2025 Alaska Northern Lights Tour
Fall Tour dates: August 29 – September 5, 2025, September 5 – 12, 2025 & September 21 – 28, 2025 (Southern version)
September 5 – 12, 2025 Tour heavily discounted due to cancellation. Please email us for more information.
Why travel with us next fall to see the northern lights in Alaska?
Location, location, location
Discover one of the best places in Alaska, where you can see and photograph the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) most often and also with greatest intensity. On our 2025 Alaska Northern Lights Tour, you will four nights in the vicinity of the village of Wiseman. This quaint village (population 15) is one of the best places in Alaska and in North America to see the Aurora Borealis. You will also spend three nights in Fairbanks, which has consistently been one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights from.
Peak in solar cycle 
Our sun has a 12 year cycle of activity and as it becomes more active, there will be more sightings of the northern (and southern) lights. In 2025, we are at the peak of the 12 year cycle. As a result, we therefore expect the northern lights viewing to be excellent in the fall of 2025.In addition, this tour is happening during one of the best months for northern lights viewing. In late August and September, there are generally frequent displays and clear skies.
We go where few other groups go
Most of this tour is happening off the beaten tourist path, in the remote Brooks Range. During our 2025 Alaska Northern Lights tour, you will also cross the Arctic Circle and explore the Dalton Highway of famed Ice Road Truckers. You will stay in one of the most picturesque villages in Alaska. Here, you will experience the magic of fall in northern Alaska. You will go on short hikes in the tundra, drive by van across the Continental Divide in the Brooks Range and simply enjoy the solitude and beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. Finally, you will experience Alaska’s best hot springs.
Local Knowledge
You will benefit of all the knowledge that your guide Laurent Dick has accumulated in his over 30 years of living in Alaska. His local knowledge is critical when it comes to identifying locations to see the northern lights. The skies might be cloudy in one location, but they might be clear skies elsewhere.
Local accommodations
In Fairbanks, you will stay at Pikes Waterfront Lodge, which is one of Fairbanks’ best hotels. It’s located on the banks of the Chena River, only five minutes from the Fairbanks International Airport. Pikes has consistently exceeded our expectations, and we trust that you will enjoy your stay there.
In Wiseman, you will stay at Boreal Lodge, an oasis in the vast wilderness of the Brooks Range. There are two cabins with private baths as well as four rooms with shared bathrooms. All are clean, cozy and comfortable. If you appreciate the peace and quiet of being in a natural setting, this place is for you.
Comfortable transportation
You will travel in the comfort of our new 15 passenger Ford Transit dual rear wheel van. This high top van privdes a smooth and comfortable ride due to its great stability. It also boasts large windows and has plenty of storage space.
Our guests say it better than us 
‘Words cannot describe the incredible adventure we had with Wild Alaska Travel and Laurent Dick on their Alaska Northern Lights Tour. We saw things we never would have been able to experience, not just the incredible lights which were the highlight! Laurent went out of his way to make sure we got the experience we all had hoped for, with great food and laughter the entire time!’
Vickie Fageol, California
‘Laurent is The Best! Went on a Northern Lights Tour.Couldn’t have been Better! He is the Ultimate host. We had fabulous meals, cooked by him! Wonderful hikes, led by him! An introduction to Wiseman that was Over the top! And to boot, the lights made their appearance on day 3 and 4! What more could we ask for? It was a Perfect 50th Anniversary Trip! I should also say that the other folks on the trip were a delight! They became friends immediately!’
Steve & Lynne Sager, South Carolina
‘Yes, I was one of those that read fantastic reviews about Wild Alaska Travel and recently did the Alaska Northern Lights tour with my family. And here I am writing a review because this trip was the most memorable and beautiful vacation we had ever been on. First of all, I have to say Laurent our guide and master of Light chasing had our safety in mind at all times. We had to be flexible in our itinerary, since a storm was heading in. Trusting Laurent in coordinating our vacation made our whole trip stress free and enjoyable. Each day through our drives to different destinations, we were able to enjoy the beauty of Alaska and nature and see the wild life. The nights that we went to see the Northern lights, we got to encounter a different perceptive each time. This trip will forever be etched in our minds and hearts. Photos do not do justice. I urge you to do a trip with Wild Alaska Travel. You will be forever changed and grateful for such a caring guide, in Laurent!’
