Chasing Northern Lights in Alaska
The excitement of watching the whole sky lit up with colorful dancing lights is simply magical!
Northern Lights (scientifically known as Aurora Borealis) is truly one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on the earth. We were so lucky to fulfill our dream to see this magical show on a trip to Alaska in October last year.
Fairbanks in Alaska is one of the best places to view northern lights in the United States because of its cold weather, geographic location and dark skies.
Fairbanks is geographically located under the Aurora Oval, a doughnut-shaped ring around the Arctic and the Antarctic, which means more chances to see the northern lights.
Best Time
The best time for watching the Northern lights in Fairbanks is between September and April. The nights are long during these times and it gets quite dark at night. These conditions are perfect for aurora viewing as long as the skies are clear. Keep in mind though that it also gets quite chilly at night during these times, so layer up.
We stayed in Fairbanks for a full week in October to maximize our chances to see the lights. One of the best things about aurora hunting in Fairbanks is the fact that even from within the city limits, we were right under the dancing northern lights by nightfall. But like all things in nature, dedication and luck is also needed to get an amazing show.
Day 1
We flew from the Bay Area on a Friday evening and reached Fairbanks on Saturday morning. Our home for the week was Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center. The hotel was really great in all aspects - amenities, service as well as location.
We checked into the hotel, settled down, took a power nap, and then decided to head out to explore the city of Fairbanks.
The city of Fairbanks was founded in 1903 as a trading post after gold was found in the area. Today Fairbanks is also known as Alaska’s Golden Heart.
As our hotel was in downtown Fairbanks, we decided to just walk up to all the nearest tourist spots in the area.
Thai House Restaurant: Google Maps
We were quite hungry so our first stop was Thai House, a Thai restaurant in Fairbanks Downtown. The food was really delicious!
Greetings from Fairbanks mural: Google Maps
On the way to Fairbanks Ice Museum, we saw a beautiful mural on the wall in a car parking lot.
Fairbanks Ice Museum: Google Maps | Official Website
The place looked quite shabby from the outside so we had no hopes of this place, but it was actually kinda fun. The main attraction at the museum is the ice sculptures, many of which are interactive. We clicked a lot of pictures here. There was a downhill ice path that my husband sled down like a kid.
After we finished viewing the sculptures, we sat down and watched a local artist work on an ice sculpture. It is a good spot to check out if you have the time.
Morris Thomson Visitor Center: Google Maps | Official Website
It is the official visitor center in Fairbanks and provides a great introduction to Alaska. It was an excellent place to learn a bit about its history.
Antler Arch: Google Maps
Just outside the visitor center, there is a unique antler arch installation. The arch is built out of moose and caribou antlers collected from all across the state including the Yukon, North Pole, Fairbanks and the Tanana Flats.
The arch is also referred to as “Gateway to Downtown Fairbanks.” The arch leads to a bike and walking path along the Chena River. We walked for a bit and came across the Lend Lease Monument. The monument honors the Lend-Lease program, which was part of a worldwide scheme that saw the United States end its neutrality before officially entering World War II alongside its allies.
After exploring downtown Fairbanks, we walked back to our hotel. The next morning we had to get up really early for an exciting full-day tour. We asked our hotel staff to pack us to-go lunch boxes. When we came to collect it downstairs, we saw that the bar was serving a fancy cocktail called “Aurora Drink”. It was quite a theatrical drink served with glowing LED lights in it, so I had to try it! 🍸
Day 2
This day was pretty long but super exciting! We crossed the Arctic Circle and saw the Northern Lights.
So what is Arctic Circle? It is an imaginary line that goes around the northernmost part of the world. It’s a region marked by strange hours within which for one day or more each year, the sun does not set (Summer Solstice) or rise (Winter Solstice). It was quite exciting to be that north of the planet.
There are several options available when it comes to crossing the Arctic Circle in Alaska (land, air, or a combination of both). We decided to go with the cheapest option (by land).
Northern Alaska Tour Company offers a full-day tour round trip from Fairbanks to Arctic Circle. On the way back to Fairbanks, we were hoping to see the Northern Lights.
We started the tour around ~9:30 am and ended the day at around 4:30 am. Yes, the tour was really long! (~ 20 hours long of which ~11 hours was on the drive). But the drive was so pretty and it was worth it!
Along the Dalton Highway, we also came across this gorgeous scenery where it felt like we entered into an enchanted forest. It was magical to see this huge landscape with snow-covered trees!
Arctic Circle Trading Post
This was a cute little historic stop along our trip to see the Arctic Circle. Due to the pandemic, they were closed at the time of our visit so we couldn’t go inside, but we used the restrooms here and took pictures 📸
Dalton Highway — Gateway to the Arctic
Dalton Highway was built as a supply road to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1974. The highway, which directly parallels the pipeline, is one of the most isolated roads in the United States. There are only three towns along the route: Coldfoot, Wiseman and Deadhorse.
Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS)
The Trans Alaska Pipeline System, called “The Pipeline” by Alaskans, is one of the greatest engineering projects of the world. More than half of the pipeline runs above ground - an engineering decision made due to Alaska’s prevalent permafrost. It is also the world’s most photographed pipeline as it travels along Alaska’s breathtaking terrain.
It is one of the largest pipeline systems in the world and the only way to get crude oil from Alaska’s North Slope fields to tankers waiting in Valdez.
Arctic Circle Sign
We finally reached the Arctic Circle Sign. It’s funny that they have laid out the red carpet along the sign. The tour guide also served as hot drinks to enjoy as we stepped out to click pictures.
