Alaska Aurora – Fairbanks to Anchorage 7-Day Tour

Arrive in Fairbanks

Free pick-up service from Fairbanks airport to designated hotels:

Each booking includes free pick-up service at the Fairbanks airport on the day of arrival. Please request this pick-up service when booking your tour. If you do not request this service or provide your flight information, we can not provide you with pick-up service.

Pick-up time: 13:00 - 21:00 (flight arrival time).

Pick-up location: Fairbanks International Airport, Baggage Claim No. 1

Pick-up sign: Alaska Tours

As guests on flights arriving at a similar time may be picked up together, please understand that you may need to wait for a short time at the airport.

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Paid pick-up service from Fairbanks airport to designated hotels:

Guests who arrive at a time outside of the free pick-up period can also choose our paid pick-up service: US$100/person/time

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24-hour free hotel shuttle:

The Information Center next to the baggage claim area in the Fairbanks airport provides free calls to hotels. After you arrive please contact your hotel to arrange to be picked up by the shuttle. The hotels only accept shuttle bookings from guests that have already arrived at the airport. There is no way to make an advance reservation.

When you book the hotel shuttle, please provide the hotel with your personal information: full name (in pinyin), number of people, etc.

After you call to book, the hotel shuttle will take around 30 minutes to arrive at the airport.

Hotel shuttle pick-up location: Fairbanks International Airport, outside the arrivals area, designated hotel shuttle pick-up area.

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Fairbanks Taxi Information:

Taxi pick-up location: Fairbanks International Airport, outside the arrivals area, designated taxi pick-up area.

From the airport to most Fairbanks hotels, the cost is about US$20-30 per taxi.

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Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city with a population of about 100,000, is the gateway to adventures deep into the Alaskan interior and the Arctic Circle. Renowned worldwide as one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, Fairbanks enjoys more than 243 nights of clear skies each year. Located just 310 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle and sheltered by surrounding mountain ranges, the city is naturally protected from harsh weather—creating ideal conditions for aurora viewing. Fairbanks is also a romantic destination, with many newlyweds choosing it for their honeymoon, inspired by the ancient belief that “those who see the aurora will enjoy a lifetime of happiness.”

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The Overlook at Cleary Summit (optional)

Completed in 2023, the Mountaintop Aurora Glasshouses are perched atop Cleary Summit, northeast of Fairbanks—one of the region’s most renowned aurora-viewing spots. Each glasshouse is a private, standalone retreat designed with 180-degree panoramic windows that offer sweeping, unobstructed views of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and the Northern Lights. Inside, you’ll find modern comforts including a double bed with massage function, heated floors, a flush toilet, a separate shower, and a hairdryer. A hearty American breakfast is also included with your stay.

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Hotel：Hyatt Place Fairbanks; Bridgewater Hotel; Westmark Fairbanks Hotel; or similar
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Fairbanks - Santa Claus House - Museum of the North

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel before departing at 1:00 pm for the famous Santa Claus House in the town of North Pole. To celebrate the spirit of Christmas year-round, the town features festive decorations, including a towering 16-meter Santa Claus statue and giant polar bear and moose figures, each standing over 2 meters tall. Many of the surrounding public spaces are also adorned with cheerful holiday themes, creating a magical atmosphere.

In the afternoon, follow your guide to the Museum of the North, located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. With its striking architecture and fascinating exhibits, the museum is a true landmark of the city. Inside, you’ll discover the wonders of the Arctic world and the daily lives of Alaska’s earliest inhabitants. The museum’s collections span multiple galleries, showcasing rare Arctic animal specimens such as “Blue Babe,” mammoth bones, and an impressive brown bear nearly 3 meters tall. If the museum happens to be closed, your visit will instead be to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, and your $15 Museum of the North ticket will be refunded on site. Afterward, return to your hotel for some rest.

