As snow covers the Alaskan wilderness and the nights draw in, mysterious lights are seen across northern skies. The Aurora Borealis — Northern Lights — dance above thick forests, wooden lodges, and the mighty Alaska Range. It has long since inspired myth and legend. Alaska Native cultures spoke of spirits in the skies. And, today, there are still rumors of the hauntingly beautiful sound they make as they dance through the air. Why not see for yourself?
As vibrant displays of the Aurora Borealis continue across the world, scientists say 2025 marks a tentative end to the increased solar activity causing their peak. Chance sightings still occur farther south than typically seen. But the Northern Lights are not easily predicted.
The Aurora Borealis is best seen from the quiet, dark places tucked away among the respite of nature. As you venture north to these remote spots in Alaska, you want to be certain you will catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. On a dedicated Alaska Northern Lights tour, you have the best chance of doing so.
Travel Experts' Guide to an Alaska Northern Lights Tour
This rare chance at seeing the Northern Lights at their most active makes 2025 the year to venture north, to Alaska. Here, they arc across the air through winter — above, even, the insurmountable peaks.
In our comprehensive guide to planning a 2025 Northern Lights tour in Alaska, we cover:
- When and where to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
- Why take a Northern Lights tour
- Unique and luxury Northern Lights viewing experiences
- Top tips and tricks for aurora viewing
- Our favorite tour for the Northern Lights
Northern Lights above the Roadhouse | Credit: Lodge at Black Rapids
Planning Your Northern Lights Vacation with Alaska Rail Vacations
The Northern Lights are famously finicky, often requiring significant planning to see. Our Travel Designers' extensive knowledge of Alaska lets them do this best. They know the ideal times, places, and secret tips for getting you the best view of the Aurora Borealis.
Not only will you follow custom-designed itineraries — created by travel experts to prioritize Northern Lights viewing opportunities — you’ll also have on-the-ground support from an expert as you do it. So, once your feet hit the Alaskan ground, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip.
Watching the Northern Lights near Fairbanks | Credit: Alain Bonnardeaux
When to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
The best time of year to see the northern lights in Alaska is during the 'Aurora Season,' lasting from late August until mid-April.
Summer in Alaska means the midnight sun illuminates the night — the skies never darken enough to see the Aurora Borealis. But, by mid-August, the skies begin to dim, and the natural phenomenon returns once again.
Generally, we advise traveling as close to the winter solstice as possible. The longer the nights are, the more viewing time you get. For this reason, we run our tours between mid-October and early April, capitalizing on the long dark hours and iconic wilderness capped in snow.
Once you're in Alaska, keep your eyes peeled between 10pm and 2am, when the sky is at its darkest. Then, the auroras are most active and wait just beyond the horizon to illuminate the darkness.
Looking across Fairbanks | Credit: Yuhan Du
Where to Go to See the Aurora Borealis in Alaska
The Fairbanks area is one of the best places to base your northern lights adventure due to its auroral activity and long hours of darkness in winter.
As it's under the main auroral band — circling the magnetic north pole — Fairbanks receives some of the most active Northern Lights. But to really see them shine, you have to get out of the city, and away from light pollution.
So, while Alaska Northern Lights trips often begin in Fairbanks, they then venture further deeper into the vast wilderness that makes up Alaska's wild Interior. There, center stage is given to the Aurora Borealis.
Why Take a Northern Lights Tour
You might see the Northern Lights on a winter tour of Alaska, but you don't guarantee the best chance at a once-in-a-lifetime view. Simply being in the right place isn't always enough.
You often need to find remote locations far from the beaten track to get the best, and darkest, view of the skies. Specialist Northern Lights tours know the best hidden spots — deep in the Alaska bush and surrounded by untouched wilderness — and take care of late-night travel. They ensure you spend time in the best lodges providing nightly guided viewing, wake-up services, or access to cozy cabins to watch from.
There, you will have the best view of the snowy white mountains tinted a mesmerizing green.
And, by booking a specialist tour, you will be introduced to the Alaskan days with similar expertise. Winter activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing bring a new side to Alaska, keeping you busy while you wait for the sky's light to fade to black.
View from Ultima Thule Lodge | Credit: Ultima Thule Lodge
Types of Northern Lights Tours
There are several different types of Northern Lights tours in Alaska:
- Evening tours from Fairbanks — best if you want to balance aurora viewing with experiencing the best of Alaska's winter
- Multi-day tours — best if your sole purpose of travel is to see the Northern Lights
- Rail tours on the Alaska Railroad — best to chase the Northern Lights along the tracks
- Photography tours — best for photography assistance by on-site expert guides
When booking your vacation, ask about aurora-viewing opportunities. Understand whether you will be sleeping safely with wake-up calls or heading out with specialist guides to chase them.
