Fairbanks in 1 Day for Couples - Flexible, weather-led route to maximize aurora sightings
In Collaboration with Arctic Night Tours. Updated on January 31, 2026.
An intimate, small-group aurora hunt out of Fairbanks with flexible route (guided by conditions), complimentary photography by your guide, snacks & hot drinks, and hotel pickup. Designed for couples seeking a memorable, romantic night under the Arctic sky.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arctic Night Tours, inspired by the tour Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Flexible, weather-led route to maximize aurora sightings
- Complimentary professional photography of you under the aurora
- Hotel pickup and warm snacks & drinks included
- Small-group transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Local guides with insider dark-sky knowledge
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening aurora hunt leaving from Fairbanks. Flexible stops chosen by the guide to find the best dark-sky viewing; complimentary photos and warm snacks included.
Hotel pickup & quick welcome briefing
Your guide picks you up from your centrally located Fairbanks hotel. Quick safety briefing, camera setup tips, and confirmation of the night's plan. Please be ready 10 minutes before pickup time.
Tips from local experts:
- Special moment for couples: ask the guide to take a short portrait of you together before the busier parts of the night — the pre-drive golden glow can be very intimate.
- Bring a small daypack with your camera, extra gloves, and a thermos — your guide will carry larger items in the vehicle.
- Confirm pickup location with the operator ahead of time (many central hotels are used). If you prefer privacy, request a slightly earlier pickup to depart before larger groups.
Scenic drive to the first dark-sky viewing area
Head out of town toward wide-open, light-free areas. The guide will select the closest optimal site (typical first stop: Chena Lakes Recreation Area or similar dark-sky location) based on the aurora forecast and road conditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Cuddle-up hack: bring a shared blanket and hand warmers — staying close warms you both and makes photos feel cozier.
- Keep cameras and phones in an easily accessible spot so you can step out quickly for sudden aurora displays.
- Ask your guide for a short route explanation — knowing how far you might walk (or not) helps pick footwear and layers for a romantic outing.
Aurora viewing & complimentary couples photography — primary stop
Settle at a dark-sky spot. Guides set up camera gear and take multiple portraits and wide-angle aurora shots of the group — you'll receive the best images after the tour. Enjoy snacks, hot drinks, and relaxed aurora-watching focused on creating a romantic memory.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a private couples portrait: guides can frame a romantic composition (silhouettes, held-hands or soft light) — mention poses you prefer.
- For best photos: zip layers to avoid puffiness from bulky jackets (thin insulated layers beneath a shell photograph better), and use matching scarves for a coordinated look.
- Timing is flexible — if the aurora flares early, stay longer; if it's quiet, guides will re-position. Trust the guide's choice for the most dramatic backdrop.
Drive to alternate/peak viewing site (Murphy Dome or similar)
If conditions suggest a stronger display farther out, your guide will drive to a higher or darker vantage (common alternative: Murphy Dome). This gives you a second, different backdrop for photos and an extended aurora chance.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the drive as a quieter, private moment — guides often time the drive for star-filled viewing if the aurora becomes active.
- Let the guide know if you want an especially remote spot for privacy; they can aim for locations with minimal background lights.
- If either of you gets cold easily, switch seats to stay bundled during the drive and use the vehicle heater between stops.
Aurora viewing & second photography session — alternate site
A second multi-hour viewing window at the alternate site. Guides focus on capturing the aurora arc movement and intimate couple portraits beneath dynamic skies — more photos and time to soak in the spectacle.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for silhouette shots with the aurora behind you — they're dramatic and very romantic at night.
- Bring a small headlamp with a red filter — it helps move around without ruining night vision for both you and the photographer.
- If you want a memorable keepsake, request one or two long-exposure photos where you hold a small light (the guide can help stage it).
Warm-up break: snacks, hot drinks & photo review in-vehicle
Short warm-up break to enjoy hot beverages, snacks provided by the tour, and review a selection of images on the guide's camera or tablet. Perfect quiet moment to relive the best shots together.
Tips from local experts:
- Special moment: share a hot drink and look through your photos together — guides often hand over a quick slideshow so you can pick favorites.
- If you want prints or immediate copies, ask the guide what file sizes they can transfer right away (many provide digital copies after the tour).
- Use this rest to re-layer and warm hands/feet — hand warmers work best tucked into gloves or inside pockets near the body.
Return drive and hotel drop-off
Drive back to Fairbanks with drop-off at your hotel. Your guide will confirm photo delivery instructions and next steps for receiving complimentary images.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm how and when you'll receive photos (email link, file transfer, or post-tour gallery) so you know when to expect them.
- If you want an earlier or later drop-off for privacy or convenience, agree on it before leaving the final stop.
- Keep a spare phone battery or portable charger accessible for the ride back — you'll likely want to upload/share your favorite photos immediately.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Break |
