Prepare for an unparalleled experience on this 5 day itinerary as you witness one of nature’s most captivating spectacles—the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights! This guide is your compass to navigate through everything essential for your adventure—from forecasting techniques to prime locations, where to stay, and daytime activities to enjoy while awaiting the magical display. Before we dive into the itinerary, lets get a few common questions out of the way:
Where should I encounter the Aurora? Without a doubt, Fairbanks, Alaska should be at the zenith of your travel plans to see the Aurora. Here’s why:
Fairbanks boasts convenient access via a major airport, making travel arrangements a breeze. With direct flights available from major cities like Seattle, Anchorage, Chicago-O’Hare, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Denver, reaching this Arctic wonderland is hassle-free. Compared to other renowned Aurora destinations like Norway, Russia, Canada, and Greenland, Fairbanks offers cosmopolitan amenities, including diverse culinary options (due to the esteemed culinary program at UAF), major retail outlets, magical hot springs, and well-established accommodations. Moreover, Fairbanks is within a two-hour reach of Denali, allowing you to couple your Aurora expedition with other bucket-list adventures.
When should I go? Fairbanks experiences extreme seasonality, with prolonged daylight in summer and extended darkness in winter. Hence, timing is crucial. The prime viewing window spans from September to April, with the optimal months being January to March. However, if you prefer milder temperatures, consider visiting in September-October or March-April (note that the warmer weather has a trade off: more light = less viewing chances).
How are the Aurora formed? Check out this cool infographic and video explaining the origins of this phenomena.
How to Predict Aurora Activity? Keep an eye on the sky using this reliable forecasting tool to discern the best days for Aurora sightings. Check out ClearDarkSky to predict the best spots nearby for a clear sky. While forecasting indicates the likelihood of seeing the Aurora, Clear Dark Sky directs you to the prime viewing locations. With these two tools at your disposal, you’re all set for an unforgettable experience!
Where should I stay? For the ultimate experience, go for a vacation rental. Look for places with lots of space and views of the sky. Avoid downtown areas with bright lights—we’re after those dark night skies, folks. Also avoid low-lying spots, as ice fog is a common winter occurrence here and can obstruct your view. Homestead Hideaways has you covered with Star Base—a super cool star shaped midcentury modern rental tucked away on two acres in the hills. You’ll get awesome sky views plus fun perks like a hot tub, a funky geodesic Aurora dome, and even a game room. It’s like your own little slice of celestial paradise!
Should You Book a Tour? Enhance your chances of Aurora sightings with a guided tour. While nature may surprise you even without one, tours offer access to remote locations inaccessible by rental cars, expanding your viewing options. We recommend Aurora in Alaska because they have super nice and well maintained transportation as well as knowledgable guides. As a special treat from us, enjoy 10% off your tour when you use code STARBASE.
Where should I go to view the Aurora? For the prime experience, settle into the cozy confines of our hot tub at Star Base. If you weren’t able to snag a reservation, venture to Lookout Point at University of Alaska – Fairbanks for an off-the-beaten-path vantage point.
Does the Aurora increase my chances of getting pregnant? As Fairbanks welcomes Aurora season, a whimsical urban legend emerges: the belief that Japanese tourists come to conceive sons under the Northern Lights. However, seasoned guides debunk this, tracing the myth to ’90s show Northern Exposure. In truth, it was the Japanese who initially recognized the allure of Fairbanks’ Northern Lights, igniting winter tourism in the region. While the Aurora’s allure is real, this rumor is just that— an urban myth. Yet, if you’re tempted to test your luck under the dancing lights, we’d love to hear your story!
The Itinerary
Day 1: The City You’re probably arriving at a weird time, can’t check into your accommodation and Aurora viewing is still hours away. What to do with all this free time? Explore Fairbanks, of course! Despite the chilly weather, there’s plenty to see and do. Fairbanks may be small, but it’s brimming with that quintessential Alaskan charm. Kick off your adventure at The Museum of the North, then swing by the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum for more exploration. When hunger strikes, dive into the local cuisine and ambiance at the Chena Pump House or Soba Moldovan Restaurant (our personal favorite). By now, you should be ready to settle into your accommodation (and hopefully, you’ve already booked your stay at Star Base—but just in case, I’ll mention it again!).
Things to Do: Museum of the North, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Groceries: Fred Meyer, The Roaming Root Cellar, Costco
Eating: Chena Pump House, Soba, The Bangkok Thai, Lavelles Bistro
Stay: Star Base by Homestead Hideaways
Day 2: Hot Springs and Hangouts 😶🌫️ 🔥 Start your day off right with a visit to the Alaska Coffee Roasting Company for a delicious morning brew and breakfast. Then, check out Pioneer Park downtown before indulging in a tasty lunch or early dinner at Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant (we highly recommend the Halloumi Bowl!). For a deeper dive into local culture, head to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center (admission is FREE) for an insightful overview of the native people and their traditions. As night falls, embark on an unforgettable adventure to Chena Hot Springs for a magical soak in the hot springs while admiring the Aurora. Trust us, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. The main mineral pool offers ample space to relax, with numerous waterfalls and other features to enjoy. A couple of handy tips for your visit to Chena Hot Springs: bring your own towel to save some cash, and skip the on-site restaurant—it tends to be pricey and crowded with tourists.
Things to Do: Pioneer Park, Morris Thompson Cultural Center
Eating: Alaska Coffee Roasting Company, Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant
Stay: Star Base by Homestead Hideaways
Day 3: Aurora Tour and Dogsledding 🐕 🚌 Get ready for an epic day of dogsledding and an Aurora adventure! Alaska is dog mushing heaven—did you know it hosts two major competitions every year? The Iditarod, a crazy 938-mile race from Willow to Nome, and the Yukon Quest, a grueling 1,000-mile trek from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Canada. And guess what? You can try your hand at mushing right here in Fairbanks! It’s one of the coolest things to do in winter. Then, as night falls, hop on an Aurora tour with Aurora in Alaska, our go-to operators. They’ve got comfy coaches, awesome guides who know their stuff, and best of all, they serve up stories around a campfire with s’mores! It’s always a night to remember with Aurora in Alaska. 🌌
Things to Do: Aurora Tour by Aurora in Alaska, Dog Mushing
Stay: Star Base by Homestead Hideaways
Day 4: Open Day (Just in Case) When traveling to Fairbanks for the Aurora, give yourself extra days for better chances. Cloudy weather can disrupt plans, so plan downtime. On your last day, visit North Pole’s Santa Claus House and dine at the Pagoda Asian Fusion restaurant, as seen on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” with Guy Fieri—an epic Fairbanks finale!
Things to Do: Santa Claus House (North Pole)
Eating: Pagoda (North Pole)
Day 5: Travel Home 😭
