Is the Northern Lights Adventure a Good Fit for Me?
Snowshoeing near the Chatanika Gold Dredge outside Fairbanks
A lot of guests ask us this question. Whether their concern is related to age, mobility, or any other special needs, the answer is always a resounding “Yes!”. We have had all sorts of guests from all over the world join us in Alaska to see the Northern Lights: people in their 70s and 80s, people with bad knees or hips, diabetics, people not used to cold weather, vegans, gluten free eaters, and all sorts of other folks with special needs or concerns. Fortunately, we offer many types of activities and services that other tour companies don’t, and that makes our trips more accessible and relaxing. We are very flexible and will always go that extra mile to make sure you are safe, comfortable, and having fun. Here are some features of our Northern Lights Adventure that make it a perfect fit for any type of guest:
Need Help Getting Around? Safety and Comfort Come First
On our Northern Lights Ecotour we take your safety and comfort very seriously. Our transportation is spacious and well equipped to handle the winter snow and ice. Our guides are on hand to help guests in and out of the van and will help you avoid any snow or ice hazards. If you have trouble with stairs, just let us know and we will get you an easy access room. No issue is insurmountable – we are here to meet the challenge and show you the time of your life.
Our informative and friendly guides will not only ensure your safety throughout the ecotour but also provide you with fascinating insights into the remarkable natural phenomena of the Northern Lights. From the moment you step into our comfortable van until you witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky, we strive to make your entire experience unforgettable. As we embark on this magical journey, rest assured that your well-being and enjoyment are our top priorities. Get ready for an adventure like no other as we explore the enchanting beauty of the Arctic wilderness together.
Gear Available for Rent
All wrapped up and ready for dogsledding
Some people come to us and they say “I’m from California/Hawaii/Mexico etc…I don’t even own a winter coat”. Well don’t worry about it, you don’t need to spend a bunch of money! Our lodges usually have heavy duty winter gear like jackets, boots and pants available in a variety of sizes. This stuff is true Alaskan gear so you don’t have to worry about freezing while you are enjoying activities like watching the Northern Lights or dogsledding through a snowy forest. If your size is not available at the lodge we can get you in touch with a local rental company. We will keep you warm so you can enjoy your adventure!
Our top priority is ensuring that you stay warm and comfortable throughout your stay, regardless of where you hail from. Our array of heavy-duty winter gear will have you suited up in no time, equipped with everything necessary for your adventure-filled days. From thermal jackets to sturdy boots, we’ve got you covered for all your snowy escapades, promising a cozy refuge from the chilly Alaskan temperatures.
Expert Night Guides
Getting dinner with our Aurora Guide
Gondwana offers something really special on this trip that other companies don’t. Every night you will be taken care of by our “Aurora Guide”. That way you won’t have to stay up all night and you can rest for your fun activities the next day. This person is primarily there to watch the skies and provide personal wake up calls when the Northern Lights appear. But that is only a part of their job. When making your way outside they can assist you in getting to the prime spots for seeing the Northern Lights. And once there, they will bring you a tea or hot cocoa to keep you warm. Our Aurora guides are also photography experts, so bring your camera manual along and they will help you figure out the best settings so you can come home with incredible photographs. After bringing you to dinner, your night guide will be available until the early morning hours. This makes all the difference on a Northern Lights Adventure.
Gondwana truly goes above and beyond to ensure your Northern Lights experience is unforgettable. The attention to detail and level of care provided by the Aurora Guide is unparalleled. As your dedicated companion throughout the night, they not only assist in locating the best vantage points for viewing the Aurora Borealis but also ensure your comfort with a warm beverage and photography expertise. With their guidance, capturing the magic of the dancing lights becomes effortless, allowing you to create lasting memories of this celestial spectacle. The presence of an Aurora Guide truly enhances the overall adventure, making each night under the Arctic sky a remarkable and enriching experience.
Fun and Easygoing Winter Activities
Making friends at Running Reindeer Ranch
Our trip is not just about seeing the Northern Lights, there is so much more fun to be had! Our activities can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Curling is so much fun, and if you have trouble getting down on your knees we have a pusher you can use while comfortably standing. If you are concerned about being able to play well, don’t worry! Everyone starts off poorly at this unfamiliar sport, and that is part of the fun! Laugh as your new friends attempt to be graceful on the ice and work up your skills until you can compete in a casual game with each other. Our selection of activities is great for older folks and any level of physical fitness or mobility. Visit a local family farm, meet the family and the animals and learn about homestead living. And relax in the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs. If you would like to sit an activity out there is always a warm place indoors for you to relax, socialize and watch. Our hike at Running Reindeer Ranch is fairly easy, but if you want to take a break Jane’s cozy living room has tea and hot cocoa and home made cookies. If dogsledding is not your thing, relax in the yurt nearby and hear about epic races from your host. There will always be options for you on our Northern Lights Adventure where you can still learn and enjoy the atmosphere, even if you are not participating.
After a visit to the Running Reindeer Ranch, the journey continues with even more exciting activities to keep you entertained and make lasting memories. Embrace the winter wonderland by joining us for a traditional ice fishing experience on a tranquil frozen lake. Our experienced guides will teach you the art of drilling through the ice and patiently waiting for a nibble while you enjoy the serene beauty of the snowy landscape. For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping adventure, we offer exhilarating snowmobiling tours through the pristine wilderness, where you can feel the rush of the cold wind against your face as you speed through the snowy trails. And for a touch of cultural immersion, immerse yourself in a cozy igloo-building workshop led by local experts, where you can learn the traditional ways of constructing these snow shelters and even spend a night under the starlit Arctic sky. Our winter activities cater to all interests and age groups, ensuring that everyone finds something they love during our Northern Lights Adventure.