Lynne Bonner, California
‘The Northern Lights Tour was hands down the best vacation I’ve ever taken. I have traveled extensively throughout NA, Europe, Australia, and NZ, but experiencing Alaska like the way we did on this tour tops all of my adventures.’
Kirsten Watters, Florida
‘Who would go to Wild Alaska for their 49th anniversary? We did! And there couldn’t have been a better choice. The small group is the way to go. Laurent was an excellent guide and the food/ accommodations were better than we expected. This is the only way to experience the vastness and beauty of the wilderness. Thank you, Laurent!’
Chris & Linda Jamison, Tennessee
‘I totally enjoyed this Alaska Northern Lights Tour with Wild Alaska Travel in Sept. 2024! Laurent is passionate about Alaska and finding the Aurora Borealis – his excitement is catchy. Our small group of 8 tourists became friends travelling about the Alaskan countryside with lots of laughter. I can’t remember when I had so much fun. Laurent is a great driver with a wealth of information – answering questions which makes the trip so much more interesting. He knows special spots to stop, go for a hike to see lovely foliage, panoramic vistas, and mirrored lakes with gorgeous reflections of the mountains; all of which he captures in incredible photos which he shares! I highly recommend this trip!’
Candace Miller, Georgia
‘We had a magical Northern Lights and Alaskan Tundra trip with Laurent in the first week of September, 2024. Laurent’s love of Alaska is contagious, and his knowledge of everything Alaskan from history and culture to every single plant and seed is astonishing. The group was great and Laurent had organized everything perfectly. His enthusiasm for waking us up practically every night at 1:00 am meant we saw the lights on 4 of 7 nights! Besides the lights, the driving, hiking, learning, laughing, eating and hanging out were all equally fantastic. The Alaskan tundra is magnificent in the Fall. This was absolutely not a touristy trip and we would recommend Laurent and Wild Alaska to anyone who wants to see Alaska in the wild, with good food, good cheer and for an experience of a lifetime.’
Rohini Pande & Michael Gordy, Maryland
‘I have traveled considerably over the years on all 7 continents. This last trip I took with Wild Alaska Travel on his Alaska Northern Lights Tour last month is way up there with one of my all-time favorites. I wanted to experience Alaska but not with a big cruise ship or bus. This trip was just plain AWESOME. The itinerary was somewhat vague which turned out to be a good thing. With only eight of us (strangers for only a short while) and our Guide, Laurent Dick, we were able to experience a very special remote and beautiful part of Alaska that would otherwise be unattainable. Laurent’s love of Alaska was evident from the start. His quest to show us the Northern Lights was relentless. Each day brought with it a new adventure. I would highly recommend any of his tours for those who like to travel off the beaten path and who have a desire for adventure.’
Joan Correll. New Hampshire
‘My husband and I just completed a phenomenal trip with Wild Alaska Travel on the Alaska Northern Lights Tour! Our initial deciding factors were the variety of activities – snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, in addition to seeing the lights; however, no one could adequately describe the beautiful wilderness of Wiseman. Seeing the lights in this location and enjoying the casual tour environment made the trip magical. Laurent was an excellent host, making sure all tour participants were engaged, catering to (sometimes) excessive questions, and regaling us with stories of his own experiences. He made sure that “fun” was a key part of the experience. Thanks to Wild Alaska Travel for an unforgettable trip!’
Lauren Ledford, Georgia
‘I participated in the Fall Northern Lights Tour in September of 2024 and I can honestly say that it was one of, if not THE BEST trip I’ve ever taken! Laurent is SO knowledgeable about Alaska’s history, its topography, wild life and back roads and his road trips are packed with stops to take beautiful hikes, to see glaciers, explore little known trails, pick wild blueberries, skip rocks and to snap photos of wildlife. He has an amazing ability to curate his tours to the needs and interests of his guests. He makes everyone feel welcome and encourages tour participants to get to know one another, which makes for a super fun tour! I highly recommend taking a tour with Wild Alaska Travel and I would not hesitate to go again!’
Lucia Murillo, California
‘I was fortunate enough to have booked the Alaska Northern Lights Tour in September with Wild Alaska Travel. What an awesome experience! The company owner and our tour director, Laurent Dick, is outstanding, knowledgeable, and personable. He made sure we saw the Lights at every opportunity and so much more. Our group was terrific and we had so much fun. This was a 5+ experience for me.’
