Face The Outdoors Northern Lights Tour Small Group

Exploring Fairbanks, USA, this Face The Outdoors Northern Lights Tour offers a 9-hour small-group experience for $365 per person. With a high 5.0/5 rating based on 102 reviews and 99% recommended, this tour stands out for its intimate setting, expert guidance, and focus on comfort amid Alaska’s winter chill. It departs from Fairbanks with hotel pickup included, ensuring easy access to prime Aurora viewing spots. The tour’s small size, capped at 10 travelers, allows for a personalized experience away from crowds, a feature frequently praised in reviews.

A notable feature is the lodging at Delta Junction, which is the only lodge that actively chases clear skies to maximize viewing chances. Guests are driven to remote locations, with guides adjusting plans based on weather and cloud conditions, making every effort to deliver an awe-inspiring display of the Aurora Borealis. The tour also provides snacks, hot beverages, and professional photography guidance, including a free professional Aurora portrait. While camera rentals are available, travelers must reserve in advance and bring their SD cards; a tripod is recommended. This tour suits those seeking a cozy, flexible, and knowledgeable Northern Lights experience with a personal touch.

Key Points

• Small group size of 10 participants ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Expert guide provides thorough Aurora science explanations and photography tips.
• Comfortable lodge with huge windows offers indoor Aurora viewing and warming options.
• Remote locations and a lodge that chases clear skies increase chances of seeing the Lights.
• Snacks, beverages, and a professional Aurora portrait are included.
• Tour departs at 8:00 pm with hotel pickup within Fairbanks.

Personalized Aurora Viewing in Remote Alaska

This tour emphasizes comfort and expert guidance in the pursuit of the Northern Lights. Starting at 8:00 pm, the tour includes hotel pickup within Fairbanks, making access straightforward. The guide, a native Alaskan, is highly knowledgeable about the Aurora and Alaska, ensuring a rich and informative experience. The group is small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, which enhances interaction and allows the guide to focus on individual questions or photography needs.

The journey takes you away from city lights to darker, remote locations where light pollution is minimal. The guide leads the group to spots with the best chance of Aurora visibility, adjusting plans based on weather conditions. This flexibility is a key strength, with reviews noting the guide’s dedication to finding clear skies and ensuring the best possible views. The lodge at Delta Junction provides a warm, inviting space to relax, watch the Aurora on large windows, or step outside for closer views when conditions permit.

Inside the Warm Lodge: Comfort and Viewing Convenience

The lodge at the center of the experience is described as beautiful, with large windows that let guests enjoy the Aurora display from inside if the weather turns too cold or if clouds block the view outside. Inside, visitors can cozy up by the fire, sip hot cocoa, tea, cider, or coffee, and enjoy snacks and drinks provided during the evening.

Many reviews highlight the benefit of warming up indoors while still being able to observe the Aurora through the lodge’s large windows. The lodge’s comfortable seating and fireplace create a welcoming atmosphere, making it easier to endure the cold outside—sometimes as low as -15°C—and enjoy the show at your own pace.

Aurora Photography Guidance and Professional Portraits

A key feature of this tour is the photography guidance offered by the guide, a professional Aurora photographer. Guests receive tips on camera settings and how to best capture the Lights, boosting the likelihood of memorable photos. The tour also includes a complimentary professional Aurora portrait of the group, which is often praised as a thoughtful and unique souvenir.

Travelers can rent camera equipment on a first-come, first-served basis, but must reserve in advance and bring their own SD cards. The guide’s expert advice helps beginners and seasoned photographers alike to improve their Aurora shots, making the experience more rewarding.

The Unique Lodge that Chases Clear Skies

One standout aspect is the lodge’s dedication to chasing clear skies when weather conditions threaten to obscure the Aurora. This exclusive feature increases the chances of seeing the Lights, even if the weather in Fairbanks is not ideal. Many reviews commend the personalized effort of the guide, who actively drives to find the best possible viewing conditions, sometimes on the road if the sky isn’t clear initially.

This chasing strategy sets this tour apart from others that remain fixed at a single location. It reflects a commitment to maximizing visibility, and guests appreciate the dedication and flexibility this brings.

The Itinerary: From the Alaska Range to Cozy Lodges

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Fairbanks, followed by a drive toward the remote lodge at Delta Junction. Along the way, the guide may make brief stops for photography or to enjoy scenic views, such as the Alaska Range at sunset. Upon arrival, guests are free to relax inside or step outside to look for Aurora activity.

