When it comes to Alaska experiences, witnessing vibrant displays of the aurora borealis is truly unmatched. Nature’s greatest natural light show is most visible between September and April here in the northern hemisphere, since our long, dark nights make for great viewing conditions. Alaska has one of the best seats in the planetary house for northern lights tours, thanks to low light pollution and the state’s proximity to the auroral oval, the sweet spot over the North and South Poles where auroras are strongest. Our all-local guide team is committed to providing guests with every opportunity to see the northern lights, using the knowledge and tools we have as pros in the aurora-viewing profession.
Greatland Adventures was a pioneer of Alaska northern lights tours, offering the best-in-the-business excursions since 2012. But long before that, founder Steve Busby had been chasing “the lights” with Alaska group tours, and now Greatland Adventures operates aurora borealis tours out of Anchorage between August 21 and April 14, and from Fairbanks between August 28 and April 14 each season. Our guides are year-round Alaska residents who know this environment, its quirks and landscapes, and they’re ready to take guests to a variety of locations in order to have the best chance of viewing the aurora borealis.
Greatland Adventures is proud to utilize a fleet of comfortable tour vehicles as traveling base camps. Tours generally depart between 8-11 p.m. and return between 3-6 a.m., depending on the season and forecast conditions. You will receive a forecast call from our aurora team between 3-5 p.m. on the day of your booked tour. This call will let you know what time pick up will be that night, the estimated driving distance, and our expected return time. We’ll also discuss anticipated cloud cover and any other potential challenges that evening. If conditions are unfavorable and a tour is not recommended that night, we will work with you at that time to rebook for another night, based on availability.
Greatland Adventures prides itself on intimate experiences, and as a result, we keep group sizes to a maximum of 12 guests. This makes for a more personalized tour, with plenty of time for one-to-one interaction with guides to learn more about the aurora borealis, night skies, and the wild Alaska scenery around you. Additionally, all tours include snacks and hot drinks to keep you fueled up for the night’s activities.
Despite what you may have read, the northern lights can be precisely predicted only about 60-90 minutes in advance due to the time it takes for satellites to communicate their observed data to us here on Earth. Any prediction beyond that short timeframe is only a forecast. Aurora strength can increase or decrease with a few minutes’ notice at any time during the night. The northern lights are an amazing natural phenomenon that results from conditions aligning perfectly to make them visible.
Our team works hard to make sure every guest receives the important information related to their aurora tour, because we know being prepared is a key element of a great adventure. Temperatures and conditions can and do vary depending on the season and location (Fairbanks is colder and drier, due to its position in Alaska’s Interior region). During late August and September aurora chases, you may experience overnight temperatures in the 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit range, while winter temperatures in Fairbanks may reach -40 degrees F on a tour.
Greatland Adventures guides keep the heated vans running, and the office does offer cold-weather gear. That said, please be prepared to be comfortable outside in below-freezing temperatures for up to three hours. The best aurora viewing is outside! Check out this blog post on what to wear in Alaska for more information.
Maximize your aurora-viewing experience by booking multiple nights with us!
NOTE: These discount offers are only available after booking your first fully-paid northern lights tour with Greatland Adventures
Greatland Adventures strives for complete transparency and honesty through every step of your tour journey: inquiring, booking, forecasting, and the tour itself. We request that guests join us with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and a healthy dose of patience. We can’t wait to welcome you to Alaska!
Anchorage Northern Lights Tour
Journey to view and photograph the Aurora Borealis in the greater Anchorage area.
Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour
Join us and experience the magic of Aurora Borealis in the greater Fairbanks area.
Explore magnificent blue glacier ice and ice features on the Matanuska Glacier. Departs from Anchorage, Alaska.