Kay Hill. Texas
I just returned from the Northern Lights Tour last week and it was AMAZING! Laurent is an excellent guide and his love of Alaska is contagious. I hope to go back again and see even more of the state. Even though we had some rain we were able to see the lights dance 2 nights. The flora of the Tundra is mindblowing. This was my first adventure trip and hopefully not my last! Go…you will not be disappointed.’
Sharon Pierce, Texas
‘My experience on the Alaska Northern Lights Tour with Wild Alaska Travel exceeded all expectations, and it’s all thanks to our exceptional guide, Laurent! From start to finish, Laurent’s passion for the natural wonders of the Arctic was contagious, making every moment of our adventure truly unforgettable. Laurent’s expertise was evident from the moment we embarked on our journey. He effortlessly navigated the rugged terrain, ensuring our safety while maximizing our chances of witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights. His knowledge of the region’s weather patterns and celestial phenomena meant that we were always in the right place at the right time, maximizing our chances of catching a glimpse of the elusive auroras. Would go again!!’
Kelsey Smith, Colorado
To participate in this tour, we expect you to be in good physical condition with no mobility issues.
- Travel along the Dalton Highway, an almost mythic road that runs for over 400 miles through Arctic wilderness, and follow the famous Ice Road Truckers
- Discover some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska
- Experience the magic of spring in Interior Alaska
- Cross the Arctic Circle
- Stay with local Alaskans in the Brooks Range wilderness
- Experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and learn how to capture them with your own camera
- Go for a ride with sled dogs and a local musher (spring only)
- Go snowshoeing through a scenic canyon (spring only)
- See Arctic Wildlife (caribou, Dall Sheep and moose)
- Dip your toes in amazing hot springs
- Visit an ice museum and enjoy a drink at the ice bar
- 8 days (7 nights) of lodging
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- All transportation during the tour
- All activities (dog mushing experience – spring tours only), ice museum, hot springs)
- Professional instruction on how to take photos of the northern lights
ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR – SPRING ITINERARY
Day 1- Fairbanks (arrival)
Welcome to Fairbanks and Interior Alaska, the jumping off point for this amazing Alaska aurora experience. We will pick you up at Fairbanks International Airport and transfer to your hotel. An orientation followed by the welcome dinner will follow. The next week is all about fun and chasing the magnificent northern lights, and if the conditions are right, you will already head out tonight to view the northern lights in a location away from the city lights with a spectacular and spectacular and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. Fairbanks is located under what is called the “Aurora Oval”, a ring-shaped region around the North Pole. The location offers a great balance of occurrence, frequency and activity. Intensity varies from night to night, with the best viewing from late evening through the morning hours.
Day 2- Fairbanks – Wiseman
You head north along the James Dalton Highway, a 414 mile road connecting Deadhorse to the Elliot Highway near the town of Livengood, located approximately 80 miles north of Fairbanks. Made famous by the recent Ice Road Trucker series, it’s considered by many to be one of North America’s most scenic and beautiful wilderness roads. Also known as the Haul Road, the Dalton Highway is critical to the delivery of material, equipment and supplies to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. You will travel through the boreal forest and north of the Yukon River you will reach a milestone on our trip: the iconic Arctic Circle, an invisible line at the elegant latitude of 66º33′. North of the Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer. Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle you will reach the foothills of the Brooks Range, and a couple hours later you will arrive at our oasis in the wilderness in Wiseman, population 13, a historic gold mining community town located in the heart of the Brooks Range. During our nights in Wiseman we will keep a watchful eye for the northern lights. Wiseman is located closed to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska (and in North America!) where you can see the northern lights most often and with greatest intensity.
Day 3- Wiseman
Imagine the vivid northern lights bursting across the night sky as you peer over the horizon. Untouched valleys of snow and trees blanketed with their white cover. The moon shining down from above lighting the pathway through the open tundra a s the snow-capped mountains loom in the background letting you know just how vast this grand earth is. You can be a part of this incredible landscape and see the inspiring sights that the Brooks Range has to offer right from the doorstep of your cabin. No city lights, no traffic, no bustle on the city streets bumping elbows with strangers – just pure peace. You will explore the surroundings of Wiseman today. Located on the middle fork of the Koyukuk River, much of Wiseman’s colorful gold rush history is preserved in its buildings.
