SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Fairbanks, USA
+45
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
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.
- Warm up around a campfire while you watch the sky
- Get a refund or go on another tour if no aurora is seen
- Receive unlimited Aurora portraits from pro photographers
- Your guides track weather conditions for best possible visbility
What's Included
- Keepsake Media - professional photography included, downloadable images
- Twilight Campfire meal (Alaskan reindeer sausage or vegan option)
- Borealis Brew Drink Bar - Featuring 8+ hot/cold drink options
- Local Expert - ensure your in the best spot to view the lights for the night
- Your personal Auro-meteorologist - predicts northern lights' visibility blending aurora and weather.
- Public transportationHotel/B&B pickup & drop-off (within 5 miles of downtown Fairbanks)
- Aurora Guarantee* (refund or retry if no lights are seen)
- Forecast-guided chase for clear skies, powered by SkyCommand
- Help with your own camera; complimentary tripods on request
- 360° night-lapse video when conditions allow
- Solo Stove Fire Pits (most nights)
- Mobile Aurora Lodge - Most nights our mobile heated lodge follows the vans.
- Optional hand-edited photo gallery
- Please note our Primary goal is Aurora viewing. Weather and other variables may remove extras
- MealsMeals beyond the included fire-cooked meals we provide
- Private transportationTransportation is not private and can have up to a max of 14 guests in one van.
- RAW files and watermark-free originals are not included in the base package
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Fairbanks (Pass By)
Murphy Dome (Pass By)
North Pole (Pass By)
Chena Hot Springs (Pass By)
Aurora Viewing Area (Pass By)
Denali National Park and Preserve (Pass By)
Felix Pedro Monument (Pass By)
Chena River State Recreation Area (Pass By)
Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point (Pass By)
Pleasant Valley (Pass By)
Ester (Pass By)
Nenana (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- No more than 1 backpack per guest
- All persons joining are required to purchase a ticket, despite their age.
- Please visit our website for a full cancellation policy and information
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 60 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
The SkyChase Northern Lights Experience was absolutely incredible! The aurora was breathtaking, and seeing those vibrant greens dance across the sky was something I will never forget. The guides were awesome, very knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we were comfortable the entire night. The reindeer sausage was phenomenal and definitely a must-try. This experience was worth every penny and something I would recommend to anyone visiting Alaska.
Reviews
4.8
based on 810 reviews
Review summary
Last 12 months
166 reviews
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Travelers praise the well-organized tour for clear communication, professional guides, and knowledgeable drivers who enhance aurora viewing. The experience includes abundant photo opportunities with expert support, comfortable heated areas, and quality food options like reindeer sausages and vegan snacks. Spectacular northern lights displays at optimal locations stand out. Overall, the tour balances cultural insights, comfort, and memorable natural scenery effectively.
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Wonderful experience! We felt safe the whole night, the guide knew exactly where to go, and we saw the northern lights. A bucket-list moment. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! Keeping guests safe and comfortable while we chase the lights matters to us, and we're so glad your bucket-list night came true.
Our guide was absolutely phenomenal and refused to give up despite a terrible, completely overcast forecast on our final night. Instead of calling it off, they expertly used live satellite data to hunt down a rare clearing in the clouds. Thanks to their relentless effort and expertise, we witnessed a spectacular, fast-moving aurora display when we thought all hope was lost.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! Nights like yours, when the forecast says no and the team keeps hunting for a clearing, are the ones our guides remember too. We're so glad you saw a spectacular show on your final night.
Everything went so smoothly from the pickup to the drop off. Andrew was great. He gave us so many interesting tidbits about the Auroras and Alaska in general. The entire crew was very concerned about our comfort and kept us informed when there was activity. They offered many tips on how to get the best pictures with cameras and on our phones. It was nice that they had tripods for whoever needed them. The hot drinks came in handy but I wasn’t hungry enough to try the reindeer sausage. We went to 3 different areas and the sightings and pictures were amazing. It’s definitely cold so dress in layers and don’t forget your hand and toe warmers.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for such a detailed review! Andrew loves sharing aurora facts and Alaska stories on the drive. We're glad the tripods and camera tips helped and that you got great sightings at all three spots. The reindeer sausage will be waiting next time! Great advice about layers and warmers, too.
