The Great Alaskan Aurora: 5-Day All-Inclusive Winter Wonderland

5 days Free cancellation

The Great Alaskan Aurora: 5-Day All-Inclusive Winter Wonderland, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on the ultimate Alaskan adventure in Fairbanks, where you will track the Northern Lights with expert guides, journey along the legendary Dalton Highway to cross the Arctic Circle, and explore the breathtaking winter landscapes of Denali National Park. From gliding through snowy forests on a dog sled and soaking in the thermal waters of Chena Hot Springs to visiting Santa Claus House and the Museum of the North, this tour combines thrilling wilderness exploration, rich cultural heritage, and prime aurora viewing for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Small Group Adventure Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Conditional Booking Questions

At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: Chinese, English
Operated by: Alaska Horizon Adventure

Ages: Adults (0–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Aurora Portrait

Itinerary

Day 1 · Origin City to Fairbanks + Northern Lights Chase

Fairbanks

4 min

Arrive in Fairbanks (standard hotel check-in from 3:00 PM; valid photo ID required). Flights arriving before 8:00 PM are recommended to ensure you do not miss tonight's aurora viewing.

**(First Night Aurora Viewing)**

Depart from the hotel around 10:00 PM and travel (approx. 30 mins) with your guide to prime viewing spots like mountaintops or lakeshores. Your guide will assist with camera settings, share aurora insights, provide complimentary professional portrait photography, and actively monitor real-time tracking screens. Stay cozy inside the vehicle while waiting for the lights. Return to the hotel around 2:00 AM (total duration approx. 4 hours).

Comfort Inn or Similar

Day 2 · Arctic Circle Tour & Northern Lights Chase

BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign

12 min

Depart from your hotel around 12:00 PM and travel north along the Dalton Highway toward the Arctic Circle (approx. 5 hours one-way). Known as one of the world's most remote and challenging roads, this route offers views of pristine Arctic tundra and opportunities to spot wildlife such as caribou, wolves, and bears.

En route, cross the Yukon River and view the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Stop at the official Arctic Circle monument (66°33′ N) for photos and receive your commemorative Arctic Circle Certificate. On the return drive, keep an eye out for another potential Northern Lights display (Second Night Aurora Viewing). Return to the hotel around 2:00 AM (total duration approx. 12 hours).

Comfort Inn or Similar

Day 3 · Denali National Park Day Tour & Aurora Viewing

Denali National Park and Preserve

12 hours

Depart from your hotel around 10:00 AM for a scenic drive to Denali National Park (approx. 2.5 hours one-way), surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine forests. Three times the size of Yellowstone, Denali features North America's highest peak at 6,194 meters (20,310 feet). Enjoy a guided 2-hour outdoor hike through the park before returning to the hotel around 6:00 PM (total duration approx. 8 hours).

(Third Night Aurora Viewing)

Depart from the hotel around 10:00 PM for a 30-minute drive to prime viewing locations, including mountaintops, lakeshores, or lakeview aurora cabins. Your guide will assist with camera settings, share aurora insights, provide complimentary professional portrait photos, and monitor real-time tracking apps while you wait comfortably inside the vehicle. Return to the hotel around 2:00 AM (total duration approx. 4 hours).

Comfort Inn or Similar

Day 4 · Dog Sledding, Chena Hot Springs & Aurora Viewing

Chena Hot Springs Resort

12 hours

Depart from your hotel around 11:00 AM for a dog sledding adventure in the snowy forest (approx. 30 mins one-way). Guided by a professional musher and a energetic team of sled dogs, enjoy a 30-minute ride through pristine wilderness (2 passengers per sled; winter gear provided). (Note: From Sept 1–Nov 15, if snowfall is insufficient, sleds are replaced by dog-powered ATV carts).

Next, head to Chena Hot Springs Resort (approx. 1 hour one-way) to soak in pure, natural outdoor mineral pools. Relax in the steaming, therapeutic sulfur waters while surrounded by snow-covered scenery. Return to the hotel around 6:00 PM (total duration approx. 8 hours).

Comfort Inn or Similar

Day 5 · Fairbanks City Tour & Airport Transfer

Fairbanks

6 hours

Check out of your hotel with your luggage around 11:00 AM and head to Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska (approx. 30 mins drive; 1-hour visit). Enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere, see real reindeer, mail postcards stamped with the official North Pole postmark, and take photos with a certified Santa Claus.

Next, visit the Museum of the North for a guided tour exploring Arctic wildlife, Indigenous heritage, and rare regional artifacts. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your return flight home, concluding your unforgettable Northern Lights trip (please book flights departing at or after 4:00 PM).