Day 4 – Wiseman
Today you will drive north along the Dalton Highway and across Atigun Pass (4643 ft.), the only pass in the Brooks Range that is crossed by a road. Atigun Pass also is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year-round pass in Alaska. This area is one of the best for seeing Dall Sheep. We will turn around at Galbraith Lake, on the northern foothills of the Brooks Range. Driving the Dalton is always an adventure. Frommer’s Guide described the Dalton Highway as follows: “The experience of the Dalton Highway for a traveler is so far beyond the ordinary as to require a whole new frame of reference to take it all in. The road is so very long, so remote and free of traffic, and the scenery is so mind-boggling in its grandeur and repetition, that after a time it feels like you’re living in a dream. At some point, you have to swallow and say to yourself, “I guess I didn’t know that much about the world after all.” Back in Wiseman, we will be spending much of the night scanning the night sky for the northern lights.
Day 5 – Wiseman
This morning you may join us for a walk with snowshoes up a beautiful canyon or prefer a quiet morning curled up with a book in your cozy cabin nestled in the boreal forest. The highlight of this afternoon is to go dog mushing and experience the thrill of coasting across the snow with a team of friendly Alaska huskies. This experience provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn about sled dogs and why mushing is Alaska’s state sport. You will experience the exhilaration of a sled dog ride on snowy trails around Wiseman. After dinner , you may want to take a nap, before we will get up and keep our eyes peeled to the sky. One thing’s for sure: late nights of watching the aurora borealis requires also some rest! The Northern Lights are really one of nature’s great displays: a mysterious, multicoloured show in which the night sky is suddenly lit up with a wondrous glow that twists and swirls like a heavenly lava lamp. Elusive and ethereal, it is one of the great, timeless thrills of travel, a beautiful, shifting dance of nocturnal rainbows that many viewers find a humbling and spiritually uplifting experience.
Day 6 – Wiseman – Chena Hot Springs Resort
You leave your home away from home in Wiseman today and drive back south along the Dalton Highway to the Chena Hot Springs Resort. You will have the opportunity to soak in the hot spring this evening and relax after the long drive from Wiseman.
Day 7 – Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks
This morning, you will have another opportunity to soak in the hot springs. The Chena Hot Springs Resort is internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs. This facility is kept at a constant 28 degrees F and is operational year round with the same geothermal energy that keeps the resort open for business. After lunch, we will visit the Aurora Ice Museum. The museum features a gallery and ice bar, overhead chandeliers made of individually carved ice crystals which change color every six seconds mimicking the northern lights, countless sculptures including a gigantic chess set, life sized jousting knights, an ice fireplace and four galleries with varying themes. The entire resort is powered by the utilization of the 165 degrees hot springs ground water, which flows to a heat exchanger to develop the heating system loop and transformed to electrical power for lighting and power at the resort. There is also a green house where the fruits and vegetables used at the restaurant are grown. You will be heading back to Fairbanks in the afternoon, drop your bags at your hotel before enjoying your farewell dinner at the Pump House Restaurant, which offers one of the best dining experiences in Fairbanks.
Day 8 – Fairbanks (departure)
This morning you will bid farewell to Alaska and your travel companions. You return home enchanted by the northern lights and an appreciation for the magic of winter in Alaska that you have discovered on this unique Alaska Northern Lights Tour. You will bring back memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel Tip
While the focus of this tour is to see and experience the northern lights, a more crucial decision is what else you want to do when you’re not standing outside in sub-zero temperatures staring up at the night sky. We believe it’s important not to be obsessed with the single goal of beholding the aurora, but to see this as just one of many highlights of this winter holiday to Alaska. Stepping into sparkling white landscapes and gorgeous scenery, experiencing authentic Alaska off-the-beaten path and enjoying the solitude and beauty of Alaska wilderness are reasons enough to go. Going dog mushing, visiting an ice museum and experiencing the legendary healing waters of Alaska’s most developed hot springs spa resort are other reasons to embark on this unique journey.
To participate in this tour, we expect you to be in good physical condition with no mobility issues.
ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR – FALL ITINERARY
Our fall itinerary is identical to the spring itinerary, except that there will be no snow on the ground and temperatures will be significantly warmer (60’s in Interior Alaska, 40’s & 50’s in the Brooks Range). Snow is only likely at higher elevations in the Brooks Range. The fall tour itinerary does not include dog mushing or snowshoeing. The pictures below are reflective of past fall tours.
“I had wanted to see and photograph Aurora for last many years. After doing extensive research about best times and best location for many weeks, I signed up with Laurent Dick of Wild Alaska Travel. To say that this was one of my best trips ever is an understatement. Laurent is such a great guide! His attention to details about each tour member, their skills with camera, their interests and their physical capabilities was impeccable. He was an amazing resource for everything about Alaska, its geography, history, local people and culture. To top it up- he has great sense of humor!! I will never forget the perfect 7 days we had. I ‘m really looking forward to go back on other trips with him.”
Hemant Parmar, Michigan
“Laurent, I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful adventure that you created and orchestrated. I loved it!”
Lisa Odgers, Australia
“Thank you for a most awesome trip.Your insight and laughter made for a memorable time we will never forget. The Northern Lights were amazing how you queued them each night. Thanks for sharing your passion!”
Mel Carll, California
“We so loved our time with you this trip. Traveling up north and seeing the Northern lights was a dream come true, and completely magical. Thanks for sharing your passion for the Alaskan wilderness and your love of adventure. We had a blast.”
Lucy & Susan Yarnell, Washington, D.C.
“I recently got back from a northern lights tour with Laurent and the entire experience was incredible. His knowledge of Alaska and the northern lights was so helpful in having a successful time viewing that colorful light dance in the sky. He also taught me how to set the camera up to take pictures of it. The places he set us up to stay were also very nice, clean and quaint. I would definitely recommend his tours to anyone interested and I am hoping to get the opportunity to go on another one sometime soon. Thanks so much! “
Crystal Vanderlinde, Ontario, Canad
“I had the time of my life on the Northern lights tour! Laurent is a mindful, seasoned guide who is very popular and well-liked by the locals- ALL OVER Alaska. He is a wealth of information and so generous! I’d book with him again without hesitation; the aurora, an authentic wild Alaska experience, and Lauren’s good cooking make his tours unforgettable. Highly recommend it!!”
Belinda Lashea, North Carolina
“Thanks again for all your advice, classic guiding, passion, wonderful cooking, and a few good laughs on our last trip. It certainly was the “experience of a lifetime.”
Steve and Deb Lardner, Australia
“The Alaska Northern Lights Tour met all our expectations and way, way more! Laurent, you are, without a doubt, the consummate professional who is able to give your clients the best experience possible. We were lucky enough to observe firsthand your complete knowledge of Alaska, your helpfulness with photography, your ability to cook and keep us all healthy, your driving abilities on the most difficult of roads (the Dalton Highway), your talent for staying up all hours of the night while awakening us only when a photographic situation presents itself and best of all, your concern for all your clients’ well-being and satisfaction…the sum total of this is that we were able to have the most incredible experience imaginable.”
Richard and Lori Rothstein, Florida
“I loved the tour and am so thrilled to have seen the aurora multiple times. I regret not bringing my proper tripod, but the experience was the main thing. Thank you for being patient with my camera ignorance. We had a great group! And the food was great also!”
Julie Wuellner, Illinois
“I had a blast in Alaska! You are such an amazing guide.”
Xiaozhuo Wang – California
“Je suis très content d’avoir pu faire ce voyage et d’avoir partagé avec toi cette magnifique semaine.”
Franscico Ramelli, Columbia
“I had such a great time on this trip!”
Jean Kayat, Florida
“It was a wonderful trip. You are a really fun and patient guide. Thanks again for a great time.”
Karthryn Raistrick, Illinois
“We had such fun! We still think of you so often.”
Don & Denise Walters, Arizona
“I can’t thank you enough for this memorable trip! It was way beyond my expectations and the good times and memories will stay with me the rest of my life!”
Karen Carll, California
“Thank you so much for an awesome tour. You are the best! Can’t wait for the next tour!”
Sharon Lobel, California
“Thanks again for such a wonderful experience on our tour – it was certainly the trip of a lifetime.”
Joan Truskett, Australia
**We only require a $500 deposit per person to hold your space.