The crew were very friendly and helpful, doing the most to help us have a comfortable and memorable experience. Even though we didn't see the lights (bummer- but never guaranteed) , they made the most of it.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for the kind words about our crew! We're sorry the clouds didn't cooperate that night. On nights we declare a Guaranteed Night, our Aurora Guarantee applies if no aurora is seen, and our guides always work hard to make the night memorable either way. We hope you'll come back for another try.
I could not see the lights, it was cloudy. We knew it was going to be a hit or miss. The guides were fantastic. They tried everything they could to find a pocket opening up. The experience was really nice. I got to mingle around the fire and meet different people, have delicious Alaska coffee and hot chocolate.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for being such a good sport about the clouds! Our guides always look for any opening they can find. We're glad you enjoyed the fire, the Alaska coffee and the company, and we hope next year brings you clear skies.
We had the most magical night with great visibility and colors. The tour members were so fine and friendly. We had fire pits and chairs around it with hot beverages and good rain deer sausages. The best experience ever.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! A clear night full of color, a fire pit and reindeer sausage is our favorite kind of night too. We're so glad you joined us.
Andrew and his assistant are very knowledgeable. They went out of their way to show us some moose on the road. Even when the probability to see the boriales was low, Andrew did the impossible until he found a spot to see them. Even as the van had a tire that was losing air Andrew was up front with it and managed the situation perfectly. We never felt nervous or in danger with this situation. This was a great experience. I will recommend everyone to do this tour. They are great people, knowledgeable, honest and upfront with everything. I can’t wait to receive the photos that were taken. Thank you to the whole team for all the updates and the experience! You are the best!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Happy birthday, and thank you! Andrew will be glad to hear this. We're sorry about the tire, and we appreciate that you noticed how calmly it was handled. Being honest and upfront is how we want to run every tour. Moose and the aurora on one night is a great birthday gift!
Because of the weather the trip is canceled i am waiting for the full refund promised I haven’t heard back from the operator
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for your feedback. Your tour was cancelled because of the weather, and a full refund was issued. Because the tour was booked through Viator, Viator processes the refund back to your original payment method, which can take several business days to appear. Every guest whose tour we cancel for weather receives a full refund. If you have any questions, please reach us at book@aurorainak.com or (907) 931-4000.
We had an absolutely incredible experience with Sky Chase, thanks to Tony and Andrew. They worked unbelievably hard all night long, driving us for hours and making stop after stop, constantly searching for that perfect opening in the sky. What made the experience even more special was getting to know them along the way. They shared fascinating stories about their lives, growing up and living in Alaska and their experiences over the many years they’ve called Alaska home.
They aliso went above and beyond to make us a true Alaskan experience, they treated us with hot chocolate, spiced hot apple cider and even reindeer hot dogs!
The weather wasn’t cooperating, we were getting more and more discouraged as the hours passed. But Tony and Andrew simply would not give up.
They kept checking the equipment, moving around and searching for an opening in the clouds.
Finally around 3:30am they found a brake in the clouds- and there it was: the Aurora Borealis❤️❤️❤️❤️
That was absolutely magical!
Thank you Tony and Andrew for your incredible dedication, patience and for working so hard to make our night unforgettable!
If you’re considering an aurora tour in Alaska, we highly recommend Sky Chase and specially Tony and Andrew ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
These guys worked hard! We were very impressed with their set up. Unfortunately we didn’t have a great night for viewing but they did everything they could to make the wait pleasant. And, they kept trying, stopping on the way back to town to check the sky. On the final stop, we saw the aurora! Not a lot but enough to check the box. Really appreciate the extra effort to do everything they could to give us an opportunity to see the lights. Highly recommend this group!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! Our guides keep checking the sky all the way back to town, and we're so glad that last stop let you check the box. We appreciate the recommendation.
It was the most amazing adventure! The tour guides were great! So well organized and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour, you will not be disappointed.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! We're so glad you had an amazing adventure with us, and we appreciate the recommendation.
There is a lot of driving to find the lights if it is cloudy. Overall it was a good experience on a partly cloudy evening.
