Alaska's Northern Lights Adventure Tour
The trip at a glance
- Duration
- 6 days
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Group size
- Small group, 2–14
- Departs from
- Several cities — ask us
- Next departure
- Nov 16, 2026
What guests said
- 5 out of 5
“Our Tour Guide Mathew was Fantastic. His knowledge, Hight Spirits, Funny, Entertaining, delightful....over the top. I would use your company again based on Mathew.”
Hollie
- 5 out of 5
“The Northern Lights Tour was fantastic! We did so much in 5 days! Not only were the lights phenomenal- we went snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice fishing! I’d recommend this trip to anyone who wants to do something special and different on a vacation.”
Linda
- 5 out of 5
“Our tour was amazing and it was all due to having an awesome guide. Matthew not only toured us around to our locations, but he had tons of fun facts and fact facts about Alaska, stories to tell, and really engaged with all of our group. The locations we explored were awesome, Northern Lights, dog sledding, museums, Chena Hot Springs, ice fishing, snow machining, the North Pole...all of it was fantastic! Definitely worth the cost and the travel time!”
Greg
From $3,429 / person
ModerateUp to six miles a day on maintained trails, with some real climbs.Is this trip right for you? ›
Overview
Join Southwest Adventure Tours for a wintertime tour of the area around Fairbanks, Alaska, for viewing the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. The main auroral band usually crosses the state in an arc north of the Alaska Range, home of Denali, North America’s tallest peak, which is just south of Fairbanks. The city and the surrounding area is probably the state’s “sweet spot” for Northern Lights viewing. Our 6-day adventure will be filled with history, activities, and wintery sights, but most of all, nighttime viewing of Aurora Borealis.
This trip by season
The same trip. Very different weeks.
Spring
March to May
Rivers running high
Rivers full of snowmelt and the parks ahead of the summer rush. Some high roads and passes open later in the season.
5 spring departures ›Autumn
September to November
Fall color and wildlife
Aspen and cottonwood turning, wildlife on the move, and quieter trails once school is back.
1 autumn departure ›Winter
December to February
Snow country
Snow on the peaks and the parks at their quietest. Winter trips run their own itineraries, planned around the season.
7 winter departures ›
Day by day
The whole trip at a glance
1 / 5 
Fairbanks Day 1
Arrive in Fairbanks
Arrive at Fairbanks airport and make your way to the SpringHill Suites Fairbanks. Springhill Suites has a shuttle service to the hotel from the Airport. After transferring to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax from your travels and explore Fairbanks on your own. There are many shops, museums, and restaurants nearby, and it will be a good time to shop for any remaining gear you need for the Alaskan winter weather. Be sure to meet with the Southwest Adventure Tour Guide. The Tour Guide will be in the lobby from 4 pm to 6 pm to give advice and answer any questions you might have. The hotel offers an “Aurora Wake-up Call”; if the aurora becomes visible from the property, each room on the list is called, so you won’t miss a thing! As long as it is dark and clear, there is always a chance to see the Northern Lights. Remember, the more nights spent “aurora hunting,” the better the chance you’ll have of seeing them.
OvernightFairbanks
1 / 5 
Fairbanks Day 2
Fairbanks, Snowmobile and Aurora Viewing Lodge
After breakfast, join the group for sightseeing in Fairbanks. Take a short drive to the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center (MTCVC). Be sure to get a photo at the “Antler Arch” and to pick up an aurora certificate to commemorate a successful sighting! Then head to the Museum of the North, to discover Alaska Native cultures, natural wonders, diverse wildlife and Arctic dinosaurs. Explore 2,000 years of Alaska art. Learn about research by museum scientists. Original exhibits and breathtaking architecture. You will head back to the hotel where you have time for lunch on your own and a chance to enjoy a plethora of local shops and art galleries featuring local artists and craftsmen. VROOM- VROOM, Snow Machines take a trek through the beautiful forest on a guided snowmobile excursion. All the gear will be provided, and your guide will teach you how to ride, so no experience is necessary. It will be a winter thrill to remember. Join the group for a late dinner at a local restaurant. Then travel north to an Aurora Viewing Lodge away from the city lights. Relax in the warmth of the lodge until the lights appear, then step outside on the large deck and soak in the view. Learn to adjust the settings on your camera with an aurora photo class and capture your very own aurora photo! If you get cold, just step back inside and help yourself to a warm drink. Viewing will continue into the early morning hours with a return to your hotel around 2:30-3:00am.
OvernightFairbanksMealsBreakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Dog Sledding – Chena Hot Springs – Aurora Viewing
This morning, relax and sleep-in after a late night. Enjoy a late breakfast, before departing Fairbanks and venturing out for a Dog Sledding Adventure. Arrive at a local kennel to meet some of Alaska’s most enthusiastic athletes! These friendly Alaskan huskies will whip you around the beautiful hidden twists and turns of the trails that run through the boreal forest. You have the unique opportunity to visit (“hands-on”) with the sled dogs in their home kennel and hear tales of the many years of experience with these canine athletes. Your mushers are not only long-time guides, but also have personal stories of Alaskan expeditions and/or racing experiences to share. After saying goodbye to your dog team continue to Chena Hot Springs Resort where you will be staying for the next two nights. Take some time to relax, soak in the hot springs and explore the resort. This evening, join the group for a late dinner at the resort and then depart for an Aurora Viewing Excursion. Ride in a military-style SUSV (snowcat) to the top of Charlie Dome where you will watch for the Northern Lights. You will have a 360° unobstructed view, heated yurts to warm yourself in, outhouses, and complimentary hot beverages and snacks.
OvernightChenaMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Aurora Ice Museum – Winter Hike
After a leisurely morning and late breakfast, enjoy a tour of the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum. The structure was created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested at the resort. Keeping the museum icy cold in the heat of summer comes from the patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose. As an optional experience this afternoon, it is time to experience the 440 beautiful acres and scenic trails of the resort under your own power. You can choose either snowshoes or cross-country skis, then get out on the trails for a quiet winter trek through the forest. Schedule a massage, enjoy snowmobiling, or experience additional dog sledding opportunities. The rest of the day is free to enjoy all the amenities and optional activities offered at the resort. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the northern lights tonight.
OvernightChenaMealsBreakfast
Day 5
North Pole – Ice Fishing – Aurora Viewing Lodge
Your final day is filled with wonder, depart the hotel and enjoy a fun Alaskan winter pastime, ice fishing! In the warmth of a comfortable icehouse, a seasoned guide will help you land a fish and will even cook what you caught for a fresh fish snack. A true Alaskan experience! After fishing you take a short drive to the City of North Pole, where Christmas lives on all year round! Enjoy Lunch at one of the local restaurants. Don’t forget to snap a picture with Santa Claus and order letters from Santa that will arrive just before Christmas (no matter what time of year you visit). There is a shop that features hand-made Alaskan gifts and be sure to swing by “The North Pole” for an unforgettable photo. Return to Fairbanks and check in for a final night. After a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, take one more excursion to an Aurora Viewing Lodge for a final night of the Northern Lights
OvernightFairbanksMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fairbanks Day 6
Journey Home
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a late morning or possibly some last-minute shopping before transferring to the Fairbanks Airport for your departure flight home.
MealsBreakfast
Please be Aware of the Following
- This tour requires participants to be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, including uneven ground, unpaved trails as well as on snow and ice.
- This is a winter tour. Please come prepared for cold weather.
- Along with items listed in our standard Packing List, be sure to bring the following: warm winter clothing including coat, gloves, hat, boots, base layer, sunglasses, etc.
- Snowmobile drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.
- This tour is recommended for children 12 and older.
- Bad Weather Policy: tour itinerary and activities are subject to change due to weather and snow conditions.
- All times listed are approximate and can change due to environmental conditions or unexpected changes in literary.
