I Stayed at 5 Fairbanks Hotels to Chase the Northern Lights

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Updated: October 28, 2026 | By Tomiko Harvey

The best Fairbanks hotels for northern lights viewing sit outside downtown, away from city light.

My top three are Borealis Basecamp for glass-roof igloos, Aurora Borealis Lodge on Cleary Summit for hilltop views from your bed, and Chena Hot Springs Resort if you want to soak in a hot spring while the lights move overhead.

Book at least three nights between late August and April. According to Explore Fairbanks, visitors who stay three nights or more and stay out late have a better than 90 percent chance of seeing the aurora.

I have chased the northern lights in Fairbanks on two trips: seven nights in October 2025 and five nights in August 2026. I moved between properties to find out which hotels actually deliver on their northern lights promises.

Some let me watch the aurora from my bed through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Others required me to trudge through snow in the dark. Aurora Borealis Lodge sits so high on Cleary Summit that the lights appeared right above my head.

Know this before you book: Fairbanks hotels are very traditional, and none of them are true luxury. Be prepared to rough it a little. They are not bad, but it is a lot of wood.

Borealis Basecamp comes closest to polished, with modern igloo interiors, but even that is a comfortable wilderness stay, not a five-star resort. The rest fall under “rustic,” which is a polite way of saying you are choosing the aurora over the decor.

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One of the biggest things I learned on this trip is that where you stay plays a big role in how you experience the aurora.

If you have extra days, my guide to the Arctic Circle Fly and Drive Tour covers the trip I took north of Fairbanks.

Fairbanks Northern Lights Hotels at a Glance

Here is how every hotel in this guide compares on location, drive time, and what it offers for aurora viewing. Drive times are approximate and run longer on icy roads.

Price guide per night: $ under $150, $$ $150 to $300, $$$ $300 to $500, $$$$ $500 and up. Rates change by season, so check current prices before you book.

Use the map below to check prices and see exactly how far each hotel sits from downtown Fairbanks.

The Best Fairbanks Hotels for Northern Lights Viewing

I ranked these by how good your aurora chances are from the property, not by how pretty the rooms are. One reminder as you read: every property on this list is traditional, cabin-style lodging, so pick for location and darkness, not decor.

Each review says whether I stayed overnight, visited, or relied on research and guest reviews, so you know where my opinion comes from.

1. Borealis Basecamp

I visited Borealis Basecamp for a northern lights viewing tour, and my jaw dropped when I saw those futuristic domes dotting the snowy landscape.

Even though I wasn’t staying overnight, they let me peek inside one of the igloos, and I immediately added it to my bucket list.

Each dome has a 16-foot curved window that arcs overhead like a fishbowl pointed at the stars, plus free Wi-Fi. The inside felt like a boutique hotel room, which is not what I expected in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

While waiting for the lights, I had dinner at their restaurant and was impressed by the menu. I did not expect food that good this far out.

The best part of the night was standing out on their viewing deck, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the most incredible green and purple lights dance across the sky.

The staff really knew their stuff, helping everyone with camera settings and pointing out the best formations. Even just visiting for the evening, I could see why this place has become such a hit.

The property covers 100 acres of wilderness, and I spotted moose tracks in the snow. Of everything I saw in Fairbanks, this is the best aurora viewing property.

Know before you book: Borealis Basecamp sells package stays only, with a two-night minimum. The 2026 to 2027 winter season runs November 15 to April 10, and packages start around $1,990 for two nights per party.

The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes each way, so use their shuttle if you are not comfortable on winter roads.

• Best for: A splurge with real comfort
• Drive from downtown: 45 to 60 minutes
• Price: $$$$ (packages from about $1,990 for two nights)
• Aurora wake-up call: You watch from your igloo, so you may not need one
• Address: 2640 Himalaya Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712
• Phone: 907-885-2845
• Pro tip: Even if you can’t stay overnight, their aurora viewing tours are totally worth it

2. Aurora Borealis Lodge

The location is incredible and the views are unmatched, but the property itself is very rustic.

I would give the rooms a solid 3 out of 10. If you only care about seeing the aurora and you just need a clean place to sleep, this might work for you. If aesthetics matter even a little, this is not your place.

The rooms sit high on Cleary Summit and the view over Fairbanks is unbelievable. You can watch the lights from bed through big windows, which is the real selling point. That part delivers. Everything else is basic.

We sat in the lobby, if that is what you want to call it: five sofas and chairs around a fireplace. The furniture had seen better days, but they did serve hot chocolate, which helped pass the time while we waited.

