Alaska Northern Lights

Scenic Drive along the Scenic Seward Byway

Fairbanks: Discover one of Alaska’s must-sees, the Northern Lights. Due to the combination of location directly beneath the Auroral Oval and unique geography that encourages stable, clear weather, Alaska’s Arctic is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis. With everything taken care of, your location offers indoor heating and warm beverages, along with the option to step outside and be enchanted as the lights put on a show. 

Explore the Interior and Arctic Alaska, celebrating Alaska residents and how they live at The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Centre. Made possible by a cross-organizational, multi-cultural partnership built on the values lived by the late Morris Thompson, a business leader who worked as a bridge between the local and Indigenous cultures. You’ll learn all about the history and seasonal flow of local lifestyles through world-class exhibits. It’s an immersive way to unlock the land, where the natural world changes with the change of the seasons and the life of the land.

Fairbanks: Unlock Alaska Native cultures, natural wonders and the state’s diverse wildlife at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. Explore 2,000 years of Alaska art through the museum's exhibits introducing you to Alaska’s diverse wildlife, people and lands. You can even view original installations about Alaska's dinosaurs and soak in views of the Alaska Range.  

Fairbanks: Once isn’t enough – get ready for your second opportunity at a different location around Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights. You’ll love the chance to take in this must-see sight in Alaska from another vantage point. With a different location and day, you never know what spectacle may stretch across the sky. 

Fairbanks: Get ready for picture-perfect winter scenery aboard the Aurora Car on your journey south to Denali National Park. While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, this time of year you’re treated to the pristine snow in the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry. From the comfort of a warm railcar, relax as large picture windows and onboard dining give you the opportunity to enjoy every second of your epic surroundings.  

Denali National Park: Visit the Murie Science and Learning Centre, which acts as the Denali Visitor’s Centre in the wintertime. Discover the science and stewardship in Denali and other Alaskan national parks, watch the National Park Film, “Heartbeats of Denali” and unlock the local secrets of the park from a local ranger. You can even learn about the local trail conditions that are popular for skiers and snowshoers. 

Talkeetna: Unlock the secrets of Talkeetna, a small Alaska community full of unique charm. Get out and explore on your own, learning how Talkeetna is also home to the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction in which 100% of the proceeds go towards their mission of donating to and raising awareness for the community’s women and children in need. 

Anchorage: Unlock the world of the Arctic ungulate Musk Oxen at the Musk Ox Farm. Discover how the Musk Ox adapted by shedding their underwool, qiviut, in the spring. You’ll even get the chance to collect qiviut while viewing musk oxen and then create your own nesting ball or ornament to remember your time here. By making the fibre available to birds in the spring where you live, the birds will line their nests creating a cosy, warm, and luxurious environment for little fledglings. 

Talkeetna: Perched on a ridge just above the town of Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge presents you with majestic views of Denali – the tallest peak in North America. You’ll love experiencing the best of Alaska, outside and in. Just outside, high-energy outdoor adventures in Talkeetna and beyond await. Inside, cosy up to a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, browse the carefully curated selection of Native art in the gift shop, dine on award-winning cuisine and sip from the best wine selection in the area. 

Denali National Park: At Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, join a Be My Guest experience with photographer Aurora Dora. Learn how she relocated from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Alaska in 2001 and has been chasing the Aurora Borealis and photographing ever since. She has been published multiple times from NASA to local magazines and has a gallery in downtown Talkeetna. You’ll love hearing the local secrets about how to photograph the night sky from an expert.

Anchorage: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre to learn about the culture and heritage of the Indigenous people of Alaska. This renowned cultural centre and museum promotes active observance of Alaska Native culture and traditions and is the only state-wide cultural and education centre dedicated to celebrating all cultures and heritages. Expand your understanding of Alaska's indigenous people through permanent collections, life-sized village sites and immersive educational programs that engage you with Alaska Native culture. Enjoy a presentation of the Native Alaska Games showcasing the mental and physical challenges endured in subsistence living in Alaska. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.

Anchorage: Venture along the Scenic Seward Byway to Portage to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Team up with a Local Specialist who will guide you through this non-profit, wildlife rehabilitation centre dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. Unlock the information about the resident wildlife from moose, elk, deer, reindeer and black and brown bears to lynx, foxes and the great-horned owl. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.