Other Details
- Comfortable transportation in Mercedes Sprinter vans or similar
- Accommodations: Double Occupancy Hotel, 3 Star Hotels
Is this trip right for you?
ModerateLevel 2 of 4
- Maintained trails with uneven footing, steps and sustained climbs. Up to six miles across a full day, usually in two or three separate walks.
- Full days out, often above 6,000ft, and canyon country runs over 100°F from June to August. Shade is not guaranteed.
- Not suitable for a wheelchair, a walker or anyone who cannot manage stairs without a rail. Comfortable if you walk regularly.
- Your guide may change or drop a stop for weather, road closures or time. What is walked on the day is their call.
Anything specific — a knee, a hip, a height worry, a wheelchair — is worth one phone call to 800-970-5864. We would rather move you to a different trip than have you on the wrong one.
Tour details
In the price14
- Professional Tour Guide
- Comfortable Transportation
- 5 nights Hotel Accommodations
- 5 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- 3 Aurora View Excursions
- Dog Sledding Tour
- Snowmobile Tour
- Ice Fishing Experience
- Airport Transfers (Hotel Shuttle)
- Entrance fees to museums and attractions as listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for included meals, local guides and outfitters
- Applicable Taxes and Fees
Not in the price5
- Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
- Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
- Optional activities, including rental fees of snowshoes or cross-country skis
- Airfare
- Gratuities for the tour director
Arrival & departure
- Arrival Location
- Fairbanks Airport (FAI)
- Arrival Time
- Any time on Day 1 of the tour
- Departure Location
- Fairbanks Airport (FAI)
- Departure Time
- Any time on Day 6
Physical requirements
Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time. Elevation gains and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft over the course of the areas visited during this tour. Touring and overnight locations are above 500 to 4000 ft above sea level.
More photos and videos
More from Denali National Park and Alaska
Departures
Pick a season, then tap a date to book it.
Autumn: Mild days and cool nights. Bring layers.
Winter: Crisp, clear days, with snow in the high country. Bring a warm coat.
Spring: Mild days and cool mornings, with snow lingering up high. Bring layers.
Autumn 2026
1 of 1 open
from $3,429
Winter 2026–27
7 of 7 open
from $3,429
Spring 2027
5 of 5 open
from $3,429
Dates without a price of their own are from $3,429. The rate for the date you choose is confirmed when you book.
Pricing
2026 season
Peak season
- Double occupancy
- $3,799
- Single occupancy
- $3,999
- Triple occupancy
- $3,449
- Quad occupancy
- $3,349
Off-peak season
- Double occupancy
- $3,429
- Single occupancy
- $3,629
- Triple occupancy
- $3,079
- Quad occupancy
- $2,979
2027 season
Peak season
- Double occupancy
- $3,899
- Single occupancy
- $4,099
- Triple occupancy
- $3,549
- Quad occupancy
- $3,449
Off-peak season
- Double occupancy
- $3,899
- Single occupancy
- $4,099
- Triple occupancy
- $3,549
- Quad occupancy
- $3,449
15% off 2027 guaranteed departures with promo code BIRD27. Applies to guaranteed 2027 departures. Ask us which dates qualify.
Per person unless stated. Rates are those published by Southwest Adventure Tours and are confirmed at booking. A Travel Protection Plan is offered at checkout at 10% of your total: it refunds SWAT-collected tour costs if you cancel by the day before your first activity, and it can only be added at initial checkout. Full terms.
SWAT Trip Protection Plan
The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.
What does TPP cover?
SWAT-collected tour and SWAT-sold add-on payments only.
When must I buy?
At initial checkout, cannot add later.
Can I cancel for any reason?
Yes, up to the day before your tour starts.
Is TPP refundable?
No, the 10% fee never refunds.
Can I move my trip?
Yes, once within 12 months at no extra TPP fee.
Read the full Trip Protection terms — eligibility, how to buy, cancelling, rescheduling and refund timing.
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We build tours to order — the same guides and the same itineraries, rearranged around your group and your dates.
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From
$3,429