The owner, Mok, is a photography pro and helped me get shots I never would have captured on my own. His knowledge alone makes the visit worth it if you are serious about photographing the lights.

It took about 45 minutes to get there from downtown Fairbanks, so you can still grab dinner in town before heading up the mountain. Ask about the aurora wake-up service when you check in.

If your goal is a five-star stay, skip this. If your goal is the Northern Lights and nothing else, then this lodge will give you the best chance.

• Best for: Serious aurora chasers and photographers
• Drive from downtown: About 45 minutes
• Price: $$
• Aurora wake-up call: Yes
• Address: 2394 Skiland Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
• Phone: 907-389-2812
• Pro tip: Book 6-8 months ahead for prime aurora viewing season (August-April)

3. Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs Resort sits about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road, far from city light.

I spent a weekend at Chena Hot Springs Resort. The hot springs are the star, and the resort itself is not.

The rooms in the main lodge were rustic, very old, and not desirable at all. I would not stay here again based on the room alone.

People come from all over the world for the springs and the northern lights, but the property is in need of serious updates.

Now let me give credit where it is due. Soaking in the natural hot springs while snow falls around you is peaceful and the views are beautiful.

Floating in the warm water outside felt amazing and it is one of the few places where you can sit in steaming mineral water while the northern lights move overhead. That part is worth the trip.

I did enjoy the Aurora Ice Museum. It is touristy but fun and the ice martini glass is a cute touch.

The greenhouse on the property is impressive and the vegetables at the restaurant taste fresh, even though the food itself is pretty standard.

I also joined the late-night snow coach tour for aurora viewing and saw a moose on the way, which was a nice surprise.

If you are coming for comfort or a modern stay, this is not the spot. If you are coming for the hot springs and you do not care what your room looks like, you will enjoy it.

If you would rather not spend the night, you can book a Chena Hot Springs day trip from Fairbanks instead.

One last thing to note. Bring your own flip flops, bring your own robe, and pack snacks because the restaurant closes early.

• Best for: Soaking in a hot spring under the aurora
• Drive from downtown: About 60 miles, so allow extra time on winter roads
• Price: $$$
• Aurora wake-up call: Ask when booking
• Address: 56.5 Mile Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99711
• Phone: 907-451-8104
• Pro tip: Book a geothermal renewable energy tour. Seeing how they power the whole property is fascinating.

4. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge

I just finished my stay at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge and let me be upfront.

This place is rustic. Every cabin and hallway is covered in wood. It feels like someone said “how much wood can we use” and the answer was “yes.”

I stayed here for two nights and while the room was clean and the bed was comfortable, the overall look is very log cabin heavy.

It is not my personal taste at all.

The decor is dated, and the cabins give true backwoods energy. If you like that style, you will be happy. If you prefer a modern look, this is not the place for you.

The location on the Chena River is the best part. I spent time watching float planes and spotted a few beavers which was fun.

For aurora season, the lodge has a heated, glass-walled Aurora Conservatory and offers aurora wake-up calls, so you can watch from indoors on the coldest nights.

Downtown light is closer here than at the lodges up in the hills, so expect a softer show on weak nights.

The property stays busy and it was fully booked when I stayed. The staff was friendly and the whole place ran smoothly.

Pike’s Landing, the on-site restaurant, serves good food, and the king crab was worth ordering. I did appreciate how clean everything was. Clean will always matter more to me than decor.

Would I stay here again? No, but that is personal taste. If you want a clean, comfortable place close to the airport and you do not mind wood-forward interiors, Pike’s will work for you.

• Best for: Convenience close to the airport
• Drive from downtown: About 10 minutes
• Price: $$
• Aurora wake-up call: Yes
• Address: 1850 Hoselton Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
• Phone: 907-456-4500
• Pro tip: The river-view rooms are worth the extra cost, even with the dated decor!

5. A Taste of Alaska Lodge

A Taste of Alaska Lodge is a family-run property on 280 acres of Alaskan wilderness, about 15 minutes from Fairbanks. I have not stayed here, so this review is based on my research, visitor reviews, and photos.

It is a log lodge with views of the Alaska Range, and on clear days you may see Denali. Those days are rare, so do not book for the mountain view alone.

The historic main lodge is filled with Alaskan artifacts and old photos from early homestead life.

Rooms are split between the main lodge and separate cottages. They keep the classic woodsy look, but reviews say they are updated enough to be comfortable.

Breakfast gets strong reviews, with homemade sourdough pancakes and reindeer sausage.

