge chairs, sip hot drinks, and hear stories from your friendly local host while the aurora dances across the sky. Highlights • Brand-new Aurora Glass House for 2025 on Cleary Summit • Over 270° panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows • Stay warm with cozy seating and complimentary hot drinks • Perfect for couples, families, and photographers

Experience two of Interior Alaska’s most iconic winter attractions in one unforgettable evening. Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you’ll have time to relax in the famous natural hot springs, explore the resort, and enjoy an included tour of the Aurora Ice Museum. Guests will also have the option to purchase dinner at the resort restaurant before heading out for the night’s Northern Lights experience. After Chena, your local guide will take you away from city lights in search of the aurora borealis. Along the way, you’ll learn about Alaska’s winter landscape and the Northern Lights, with hands-on assistance capturing aurora photos with your own camera or smartphone when conditions allow. - Late evening tour lasting 7 hours from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM, including all pick-ups and drop-offs. - Pick-up and drop-off from all hotels and most BNBs in Fairbanks. - Admission included for both the hot springs and the Ice Museum.

Soak. Glow. Dream. Your evening begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks into Alaska’s wilderness to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Upon arrival, enjoy time at the famous Ice Museum, featuring glowing ice sculptures and frozen artistry. Afterward, guests may choose to dine at the resort restaurant (optional; food and drinks not included) skip dinner to enjoy extended soak time. Guests who bring snacks or choose light options will have more time in the hot springs. Relax in the outdoor mineralrich hot springs under open sky surrounded by steam, forest, and stillness. After your soak, we’ll travel to prime Aurora viewing locations to give you the best chance to witness the Northern Lights. While the aurora cannot be guaranteed, your guide will closely monitor conditions and share local knowledge and stories throughout the night. Pick-up is between 4:30–5:30 PM depending on weather. Return is as late as 2:00 AM, with flexibility to stay out later if the Northern Lights are especially strong.

- Small group size for a personalized experience (max 3 guests) - 5-8 hour tour duration, with pick-up and drop-off at your place of stay in Fairbanks - Photography tips suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros - Learn about the science of the aurora and how to track it - Photos of you and your group under the aurora included Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and aurora guide, Riley, in Fairbanks, Alaska. This intimate 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 5-8 hours of aurora chasing, with transportation to and from remote spots away from city light pollution. With a maximum of three guests per night, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout this unforgettable night under the aurora.

The only private aurora tour in Fairbanks with both a wilderness lodge and mobile chase capability. Recommended by National Geographic, your group gets exclusive use of the lodge, van, and guide—the night runs entirely on your schedule. Most aurora tours make you choose: sit at a lodge and hope, or ride in a van all night. This tour does both. On clear nights, you watch the aurora from a warm cedar cabin with panoramic windows, a fireplace, and hot drinks deep in Alaska's interior. If clouds move in, your guide Michael, a lifelong Alaskan, takes your group mobile to chase clear skies—so a cloudy forecast doesn't cost you the lights. No other private tour in Fairbanks offers this. Groups of 2-9 guests, families with children under 10 welcome. Stay out until 5 AM or wrap up early—the pace is yours, start to finish.

Experience an unforgettable adventure in Yellowknife with your loved ones on Private Northern Lights Searching experience, where you and your party can immerse yourself privately in the breathtaking beauty of the auroras! Enjoy a convenient private hotel pick-up in a comfortable vehicle, led by a knowledgeable photographer guide who takes you to the best spots away from city lights. Learn about solar winds, Earth's magnetic field, night photography and ancient tales that celebrate these lights. Witnessing the northern lights offers a unique blend of education and awe, making it a must for your bucket list and creating lasting memories of the wonders of our universe. Savor complimentary hot beverages and snacks while marveling at the stunning northern lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. After this awe-inspiring experience, your guide will safely return you to your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of nature’s spectacular light show. Tour not wheelchair accessible.