Aurora Scout: A Private Northern Lights Journey in a Heated Wilderness Caboose
2 Hours | Two Passenger | Fairbanks, Alaska

Embark on an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure in ultimate comfort and privacy aboard the Aurora Scout — a custom, enclosed, and heated caboose designed for two. Nestled in the peaceful wilderness just outside Fairbanks, this two-hour private tour takes you along pristine winter trails to remote aurora viewing vistas far from crowds, light pollution, and the hustle of traditional tours.

This is not your average aurora tour — it's a hand-curated experience for those who want the thrill of the aurora without the discomfort of the cold or the chaos of the crowds.

Your journey begins just outside of Fairbanks, where your personal guide will welcome you aboard your heated caboose, nestled behind a powerful snow machine. Outfitted with panoramic aurora-viewing windows and plush, comfortable seating, the Aurora Scout offers warmth, tranquility, and an unbeatable front-row seat to one of nature’s most elusive spectacles.

As you glide across remote winter trails, far from the city lights and busier tour routes, you’ll travel deep into the Alaskan backcountry to reach secluded aurora viewing locations chosen for their stunning vistas and clear skies. With no other tourists in sight, you’ll have the luxury of silence — just the soft hum of snow beneath you and the anticipation of the sky coming alive.

Designed for Comfort & Intimacy
Inside the Aurora Scout, every detail is crafted for comfort and connection. The cabin is fully enclosed and heated, creating a warm, serene space to relax, watch the stars, sip hot beverages, and wait for the magic to begin. Forget bundling up on a dog sled or jostling for space in a packed van — this is your private slice of Alaskan wilderness, and it moves with you.

Whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply seeking an extraordinary night under the stars, the Aurora Scout is an unforgettable way to experience the northern lights in comfort, solitude, and wonder.

Winter Gear Provided – We supply parkas, boots, bibs, mittens, and hats, so you do have to rent or purchase any extra gear.

Headlamps Provided – We supply headlamps so you can safely explore outside and enjoy the winter landscape, even in the dark.

Curated Refreshments – Sip on artisan Alaskan teas and/or hot cocoa.

Warming Hut – Cozy up post-tour in our 80°F Mongolian yurt—perfect for thawing frosty lashes and toes.

Gift Shop – Browse our Alaska Made gift shop for locally crafted keepsakes and souvenirs.

Transportation – Guests must arrange their own transportation to and from the kennel.

Bottled Water Not Provided – While we provide the hot drinks, we do not supply bottled water. Please bring your own thermos of water—bottled water not provided.

START TIME: 10:00PM
TOUR DURATION: 2 hours
TRAIL TIME: 2 hours
TRAIL MILEAGE: 10-20 miles

10 PM – Arrival & Winter Gear Fitting
Guests arrive at the trailhead just outside Fairbanks. Your professional guide provides a warm welcome and helps you gear up with provided winter clothing if needed (jackets, pants, boots, gloves).

10:15 PM – Departure: Begin Scenic Journey
Climb into the heated, enclosed Aurora Scout caboose. Your guide gives a brief orientation, then tows the caboose along quiet, snowy backcountry trails toward a remote aurora-viewing location.

10:45 PM – First Aurora Viewing Vista
Arrive at a secluded location with open sky and minimal light pollution. Step outside to stretch your legs and look upwards. Enjoy hot drinks, and keep watch through the panoramic viewing windows as the aurora begins to glow.

Second Location Stop (Weather Dependent)
If needed for better visibility or variation, your guide may relocate the caboose to a second viewing area. More opportunities for quiet observation, photography, and taking in the night’s magic.

11:15 PM – Return Journey Begins
Relax inside the cozy cabin as the Aurora Scout begins the return trip. Continue enjoying the stars or final glimpses of the aurora from your private, mobile viewing suite.

12:00 AM – Tour Ends & Guest Drop-Off
Arrive back at the trailhead. Gear is returned, and guests say goodbye to their guide. Depart with beautiful memories and (hopefully) unforgettable aurora photos.

SNOW SCOUT FOR 2: $435

DOG SLEDDING NOT INCLUDED

TRANSPORTATION NOT INCLUDED

LIMITED AVAILABILITY
SEASON: December 1st - March 31st
CAPACITY PER TOUR: 2
TIME SLOT: 10 PM
SCHEDULING: Availability is listed in real time. If you do not see availability online, this means it is either booked or not available for that date and/or time slot.

1. Can you see the Northern Lights from your tour location?
   Yes—if the skies are clear and aurora activity is present, the Northern Lights are visible from our yurt and from select scenic points along the trail.

2. When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights?
   Aurora season in Alaska runs from August 21 to April 21. To maximize your chances, we recommend visiting near the winter solstice (late December), when there is the least amount of daylight and the longest periods of darkness—both ideal conditions for aurora viewing.

3. What time of night is best for viewing the aurora?
   The Northern Lights are most active during the 3–4 hours surrounding midnight. However, ideal viewing conditions depend on a combination of factors, including:

   • Clear skies

   • Darkness: A bright moon can reduce visibility of the aurora, so consider lunar phases when planning your trip.

   • Aurora activity levels

4. How can I improve my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?

   • Stay outside of city limits to avoid light pollution.

   • Book at least a 3-night stay (5 nights is ideal) to increase your odds of catching a clear night with aurora activity.

5. Why is Fairbanks one of the best places to see the Northern Lights?
   Fairbanks sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval—an elliptical band where aurora activity is most concentrated. Additionally, the region’s low precipitation, cold, dry climate, and distance from large bodies of water contribute to frequent clear night skies.

6. Are the Northern Lights visible every night?
   The aurora borealis is active year-round, but can only be seen during dark, clear nights. On average, auroras are visible 4 out of 5 nights in Fairbanks during peak season—weather permitting.

Helpful Links

• University of Alaska Fairbanks - Geophysical Institute

• Aurora Hunter

• Explore Fairbanks

A full refund will be issued if the cancellation is received before 7 days of the tour. A 20% cancellation fee will be charged to cancellations inside 7 days. No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to the tour. Day of booking cancellations will not be refunded. No shows will be charged in full.

Covid Cancellations: A positive covid test result with the date is required to issue a full refund. If no contact is made prior to the tour start time, no refunds will be issued.

Emergency Cancellations: If guests have an emergent case, please notify us immediately to explain the situation. Proof may be requested to receive a full refund.

Overdue Arrivals: Guests arriving 15-29 minutes late are subject to an altered tour to ensure guides remain on the schedule (this could result in a shorter trail time or less interaction with the dogs). Guests arriving in excess of 30 minutes late for a day tour will forfeit their tour and be charged in full. Guests arriving late for an aurora tour will still adhere to the time allotment of the original tour schedule and will not exceed the tour conclusion of midnight.