It has been over 3 weeks and we are still waiting for our pictures to arrive via email.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for the review, and we're sorry about the wait for your photos. We aim to deliver photos within about seven days, and three weeks is too long. Please email us at book@aurorainak.com with your tour date and name, and we'll make sure they reach you right away. We're glad you enjoyed the evening despite the clouds.
It goes until 2-3 am even if you see the Aurora early on in the evening! Everything is included and they could not make it more comfortable!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! We stay out late because the aurora often comes back later in the night, and we're so glad you were comfortable the whole time.
We had an unforgettable aurora trip with Skychase. Our guide, Hunter is punctual, kind and made sure we had what we needed throughout the entire trip! The van that we rode is very comfortable, keeping us warm the entire night. The crews are also very welcoming, organized and took great photos of us! Most importantly, having reindeer sausages was one of the highlights!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you! Hunter will be happy to hear this. We're glad the van kept you warm, the crew got great photos and the reindeer sausage was a highlight.
Professional, kind, provided snacks and hot drinks, wonderful experience!! Definitely a must do !!!!!!!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you so much! We're glad you had a wonderful experience.
Literally chased the lights! Had a night of full clouds so had to reschedule for next night. Great set up and they were all about making the experience amazing!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
It's because of wonderful guests like you that we created our Aurora Guarantee and work so hard to ensure we get you to the perfect location. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and others. We truly hope you cherish your time with us for a lifetime!
These guys are experts!! They took us to a great place for viewing the Northern lights near Birch Lake. They took professional photos, and provided several heated areas to hang out to warm up when it got too cold. We would not have been able to see the Northern lights as vividly or at all without this tour. We tried. We highly recommend this tour!!! I also wanted to say that we had a lot of trouble making it to our tour due to mechanical issues with our first airplane, leading us to be re-routed through Portland and Anchorage. Nicole was absolutely wonderful about working with us to help us join the tour. It also happened to be the best viewing during our entire stay. We are very thankful. This tour was wonderful and the guides are nice people.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your glowing 5-star review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such an incredible experience viewing the Northern Lights with us near Birch Lake. Our team takes pride in selecting the best locations and capturing those special moments with professional photos, so we're delighted that you enjoyed these aspects of the tour.
We understand that your journey here wasn't without its challenges, and I was so happy that I could assist you in making it to the tour despite the travel hiccups. I know that stress personally and am always happy to do everything I can to make these special moments happen.
Your kind words about our guides and the heated areas we provide for comfort mean a lot to us. Thank you for recommending our tour, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Wonderful team! So knowledgeable and friendly and made sure we saw the lights and got the best pictures. You need to do this one at least once in your Alaska trip. Great reindeer sausages and great heated cabin to warm up in between photos.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
What a wonderful review! Thank you for choosing Aurora in Alaska and our SkyChase team! We truly hope your cheerish every moment for a lifetime.
Our tour was awesome. We were able to see the auroras and stay warm with the selection of drinks offered. Camp site was great. Our tour guide was awesome, friendly and knowledgeable. Will absolutely recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an awesome tour experience and enjoyed seeing the auroras while staying warm with our selection of drinks. It's wonderful to know that you appreciated the campsite and found your tour guide to be friendly and knowledgeable. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we’re delighted to have helped create memorable moments for you. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon!
Absolutely great! Our guide&driver&photographer Andrew was fantastic and made the 45min drive really fun. Other staff (whose names I unfortunately forgot to take down) are also super friendly; very helpful in photos, reindeer sausage, fireplace, etc. The mobile lodge was super useful. Kept us super warm! Will definitely recommend
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the 5-star review and for trusting our team with your Alaskan adventure under the auroras. Warm and friendly is our goal and we are happy to hear the team delivered. Thank you, again for joining us!
You will be so well taken care of. Yes, it gets kinda long as you get closer to 3am, but you came to see the Aurora, right? Don’t miss it and go with Sky Chase!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Alice! We know 3am is late for most, but those lights are worth every moment of missed sleep. Hopefully, the hot coffee and refreshments will help. Thank you again for joining us and for the lovely review.
