Chasing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska: A Night to Remember (and a Day Full of Adventure)
- Christie Costello
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- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beneath a sky swirling with the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis, Fairbanks, Alaska, is the place where dreams turn real. Nestled under the "Auroral Oval," Fairbanks offers some of the world’s best opportunities to witness nature’s most spectacular light show. But the magic doesn’t stop at nightfall — Alaska is brimming with unforgettable daytime adventures, charming stays, and authentic experiences. At Toastable Travel + Events, we craft extraordinary journeys to places like Alaska, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully designed for an unforgettable adventure.
A One-of-a-Kind Stay: Borealis Basecamp
The heartbeat of this experience is Borealis Basecamp, a 100-acre resort just 30 miles from Fairbanks. Designed specifically for aurora hunters, it offers something truly unique: glass-ceilinged igloo-style domes and cozy cube suites with panoramic views of the night sky.
Families and couples alike will find the perfect fit here. The newly debuted Family Suite Cube is a standout—two joined shipping containers turned luxury suite, complete with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and even an in-room red-light sauna. Best of all, its floor-to-ceiling north-facing windows allow guests to watch the aurora from the comfort of their bed.
At Borealis Basecamp, it’s not just about seeing the lights—it's about living in the landscape that makes them possible.
Daytime Adventures in Fairbanks
While the northern lights make their appearance late at night, Fairbanks offers a wealth of activities to fill your daylight hours and round out your Alaskan adventure. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:
Dog Sledding Through the Snow
Nothing captures the spirit of Alaska like gliding through the snow behind a team of enthusiastic huskies. Dog sledding at Borealis Basecamp is both thrilling and heartwarming, and it’s a hands-on way to experience the ancient tradition that still defines the region today.
Why it’s special: You’re not just riding—you’re participating in an authentic slice of Alaskan life, guided by seasoned mushers who are happy to share their love for the dogs and the land.
Walk with Reindeer
Trade in your hiking boots for snow boots and join a reindeer walk—an enchanting stroll through the woods alongside these gentle, curious creatures. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature.
Why it’s special: Few places allow visitors to interact so closely with reindeer in their natural habitat. It's a quiet, almost meditative experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Snow Machining Adventure
For those who prefer a faster pace, snow machining (Alaska's version of snowmobiling) offers an adrenaline-pumping ride through the powdery wilderness.
Why it’s special: It's an exhilarating way to see vast stretches of untouched Alaskan terrain—and the kind of experience that gets your heart racing in the best way.
Helicopter Flightseeing Tours
If you want to really appreciate the vastness of Alaska, take to the skies. Helicopter tours depart from the Fairbanks area and soar over the rugged wilderness and snowy peaks, offering a bird’s-eye view you won’t soon forget.
Why it’s special: The aerial perspective offers a stunning contrast to the ground-level adventures, highlighting Alaska’s epic scale and raw beauty.
Dining at Latitude 65
Between your adventures, refuel at Latitude 65, Borealis Basecamp’s onsite restaurant. Chef George Easter crafts dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients like line-caught halibut and hearty Alaskan fare.
Why it’s special: It’s a rare chance to enjoy high-quality cuisine in the middle of the wilderness—without losing the rustic charm of the Alaskan setting.
Other Great Stays in Fairbanks
If Borealis Basecamp isn’t available—or if you’re planning to extend your stay—Fairbanks has other excellent accommodation options:
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Overlooking the Chena River, Pike’s offers cozy, well-appointed rooms and a prime location close to town and the airport. Plus, they have their own aurora wake-up calls!
Sophie Station Suites
Perfect for longer stays, Sophie Station offers apartment-style suites with kitchens and living areas. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit more space and independence.
Aurora Villa
For a more boutique, luxury experience, Aurora Villa offers contemporary accommodations with expansive views designed specifically for northern lights viewing.
Why Fairbanks for the Aurora Borealis?
Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora borealis. Located under the “Auroral Oval”—a ring-shaped zone around the Earth’s geomagnetic poles—Fairbanks enjoys frequent and vivid aurora displays from late August through April. Clear skies, cold temperatures, and minimal light pollution create ideal viewing conditions.
But Fairbanks is more than a spot on the map. It’s a place where the culture, the adventures, and the wild beauty of Alaska all come together. Whether it’s mushing your own dog sled team, watching reindeer stroll through the snow, or savoring a fireside meal while waiting for the lights to dance, Fairbanks invites you to truly experience Alaska.
Ready to Chase the Lights? Let Toastable Travel + Events Help You Get There
At Toastable Travel + Events, we specialize in curating extraordinary journeys to Alaska by land and sea. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, exploring Denali, or cruising past glaciers, we craft experiences that go beyond sightseeing—they’re about connection, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Let us handle all the details so you can focus on the magic. From finding the perfect aurora-viewing lodge to planning bucket-list adventures, we’ll make sure your trip is as breathtaking as the lights themselves.
Contact us today to start planning your Alaskan adventure. Your aurora dream is closer than you think!
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