All You Gotta Do is Step Outside
The aurora shines over Alaska Grizzly Lodge
At our lodges there is always prime Aurora viewing right at your doorstep. Either step onto your attached deck or take a few steps outside to get fantastic views and photographs. If you need any assistance getting outside from your room we will be there to help you. We stay 20 minutes away from the city at A Taste of Alaska Lodge and Alaska Grizzly Lodge so the light pollution from downtown doesn’t affect our views. And sometimes we will even take a drive after dinner up to the top of a hill where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and a complete 360 degree view of the night sky. While our lodges are conveniently within reach of the city, you are surrounded by pristine forests and mountains and you get a true sense of what it feels like to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Look out for moose on your way in and out of the lodge!
As the night falls and the northern lights dance across the sky, our guests at A Taste of Alaska Lodge and Alaska Grizzly Lodge are invited to join our evening stargazing sessions. Our knowledgeable guides will point out constellations and share fascinating stories about Alaskan folklore under the twinkling canopy above. Sip on a cup of hot cocoa as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness, letting the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis paint the night with its vibrant colors. For those seeking a deeper connection to nature, we offer guided walks through the ancient forests surrounding the lodge, where the whispers of the wild will enchant your senses. Embrace the spirit of the Last Frontier as you bask in the beauty of the untamed Alaskan landscape, where every moment is an opportunity for adventure and wonder.
Our Cozy Heated Yurt Will Keep You Warm While You Wait for Aurora
The heated yurt at A Taste of Alaska Lodge
Worried about the cold at night? Just a few steps from A Taste of Alaska Lodge is a heated yurt (circular tent cabin) with a wood stove, couches and plenty of space to relax. Since the aurora can go on for hours and there can sometimes be gaps in between light displays, this yurt is a great option for staying comfortable at night while not missing any viewing opportunities. Kick back and read a book, or sip on a hot cocoa or tea while you wait for the lights to come out. We also have lounge areas just steps from your viewing deck at Alaska Grizzly Lodge.
Nestled within the serene Alaskan wilderness, the cozy heated yurt at A Taste of Alaska Lodge offers a sanctuary of warmth and comfort as you await the majestic Aurora Borealis. Surrounded by nature’s tranquility, this circular tent cabin beckons you with its wood stove crackling softly, inviting couches, and ample space to unwind. Embracing the unpredictable dance of the northern lights, the yurt ensures you can revel in the celestial spectacle without succumbing to the chill of the night. Whether you choose to lose yourself in a captivating book, savor a steaming cup of cocoa or tea, or simply bask in the silence of the surrounding landscape, this haven promises a truly enchanting experience. As you immerse yourself in the magic of the Aurora, know that comfort and serenity await just beyond your viewing deck at Alaska Grizzly Lodge, ready to enhance your aurora-watching escapade with unparalleled relaxation and warmth.
Comfortable Common Areas for Relaxation Time
Views from the living room at A Taste of Alaska Lodge
Feel like taking a break from the activities, or socializing with new friends during a free afternoon? Our lodges have fantastic common areas to enjoy views, read a book or entertain yourself in comfort and Alaskan style. A Taste of Alaska has incredible vistas over the forest to the Alyeska mountain range and on a clear day you can see Denali. The luxurious living room at Alaska Grizzly Lodge features bearskin rug decor, a fire place, games, and even guitars that you can play. What a great way to relax in between activities, hang out with other travelers and get to know your hosts!
Whether you prefer to unwind with a captivating book while basking in the mesmerizing views or engage in a friendly game of cards by the crackling fireplace, the common areas at our lodges cater to all your relaxation needs. The serene ambiance at A Taste of Alaska Lodge beckons you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, with the majestic Alyeska mountain range and Denali painting a picturesque backdrop for your leisurely moments. On the other hand, Alaska Grizzly Lodge offers a cozy and inviting setting adorned with unique bearskin rug decor, providing a perfect spot to strum a guitar or engage in lively conversations with fellow travelers. These spaces are not just comfortable retreats; they are vibrant hubs for building lasting memories and forging new connections amidst the Alaskan wilderness.
Delicious Meals with Plenty of Veggie Options
Spring Rolls at Bahn Thai in Fairbanks
We have carefully selected our meal options to provide you with a variety of cuisines as well as menus with vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy the risotto at Lavelle’s Bistro, the spring rolls at Bahn Thai or the vegetable lasagna with sun-dried tomato cream sauce at the Pump House, and there will always be salads available at dinner. While Alaskan menus are not known for their vegan or gluten free options, we can help to accommodate any type of dietary needs. We are here to make your Alaskan experience perfect.
If you’re looking to explore more vegetarian and vegan-friendly options in Fairbanks, look no further than the vibrant food scene that caters to various dietary preferences. Consider trying the tofu stir-fry at The Feed Trough, a cozy spot known for its fresh ingredients and inventive plant-based dishes. For a taste of local flavors, head over to Roots Café where you can savor a hearty lentil stew or a flavorful quinoa salad. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to enjoy some veggie-centric meals, Fairbanks has something for everyone to indulge in a culinary adventure.
Alaska offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers, boasting vast expanses of pristine wilderness teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. From towering glaciers to rugged coastlines, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore in the Last Frontier.
Download Our Northern Lights Brochure Here.