At Alaska Rail Vacations, we can tailor your vacation to your tastes. Your personal Travel Designer can recommend the best blend for your style of travel.
Alaska Railroad train through the snow | Credit: Yan Xiong
Chase the auroras across the Alaskan wilderness, escaping north by train as you follow the Lights' dance over the horizon.
Or, instead, indulge in the little comforts of a cozy lodge — a crackling fireplace and a warm drink in hand — and slow down for a relaxed viewing. Here, let the Northern Lights come to you.
What to Look For in a Tour
So what should you look for when booking a tour?
- At least three nights dedicated to seeing the Northern Lights
- Time spent in and around Fairbanks and the Interior region
- Remote lodges with guided Aurora viewing and wake-up calls
- Included activities to fill your days
Unique Spots to See the Northern Lights
In the vast North, there are ways to see the Aurora Borealis that stand apart from the crowd.
View from above the Arctic Circle | Credit: Northern Alaska Tour Company
From Across the Arctic Circle
The allure of the Arctic is never stronger than when it stands, covered in snow and ice, with green waves dancing above. And what is a bucket-list item in summer only becomes more enchanting come wintertime.
Across the Arctic Circle, nestled in the frozen tundra, hides a lodge in a remote community accessible only by air. At Bettles Lodge, you are welcomed into a warm and inviting Arctic life. Here, adventure through the boreal forests, guided through spruce groves by locals, and return to hearty meals and thick quilts. And, of course, gaze up at the green-lit skies that winter brings to Bettles.
Dog Sledding near Fairbanks | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan
While Dog Sledding
A night ride by dogsled welcomes you to silent forests, lit only by stars. But, as you race through frozen forest paths, joyful sled dogs racing ahead, the Northern Lights may flicker to life above, bathing the spruce in color.
Dog sledding, or mushing, is a quintessential Alaskan experience. Historically the practice has been necessary for survival in such remote locations. It is still used in some far-flung pockets as a fundamental way of life.
But, under the night sky, zipping past darkened forests and over frozen lakes, it is a thrilling way to explore faraway trails and dark skies. And, after the chill of winter, returning to a warm yurt and a hearty home-cooked meal, makes the rest of the night's aurora viewing a comforting way to end the adventure.
Soaking in the natural Chena Hot Springs pool | Credit: Chena Hot Springs / Denise Ferree
From a Mineral Bath at Chena Hot Springs
Just north of Fairbanks, geothermal hot springs rise from the earth, drawing visitors for over 100 years looking to unwind from life. Mineral waters flow directly from the source into the open-air rock baths at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
There, watch the Northern Lights among snow-covered rocks, rising steam, and frosty boreal forests. And, far from city lights, you are granted dark skies, perfect for viewing.
The baths remain open until 11:45pm, giving ample time for the skies to awaken as you unwind. And, from warming baths and healing waters in the hot springs, you can wait comfortably for Alaska's Northern Lights to begin.
Northern Lights seen from the Alaska Railroad
While Onboard Alaska Railroad
At the poles of the short winter days, the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train makes its 12-hour journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks partially in the dark. As you board in the early morning, head to the dining car. There, prepare for the journey with a hearty breakfast or morning coffee before the sun rises. As the train pulls away, relish the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the dining car.
As the day brightens, the Alaskan views roll in. The onboard staff know these tracks well, pointing out the best places to see wildlife like brown bears, Dall sheep, and shy moose as you go. And as you pass Denali National Park, North America's tallest peak towers above the rest of the Alaska Range.
Across your day on board, snowy views of the untouched Alaska wilderness continue to roll by. But at the latter end of your trip, the dark sets in once again. As you near Fairbanks, keep your eyes skyward to catch sight of the lights from your seat.
Best Luxury Northern Lights Experiences
For visitors seeking the extraordinary, Alaska contains luxuries both big and small to discover.
The immense view from Sheldon Chalet | Credit: Sheldon Chalet
Private Lodges with Exclusive Viewing
A view of the Aurora Borealis is magical, whether a faint green tinge to the night or crackling in vibrant waves across the sky. And when you book a private viewing, you can slow down, immersed entirely in the glorious view above you, for a truly intimate experience of the Northern Lights.