At 10:00 pm, leave the city lights behind and board the Aurora Shuttle to our carefully chosen Aurora-Viewing Lodge, situated in an ideal location to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Here, expert guides will introduce the science and magic of the aurora and provide hands-on tips for adjusting your camera settings to capture unforgettable images. Inside the warm, cozy cabin, enjoy complimentary hot drinks, coffee, cookies, and a real-time aurora monitoring screen between viewings. This second night of aurora hunting (included in your tour) concludes around 2:00 am, when you’ll return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

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Dog Sledding Adventure (optional)

This morning, depart from your hotel for an unforgettable dog sledding adventure led by Leslie, a passionate dog lover who moved to Alaska from the mainland over 20 years ago. Over the years, Leslie has built a thriving cultural and dog-sledding center, now home to 50 spirited sled dogs. With the Alaska International Dog Sled Race gaining worldwide recognition, she established her own training ground to mentor young mushers and share the magic of dog sledding with visitors. Proceeds from these experiences support her efforts in preparing teams for international competitions. Deeply respected in the community, Leslie is admired for both her dedication to the sport and her support of the next generation of mushers. While you wait for your sled ride, you’ll have the chance to meet and interact with her friendly, energetic dogs.

Your adventure begins with a 20–25 minute sled ride across Alaska’s frozen wilderness. Teams of dogs are harnessed in pairs, with the lead dog guiding the way and the strongest dogs positioned near the sled. Two passengers, accompanied by a skilled musher, glide swiftly through snow-dusted forest trails as the sled kicks up a spray of white powder. It’s a thrilling and exhilarating journey that captures the true spirit of Alaska.

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Snow Mobile Tour (optional)

Experience one of Alaska’s most thrilling winter activities: snowmobiling! It’s a high-speed adventure, combining the thrill of a wild ride with the style of a powerful machine. Snowmobiles are the fastest vehicles on snow, rivaling the speed of a regular car. Unlike motorcycles or cars, snowmobiles are powered by rotating tracks, providing stability and safety while making them easy to handle. Ride over snowy slopes, tackle obstacles, and embrace the excitement of Alaska’s winter wilderness!

1) It is recommended to bring your own outdoor cold-weather clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, and warm, comfortable footwear to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
2) Helmets, cold-proof suits, and other riding gear are provided free of charge for tour participants.
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Ice Fishing Tour (optional)

From November to March, Alaska's rivers and lakes freeze over, creating the perfect conditions for ice fishing and a cozy barbecue experience at a lakeside cabin. Before heading out onto the ice, safety is a top priority. The ice must be at least 8-10 centimeters thick to ensure it's safe; anything thinner can be dangerous. The cold water temperatures slow down fish activity, putting them into a semi-dormant state, which makes them less responsive to external stimuli. The thick ice helps buffer the fish from environmental changes, creating the ideal conditions for ice fishing.

Ice fishing is a beloved winter tradition for Alaskans. Once you catch your fish, your guide will grill it up for you, offering a fresh and delicious meal right on the ice. Any additional fish caught will be carefully released back into the lake, preserving the natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s winter wilderness!

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Hotel：Hyatt Place Fairbanks; Westmark Fairbanks Hotel; Bridgewater Hotel; or similar

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Fairbanks

Today, enjoy a leisurely day in Fairbanks, with time to relax, explore on your own, or join optional winter activities at your own expense.

As night falls, depart at 10:00 pm aboard the Northern Lights Shuttle to venture beyond the city and escape light pollution. Guided by our expert aurora team, you’ll be taken to the best viewing locations, carefully chosen each night based on weather conditions, aurora activity, and years of tracking experience. Along the way, your guides will share fascinating insights about the Northern Lights and provide tips on camera settings and photography techniques to help you capture breathtaking images of the aurora.

This third evening of aurora chasing (included in your tour) concludes around 2:00 am, when you’ll return to your hotel for rest.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort Tour

Depart from your hotel around 11:00 am for a scenic bus ride to Chena Hot Springs Resort, a destination famous for its century-old natural hot springs, world-class ice sculpture museum, and innovative renewable energy projects. A favorite among Fairbanks visitors, the resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Soak in the outdoor natural mineral pools, where steaming waters contrast beautifully with the snow-covered landscape—an unforgettable experience of “ice on one side, spring-like warmth on the other.” You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the world’s only year-round Ice Sculpture Museum (admission not included). Built with over 1,000 tons of ice, the museum features extraordinary creations by award-winning ice sculptors, from intricately carved tables and chairs to delicate glassware—all sculpted entirely from ice.

