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Alaska tours and vacation packages run from Anchorage and Fairbanks out to Denali, the glaciers of Whittier and Seward, and the Arctic interior. Winter trips are built around the aurora - viewing lodges outside Fairbanks, the glass igloos of Borealis Basecamp, and the aurora train between the two cities. Summer trips run to Denali, Matanuska Glacier and Talkeetna. Hotels, transport and a guide are included on most multi-day packages.
The viewing season runs from late August through mid-April, when nights are long enough and dark enough. September and March tend to be the most comfortable months, with milder temperatures than midwinter and clearer skies than the shoulder weeks. Viewing happens late, usually between 10pm and 2am, and tours hold evenings open rather than scheduling around them.
Fairbanks sits under the auroral oval and inland from coastal cloud, which makes it the base for aurora viewing. Anchorage has more flight connections and is closer to Denali and the glaciers. Many multi-day routes run one way between the two cities rather than returning, so you fly into one and out of the other - check which direction a tour runs before booking flights.
For the aurora, plan on at least three nights of viewing. It is a natural phenomenon and a single clear night is not something you can count on, so more nights means more chances. Six and seven day routes build this in while also covering Matanuska Glacier and Chena Hot Springs. Summer trips to Denali and the glaciers generally run longer, since the distances between stops are considerable.
Midwinter in the Alaskan interior regularly runs well below freezing, and aurora viewing means standing outside at night in it. Layers matter more than a single heavy coat, and insulated boots matter more than most people expect. September and March are considerably milder. Some tours provide outer gear for viewing sessions - the tour page states whether yours does.
The coach handles transport between stops, and the main physical demands are cold and late nights rather than walking distance. Glacier stops involve uneven ground. Aurora viewing at heated lodges means you wait indoors and step out when the lights appear, which is considerably easier than standing outside for hours. Trips that stay in one base rather than moving each night are gentler.
Most Alaska itineraries are built around four or five places rather than a long list of stops, because the distances between them are large. Matanuska Glacier is walked on, not viewed from a road. Chena Hot Springs is where the evening aurora viewing happens outside Fairbanks. Denali is the summer anchor. Which of these a specific tour includes varies - check the tour page.
Aurora itineraries are built around darkness rather than sights, so evenings are held open and viewing runs late. Trips are based around Fairbanks, which sits under the auroral oval and away from coastal cloud. Options include heated viewing lodges, the glass-roofed rooms at Borealis Basecamp, and the overnight train between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed on any given night.
Alaska Aurora Rail Tours →
Longer Alaska routes usually run one way between Anchorage and Fairbanks rather than returning to the same city, covering Matanuska Glacier, Chena Hot Springs and the corridor in between. Some departures include the aurora train; others add a night at Borealis Basecamp. What each route includes is listed on the tour page.
Single-day trips for anyone with a spare day either side of a longer trip, or already based in one of the two cities. From Anchorage these run to Matanuska Glacier and Talkeetna; from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs, the Arctic Circle, and evening aurora viewing at heated lodges. Most include hotel pickup, so no rental car is needed.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Not seeing the aurora is different from an activity being canceled. Any refund, rescheduling or additional viewing opportunity is subject to the specific tour's terms; a refund or free repeat trip should not be assumed. Please review the tour's policies or contact TakeTours before booking if these arrangements are not clearly stated.
Selected packages include a one-way Aurora Winter Train ticket between Anchorage and Fairbanks, as specified in the itinerary and the Price Includes section. Other packages do not necessarily include the train or a coach transfer; some require you to book and pay for a separate flight between the two cities. Confirm the included transport, travel direction and any separately arranged travel before booking.
Yes, packages specifically labeled '1 Night Borealis Basecamp' include one night's accommodation there. This stay is not included in every Alaska tour. The room type, such as an Igloo or Cube, depends on the package and your booking selection. Check the accommodation details, selected room type and final price before confirming your reservation. Optional activities at Basecamp may cost extra.
Yes, bring a swimsuit if you plan to use the hot springs or pools. Bringing your own towel and slippers is also recommended. Swimsuits are available for purchase at the Pool House. The outdoor natural hot springs lake is restricted to guests aged 18 and over; younger guests may use designated pools with adult supervision. Check your tour's inclusions to see whether admission is covered.
Multi-day packages generally include accommodation and the transportation and guided activities specifically listed as included; they do not necessarily provide a guide throughout the entire trip. Meals, attraction tickets, airport transfers, tips and optional activities vary by tour. Flights to and from Alaska are excluded unless explicitly included, and some routes also require a separately purchased flight between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Review the daily itinerary and both the Price Includes and Price Excludes sections before booking.
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