If cloud coverage appears, the guide may drive to different locations to find clearer skies, always aiming to give guests the best possible chance to witness the Lights. The main viewing takes place at the lodge, where the Aurora can dance across the night sky, providing countless photo opportunities. If conditions are not ideal, the warm lodge still offers a comfortable environment to wait and watch the stars and Aurora through the large windows.

The Experience of a Small Group Night Out

The small group size fosters a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. Guests can ask questions, get tailored photography advice, and enjoy the company of like-minded Aurora enthusiasts. This intimate setting minimizes the crowd effects of larger tours, which many reviews find highly desirable.

This arrangement also allows the guide to focus on individual needs, whether that’s helping with camera settings or finding the best viewing spot. The personalized approach is a recurring theme in positive reviews, contributing to the tour’s excellent rating.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour starts at 8:00 pm and includes hotel pickup within Fairbanks. Due to its non-refundable policy, travelers should consider weather forecasts before booking. If the weather is poor, the tour offers a full refund or an alternative date.

Guests are advised to bring a tripod for photography, and reserve camera rentals in advance if needed. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but be prepared for cold temperatures, especially outside for viewing. The tour’s length of around 9 hours means participants should plan for a long night, often ending around 5 am.

Why This Tour Stands Out for Northern Lights Enthusiasts

The dedication to finding clear skies, expert local guidance, and warm lodge experience make this tour a top choice. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful lodges, and professional photography assistance. The small-group setting ensures a more personalized and relaxed experience compared to larger tours.

This tour is ideal for anyone looking for a comfortable, flexible, and informed way to see the Aurora Borealis, especially if photography and warmth are priorities. Its high rating and numerous positive reviews reflect its reliability and quality.

The Limitations to Consider

While the tour offers many advantages, it is weather-dependent. The Aurora’s visibility relies on clear skies, and cloudy nights can limit the experience. The non-refundable policy means travelers should check the weather forecast beforehand. Plus, the long hours outdoors in cold weather require proper clothing and preparation.

The camera rental process requires reservation in advance, and guests must bring their own SD cards. The tour’s cost of $365 is competitive for a private, guided Aurora experience, but some may prefer to bring their own equipment for maximum control.

The Sum Up: An Ideal Choice for Aurora Seekers

The Face The Outdoors Northern Lights Tour offers a personalized, expert-guided experience with a small group size that minimizes crowds. The remote lodge at Delta Junction, combined with the guide’s dedication to chasing clear skies, provides a strong chance to witness the Aurora in comfort.

The professional photography guidance and free group portrait add value for those eager to capture their experience. The warm lodge, snacks, and flexible plans make this a comfortable and memorable trip, especially for travelers who prioritize personal attention and quality over quantity.

While weather can sometimes prevent the Lights from appearing, the overall reputation and reviews suggest this tour consistently delivers a high-quality Aurora experience. It is a highly recommended choice for anyone visiting Fairbanks and wanting to make the most of the Aurora season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The cost is $365 per person, which includes hotel pickup, snacks, beverages, and professional photography guidance.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:00 pm and ending around 5:00 am.

What is included in the experience?
Guests receive hotel pickup, snacks and drinks, professional Aurora photography, a group portrait, and access to the warm lodge with large windows for Aurora viewing.

Can I rent camera equipment?
Yes, camera rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but must be reserved and paid for in advance. Don’t forget to bring your SD card and a tripod is recommended.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its small group size, dedication to chasing clear skies, and the warm lodge experience set it apart. The guide’s expertise and flexibility in locating optimal viewing spots enhance the chances of seeing the Aurora.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but dress warmly and be prepared for long hours outside in cold weather. The tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized, comfortable Aurora experience.

What if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions prevent Aurora viewing, the tour offers a full refund or the chance to reschedule for another date.

How do I prepare for the photography aspect?
Bring a tripod and reserve camera rentals in advance if needed. The guide provides tips on camera settings to help capture the Lights.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The combination of expert guidance, remote locations, and warm lodge views makes this a top choice for reliably seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska.

Would I recommend this tour?
Definitely. Its consistent high ratings and detailed reviews point to a reliable, enjoyable, and cozy experience suitable for Aurora enthusiasts of all levels.