For an added treat, step into the Ice Bar and sip a crisp Apple Martini served in a handcrafted ice glass (admission not included; guests must be 21+ with valid ID).
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Castner Glacier Ice Cave Tour

Depart from your hotel in the morning and travel south along the Richardson Highway, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way, before arriving at Castner Glacier Ice Cave. From the trailhead, a guided hike of about 2 miles will lead you to the largest valley ice cave in North America.

Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Alaska Range and connected to the mighty Castner Glacier, this natural wonder reveals its scale and majesty as you approach the cave’s entrance. Inside, layers of ancient blue ice—formed over more than ten thousand years—create a crystalline, otherworldly beauty. Over centuries, the mingling of ice and mountain minerals has produced rare streaks of orchid-blue ice with a metallic sheen, shimmering like jade inlaid with gold.

Here, as you stand amid breathtaking glacial formations, you’ll not only witness the artistry of nature but also feel the timeless encounter between humanity and the forces of the natural world.

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Denali National Park Walking Tour

We’ll depart from your hotel around 10:00 am and journey by car to Denali National Park, a drive renowned for its breathtaking scenery. As we head south from Fairbanks, the towering Alaska Range stretches across the horizon, its snow-capped peaks rising above rolling forests. On snowy days, tree branches draped in fresh white snow create a magical, fairytale-like landscape. With a bit of luck, you may even spot wildlife moving quietly through the forest, adding to the sense of wonder. These gifts of nature offer a deep sense of peace and connection.

Denali National Park, the second national park established after the creation of the U.S. National Park System, is also the world’s longest continuously protected ecological reserve. When weather and conditions allow, a professional, certified guide will lead you on a short hike inside the park, where you’ll have the chance to experience the majesty of North America’s highest peak up close and feel the irresistible allure of Denali.
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Hotel：Hyatt Place Fairbanks; Westmark Fairbanks Hotel; Bridgewater Hotel; or similar

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Fairbanks

Today, you’ll have a relaxing day to explore Fairbanks at your own pace. You can either make your own plans or choose from one of the following optional activities for an additional fee. Due to time constraints, you can select only one of the three available options:

1) Overland Adventure Across the Arctic Circle (drive both ways, round trip about 16 hours)

2) Fly Over the Arctic Circle Adventure (Fly northbound, about 1.5 hours, drive back, about 10 hours, afternoon departure)

3) Aurora-Viewing Lodge Or Aurora Chasing (approximately 4 hours round trip):

*If you need to depart Fairbanks the following day, please book your flight for no earlier than 7 am, to avoid risking missing your flight.
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Overland Adventure Across the Arctic Circle (optional)

Departing between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM, you'll board a professional polar bus for a thrilling journey toward the Arctic Circle along the Dalton Highway, one of Alaska's most remote and rugged roads. Stretching 414 miles, the Dalton Highway is known as one of the "World's Ten Deadliest Highways" and is accessible only to licensed vehicles. As you travel through the pristine tundra landscape of the Arctic wilderness, you'll have the chance to spot wildlife such as caribou, Arctic foxes, wolves, bears, and musk oxen.

Along the way, you’ll cross the Yukon River, North America's third-longest river, and see the iconic North-South Oil Pipeline, a remarkable engineering feat that spans across Alaska. Finally, you’ll reach the Arctic Circle (66°33'N), where you’ll receive an Arctic Circle Expedition Certificate as a keepsake of your incredible adventure.

If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on your return journey. You’ll arrive back in Fairbanks between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM the following morning.

If you have a flight scheduled for the following day, please ensure it’s booked for no earlier than 7:00 AM to allow ample time for your return.

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Fly Over the Arctic Circle Adventure (optional)

Arrive at the airport by 11:30 AM for a scenic sightseeing flight to Coldfoot. From the air, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Alaska's snow-covered polar tundra. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to send a postcard from the unique Polar Post Office in Coldfoot, sharing a piece of this remote adventure with loved ones.

In the afternoon, you'll board a professional polar bus for your return journey to Fairbanks along the famous Dalton Highway. On the way, you’ll stop to visit the iconic oil pipeline and the Yukon River, North America's third-longest river. You'll also reach the landmark Arctic Circle (66°33'N), where you'll receive an Arctic Circle Expedition Certificate to commemorate your unforgettable experience in the far north.

You can expect to arrive back in Fairbanks between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM the following morning. If you need to fly out the next day, please ensure your flight is scheduled for after 7:00 AM to avoid the risk of missing your connection.