Based on reviews and photos, I would rate it a 6/10 for an authentic Alaskan stay in a quiet setting. Rates typically run $189 to $289 per night depending on the season, with the standalone cottages on the higher end.

The large property means good chances of spotting moose and foxes, and you are far enough from town light to watch the northern lights from the grounds.

• Best for: A quiet stay close to town
• Drive from downtown: About 15 minutes
• Price: $$
• Aurora wake-up call: Ask when booking
• Address: 551 Eberhardt Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712
• Phone: 907-488-7855
• Pro tip: Book one of their cottages for more privacy and better aurora viewing opportunities

6. Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge

The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge stretches along the Chena River, and it is exactly what you would expect from a Princess property: a big, clean hotel with reliable service but nothing unique.

I did not stay overnight. From what I saw when I came for dinner, the rooms have a standard chain hotel feel with subtle nods to northern decor.

The main restaurant, Edgewater, has river views and serves typical Alaskan fare. The deck over the Chena is the best part of the property in warmer months.

It is more polished than the rustic lodges (you will not find wall-to-wall wood paneling here), but it still has the slightly dated feel that seems common in Fairbanks hotels.

The location is convenient, about 10 minutes from downtown, and the hotel runs a shuttle to the airport and train station.

Based on what I saw and what other travelers report, I would give it a 5/10. It is reliable and clean, but do not expect the luxury of a Princess cruise ship. Town light also limits what you will see from the property, so plan on an aurora tour.

Room rates typically range from $169-$289 depending on the season, with river-view rooms commanding the higher prices.

• Best for: Chain hotel comfort
• Drive from downtown: About 10 minutes
• Price: $$
• Aurora wake-up call: Ask when booking
• Address: 4477 Pikes Landing Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
• Phone: 907-455-4477
• Pro tip: Stay here if you want an easy base and plan to book an aurora tour with hotel pickup.

7. Alaska Heritage House

The Alaska Heritage House feels like stepping into a piece of Fairbanks history. This red 1916 home stands out among all the rustic lodges in town.

I saw it during a local heritage tour. The bed and breakfast is furnished with period antiques that give it an old gold rush Alaska feeling.

The owners kept the original details, including ornate woodwork, vintage wallpaper, and crystal chandeliers, while adding modern comforts.

Each room has its own character, and the home keeps much of its original layout.

What makes it special is the care that went into preserving its history. Breakfast is the signature, and guests rave about the homemade scones.

I did not stay overnight. Rooms typically run $195 to $275 per night, including a full breakfast. I would rate it a 6/10 for its history and character. It is not your typical Alaskan lodge.

Because it sits in town, city light will cut into your aurora view, so pair this stay with an aurora tour. Being a historic home also means smaller rooms, and some units share bathrooms.

• Best for: History lovers who will book an aurora tour
• Drive from downtown: In town
• Price: $$
• Aurora wake-up call: Ask when booking
• Address: 410 Cowles Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
• Phone: 907-388-9595
• Pro tip: Ask which rooms have private bathrooms before you book.

8. Northern Sky Lodge

Northern Sky Lodge is a small, family-owned lodge off the Parks Highway, west of Fairbanks and about 30 minutes from the airport. I have not stayed here, so this review is based on my research and guest reviews.

It has nine rooms, each with a private bathroom, and rates typically run $179 to $250 per night.

The main lodge is rustic, and by rustic, you know exactly what I mean.

It is a handcrafted log building with big windows facing the boreal forest.

Being outside the city means darker skies than anything downtown, which is what you want for the aurora.

It is a simple base, nothing fancy, if you are looking for a quiet place to lay your head between aurora nights.

Pro tip: Book early, especially for peak aurora season from late August to April.

• Best for: A quiet base outside the city
• Drive from downtown: About 30 minutes from the airport
• Price: $$
• Aurora wake-up call: Ask when booking
• Address: 8587 Parks Highway, Fairbanks, AK 99709
• Phone: 971-217-8315

Budget Picks in Town: Sophie Station Suites and 7 Gables Inn & Suites

If your budget matters more than darkness, these two downtown options work as a base. I have not stayed at either one, so this is based on my research and guest reviews. City light washes out weaker displays here, so plan on at least one aurora tour or a car.

Sophie Station Suites (1717 University Ave S) is an all-suite hotel near the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts and full kitchenettes. Rates typically run $159 to $259 per night. It is the better pick for families or a weeklong stay. Check Sophie Station Suites rates.

