Northern Lights Tours

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NASA has predicted 2012/13 to be the best time in 50 years to witness the magic of the northern lights at their best, this teamed with the rugged beauty and brilliant wilderness of Alaska makes this an unbeatable tour. Delve into the wintery side of the Denali National Park on an included tundra wilderness tour, admire snowy peaks, and explore the more remote areas of Alaska as well as the cultural hubs. There is complete freedom for the optional excursions of your choice with the chance every night to see the famous aurora dance across the sky. This northern lights tour will leave you in awe!

• Talkeetna - McKinley Experience Flightseeing Tour US$245
• Fairbanks - Arctic Circle Flightseeing Adventure US$490
• Fairbanks - Beaver Village Tour US$526
• Fairbanks - Dog sledding (1hr) US$170
• Fairbanks - Dog sledding (3hrs) US$330
• Fairbanks - Aurora Viewing Tour US$99pp (min 2 person)

We recommend passengers pre-book the optional activities available on this trip before travelling. Contact us for further details.

If you would like your flight from Fairbanks booked back to Anchorage we can book this for you at an approximate cost of GBP142pp.

This northern lights tour is operated by our local Alaskan operator. Prices are based twin share. For single travellers there is an optional GBP543 single supplement fee.

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 in the morning we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.

It has historically been possible to view the northern lights from many places within Alaska, many of which we have included on this tour to maximize your chances of viewing them. Although we cannot make any guarantees you will be able to view the northern lights, this tour has been chosen with location in mind and opportunities to witness this natural occurrence and natures very own light show. We understand that as well as the aurora, you want to experience Alaska's beauty and this tour encapsulates both of these with a carefully selected and varied itinerary plus optional 1 night Arctic Adventure overnight extension.

Day 1: Anchorage

Bordered by the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage stands as an enchanting metropolis surrounded by rugged wilderness within close proximity distance. The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is home to nearly half of the state's population. It is also one of the only places in Alaska with all the modern fixtures of city life: a performing arts center, gourmet restaurants and numerous shopping malls. We begin today's sightseeing tour of Anchorage with an included trip of the historic downtown area, the Ship Creek fish ladder, Lake Hood and the largest float plane base in North America. Your hotel is located within walking distance of downtown, ship creek and ample shopping and dining options. This is a wonderful start to the tour and reveals the more modern side of Alaska before you head off into the wilderness in search of the incredible northern lights.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 2: Anchorage to Seward

This morning after breakfast you travel south along the scenic Turnagain Arm on the Seward highway, designated an 'All-American Road'. The Kenai Peninsula is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, which combines amazing scenery with a variety of activities for people of all ages and abilities. Seward lies at the head of Resurrection Bay and is a year-round port surrounded by beautiful mountains. Your hotel is located near the Harbour where many dining options and shops to explore on your own.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day 3: Seward to Talkeetna

Today you will depart Seward for your journey to Talkeenta. You will travel north on the Seward highway and along scenic Turnagain Arm. To will pass incredible jagged peaks and alpine meadows to breathtaking fjords and crystal lakes, find a concentrated series of diverse landscapes and experiences. Once back in Anchorage you will travel to Talkeetna on the Parks Highway. You will drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley which is considered one of the most important agricultural areas in Alaska. The town of Talkeetna is located approximately 115 road miles north of Anchorage, about 14 miles off the Parks Highway at the end of the Talkeetna Spur Road. Upon arrival in Talkeetna you will have the remainder of the day free to explore this wonderful area on your own. Talkeetna Why not head up to one of the mountain lodges for breath-taking views of Denali National Park.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day 4: Talkeetna to Denali

Today you will travel north on the Parks Highway to Denali where you continue through the rest of the Mat-Su valley. The valley is rimmed by three major mountain ranges: the Alaska Range, the Talkeetna and the Chugach Mountains. The surrounding mountains include many mountain passes, as well as working and abandoned gold mines. At 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world's last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. At this time of the year the park is closed so we stay 12 miles from the entrance in Healy where there have been some incredible sightings of the northern lights plus time for optional winter excursions.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day 5: Denali Day Tour

Denali National Park encompasses the heart of the 600-mile long Alaska Range, a stunning chain of peaks with many over 10,000 feet tall. The crown jewel of these mountains is Mt. McKinley, popularly known as Denali, meaning "The High One" in Athabascan, the tallest peak in North America at 20,320 feet. Today is a free day to enjoy Healy and your remote location. The beauty of staying in this location is the remoteness and away from the bright lights. A good idea is to stop in a the visitor center, go snow-shoeing at Denali National Park (free snow shoes although fairly limited and cannot be guaranteed) or dog sledding.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day 6: Denali to Fairbanks

Today you will travel from Denali National Park to Fairbanks. As you head north leaving Denali, catch spectacular views of Mt. McKinley on the horizon. Situated at the heart of the Tanana River Valley, Fairbanks is a city that combines modern amenities with a quintessentially Alaskan frontier spirit. Commonly known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," the second-largest city in Alaska has a colorful history dating back to the late 1800s and the discovery of gold in the area. Located close to the center of the state, Fairbanks has the widest temperature range of any city on Earth, with temperatures dropping below -65F (-55C) in the winters, and rising over 100F (38C) in the summers. Once you arrive in Fairbanks you will enjoy a city tour which takes you to Golden Heart Park at the center of the city. The park is the site of the 18-foot bronze monument titled "Unknown First Family." The park and the statue were dedicated in July 1986 as a tribute to the history and heritage of Fairbanks. There will be a stop to view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a feat of civil engineering that still carries crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Following your city tour you will be brought to your lodge 11 miles outside of downtown Fairbanks situated on 280 natural wooded acres. It is important to be outside the town and away from artificial lights to maximize your time for aurora sightings. Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the northern lights which are why we schedule a few nights here. The property features views of the Alaska Range Mountains, Mt. McKinley (Denali) and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, in addition to the beautiful surrounding acreage. Enjoy hiking around the Lodge property, or sitting and relaxing by the pond.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day 7: Fairbanks / Chena Hot Springs Tour

Today you travel 60 miles west of Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. Chena Hot Springs is internationally famed for its natural mineral hot springs. You can relax and revitalize in the outdoor hot springs, hot tubs, and indoor pool whilst enjoying the wintery conditions. During your 4-hour visit at Chena Hot Springs, enjoy a guided Ice Museum tour, which is set up like an ice hotel, as well as a guided Geothermal tour. Before you head back to Fairbanks, soak in the hot springs (bring own towels). Upon transferring back to Fairbanks the remainder of the day is free to take in a multitude of optional excursions or simply explore Fairbanks.
Possibilities for evening aurora viewing.
Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day 8: Fairbanks

This day is free to explore around the lodge on your own. Your tour finishes at noon today however, you may wish to book additional accommodation and stay longer to enjoy both Alaska and natures light show.
Meals: Breakfast included

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

This tour is operated by our local operator. Prices are based twin share. For single travellers there is an optional GBP543 single supplement fee.

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