In the event your flight is canceled due to weather conditions, a full refund will be provided, and you'll have free time to relax before your next adventure.

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Aurora Viewing Cabin or Aurora Chasing (optional)

At 10:00 PM, you'll board the Aurora Shuttle and head to our specially chosen Aurora-Viewing Lodge, carefully selected to provide a perfect spot free from urban light pollution. While you wait for the Northern Lights to make their appearance, you can stay cozy and warm. Our expert guides will provide insights into the science behind the auroras and give you tips on camera settings and photography techniques to help you capture the stunning display.

If you opt for Aurora Chasing, you’ll venture into the surrounding areas of Fairbanks by car, with your guide leading the way to the best spots for aurora viewing. After an unforgettable night of aurora watching, you’ll return to your hotel around 2:00 AM to rest.

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Hotel：Hyatt Place Fairbanks; Bridgewater Hotel; Westmark Fairbanks Hotel; or similar

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Fairbanks - Anchorage

In the morning, board the Alaska Northern Lights Train* (8:30 am – 8:00 pm) for a southbound journey to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Known as the economic heart of the “Last Frontier” and the state’s primary transportation hub, Anchorage offers both modern convenience and stunning natural surroundings.

The Alaska Northern Lights Train, a weekend-only service cherished by locals and visitors alike, travels at a relaxed pace through the Alaska Range and past the mighty Mount Denali. Along the way, you’ll have ample time to take in the sweeping views of golden valleys, shimmering green forests, and snow-draped peaks.

By evening, you’ll arrive in Anchorage, where you can unwind and enjoy a well-deserved rest after several unforgettable days of chasing the Northern Lights.

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Hotel：Fairfield Inn & Suites Anchorage; Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport; or similar

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Anchorage - Matanuska Glacier

In the morning, the group will depart from the hotel by car for a Glacier Hiking Experience at Matanuska Glacier, led by a professional guide. This excursion lasts approximately two hours.

Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest accessible glacier and a stunning example of a valley glacier—a river of ice flowing under its own weight from the Chugach Mountains toward the Glenn Highway. It’s the most popular roadside attraction between Anchorage and Glennallen. The glacier began retreating to its current position about 10,000 years ago and has remained relatively stable for the past two decades.

Thanks to its unique geomorphology, the Matanuska Glacier area often enjoys clearer, sunnier weather in winter compared to its surroundings, making it a prime destination for glacier hiking. The dramatic landscape—where glaciers meet the Sheep Mountains—offers some of the most breathtaking views in Alaska.

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Tips:

1) It is recommended to wear a warm down jacket, velvet jacket, hat, scarf, anti-ski boots, sunglasses, etc. , pay attention to the safety of your feet.

2) Be sure to comply with the guide requirements during the walk and sign the disclaimer required by the Park Service.

3) Free walking equipment such as helmets and non-slip shoe chains.

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Hotel：Fairfield Inn & Suites Anchorage; Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport; or similar

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Anchorage -

Today marks the conclusion of your journey as you bid farewell to the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. If your departing flight is scheduled for the evening or later, you may opt to join a sightseeing tour in Anchorage, giving you one last opportunity to experience the charm and highlights of Alaska’s largest city.

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Anchorage Turnagain Arm Wonderland Tour

Depart from the hotel around 10:00 am for a scenic drive to Turnagain Arm, where the dazzling Youlan Glacier and the towering Chugach Mountains merge into a breathtaking panorama. Along the way, stop at Beluga Point, a renowned photo spot once visited by President Xi Jinping, and capture unforgettable shots of this dramatic landscape.

Your journey continues to Alyeska Ski Resort, where you may ride the scenic gondola (ticket not included) to the summit for sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and pristine wilderness. Returning to downtown Anchorage in the afternoon, visit Earthquake Park and the Captain Cook Monument, both located on the city’s northwest edge, offering remarkable vistas of Cook Inlet and excellent photography opportunities.

Later, enjoy about an hour of duty-free shopping along Fourth and Fifth Avenues, where department stores and Native Alaskan art galleries showcase a wide array of distinctive souvenirs and crafts. With so many unique treasures to choose from, you’ll find it hard to leave empty-handed. The day concludes with your return to the hotel around 4:00 pm.

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