FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN FAIRBANKS?

The best time to see the northern lights in Fairbanks is mid-August through mid-April, with peak viewing from September through March. During these months, Fairbanks experiences long, dark nights and is located directly under the “aurora oval” – the zone of highest aurora activity. Solar activity, clear skies, and minimal light pollution all affect visibility on any given night.

WHY IS FAIRBANKS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights for three reasons: location, accessibility, and climate. The city sits directly beneath the aurora oval at 64.8° north latitude, where aurora activity is most frequent. Unlike remote Arctic locations, Fairbanks has an international airport, hotels, and tour operators – making it easy to visit. Interior Alaska also has more clear nights than coastal regions, improving your odds of a cloudless view. Alaska Wildlife Guide operates in the Fairbanks area and has welcomed over 50,000 guests on their Alaskan adventures.

WHAT MAKES ALASKA WILD LIGHTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AURORA TOUR OPERATORS?

Alaska Wildlife Guide is the highest-rated and most-reviewed aurora tour operator in Interior Alaska, with over 5,000 verified guest reviews. Three things set us apart: First, we offer a 24-hour cancellation policy – most tour operators require 72 hours or more of notice. This gives you flexibility to adjust plans based on weather or aurora forecasts. Second, we have exclusive dinner reservations at Chena Hot Springs that aren’t guaranteed when booking on your own. Third, with 5,000+ reviews with a 4.8 star average backing our reputation, you can trust that the experience will be consistent and reliable – our tours have predictable timing and we focus on giving you the best possible experience, not driving hundreds of miles hoping for clear skies.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Alaska Wildlife Guide offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund. This is significantly more flexible than most aurora tour operators, who typically require 72 hours or more of notice. We understand that weather and aurora conditions can change quickly, and we want you to have the flexibility to adjust your plans. If you need to cancel, simply contact us at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour time.

WHAT IS CHENA HOT SPRINGS AND WHY DO YOU HAVE EXCLUSIVE ACCESS?

Chena Hot Springs Resort is a world-famous natural hot springs located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. It’s one of the premier aurora viewing destinations in Alaska due to its remote location, minimal light pollution, and natural geothermal features. Alaska Wildlife Guide has an exclusive dinner reservation arrangement with Chena Hot Springs. While you can attempt to book dinner reservations on your own, availability is not guaranteed – our arrangement ensures our guests have a confirmed dinner reservation at the resort. After dinner, there may be an opportunity to view the aurora from the hot springs if conditions are right, or at a viewing stop on the trip back to Fairbanks.

HOW LONG ARE YOUR NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS?

Our tour durations vary depending on the experience. Standard aurora viewing tours run approximately 5 hours and take you to a dedicated viewing lodge where you can warm up between aurora displays. Our Chena Hot Springs tour is approximately 10 hours to allow time for the Ice Museum, dinner, hot springs, and aurora viewing on the return drive. Our Arctic Circle tour is a full-day adventure at approximately 14 hours. Unlike “chase” tour operators who may keep you out until 3-6am driving hundreds of miles, our tours have predictable timing so you know when you’ll return to your hotel. Check individual tour descriptions for specific duration and return times.

WHY SHOULD I BOOK DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF THROUGH TRIPADVISOR, VIATOR, OR GETYOURGUIDE?

Booking directly on our website gives you benefits you won’t get through third-party platforms. Direct booking benefits include: access to exclusive discount codes when available, direct communication with our office for questions or changes, and the most up-to-date availability. While we’re grateful for the reviews our guests leave on TripAdvisor and other online travel agencies, booking direct means you’re working with us from start to finish – we can answer questions immediately and ensure you get exactly the experience you’re looking for.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY AURORA TOUR?

We recommend booking your aurora tour at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (September-March). Popular dates and tours can sell out, particularly around holidays and weekends. However, thanks to our 24-hour cancellation policy, you can book early with confidence knowing you can adjust if your plans change. If you’re booking last-minute, check our website for current availability or call our office directly – we often have spots open and can help you find the best option for your schedule.

DO YOUR GUIDES HELP WITH NORTHERN LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY?

Yes! Our guides are happy to take photos for you during northern lights tours and can share tips for capturing the aurora on your own camera or smartphone. We also provide a shared tripod for guests to use during the tour. While we don’t offer professional photography services, our guides want to help you leave with great photos of your experience. Bring your camera fully charged with extra batteries – cold weather drains batteries quickly.

CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS WITHOUT A TOUR?

Yes, you can see the northern lights without a tour if you have a rental car and are comfortable driving in winter conditions. However, winter road conditions in Alaska can be challenging – icy roads, limited visibility, and remote stretches where cell phone service is unreliable. A guided tour lets you relax knowing you’re with a local who knows the area, handles all the driving, and provides a warm vehicle to wait in between aurora displays. We also have access to exclusive locations like our Chena Hot Springs dinner reservation that you cannot guarantee when booking independently. For visitors unfamiliar with Alaska winter driving or who simply want to focus on taking in this bucket list experience, a guided tour is the most reliable option.