But, perhaps, there is no better view on Earth than watching them soar over your own glacier just 10 miles from Mount Denali's summit.
Hidden in Denali National Park is a retreat like no other. Perched in serenity and overlooking the Ruth Glacier is the gloriously isolated Sheldon Chalet — a luxury five-bedroom wilderness chalet with unparalleled views of a grand, untouched Alaska. This is immersion at its finest.
The team at our partner brand Alaska by Design knows what it's like to visit Sheldon Chalet, and it is worth it. Enjoy the privacy of a secluded chalet and the ease of existing there — your on-site concierge, chef, and guides make it a breeze. And, as the evening descends, you are offered the chance for the most unique view of the Northern Lights on Earth.
A trip to Sheldon Chalet does not come cheap. But, for the select few who venture to this remote spot, it becomes the stories you tell for years to come.
One of our Travel Designers' views from their flightseeing tour in Alaska
Private Flightseeing Aurora Tours
Flightseeing doesn't get much better than in Alaska, where the mountains rise up to meet you. But with the Aurora Borealis tinting the peaks a soft green, gliding across horizon after unending horizon, between shimmering waves of color, the landscape takes on a new magic.
Pair that with the intimacy of a private flight, this is an Arctic journey like no other.
Flying north over the Arctic Circle, you see an aerial view of the vast Alaska wilderness stretching out on all sides. You, the singular guests on a small bush plane, are dwarfed by the never-ending mountains around you. And, touching down in a small remote community this far north, met by the towering waves of the Aurora Borealis, this feeling only continues.
Top Tips to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
Once in Alaska, your Northern Lights viewing is still not guaranteed. These are our travel experts' top tips for the best view of the Aurora Borealis.
Plan for at Least 7 Days
More nights in Alaska always mean more chances to see the Aurora.
Plan to spend at least 7 days in Alaska, and dedicate at least 3 nights to looking for the lights. In the right regions, this typically leads to a 90% chance of seeing them dance. And, with spare daytime hours, this leaves plenty of time for the little moments in Alaska as you discover the northern way of life.
Nighttime view in Fairbanks | Credit: Dennis Zhang
Visit Fairbanks
Fairbanks is situated just below the Auroral Oval — the main auroral band.
The Auroral Oval is a region around the magnetic pole where the aurora is most active. Areas surrounding Fairbanks offer the most active dark skies, minimal light pollution, and clear views of the night sky. And, in your days, explore the Golden Heart city, neighboring towns and attractions, and the surprising international food scene.
Book Evening Tours and Activities
From Fairbanks, evening tours whisk visitors to quiet spots and dark skies to enjoy nature's light show.
Under the guidance of local experts, find a cozy spot near Fairbanks, and wait in heated cabins, with hot drinks while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.
Or, experience activities such as dog sledding and ice fishing can be found in the dark, letting you enjoy the night as you wait.
The Lodge at Black Rapids below the snowy Eastern Alaska Range | Credit: Lodge at Black Rapids
Stay at a Specialist Aurora-Viewing Lodge
Many lodges across Alaska provide nightly guided viewing of the Northern Lights. But, many also offer gentle wake-up services for guests looking to sleep peacefully, knowing they won't miss the night sky light up as they do.
Two of our favorites are Bettles Lodge and The Lodge at Black Rapids.
At Bettles Lodge, find an intimate stay 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle with hearty home-cooked meals, warm, thick quilts to sleep under, and guided aurora viewing by locals.
Or, at the Lodge at Black Rapids, enjoy a more elevated stay in a secluded part of the Eastern Alaska Range. And with thrilling activities leaving from the front door, and an on-site sauna waiting upon your return, both your days and nights are filled with the best of the Alaskan winter.
Consider the Moon Phase
Your goal when seeking the Northern Lights is as little interrupting light as possible, and this includes the moon. Try to plan your trip for either the crescent phases or around a new moon, and you will be rewarded with even darker skies.
A clear photo of the Northern Lights | Credit: Niaz Uddin
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
At Aurora viewing lodges, guides or professional photographers are often on site to help non-photographers take the perfect shot. But in case there isn't — or if you happen across a stunning display before you expect to — this is the best way to get a clear photo.
If you're using a manual camera, you want to have a low aperture, a high ISO, and a long shutter speed. This increases the amount of light your camera can capture, meaning your photo of the Northern Lights will be brighter. Night photography can lead to blurry photos, so use a tripod when possible. If you don't have one on hand, stabilize your camera on a still, flat surface like a table or fence.