This was one the best experience we had. Our guide Nick was able to capture beautiful pictures of the Aurora. This tour has a unique concept of mobile lodge where you can munch on cookies and hot cocoa along with cooking your own reindeer sausage over as camp fire. Would recommend 10/10.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled you had a fantastic tour experience and that Nick captured beautiful Aurora moments for you. We're proud of our mobile lodge concept and glad you enjoyed the cookies, hot cocoa, and cooking reindeer sausage over the campfire. Your recommendation means the world to us.
Amazing experience. Picked up in a beautiful shuttle and on time. Went to the main sight of the night. There the shuttle stayed on and warm for everyone to use as needed. There was another truck pulled trailer already waiting for us with food, a coffee/hot cocoa station, bathroom and warming area. Three fire pit with chairs around them were also ready upon arrival. As we waited for the lights we cooked our sausages on a stick over the fire. There were shoved, light walkways around the area to explore and take pictures. All of the guide/photographers were accommodating and friendly. And the grand finally was amazing. The lights started with a streak across the sky, separated and swirled. It was absolutely mesmerizing. When we were done there we traveled to another location no lights there and by then we were all exhausted. Arrived back to my hotel around 3 am.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Brayden wants to thank you for noticing his hard work keeping those paths shoveled after such a snowy winter.
Thank you, Lisa, for joining us and for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. Until next time, we wish you many more amazing adventures!
This tour was incredible. They found the perfect place to view the lights with amazing photographers and guides. They also had a great set up with fire pits and a warming station to keep you warm throughout the night. Would highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the incredible review! We work hard so you can kick back and relax under those incredible lights. Thank you again for joining us, we do hope to see you again in the future.
Before one goes out into the cold dark night, please make sure one has all the winter gears, especially gloves & socks. Also take a good long nap before the adventure.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Naps and warm gear are an absolute must. If you have any questions about how to dress, please ask us. We are happy to help.
Thank you, Penny, for taking the time to leave us a review. Please reach out to us directly to let us know how to make your 4-star review a 5-star review for future tours.
Be patient. The absolute best activity came the last 45 minutes. Guides and group participants were friendly.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Great tip! And one we can emphasize enough! Good things do come to those who wait. We were so glad to share such a beautiful Auroral display with you. Thank you for joining us and we do hope to see you in the future.
We had a spectacular night with lovely displays all night long. The skychase team was wonderful and did everything to make the cold night comfortable for us. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your kind and spectacular review. We truly love what we do, and sharing beautiful lights with you is a huge part of that. Thank you for your recommendation! Until next time, we wish you many more incredible adventures.
I’d give this team a solid 10/10! We had an amazing time, and the whole Aurora Chasing event was super well-organized. Our guide, Hunter, was super friendly and made sure we had a good time. The photographers were also friendly and enthusiastic, and we got a ton of great shots, both individually and as a group. There were hot beverages, a heated room and bonfires to warm up incase you get cold. They also provided us with heat packs and tripods incase you wanted to take pictures on your phones.
Overall, my friends and I had an incredible time, and I highly recommend this team to anyone visiting Alaska for Aurora chasing.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
# Response to Review
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It's fantastic to know that Hunter and our photographers contributed to making your experience memorable with their friendliness and enthusiasm. We're glad you enjoyed the warm amenities, hot beverages, and additional equipment like heat packs and tripods. Your high recommendation means the world to us, and we’re delighted to have been a part of your Alaskan adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences!
They were very well put together and accommodating. If you are caught up in the awe of the aurora, no worries they are taking pics and capturing your experience for you. Loved these people. I can't say enough good things about them and I'm a talker. If you want professional chasers, a great group of people to bring the best of an aurora borealis experience....this tour is for you!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you Kelley! We truly appreciate your kind words. We work hard so you can relax watching the auroras. We do hope the photos are something you cherish for years to come, but we know the experience of watching the lights dance is the best memory we can give our guests. Thank you for sharing your experience and we would love to share more auroras with you in the future.
So grateful for this experience! You should choose this company for your aurora adventure! So many places to stay warm, restroom, food and drinks. Really great crew!!! Super patient and helped me get my camera set up! Nicole even brought a bib when I called and said I left mine. Took so many photos throughout the night. I would book over and over with them! My 13 year old son was so happy! (: Thanks guys!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We are more than happy to help our guests however possible to ensure they stay safe and warm. Thank you for joining us and we wish you many more adventures with your son!
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