DO YOU OPERATE TOURS YEAR ROUND?

Yes, Alaska Wildlife Guide operates tours year-round, including most holidays. Our northern lights tours run from mid-August through mid-April when dark skies return to Fairbanks. Summer tours (May-August) focus on warm weather adventures and Alaska’s famous midnight sun. Winter tours include aurora viewing, Arctic Circle adventures, and snowmobile (or “snowmachine” as they are called in Alaska) experiences.

ARE YOUR TOURS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN/FAMILIES/SENIORS?

Yes, with a few exceptions. The majority of our tours are family-friendly and suitable for guests of all ages. However, certain tours do have specific requirements for safety and comfort:

• Snowmachine Tours: Children must be at least 7 years old and able to reach the running boards in order to participate.

• Chena Hot Springs Tours: Children are welcome, but guests under 18 are not permitted in the Rock Lake Pool.

• Arctic Circle Tours: For safety reasons, children under 9 years old are not allowed on this tour.

Seniors are welcome on all tours, provided their health allows them to comfortably manage the activity level and duration.

We encourage families to enjoy these adventures together. Each of our tours offers something fun and memorable for every age group. Please review the individual tour descriptions on our website for detailed information and specific requirements.

WHAT ARE THE GROUP SIZES ON YOUR TOURS?

Group sizes vary depending on the specific tour and season. Most of our tours accommodate up to 8 guests per vehicle, though during peak summer months this maximum may increase to 10 guests. While our vans are designed for 8–10 passengers, tours don’t always operate at full capacity, allowing for a more comfortable and personalized experience.

At Alaska Wildlife Guide, we intentionally keep our group sizes small to ensure every guest receives individual attention and has the best opportunity to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

For exact group size details, please refer to the description of each individual tour listed on our website.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON MY TOUR?

We recommend bringing a small day bag with a few personal essentials to ensure your comfort throughout the tour. Items to consider include:

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Snacks & water

• Earbuds or headphones if you plan to listen to music during the drive

• Hand sanitizer (especially useful for outhouse stops on longer tours)

• Any personal medications or comfort items you may need

Please keep your belongings limited to what can easily fit in your lap or under your seat, as storage space on the vehicle is limited.

IS THERE ANY AREA TO STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS?

Storage space in our tour vehicles is very limited. All personal items must fit in a small bag that can be kept on your lap or stored under your seat.

PLEASE NOTE: Luggage and large bags are not permitted on tours, as there is no additional storage space available in the van. We recommend leaving larger items at your lodging before your tour departure.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY TOUR?

Weather in Alaska can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your tour. We recommend dressing in layers, allowing you to add or remove clothing as needed for comfort throughout the day.

Winter Tours:
Proper winter attire is mandatory for your safety. Guests must be dressed appropriately before departure, including:

• Warm base layers

• Insulated winter coat

• Hat & gloves/mittens

• Waterproof, insulated footwear

If you are not dressed adequately, your guide may ask you to return to your lodging to retrieve suitable clothing, or stop at a local store so you can purchase what’s needed. This policy is non-negotiable, as winter temperatures can drop below -40°F.

If you need assistance obtaining cold-weather gear, you can rent Alaska-rated winter clothing from Alaska Element at an affordable rate. They conveniently deliver rentals directly to your lodging accommodations.

DO YOU PROVIDE GEAR OR EQUIPMENT?

In most cases, guests are responsible for bringing their own gear and equipment. We provide limited gear for snowmachine tours only.

For our Aurora tours, a shared tripod is available for guests to use during photography sessions. Any additional equipment—such as cameras, lenses, or personal items—must be self-supplied & non-bulky, as storage space in the vehicle is limited to what can fit under your seat.

ARE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS A GUARANTEE?

No, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because animals in Alaska roam freely in their natural habitats. However, Interior Alaska is home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep, eagles, foxes, and occasionally wolves and bears. Our guides know the best areas and times for spotting wildlife based on season and conditions. During summer months, wildlife is more active and guests have better chances of experiencing that part of Alaska. Our tours are designed to give you an incredible experience whether you see wildlife or not but we do our  best to set up guests for opportunities to encounter Alaska’s wildlife safely and respectfully.

WILL I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ON MY TOUR?

Northern lights sightings cannot be guaranteed because the aurora is a natural phenomenon that depends on solar activity, weather, and cloud cover. That said, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora with about a 90% chance of seeing them across a span of three days, and our guides take you to optimal viewing locations away from city lights. We do not provide “chance” percentages or offer refunds based on aurora visibility – your tour provides a full experience regardless of whether the lights appear. We’ve linked our preferred aurora forecast tool in the footer of our website so you can check conditions before your tour.

