Day 1: Arrive Fairbanks
After arriving at the airport, call the hotel (Springhill Suites at 907.451.6552) to have their complimentary shuttle pick you up. The rest of the day is free to relax from your travels and explore Fairbanks on your own. There are many shops, museums and restaurants nearby and it will be a good time to shop for any remaining gear you need for the Alaskan winter weather. The hotel offers an “Aurora Wake-up Call,” so if the aurora becomes visible from the property, each room on the list is called so you won’t miss a thing! As long as it is dark and clear there is always a chance to see the Northern Lights. Remember, the more nights spent “aurora hunting” the better the chance you’ll have seeing them.
Day 2: Fairbanks and Aurora Viewing Lodge
After breakfast, join the group for sightseeing in Fairbanks. Take a short drive to the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center (MTCVC). Be sure to get a photo at the “Antler Arch” and to pick up an aurora certificate to commemorate a successful sighting! Then head to the Museum of the North, discover Alaska Native cultures, natural wonders, diverse wildlife and Arctic dinosaurs. Explore 2,000 years of Alaska art. Learn about research by museum scientists. See original exhibits and breathtaking architecture. You will head back to the hotel where you have time for lunch on your own and a chance to enjoy a plethora of local shops and art galleries featuring local artists and craftsmen.
VROOM – VROOM! This afternoon we take an exciting trek through the beautiful Alaskan forests on a guided snowmobile excursion. All the gear will be provided, and your guide will teach you how to ride, so no experience is necessary. It will be a winter thrill to remember. You will have more free time in Fairbanks in the late afternoon.
Join the group for a late dinner at a local restaurant. Then travel north to an Aurora Viewing Lodge away from the city lights. Relax in the warmth of the lodge until the lights appear, then step outside on the large deck and soak in the view. Learn to adjust the settings on your camera with an aurora photo class and capture your very own aurora photo! If you get cold, just step back inside and help yourself to a warm drink. Viewing will continue into the early morning hours with a return to your hotel around 2:30 to 3:00AM.
Day 3: Dog Sledding - Chena Hot Springs - Aurora Viewing
This morning, relax and sleep-in after a late night. Enjoy a late breakfast, before departing Fairbanks and venturing out for a Dog Sledding Adventure. Arrive at a local kennel to meet some of Alaska’s most enthusiastic athletes! These friendly Alaskan huskies will whip you around the beautiful hidden twists and turns of the trails that run through the boreal forest. You have the unique opportunity to visit (“hands-on”) with the sled dogs in their home kennel and hear tales of the many years of experience with these canine athletes. Your mushers are not only long-time guides, but also have personal stories of Alaskan expeditions and/or racing experiences to share. After saying goodbye to your dog team continue to Chena Hot Springs Resort where you will be staying for the next two nights. Take some time to relax, soak in the hot springs and explore the resort. This evening, join the group for a late dinner at the resort and then depart for an Aurora Viewing Excursion. Ride in a military-style SUSV (snowcat) to the top of Charlie Dome where you will watch for the Northern Lights. You will have a 360° unobstructed view, heated yurts to warm yourself in, outhouses, and complimentary hot beverages and snacks
Day 4: Aurora lce Museum - Winter Hike
After a leisurely morning and late breakfast, enjoy a tour of the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum. The structure was created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested at the resort. Keeping the museum icy cold in the heat of summer comes from the patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose. In the afternoon, it is time to experience the 440 beautiful acres and scenic trails of the resort under your own power. You can choose either snowshoes or cross-country skies, then get out on the trails for a quiet winter trek through the forest. The rest of the day is free to enjoy all the amenities and optional activities offered at the resort. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the northern lights tonigh
Day 5: North Pole - Ice Fishing - Aurora Viewing
Your final day is filled with wonder, depart the hotel and enjoy a fun Alaskan winter pastime, Ice Fishing! In the warmth of a comfortable icehouse, a seasoned guide will help you land a fish and will even cook what you caught for a fresh fish snack. A true Alaskan experience! After Fishing you take a short drive to the City of North Pole, where Christmas lives on, all year round! Enjoy Lunch at one of the local restaurants. Don’t forget to snap a picture with Santa Claus and order letters from Santa that will arrive just before Christmas (no matter what time of year you visit). There are shops that feature hand-made Alaskan gifts and be sure to swing by “The North Pole” for an unforgettable photo. Return to Fairbanks and check in for a final night. After a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, take one more excursion to an Aurora Viewing Lodge for a final night of the Northern Lights.
Day 6: Journey Home
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a late morning or possibly some last-minute shopping before transferring to the Fairbanks Airport for your departure flight home.
* All cancellations are subject to a non-refundable 10% cancellation fee of the full price of the tour.
* All tours that are rescheduled within 32days of the tour are subject to a non-refundable 10% cancellation fee of the full price of the tour.
*Any changes to a tour within 32 days of the tour will be charged a $120.00 fee and any increase in the cost will be charged to the customer.
* No refunds for cancellations within 32 days of departure for all multi-day tours. Instead, we offer a tour credit of the remaining monies to apply to a future tour or trip for 2 years from the day of the cancellation.
* No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of departure for all-day tours and activities. Instead, we offer a tour credit of the remaining monies to apply to a future tour or trip for 2 years from the day of the cancellation.
100%
Order very good
Tour good
Amazing time!
Claire was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. She was flawless, so up beat, and kept a very optimistic attitude seeing the lights. We saw beautiful lights and had a great time. Thank you!
Don’t miss tour!
This was a great experience! From the ice museum, to dinner to the hot springs, to the Ice Fishing. Claire was not only a great tour guide, but she's also a knowledgeable photographer, willing to help you out with camera settings. Great overall evening.
great valued!
Being with the love of my life , sharing a magical time together , memories that will last a lifetime
Ice fishing adventures!
Great was an awesome tour guide and chef. He was very knowledgeable and very passionate about his work. We would definitely recommend this adventure.
Fun trip!
Bob was our tour guide. He was friendly and attentive to everyone’s needs. Bob made everyone feel confident and comfortable on the way. And yes, we saw moose from the road, the northern lights after dinner, the ice museum, and the hot spring is a nice one to try. Lots to do and well organized.