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The Enchanting Alaska Northern Lights Experience

The Enchanting Alaska Northern Lights Experience

8 Days from $8,490 USD / person
Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 2

International Arrival

You will be transferred from Fairbanks airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

1 Night

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the second largest city in the state of Alaska with all the charms of small town life. It is a favored base camp with adventure-seekers and explorers en route to the Alaskan Interior or the Arctic region. An excellent year-round destination, there is plenty to keep you busy come summer or winter! Rafting and kayaking down the Chena River appeal to adventure lovers while golfing and fishing are for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Pioneer Park stands as testimony to the city’s historic past of gold mining, and art galleries are filled with exquisite displays of local handicrafts for you to browse. The onset of winter brings with it dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing expeditions. Meanwhile, the hot springs are perfect for rejuvenating with a leisurely soak after every exciting adventure. Fairbanks makes for an especially unique destination during the Fall and Winter months, with the Northern Lights shining through the darkness!

Hotel options

SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Opt 1
Room Double room bed Suite
Meals Room Only
Style Apartment
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge – Opt 2
Room Aurora Cabin
Meals Room Only
Style Lodge
Day 2 – 5

Your chauffeur will drive you from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

3 Nights

Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs is an unincorporated community organized around the area’s hot springs in the Fairbanks North Star Borough in Alaska. Gold miners discovered the springs in 1905 and used them for rest and relaxation after a hard day’s work. Though there are some year-round residents in the area, Chena Hot Springs is essentially a privately owned, 440–acre resort about 50 miles from the town of Fairbanks at the end of Chena Hot Springs road. The springs themselves are at the center of a vast geothermal area with water so hot that it must be cooled before you can get in. Geothermal renewable energy tours are offered daily to showcase the resort’s renewable energy projects. There’s plenty to do outdoors, including dog mushing, mountain biking, horseback riding and canoeing. The area is also a great place to see the northern lights in winter.

Included activities

Group Tour of Aurora Ice Museum

Explore artistic and intricate ice sculptures during this tour of Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks. This museum is located in Chena Hot Springs Resort, and was created using over 1,000 tonnes of ice from the property. Take in the fantastical sculptures and structures as your guide explains interesting facts about ice sculpting. Keep an eye out for the igloo and life-sized sculpture of two jousting knights on horseback. You will also see beautifully carved statues of animals, and even a glass outhouse. Do not miss the ice chandeliers which mimic the colors of the aurora borealis. Before ending the tour, stop by the full-size chess set and ice chapel for some great pictures. (Duration: 45 mins; Shared activity; Min age: 6)

Group Dog Sled Tour by Chena Hot Springs Resort

Enjoy an authentic Alaskan dog sled tour through the snow! Unique to Alaskan history, dog mushing has been a popular sport for generations, especially during the snowy winter months. An experienced musher will accompany you as you step onto a traditional freight sled harnessed to a team of Alaskan sled dogs. As your sled is pulled along by these powerful animals, look out on a beautiful winter landscape of snowdrifts and spruce trees. Spend some time playing and taking photos with the lovable dogs after your ride, or head to the resort’s visitor center to warm up with a drink. Nature and animal lovers will be sure to love this experience! (Duration: 20 minutes; Shared activity & guide; Transfers not included; Meals not included; Fitness level: easy. Please note that the tour starts directly from the Chena Hot Springs Resort. Please wear warm clothes and a hat)

Group Aurora Viewing Tour

Take in the sight of the ethereal Northern Lights, which has fascinated people for millennia. A snow bus will take you through frosty woods, along mountains bathed in alpenglow, and ascend to the top of a remote ridge. Step inside a custom-designed, heated Mongolian yurt, set amid the snow-covered landscape. While you’re waiting for the celestial phenomenon to occur, sip a hot beverage or step outside to soak in the scenery and click photos. Your guide will explain the science behind the colors of the aurora borealis and how it features in many ancient myths and folktales. When the polar lights display takes over the sky, see colorful lights shift gently and change shape. As you marvel at the panoramic spectacle, you’ll observe that the lights move like blowing curtains, faint wisps or bold streaks, and appear as rays and spirals, too. (Duration: half day; Time: 2130 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 48 ppl; Depending on the weather condition, the time and date of this activity may change at very short notice)

Hotel options

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Opt 1
Room Moose Lodge Room
Meals Room Only
Style Resort
Chena Hot Springs Resort – Opt 2
Room Moose Lodge Room
Meals Room Only
Style Resort
Day 5 – 8

Your chauffeur will drive you from Chena Hot Springs to Fairbanks in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

You will be transferred from Fairbanks to The Lodge at Black Rapids in a shared shuttle bus (duration: 2.5 hrs) You will be picked up at your hotel at 10 am. Should you not yet have all of the necessary winter clothing, you can stop at a local outdoor store or rent outdoor gear. Stops will also be made at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Santa Clause House in North Pole.

