Face The Outdoors Northern Lights Tour Small Group

Experience the Northern Lights with Face The Outdoors Small Group Tour

Imagine standing in the darkness, bundled up but cozy, watching ribbons of green and purple dance across the sky—far from city lights and noise. That’s exactly what you get on the Face The Outdoors Northern Lights Tour in Fairbanks, priced at $365 per person for about 9 hours of adventure. Led by a knowledgeable Alaskan guide, often a local with a passion for the aurora, this tour promises a personalized experience away from the crowds, with a focus on comfort and authentic wildlife viewing.

What we love most? First, the small group size—limiting the experience to just 10 travelers—means more space and less pressure to compete for that perfect shot or a clear view. Second, the warm lodge setting provides a cozy retreat where you can relax, warm up by a fire, and enjoy hot beverages while waiting for the lights to appear. It’s a clever way to make the chase more pleasurable and less stressful, especially in the cold winter months.

One possible consideration? The tour is weather dependent. If clouds obscure the sky or conditions aren’t ideal, the guide will chase clear skies, even driving to different locations or to the lodge that offers the best chance of seeing the aurora. This flexibility is great, but it does mean that sightings aren’t guaranteed.

This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience with expert guidance, especially those eager to learn how to photograph the aurora or simply enjoy a comfortable, authentic Alaskan night under the stars. It’s especially appealing for first-timers who appreciate personalized attention and the chance to warm up inside while watching the sky outside.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a personalized experience and more space to enjoy the spectacle.
• Expert guidance offers valuable tips on photographing the aurora and understanding the science.
• Warm lodge setting provides comfort, snacks, beverages, and a fire to relax during waiting periods.
• Flexible locations and chasing clear skies maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
• Weather dependent — sightings depend on clear skies and good conditions.
• Photographer-friendly — includes a professional aurora portrait and guidance on camera settings.

A Deep Dive into the Northern Lights Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown and What It Means for You

The journey begins around 8:00 pm with hotel pickup within Fairbanks, setting a relaxed tone from the start. As your guide, often a local Alaskan with extensive knowledge, drives you through the snowy landscape, you’ll appreciate the comfort of a private, small-group setting.

Your first stop is at a private viewing location that’s carefully chosen to steer clear of city lights and light pollution. Unlike crowded bus tours, this tour emphasizes privacy and quality of experience. One guest perfectly summed it up, saying, “We had a great experience seeing the northern lights! Michael is very knowledgeable about the aurora and Alaska in general.” The guide’s expertise pays off, as they use real-time data and weather updates to find the best spots.

The Lodge and the Aurora Viewing Experience

After a drive that might include stops to admire the snowy forests or mountain vistas, you’ll arrive at Michael’s cozy lodge in Delta Junction. Reviews highlight this as a beautiful cabin with large windows and a fire, making it a perfect base for aurora watching. The inside is set up for comfort, with snacks, hot drinks, and blankets, allowing you to stay warm without missing the show outside.

Guests rave about the combination of indoor and outdoor viewing. One review noted, “Most of us came packing our cameras and warm clothes hoping to see the lights and photograph them outside, but we enjoyed watching from inside with the fire going.” The lodge’s strategic location allows the guide to chase clear skies if weather turns unfavorable, which is a significant advantage over static viewing sites.

Photography Tips and Professional Guidance

One of the tour’s biggest perks is the included photography instruction. The guide is often an experienced photographer, offering tips on camera settings and composition, which many reviews mention as invaluable. For instance, “Michael was extremely knowledgeable about the aurora. He took us to a spot off the road before we arrived because the lights were out. After getting to his gorgeous cabin and seeing the lights were not coming out he allowed us to choose what to do next.”

A professional aurora portrait of your group is included, giving you a memorable keepsake. You’ll also have the option to rent camera equipment, such as tripods, if you reserve in advance—something to consider for serious photographers or those eager to get better shots.

The Challenges of Aurora Hunting

Because the aurora is a natural phenomenon, the tour’s success hinges on weather and solar activity. As one reviewer put it, “You are at the mercy of the weather and conditions but he did what he could to optimize viewin.” Nights can be unpredictable, with clouds playing spoilsport, but the guide’s flexibility—driving to different locations or waiting inside until the sky clears—is a notable advantage.

The Overall Value

At $365, this tour represents good value for those seeking an authentic, intimate, and well-supported Northern Lights experience. Unlike larger tours, you’re not packed into a bus, and the personalized guidance greatly enhances the chances of a successful sighting. Plus, the comfort of a lodge, hot drinks, and a fire makes a significant difference in the cold, making the late-night outing more enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers who appreciate personalized attention will find this tour ideal, especially first-timers or those eager to learn about the aurora from an expert. Photographers will value the included guidance and portrait, while those looking for a comfortable, warm environment will be pleased with the lodge setup. It’s also well-suited for couples or small groups seeking a more private, relaxed experience rather than a crowded bus chase.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a quality experience that balances expert guidance, comfort, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in a small, intimate group, this is a great choice. The focus on learning photography, combined with the cozy lodge setting, means you’ll come away with more than just pictures—you’ll have shared a genuine moment under the Alaskan sky.

Keep in mind, though, that nature is unpredictable. Nights with cloud cover or low solar activity mean no guarantees, but the tour’s flexibility to chase clear skies and their local expertise significantly boost your odds. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed, and personalized experience, rather than a hurried or crowded night out.

In the end, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and education, making it one of the best ways to chase the Northern Lights from Fairbanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate. The tour is designed to be accessible, but be prepared for cold outdoor conditions and a late evening schedule.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Fairbanks, snacks, beverages, photography guidance, and a professional aurora portrait of your group.

Can I rent a camera or tripod?
Camera rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and you’ll need to reserve and pay for them before the tour. Be sure to bring your SD card and a tripod for best photos.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions prevent viewing, the guide will attempt to chase clear skies by driving to different locations or the lodge with the best conditions. The tour is weather dependent, and if the aurora can’t be seen, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 8:00 pm and ending late at night, allowing plenty of time to find the best viewing spots and wait for the lights to appear.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including insulated clothing, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear. The outside temperatures can be well below freezing.

Is this tour good for photographers?
Absolutely, the guide offers photography tips, and a professional portrait is included. Bringing your own camera and tripod will give you the best chance for stunning shots.

What if I want to see the lights but don’t want to go outside?
The lodge has large windows for indoor viewing, and you can stay inside enjoying snacks and warmth while watching the aurora through the windows. Outdoor viewing is encouraged for the best experience, but it’s your choice.

Final Verdict

The Face The Outdoors Northern Lights Tour offers a genuine, comfortable, and highly personalized way to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. With expert guides, cozy lodge comforts, and flexibility to chase clear skies, it’s particularly suited for travelers who value quality over quantity and want a memorable, authentic Alaskan night. While nature’s unpredictability remains, the attention to detail and the intimate setting make this tour one of the best options for seeing the aurora in Fairbanks. If you’re looking for a small-group, educational, and warm experience—this tour is likely to be one you’ll remember for a lifetime.