DO TOURS RUN IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS?

Yes. Our tours operate in nearly all weather conditions. The only exceptions are:

• Temperatures below -25°F are subject to potential cancellation as these conditions can be unsafe

• Arctic Circle Tours: These may be canceled or delayed if road conditions or visibility make it unsafe to continue or depart.

The safety of our guests and staff is always our top priority. In the rare event a tour cannot operate, we will notify affected guests as soon as possible.

DO I NEED TO PAY IN ADVANCE?

If you’re booking directly through our website, full payment is due at the time of booking.

If you’re booking through one of our affiliates (such as Viator, TripAdvisor, or GetYourGuide), some may offer a “Pay Later” option. Please note that we are not involved in the back-end operations of these companies, so we do not have control over or access to those payment systems.

For the most accurate information, we recommend checking the payment terms directly on the platform you’re booking through.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

If you book directly through our website, we currently accept credit card payments only.

If you choose to book through one of our affiliates, other payment options may be available depending on their platform. Because we don’t manage the back end of those systems, we aren’t able to view or control the payment methods they offer.

ARE MEALS OR SNACKS INCLUDED?

Sack lunches are provided for Arctic Circle tours only.

For all other tours, please refer to the individual tour descriptions on our website to see if snacks or beverages are included.

Regardless of whether food and drinks are provided, we always recommend that guests bring their own snacks and water, especially for longer tours. This ensures you stay comfortable and energized throughout your adventure.

DO YOU OFFER AIRPORT PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF SERVICES?

No, we do not provide airport transportation. These services require special permits that we do not hold.

However, most in town hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services, making it easy and convenient to reach your lodging or tour departure point. We recommend confirming shuttle availability directly with your hotel prior to arrival.

If your accommodations do not provide shuttle service, taxis and ride-share options are also available in the Fairbanks area and can be arranged directly from the airport.

IS IT OKAY IF MY FLIGHT IS ON THE SAME DAY AS MY TOUR?

We do not recommend scheduling a flight to arrive or depart on the same day as your tour. Unforeseen flight delays or cancellations are always possible, and we do not offer refunds for missed tours due to travel disruptions.

Additionally, traveling and touring on the same day can be physically tiring and stressful, which may take away from your overall comfort and enjoyment of the experience. For the best possible experience, we suggest allowing at least one full day between your flight and your tour.

If you already have same-day flight plans, please contact our office before booking so we can help you determine whether the timing is feasible for your chosen tour.

CAN I BRING A CAMERA?

Absolutely! Guests are welcome (and encouraged) to bring cameras on all tours. Alaska offers spectacular scenery and wildlife, making it the perfect place for photography.

Please keep in mind that storage space in the vehicle is limited, so any camera equipment should be compact and easy to store under your seat or in a small bag.

DO YOU OFFER PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES OR SOUVENIR PHOTOS?

No, we do not currently offer professional photography services or souvenir photos. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras or smartphones to capture their experience.

For Northern Lights tours, we’re happy to provide basic tips and guidance on how to photograph the Northern Lights, and a shared tripod is available for guest use.

CAN YOU HELP WITH LODGING OR NEARBY ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS?

Yes! While we don’t book lodging or activities directly, we’re always happy to recommend trusted local options to help you make the most of your stay in Fairbanks.

We can suggest nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions that pair well with your tour schedule. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lodge to watch the Northern Lights or local experiences to fill your free time, our team can point you in the right direction.

If you’d like personalized recommendations, please contact our office and let us know your travel dates and interests, and we’ll be glad to assist.

DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE FOR A SNOWMACHINE (SNOWMOBILE) TOUR?

No experience is required! Before your adventure begins, your guide will lead a 30-minute safety briefing and hands-on demonstration to ensure you’re fully prepared. You’ll learn how to operate the snowmachine safely and confidently across Alaska’s winter terrain. Your guide will make sure every rider feels comfortable and ready to embark on the journey before departure.

CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR? HOW DO PRIVATE TOURS WORK?

Yes! We offer the option to make any of our tours fully private. To guarantee a private experience, all seats on that tour must be purchased, even if not all of them will be filled.

Private tours can be booked in one of three ways:

• Through one of our affiliates

• Directly on our website

• By calling our office

If you call our office to schedule your private tour, you’ll receive a 5% discount as a thank-you for booking directly with us. Please note that this discount only applies to private tours reserved by phone.

DO YOU ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL REQUESTS (EX. BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES ETC)?

We do not currently offer customized arrangements for special occasions. However, guests are always welcome to mention special events when booking or checking in. Our guides are happy to share in your celebration while keeping the focus on your tour experience.