The allure of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, is an extremely compelling reason to visit Alaska during the winter months. Guests travel from all parts of the world for the chance to “chase the lights” during a season when darkness is at its peak and snow provides a dramatic backdrop for the swirling, dancing aurora.
But, what many wintertime visitors overlook is just how equally dramatic Alaska’s environmental conditions can be. Temperatures are known to plunge to -40F and beyond in the Interior region, and heavy snow and/or ice can make navigating Alaska’s roads a real trick for those without winter driving experience, especially late at night, when northern lights displays are most visible.
The advent of northern lights tourism in Alaska came about because companies like Greatland Adventures recognized that guests, especially those visiting from non-snowy and cold places, wanted the security and peace of mind that comes from the investment in a safe, comfortable (and, of course, unforgettable) tour experience.
Booking a tour with Greatland Adventures means taking full advantage of an opportunity to learn about and view the northern lights, and stay warm, safe, and comfortable the entire night. Greatland Adventures is proud to utilize a fleet of modern tour vehicles as traveling base camps, with tours generally departing our Anchorage or Fairbanks locations between 8-11 p.m. and returning between 3-6 a.m., depending on the season and forecast conditions.
Each night’s tour location is chosen to maximize the chances to view the aurora borealis, with tour locations chosen based on weather forecasts, aurora strength, and driving distance from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The Greatland team of experts take great pride in getting guests to the most strategic locations possible to witness the northern lights.
Additionally, Greatland Adventures provides personalized forecasting for guests, with a call from our aurora team between 3-5 p.m. on the day of the booked tour. This call informs guests of pick-up times, an estimate of driving distances for the night, and the expected time of return in the morning. We also discuss any anticipated cloud cover and other potential challenges for the evening ahead. We’ll also work with guests to rebook if conditions are unfavorable and a tour is not recommended that night (rebookings based on availability).
It’s easy to choose a preferred date via the Greatland Adventures online booking platform. We will ask for your arrival and departure date/time, and any potential additional nights you have available to join a tour, during the booking process. We gather this information from all of our guests so we may help to maximize your chances of seeing aurora while visiting Alaska!
The aurora borealis is a phenomenon of nature, and its visibility and quality varies depending on several factors like solar activity, cloud cover, and overhead weather conditions. As such, there is never a guarantee that the lights will appear as brightly as those seen in advertisements or videos; or, that they’ll show up at all. There is no tool, no magic forecasting service that guarantees a guest will see the aurora on the night they booked, but Greatland Adventures does everything possible to make the experience one of starry sky wonder, with the thrill of the aurora ‘chase’ part of every tour’s excitement.
Our guides know Alaska, they know the fickle nature of northern skies, and they know how to show them off, from constellations to snowflakes, and that makes every tour an experience to remember. But even they cannot provide guests a guarantee that the aurora borealis will make an appearance.
Let’s be in the moment together, enjoy what’s in front of us, and be amazed at nature.
Of course, any tour conducted in the middle of an Alaska winter night is only successful if each guest is assured of, and provided with, an experience with safety at the top of the priority list.
When you book with Greatland Adventures, you are investing in the expertise of our all-local guide team who are trained and regularly update skills to drive in the diverse and potentially-hazardous Alaska winter conditions. With deep experience along Alaska’s remote roadways, guides know how to avoid hazards, handle emergencies, and possess winter first aid and rescue scenarios.
Greatland Adventures tour vans used for aurora viewing are specially equipped for winter travel and inspected on a regular basis. These vehicles typically have all-wheel drive (AWD), extra powerful lights to spot animals or other natural hazards on the road at night, studded tires, satellite communication systems, and special heating equipment. Vans are also equipped with supplies to ensure guests are safe and warm while waiting for assistance in the event of a breakdown.
Photographing the northern lights can be frustrating due to the night environment and a host of other factors like aurora strength and the type of camera one uses. Greatland Adventures understands too that many guests would like to focus on the moments happening overhead, and not worry about what setting to use on the camera, where to focus, or whether the image turned out.
We take care of that for each and every guest, with web-quality aurora portraits and basic photography instructions provided during the tour. Greatland Adventures guides can also help stage important photo events, like proposals or announcements.
When you book a Greatland Adventures northern lights tour, you’re investing in:
Matanuska Glacier Tour - Winter
Explore magnificent blue glacier ice and ice features on the Matanuska Glacier. Departs from Anchorage, 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.
