Northern Lights Alaska

Arrive in Fairbanks and meet your Southwest Adventure Tours tour director. After transferring to your hotel (call Springhill Suites at 907.451.6552 for pickup), the rest of the day is free to relax from your travels and explore Fairbanks on your own. There are many shops, museums and restaurants nearby and it will be a good time to shop for any remaining gear you need for the Alaskan winter weather. The hotel offers an “Aurora Wake-up Call”, so if the aurora becomes visible from the property, each room on the list is called so you won’t miss a thing! As long as it is dark and clear there is always a chance to see the Northern Lights. Remember, the more nights spent “aurora hunting” the better the chance you’ll have seeing them.

After breakfast, join the group for sightseeing of Fairbanks. Take a short walk to the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center (MTCVC). Explore world-class exhibits of Alaska’s four seasons, experience Alaska Native art, music, stories & dance, and talk with local experts to gather information and ideas for your travel in Interior Alaska. Be sure to get a photo at the “Antler Arch” and to pick up an aurora certificate to commemorate a successful sighting! The rest of the morning is free to stroll around downtown, have lunch on your own and enjoy a plethora of local shops and art galleries featuring local artists and craftsmen.  VROOM – VROOM! This afternoon we take an exciting trek through the beautiful Alaskan forests on a guided snowmobile excursion. All the gear will be provided, and your guide will teach you how to ride, so no experience is necessary. It will be a winter thrill to remember. You will have more free time in Fairbanks in the late afternoon. Join the group for a late dinner at a local restaurant. Then travel north to an Aurora Viewing Lodge away from the city lights. Relax in the warmth of the lodge until the lights appear, then step outside in the large deck and soak in the view. Learn to adjust the settings on your camera with an aurora photo class and capture your very own aurora photo! If you get cold, just step back inside and help yourself to a warm drink. Viewing will continue into the early morning hours with a return to your hotel around 2:30 to 3:00AM.

This morning, relax and sleep-in after a late night. Enjoy a late breakfast, before departing Fairbanks and venturing out for a Dog Sledding Adventure. Arrive at a local kennel to meet some of Alaska’s most enthusiastic athletes! These friendly Alaskan huskies will whip you around the beautiful hidden twists and turns of the trails that run through the boreal forest. You have the unique opportunity to visit (“hands-on”) with the sled dogs in their home kennel and hear tales of the many years of experience with these canine athletes. Your mushers are not only long-time guides, but also have personal stories of Alaskan expeditions and/or racing experiences to share. After saying goodbye to your dog team continue to Chena Hot Springs Resort where you will be staying for the next two nights. Take some time to relax, soak in the hot springs and explore the resort. This evening, join the group for a late dinner at the resort and then depart for an Aurora Viewing Excursion. Ride in a military-style SUSV (snowcat) to the top of Charlie Dome where you will watch for the Northern Lights. You will have a 360° unobstructed view, heated yurts to warm yourself in, outhouses, and complimentary hot beverages and snacks.