When is aurora borealis visible in alaska

Many tour operators will provide large parkas and bunny boots to keep you warm, as well as warm beverages and light snacks. You might spend the afternoon enjoying an exhilarating winter experience like dog sledding or snowmobiling. Tours from Anchorage. Learn how to photograph the northern lights. Non-photographers are welcome to enjoy the show and have their photo taken. Soak in the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs, a prime location to view the lights if the forecast is good!

Expert Advice First Trip to Alaska? Its popularity among northern lights seekers has a lot to do with its accessibility. There are frequent flights and plenty of options for accommodations. Good places to head to in the vicinity include Cleary Summit, about 17 miles from Fairbanks, which is easy to get to, has good parking, and has a solid view of the horizon. Chena Lakes Recreation Area is a popular place to go to look for reflections in water you can park your car near the jetty.

Nearby is Chena Hot Springs Resort , where you can watch the show from an outdoor hot tub. By day, try your hand at either cross-country skiing or ice fishing through pre-drilled ice holes. That's largely because it's home to the rustic Coldfoot Camp in the Brooks Mountain Range on the edge of the Gates of the Arctic National Park , the northernmost national park in the U. Many aurora adventure tours take guests here and to Wiseman just 11 miles north for the high chances of a northern lights show.

Another option nearby is the fly-in luxury Iniakuk Wilderness Lodge. Coldfoot is miles north of Fairbanks, and 60 miles above the Arctic Circle. Kodiak Island is unbeatable for bear sightings, and since August and September are two of the best months for bear spotting, your stay can overlap with the aurora season.

How to watch: Your best bet is to be outside during the late evening hours on a clear night. For lodging, stay in the heart of Juneau, or consider setting up camp along the shores of Mendenhall Lake in Tongass National Forest, just 13 miles away from downtown. How to watch: If skies are clear enough for Northern Lights viewing, Tetley recommends a visit to Savikko Park Sandy Beach to frame your photos with the historic pumphouse and a mountainous backdrop Or, for a chance to see auroras shining above the Mendenhall Glacier, make your way to the North Douglas boat ramp.

Tutka Bay Lodge. Talon Lodge and Spa. The Aurora Ice Museum is also located at the Chena Hot Springs Resort , and features an ice bar serving mixed drinks, in glasses made of ice. This private resort is a wonderful place to experience for a day or a few nights.

However, It is also possible to enjoy the resort with an affordable day pass for those who only want to have a quick visit. For those looking to experience the Northern Lights with a tour, there are several excellent options available. Northern Alaska Tour Company specializes in taking visitors into the Arctic in both the summer and winter seasons.

Find out more here. Salmon Berry Tours also offer Northern Lights excursions for both day trips and longer 6-day tours which includes dog sledding, visits to local museums and a pass to Chena Hot Springs.

Visit their site for more info. Borealis Basecamp offers visitors a very unique lodging option…beautiful clear-roofed igloos for incredible Northern Light viewing from the privacy of your own room. Click here for more info. Fairbanks is magical in more ways than you can imagine. What are you waiting for? The Alaska Zoo invites you to take a walk on the wild side!

The Zoo, located just 15 minutes south of downtown …. Adventure Bound Alaska. Watch for …. Your choice of a 2 hour exhilarating whitewater …. On Sixmile Creek near Hope, offers one of the best whitewater trips in Alaska. Dropping over 50 feet per mile, Sixmile flows ….