7 Gables Inn & Suites (4312 Birch Lane) is a family-run inn near downtown, with motel-style rooms, suites with kitchenettes, breakfast, and guest laundry. Rates typically run $129 to $209 per night, the lowest on this list. Check 7 Gables Inn rates.

Also Worth a Look: Wedgewood Resort and Alaska Grizzly Lodge

Two more properties show up on many Fairbanks aurora lists. I have not stayed at either one, but they are worth comparing.

Wedgewood Resort sits on a 105-acre property next to a wildlife sanctuary and waterfowl refuge, with suites that have kitchens and an aurora wake-up call service. It is close to town, so expect some light pollution.

Alaska Grizzly Lodge is about 10 miles from downtown in the boreal forest, with private terraces, an aurora wake-up service, and an on-site aurora guide. It is a good middle ground between the remote lodges and the city hotels.

Staying in Town? Book an Aurora Tour

If you book Princess, Sophie Station, 7 Gables, or the Alaska Heritage House, plan on at least one aurora tour. These tours pick you up in town and drive you out to darker skies.

How to Choose a Fairbanks Hotel for the Northern Lights

Darkness comes first. Every mile you put between yourself and downtown improves your view. Cleary Summit, Chena Hot Springs Road, and the hills northeast of town are darker than anything near the airport or the university.

Ask about aurora wake-up calls. The best displays often happen after midnight. A lodge that will knock on your door or call your room means you can sleep until the sky turns green.

Decide how you will get around. If you will not drive on ice in the dark, stay somewhere with a shuttle or tour pickup, or pick a lodge where you can watch from the property.

Read the minimum stay rules. Basecamp requires two nights, and many lodges sell out months ahead for February and March. Book six to eight months out for peak season.

Match the hotel to your comfort level. None of these hotels are luxury, so expect wood paneling and older decor almost everywhere. If modern rooms matter to you, Borealis Basecamp is the closest you will get. Everywhere else, you are paying for location and darkness.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Mok, the owner of Aurora Borealis Lodge, helped me get shots I never would have captured on my own. If you want aurora photos worth printing, here is where to start.

Use a tripod. Aurora shots need long exposures, and any movement blurs the stars.

Start with these camera settings: manual focus set to infinity, the widest aperture your lens allows (f/2.8 or lower is ideal), ISO 1600 to 3200, and a shutter speed of 5 to 15 seconds.

Shorten the shutter when the lights move fast so the ribbons stay sharp.

On a phone, turn on night mode, prop the phone on something steady, and hold still for the full exposure. Newer phones often pick up more color than your eyes can see.

Protect your batteries. At -20°F, cold drains them fast. Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body and swap them often.

Put something in the foreground. A cabin, a tree line, or a person standing still makes the shot. The Basecamp igloos and the view over Fairbanks from Cleary Summit both make great frames.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

• Best overall months
  December to February
• Best blend of cold and comfort
  September and March
• Most photogenic month
  September
  The fall colors plus the aurora look unreal in person.

Aurora season in Fairbanks officially runs from August 21 to April 21, according to Explore Fairbanks. December through February brings the longest, darkest nights. September and March give you the best blend of cold and comfort, with milder temperatures and plenty of darkness.

Fairbanks sits under the Auroral Oval, the ring around the North Pole where aurora activity is strongest, so the lights show up here more often than in most northern destinations. Clouds are the real risk, not the aurora itself.

If you are planning one trip and want the highest chance of success, aim for late September through early March. If you want to see more of the state on the same trip, use my 7-day Alaska itinerary.

Stay at least three or four nights. Explore Fairbanks reports that visitors who stay three nights or more and stay out late have a better than 90 percent chance of seeing the lights.

Plan to be outside or near a window from about 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Northern Lights Chances in Fairbanks by Month

How to Check the Aurora Forecast in Fairbanks

Check two things every afternoon: aurora activity and cloud cover. Clear skies matter more than a high forecast, because a strong aurora behind thick clouds is still invisible.

For activity, I use the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute aurora forecast and the Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker.

For clouds, check the National Weather Service forecast for Fairbanks. If the sky looks clear after 10 p.m., get dressed and go.

Many lodges outside town, including Aurora Borealis Lodge and Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, offer an aurora wake-up call.

Ask about it when you check in so you do not have to sit up all night watching the sky.

Should You Rent a Car in Fairbanks for the Northern Lights?

I suggest renting a car in Fairbanks. It is one of the best ways to see the northern lights on your own schedule.

