Our northern lights tours from Fairbanks offer a rare opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis, a breathtaking natural phenomenon, in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Many Alaska travelers begin their journey in Anchorage, the state’s main transportation hub, making Fairbanks easily accessible for northern lights tours. Set amidst the pristine boreal forest, our tours provide access to a private wilderness lodge deep in Alaska’s interior with zero light pollution, and the flexibility to chase clear skies if weather shifts. In just a short period, guests can experience one of the most spectacular light shows on earth—an event celebrated as a world-class attraction and one of the greatest wonders in the world. Fairbanks also serves as a gateway to the Arctic Circle, a renowned region for aurora viewing, offering access to experiences near or above this iconic boundary. Led by Michael, a native Alaskan guide and professional photographer with 20+ years of aurora experience, these small-group tours (max 10 guests) are designed for anyone who wants to see the northern lights—whether you’re here to witness them for the first time or capture them with professional gear.
Our exclusive lodge is nestled in the boreal forest of Alaska, providing a serene wilderness setting for your northern lights Fairbanks Alaska tour.
Our actual home, not a commercial facility. The property features a large deck for unobstructed aurora viewing.
We relocate if clouds move in, reaching the darkest viewing spots outside of Fairbanks.
From phone tips to pro camera settings—we help capture the moment.
Everything you need for $325/person
No one can control the northern lights—but we can control how we take care of you.
If conditions don't deliver, come back another night during your trip at no extra cost.*
Plans change—reschedule anytime within 12 months at no extra cost.
Severe weather? Full refund if we cancel and can't successfully reschedule you. No questions asked.
*Subject to availability during your trip.
Posted on C HallTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Guide was very knowledgable. Love that the cabin was there to warm up in. Great tour!Posted on Dul CorianderTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for a customized and outstanding experience from a unique place far away from the crowds. Face the Outdoors is your best option. On top of that, Michael, is an exceptional photographer and knowledgeable guide that will maximize the beauty of your encounter with the northern lights. Quality of service at its best. Worth every penny.Posted on Mark DawsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a wonderful adventure! Professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and comfortable, even when dealing with the necessary clear, cold weather. The beautiful private lodge, hot drinks and snacks, made the experience even more enjoyable. Many, many thanks!Posted on Daniel De La TorreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael IS THE AURORA GUY! Thank you for making our experience memorable! The weather wasn’t favorable yet you made it happen for my fiancee and I. Forever grateful for treating us and for your time. Everyone, absolutely everyone considering going to Fairbanks to see the lights should take your tour.Posted on Christine ChenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If the weather is iffy, or you want nice photos, it’s worth it to go with a tour such as Face the Outdoors. My friend was only here for a few days so we opted for Face the outdoors on 9/15. Michael is an expert at finding the northern lights. He is a professional photographer. His photos of the lights and tour group were beautiful. He pointed out moose twice during the drive. Because of Michael’s expertise we were able to see the lights on a cloudy day. He knew where to go, and found a clear sky, beautiful spot in Denali 2.5hrs away, with a reflective pond and mountains that allowed for epic photos. I think on a clear day with a good aurora forecast, go to Murphy dome without a tour and you can see the lights for free (without a pond or mountains, and you have to take your own photos). I self toured Murphy some on 9/16 and it was amazing. Photos below are from our 9/15 tour. One pro photo from Michael, the rest are from my iPhone 12 Pro with tripod.Posted on John MartinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Coming to Fairbanks, our main goal was to see the Aurora Borealis. So, we sought a tour that gave us the best opportunity to see this phenomenon. We believe we found this with Michael through Face the Outdoors. Michael is knowledgeable about the Lights and very willing to teach what he knows and enjoys. He knows the area surrounding Fairbanks like the back of his hand. Add to this is his connectedness to the weather; which means he knows where best to find clear skies. (The Lights might be out; but unless you have clear skies, you will not see them.) Michael is willing to drive two hours from Fairbanks to provide the best viewing point to see the Lights that are dancing each night. This might mean driving southwest to his house in Delta or southeast to Denali. I will say we are very pleased! We saw the Aurora each of the three nights we booked with Michael, and each night was different! We are so glad we booked with Face the Outdoors and booked three nights.Posted on Jane SlotaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very accommodating. Michael kept in communication with us and watched the forecast offering to switch us twice in order to have the best chance to see the lights. We were able to come and go from his home to see the lights and warm up. He gave pointers on the best way to capture the lights. All around - a great tour.Posted on Rachel RotabiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience!! Mike was a very knowledgeable tour guide about the aurora and Fairbanks area. We really enjoyed having access to a private warm lodge in addition to large, wide open outdoor space for some excellent photos. Bucket list item: check!! Highly recommend.Posted on Ayline VegaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was amazing!!! I loved the small group and the ambiente created by the lodge! Highly recommend, Micheal is a very knowledgeable individual teaching us all about the aurora's.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Michael picks you up from your hotel in town or downtown Fairbanks between 8-9pm. Enjoy the scenic drive into Alaska's interior as he shares local knowledge and aurora science. Watch the city lights of downtown Fairbanks disappear behind you as the sky gets darker and bigger with every mile.
Settle into our private log home with panoramic windows, nestled deep in the boreal forest. Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and warm up by the fire while Michael monitors aurora conditions in real-time. As you wait for the aurora, you may even spot wildlife such as moose wandering nearby.
"The small group made it feel so personal. Couldn't have asked for a better experience."
— TripAdvisor Review
When the lights appear, head outside to the viewing deck for an unforgettable northern lights viewing experience, or stay warm watching through the panoramic windows. Michael is there all night to point out what you're seeing, help you take it in, and capture the moment — whether that's adjusting your phone settings, working with your camera gear, or taking professional portraits of your group under the lights.
Consider visiting Chena Hot Springs or local attractions in Fairbanks before your evening tour to make the most of your time in the area.
Michael calls with weather intel and confirms pickup time. If weather looks questionable days in advance, Michael will reach out about rescheduling your tour to a better night.
We pick you up from your Fairbanks hotel in our heated van.
Scenic drive deep into Alaska's interior. Watch the city lights fade as you enter the boreal forest and some of the darkest, most aurora-active skies in North America.
Watch from the warm lodge or outside deck. Michael monitors conditions all night, shares aurora science, and helps with photos on any device — phone or pro camera.
Clouds roll in? We chase clear skies using real-time weather data.
Back to your hotel with unforgettable memories.
2026-2027 Season
✨ Everything in Small Group, plus:
Book 3+ nights, save 15%
Multiple nights = 90%+ chance of seeing the lights
GET MULTI-NIGHT QUOTE →📸 No camera? Smartphones work great with our guidance, plus we include professional portraits.
We don't give up. Unlike static lodges, we go mobile and chase clear skies wherever the weather takes us — that's the advantage of our lodge-plus-chase model.
Our Aurora Commitment: come back another night during your trip at no extra cost, subject to availability.
Reschedule anytime within 12 months—free. We never cancel on you. If weather forces us to cancel, full refund. We always try to reschedule you first so your trip isn't interrupted in trying to see the northern lights.
Plan for -10°F to -40°F in winter. We recommend renting winter gear during your visit. Reach out with questions regarding clothing.
Typically 8-9 hours (8pm pickup, ~5am return). Aurora is most active around 1-2am.
Tours run from late September through early April during peak viewing season. March is one of the best months for aurora activity in Alaska. Peak season fills 3-6 months ahead, so book early.
Peak season fills 3-6 months ahead. Secure your spot today.
CHECK AVAILABILITY →📞 (907) 590-1567 · ✉️ michael@facetheoutdoors.com