If you're using your phone, use the standard lens (rather than wide or zoom lenses), 'night mode,' and a tripod or stabilizing surface. If your phone has a 'pro mode,' follow the same guide as the manual camera above.
Aurora Borealis view at Bettles Lodge | Credit: Bettles Lodge
Our Favorite Aurora Viewing Tour
Alaska Aurora Rail Adventure to Bettles Lodge | 7 Days / 6 Nights
For the best Alaska Northern Lights tour, we recommend the Alaska Aurora Rail Adventure to Bettles Lodge.
This 7-day trip to Alaska whisks you into the white world of winter in every way possible.
Starting in Anchorage, you will traverse the region by train aboard the Alaska Railroad. And, from Fairbanks, continue by plane, soaring north over the vast Interior and into the Arctic.
The flight — both a means of transport and a stunning look over the outstanding Alaskan wilderness —brings you to Bettles, an Arctic town with 14 full-time residents. There, explore life far removed from the rest of the United States.
After settling into your cozy lodge, venture into the wilds by snowshoe, cross-country skis, and, if you choose, dog sled. And, at the end of each of your three days at the lodge, enjoy guided aurora viewing.
This tour prioritizes Northern Lights viewing, and gives ample opportunity to spot them over your seven days in Alaska.
Alaska Railroad winter train | Credit: Alaska Railroad
What’s Included in Your Northern Lights Tour
Our base itineraries typically include accommodation, transport via rail or transfer, daytime activities, and nightly aurora viewing.
This specific tour already includes:
- All accommodations
- Anchorage to Fairbanks Aurora Winter Train
- Flights between Fairbanks & Bettles Lodge
- Meals, equipment, and select guided activities at Bettles Lodge
When booking this trip, your personal Travel Designer will work with you to customize every detail to your tastes. Whether you want additional activities, different viewing spots, or more nights chasing the lights, they will craft the vacation that is right for you.
More Bucket-List Alaska Tours
If you're interested in tailored Alaska tours, but aren't looking to see the Northern Lights this time, our other packages range from rail adventures to wildlife viewing lodges. Below is a sample of our favorites, but explore our website to see everything we have to offer.
- Best of Alaska Rail & Glaciers | First-time Favorites — our favorite introduction to Alaska
- Alaska National Parks Self-Drive Explorer — the best road trip through Alaska's wilderness
- Alaska Rail & Road Trip Circle Tour — combining the best ways to see Alaska: road and rail
- Tutka Bay Lodge — a stunning wilderness lodge deep in the Alaska bush
- Sheldon Chalet — the ultimate luxury experience in Alaska
Book Today with Alaska Rail Vacations
If you're interested in any of the included Alaska tour packages, or are looking for something a little more bespoke, reach out to our Travel Designers to begin planning your own Alaska adventure.
If you're not ready yet, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with deals, inspiration, and more Alaska guides.
Summer views from an Alaska Railroad tour | Credit: Alaska Railroad
FAQs
Are Northern Lights tours worth it?
Absolutely. Seeing the Northern Lights dance across the vast Alaskan sky is an unbeatable experience for Aurora Borealis seekers. A Northern Lights tour is the best way of ensuring your dream comes true.
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Alaska?
The best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska are those with the longest nights. Aurora Season officially runs between August 21 and April 21, but the chance is much higher if you visit in the winter. Additionally, there will be more winter activities to fill your days.
Where's the best place in Alaska to see the northern lights?
In the north of Alaska, in the Interior region, and areas surrounding Fairbanks.
Will I see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
If you spend a minimum of three nights in the right parts of Alaska, actively viewing every night, you have around a 90% chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
That being said, the Northern Lights are incredibly difficult to predict accurately. Even with the most robust plans — perfect time, weather, amount of sunlight, location — you are not guaranteed a sighting.
What do I do in the daytime?
Our favorite ways to spend days in Alaska are experiencing the unique activities the North houses. Ice fishing and dog sledding are the most popular.
For more leisurely visits, the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks and both the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort make for the perfect way to slow down and relax.
For a little Alaskan charm, the quirky town of 'North Pole' is a short transfer away from the city, and offers year-round festive fun at Santa Claus House (and, a lesser known retro steel family diner at Little Richards which is well worth the stop while in the area).
And, back in Fairbanks, there are a number of unique eats to try — from gold-rush inspired decor at Pump House to international eats at Soba, and now famous Thai food scene.