3 Nights

Black Rapids

Black Rapids is located 38 miles south of Delta Junction. Set amid the untamed wilderness of the Alaska Range, this area features rugged, snow-capped mountains, rivers and creeks. This remote, stunningly scenic corner of the Alaskan interior has an impressive range of hiking trails. Short walks above the tree line offer panoramic views of mountain valleys and the Delta River, while Alpine treks include explorations of glacier caves. Angling enthusiasts can enjoy the many fishing spots brimming with trout, northern pike and Arctic char. Canoeing and kayaking are available on Black Rapids Lake. There’s abundant wildlife to look out for, including Dall sheep, moose and caribou, bears and lynx. A wide variety of winter activities include dog-sledding to frozen waterfalls, snowshoeing through backcountry terrain and flightseeing. Visitors may go ice skating on lakes nearby. Some very lucky tourists may witness the elusive Northern Lights, Mother Nature’s light show, where bright colors dance across the sky.

Included activities

Group Winter Adventure at The Lodge at Black Rapids (3 Nights/4 Days)

Experience the Alaskan winter on this fun-filled multi-day adventure at The Lodge at Black Rapids. Stay in a spacious and comfortable accommodation equipped with all the usual amenities. Each day, make the most of the white wonderland with your pick of winter sports, depending on weather conditions and your level of expertise. Choose from snowshoeing, hiking, ice fishing, ice caving, wildlife tours and kick sledding. Sign up for unique Alaskan experiences such as Aurora tours and dog mushing. Give yourself an adrenaline rush with exciting flightseeing tours, glacier landings and snowmachining. After a day of outdoor fun, return to the lodge and relax in the sauna. Unwind with refreshing beers and local wines at the cozy bar. At mealtimes, relish home-style food featuring fresh local ingredients at the full-service restaurant. (Only possible from Oct – Apr; Duration: 3 nights/4 days; Private transfers & activities; All meals included; Beverages are not included; Gratuity for lodge employees is already included in the rate; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; All activities and equipment included; Please bring warm long johns top and bottoms (base layer), fleece pullover top, shell ski jacket, shell pants or snow/ski pants, winter coat (rated to – 50 below), wool socks (two pairs and one pair boot liners), wind resistant hat, neck gaiter, and/or balaclava, warm gloves and/or mittens and liners (rated 30 below), winter boots (rated to -50 below); Most travel is within 1-2 hours of the lodge)

Hotel options

The Lodge at Black Rapids – Opt 1
Room 3N Winter Package River/ Mountain View Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Lodge
The Lodge at Black Rapids – Opt 2
Room 3N Winter Package River/ Mountain View Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Lodge
Day 8 – 8

You will be transferred from The Lodge at Black Rapids to Fairbanks in a shared shuttle bus (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the second largest city in the state of Alaska with all the charms of small town life. It is a favored base camp with adventure-seekers and explorers en route to the Alaskan Interior or the Arctic region. An excellent year-round destination, there is plenty to keep you busy come summer or winter! Rafting and kayaking down the Chena River appeal to adventure lovers while golfing and fishing are for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Pioneer Park stands as testimony to the city’s historic past of gold mining, and art galleries are filled with exquisite displays of local handicrafts for you to browse. The onset of winter brings with it dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing expeditions. Meanwhile, the hot springs are perfect for rejuvenating with a leisurely soak after every exciting adventure. Fairbanks makes for an especially unique destination during the Fall and Winter months, with the Northern Lights shining through the darkness!

International Departure

Experience the best of nature, wildlife and adventure on this nine day winter tour of the most remote parts of Alaska. Start at Fairbanks, a picture perfect town that is also your gateway to the Arctic region deep in the interiors of the state, and proceed on a guided trip to Denali National Park, Black Rapids and Chena Hot Springs. Go snowshoeing along mountain trails, take leisurely nature walks and top it all off with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis. Get an adrenaline rush with a range of incredible water sports and adventure activities such as snowmachining, kick sledding, ice fishing and flightseeing tours. If chasing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, reach out to us and we’ll customize this Alaska itinerary to match your preferences.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $8,490 USD / person

Option 2

From $8,590 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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