The aurora shows up outside the city where the skies are darker, so relying on taxis or tours can limit where you go and how long you stay out.

A rental car gives you the freedom to move, warm up, and chase the aurora if the clouds shift.

Know this before you book: winter roads in Fairbanks are icy, dark, and unforgiving. Locals drive them every day, but if you are not used to winter driving, decide honestly whether you can handle it.

My guide on whether Alaska is safe to visit covers winter road safety in more detail.

I am not sugarcoating it. You will be driving in complete darkness, often below 0°F, and the roads can feel slick even when they look dry.

Roads to Avoid in Fairbanks Winter Conditions

The Elliott Highway and Dalton Highway should be off limits for visitors in winter. These roads are remote, dangerous, and not where you want to be if something goes wrong.

Stay off back roads that are not well maintained. Getting stuck in deep snow with no cell signal is a real risk out there.

If you do rent a car, choose something with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Do not try to save a few dollars with a small sedan. You need good tires, strong heat, and plenty of space for your winter gear.

Keep your tank above half full at all times and bring water, snacks, layers, and a portable battery charger.

If driving in these conditions makes you nervous, book an aurora tour instead. Some nights are too cold or too icy to make driving worth the stress.

I compared the options in my guide to the best northern lights tours in Fairbanks, and you can also browse Fairbanks aurora tours on Viator.

Northern Lights Tours That Pick You Up at Your Hotel

Most tours include hotel pickup, warm gear, and a heated cabin or bus to wait in, which takes the winter driving off your plate.

These are tours I would look at for Fairbanks.

Where to Eat in Fairbanks During Aurora Season

Plan your meals around the aurora. Many kitchens outside town close early, and you will want a real dinner before a long night in the cold.

Pike’s Landing at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is where I had the king crab, and it was worth ordering. It sits on the Chena River near the airport.

The restaurant at Borealis Basecamp surprised me. I ate dinner there while waiting for the lights, and the menu was far better than I expected that far out of town.

Edgewater at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge is where I had dinner when I toured the property. Expect typical Alaskan fare with river views.

Chena Hot Springs Resort grows vegetables in its own greenhouse, and you can taste the difference, even though the menu is standard. The kitchen closes early, so pack snacks.

Next time, I want to try Lavelle’s Bistro downtown and The Crepery for breakfast, two local favorites. Check current hours before you go, because winter schedules change.

What to Do in Fairbanks Between Aurora Nights

The aurora comes out late, so your days are free. These are the activities that make the most of a winter trip.

Soak at Chena Hot Springs. Even if you stay in town, the hot springs and the Aurora Ice Museum make a full day. You can book a Chena Hot Springs day trip on Viator.

Go dog sledding. Several kennels around Fairbanks offer winter rides, and it is one of the most Alaskan things you can do. Browse Fairbanks dog sledding tours.

Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North. It is the best indoor stop on a cold afternoon, with exhibits on Alaska Native cultures, wildlife, and the aurora.

Walk with reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch. You walk through the boreal forest alongside the herd. Book ahead, because walks fill up.

Stop at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. It is free, it sits downtown, and you can pick up an aurora viewing map while you are there.

Head to the Arctic Circle. If you have an extra day, my guide to the Arctic Circle Fly and Drive Tour covers the trip I took north of Fairbanks.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Alaska in Winter?

Yes. Alaska is beautiful but unpredictable. Winter storms, flight delays, road closures, and medical emergencies hit different when you are hours from the nearest major city.

Fairbanks Northern Lights Hotel FAQ

Is Fairbanks Worth It for the Northern Lights? My Honest Take

This isn’t Iceland with chic glass cabins or Norway with designer lodges.

This is raw, cold, rustic Alaska.

I stood in the freezing dark for hours watching green and purple ribbons move across the sky, and I understood why people chase this. It was also a little too rustic for me.

Would I do it again? Probably not.

I checked this off my bucket list, and I am satisfied. But if you are reading this and thinking, “I need to see the northern lights before I die,” then book one of these hotels, pack your warmest gear, and go.

My top recommendations have not changed: Aurora Borealis Lodge for serious aurora chasers, Borealis Basecamp for comfort and views, and Chena Hot Springs if you want hot springs with your aurora.

Now book your trip. And pack hand warmers, lots of them.

• Ready to plan your Alaska adventure?
  7-Day Alaska Itinerary
• Is Alaska Safe for Travel
• Best Northern Lights Tours in Fairbanks
• Arctic Circle Fly and Drive Tour Guide
• Travel Safety for Women

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