We also spotted a Canada jay near the sign.
After this, we headed back to Fairbanks.
Midnight Aurora Watching
Around midnight we reached the Arctic Circle Trading Post. We sat inside where hot drinks were waiting for us. The guide told us that the weather was perfect for Aurora watching. In about 20 minutes, we stepped out and it was happening! The sky was lit with the lights and it was one of the most magical things.
Day 3
This day was pretty relaxing as we were working remotely during the day. We were craving Indian food, so at night we headed out for dinner to this Indian restaurant “Hari Om Cuisine of India”.
After we finished our meal, we were chatting with the owner of the restaurant and he told us that this day was the perfect conditions for aurora viewing. He also told us to go to Murphy Dome for the best view. It was located 25 miles (~ 40 minutes drive) from our hotel.
We went back to our hotel, grabbed our jackets and headed out to the Murphy Dome.
The drive to this place was a bit daunting as the roads were icy and it was a bit dark out but we still went ahead. That was one of our best decisions!
We saw a couple of cars parked near the Dome on the side of the road. We stopped as well. After about 15 or 20 minutes, the sky got lit and we witnessed the magic yet again. It was a surreal moment as the lights were quite strong with a tinge of red today. I have no words on how to describe this moment.
After an hour gazing into the sky, we decided to head back. On the drive back something even magical happened! The lights became stronger and felt like they were dancing. This was a surreal moment! We stopped on the side of the road again and started watching them dance in the sky.
After spending hours admiring the lights, we finally started driving back to our hotel. This day was quite a surprise and we slept happily.
Day 4
During the day we were working again today so nothing much happened.
In the evening, we drove to the City of North Pole, a small Alaskan city, near Fairbanks. This city is known for its year-round Christmas decorations, including candy cane–striped street lights.
We went to the famous Santa Claus House here. It is a Christmas store with walls covered in children’s letters to Santa and a huge Santa statue outside.
We spent quite some time here before heading back to our hotel.
Day 5
This was our day off so we had the whole day planned for activities.
Chena Hot Springs is one of the most popular trips to do in Fairbanks especially in the winter months. It is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
We drove to the hot springs which was around an hour and half from our hotel but we made a couple of stops on the way.
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: Google Maps
We stopped by the bird sanctuary as a first stop. There was a visitor center where we learnt about the birds that flock to the refuge. We didn’t spot any birds but it was a beautiful walk in the morning.
University of Alaska Museum of the North: Google Maps
The University of Alaska Museum of the North is an iconic museum in the area. It is the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. We learnt about Alaska’s art, science & history. The building architecture was also pretty fascinating.
Drive to Chena hot springs
The drive to Chena hot springs was very beautiful with frozen water streams and snow capped hills.
Chena Hot Springs Resort : Google Maps | Official Website
We reached Chena Hot Springs Resort which was our stay for the night. They have a variety of lodging options. This resort is built on an area of geothermal activity, where hot spring water flows up to the surface and melts the surrounding snow all year long.
The resort is a must visit if you are in the area as apart from the stay they have quite a lot of activities & experiences on the premises. When we booked our stay, we also booked the ice museum tour. You can also book it while checking in on the reception desk.
Aurora Ice Museum
Chena Hot Springs Resort is home to the world’s largest year-round ice museum, which has its own bar! The ice bar is completely made out of ice. We took the ticket add-on where we were served Appletini in an ice glass!
There is a fun tradition of the ice museum to make a wish into the glass and then throw it on the ground outside until to break it. It was a silly thing that we enjoyed so much.
Hot Springs
Since we were staying the night at the Chenna hot springs resort, we had free access to soak in its hot spring pools. The hot springs are at the center of a 40-square-mile geothermal area that produces a steady stream of 165-degree water at all times of the year.
After a full day of activities, we came to our cabin! It was so cute and had amazing views. We even spotted White Pekins outside our cabin.
Day 5
We got up pretty late, checked out and drove back to Fairbanks from Chena hot springs. Once we reached Fairbanks we had a couple of places to check out.
Georgeson Botanical Garden : Google Maps
Probably not the best time to go here in winter but the place was pretty peaceful. Pretty fall colors all around!
Pioneer Park : Google Maps
It was a fun place to stroll around and get pictures clicked. Most of the places were closed so we didn’t do much around here.
Day 6
Today on the agenda was to drive to Talkeetna and back. We had a flight tour booked from Talkeetna. On the way we were going to stop by Denali National Park.
Honestly, this was quite an adventurous drive because of the fresh snow last night. The view though, was really gorgeous.
Denali National Park: Official Website
We reached Denali National Park and it was a winter wonderland there! The park was only open till Mile Marker 3.1.
Talkeetna
Unfortunately because of the weather our helicopter trip was canceled. We could not postpone it as we were flying out tomorrow.
Tip : Book the helicopter trip early on in the trip so it can be rescheduled to a later day if needed.
But, we met this cute kitty at the tour office so it made us happy 😄
On the way back we stopped by this quirky cute coffee place — Flying Squirrel Bakery & Cafe.
The return journey was also picturesque.
We even spotted Moose along a water stream.
Then we saw them hanging out on the road.
It was a beautiful trip back to the hotel.
Day 7
Well this epic adventure had to end one day and today was the day. We bid goodbye to Alaska & flew back to the bay area!
📸 Trip Photos
My husband Antriksh Saxena captures amazing photos from his DSLR. Check out some of his photos of our trip on https://antrromet.com/fairbanks
Enjoy !
I hope this Alaska itinerary convinced you to go chase Northern lights or reminded you of your trip there!
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