The Ultimate Alaska Aurora Adventure
I came to Alaska chasing light – specifically, the green kind that dances across the night sky in ethereal waves. I’ve come up empty looking for the aurora in my travels before, but was hopeful this trip would be the one to help me check off my bucket list. I recall the first time I saw Borealis Basecamp on a friend’s Instagram – the clear-domed igloos in the snow just outside Fairbanks, far from city lights, and I imagined myself tucked into bed with a front-row seat to the aurora. I knew THIS is where I wanted to go next to try my luck with the Northern Lights.
What Is Borealis Basecamp?
Borealis Basecamp opened in 2017 with just six domes, designed for travelers who want to experience the Arctic – which is beautiful, indeed, but also super harsh – without roughing it. Now there are a few dozen domes and cubes on the 100-acre property, each designed for maximum northern lights viewing, minimal light pollution and cozy warmth. There’s a main lodge with an upscale restaurant, pub-style lounge and cozy fire where guests gather to swap stories from the day’s adventures, plus an activity center equipped for fall and winter activities like dogsledding, ATV tours and reindeer meet-and-greets.
RELATED: Alaska Bucket List: Bear-Viewing in Lake Clark National Park
Where Is Borealis Basecamp Located?
Borealis Basecamp sits about 45 minutes north of Fairbanks, Alaska, in a remote boreal forest perfect for maximum aurora viewing and minimal light pollution. Fairbanks and the surrounding areas are some of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The region sits directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped zone over the Arctic where aurora activity is strongest, giving visitors a high chance of clear displays.
Winter nights are long and dark, skies are often crisp and dry and there is minimal light pollution outside the city, which makes the colors pop even more. Add to that easy access to wilderness lodges, hot springs and cozy accommodations, and it’s clear why Fairbanks is the No. 1 spot for aurora chasing that doesn’t require a passport for Americans.
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When to Visit Borealis Basecamp
We booked our trip for mid-September to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday, and that turned out to be an absolutely incredible time to experience Alaska. It’s when the traditional summer tourist season is winding down and in its place, the aurora season is ramping up. So there wasn’t any snow for our visit – and as a Floridian, I’m telling you that was the right choice for me to ease into Arctic life.
Aurora season in Alaska runs roughly from late August through April, when the nights are long enough for the northern lights to appear. The peak months are usually September through March, with the most intense displays often occurring in the coldest, clearest months. While longer nights increase your chances of seeing the aurora, weather and solar activity are unpredictable, so sightings are never guaranteed.
How to Get to Borealis Basecamp
Fairbanks International Airport is the closest hub, with regular flights from Anchorage and Seattle. Once you land, Borealis Basecamp is 25 miles from the airport, which seems easy enough but winter roads can add a touch of icy adventure. We took the pre-arranged shuttle as we arrived late at night and didn’t want to navigate unfamiliar, moose-laden roads in the dark. But you could rent a car and drive if you’re comfortable. We had no intention of venturing off-property during our stay, so a rental car was not needed.
What to Pack for Borealis Basecamp
I never know how to pack for northern climates, but you can’t go wrong with layers. Whether you’re visiting Alaska in August/September or the dead of winter, if you’re planning to spend any time outside, you’re going to want to be able to customize as you go.
Here’s what worked well for me (and keep in mind Borealis Basecamp does have additional gear to keep even warmer on excursions):
Clothing
- Warm jacket or insulated coat
- Thermal base layers or long underwear
- Sweaters or fleece layers for warmth indoors or layering outdoors
- Gloves and hat to protect against the cold
- Scarf or neck gaiter for added warmth (Borealis Basecamp provided branded neck gaiters and we used them every day of our trip!)
- Insulated wool socks and sturdy shoes or boots suitable for uneven or frosty ground
Accessories
- Camera and tripod (tripod or something sturdy is a must for aurora photographs)
- Headlamp or small flashlight for navigating the property at night (our shuttle driver loaned us a mini-flashlight for our stay)
- Hand warmers for extra comfort while outside (brought a big pack of these and used them often!)
- Sunglasses for bright days, especially if snow is present later in the season
Other Tips
- Pack clothes that are easy to layer and remove, since temperatures can vary throughout the day
- Bring a small daypack if you plan on hiking or exploring trails nearby
- Don’t forget chargers for your camera and phone, especially if you’re taking lots of photos
Even without snow, the evenings can get chilly, and having the right layers makes the experience much more comfortable.
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Accommodation Options at Borealis Basecamp
Depending on your needs and how many in your party, you can choose from the glass-topped domes or cubes with floor-to-ceiling glass – all pointed north toward the Arctic Circle. Each space has large windows or full glass walls so you can watch the sky from the comfort of your bed. The interiors are modern and functional with everything you need: a comfortable bed, wet bar with coffee and cocoa supplies, a small bathroom and a great heater.
The igloos at Borealis Basecamp aren’t made of ice; they’re actually concrete/foam with big glass ceilings so you can watch the stars or the northern lights from bed. Each has a king or two twin beds, a mini fridge, a kettle with morning drinks and a full bathroom. The cube rooms are similar, with a few different bed layouts including a bunk that can accommodate 3 people. If you have more than that in your party, check in with staff for options.
The common areas are made of large yurts; the reception area/lounge, the restaurant/pub and the activity center/cafe. It’s spread out but comfortably walkable and very easy to navigate the property.
The Domes: Sleeping Under the Northern Lights
We stayed in a dome on this visit, so this review will focus on that specifically. Our king-sized bed was super cozy and plenty warm, the bathroom had everything we needed and the heater kept us nice and toasty. The highlight of the whole room is the clear roof that lets you watch the stars from bed. On crisp nights when the magic is happening, you can see the northern lights right through the glass from the comfort of your bed.
Food at Borealis Basecamp
If you have a car, you might be tempted to leave the property to grab a quick bite – but there aren’t many quick bites around, so keep that in mind when planning. We didn’t leave Borealis Basecamp for the duration of our 3 night stay, so we tested out all the dining options onsite.
Latitude 65 is the main on-site restaurant and the heart of Borealis Basecamp. Guests gather here for included buffet breakfast, plus lunch and dinner a la carte. The menu changes seasonally based on what ingredients are available. We had heard from several past visitors that Latitude 65 has the reputation not only for the best food in Fairbanks, but possibly in all of Alaska. And you know what? It was so, so good. Not what you’d necessarily expect from a place with “basecamp” in the name – this is not a can of beans over a campfire. It’s actual gourmet, locally sourced, very thoughtful cuisine. We tried as much as we could during our stay – juicy elk medallions, house-made pasta, crispy pork belly and lots of iterations of salmon. Plus hearty soups and sandwiches at Basecamp Cafe to warm up at lunch after wandering around the property with reindeer in tow. Eating at Latitude 65 was definitely one of my favorite things to do at Borealis Basecamp!
Activities and Tours at Borealis Basecamp
I mentioned we didn’t leave the property for our whole three nights at Borealis Basecamp, and that was a strategic choice. While there’s plenty to do elsewhere in Fairbanks, we really wanted to be immersed in everything Borealis Basecamp had to offer, from food to activities. Many of the activities depend on whether there’s snow or not, and our September activities reflect the snowless selection. All tours meet at the activity center, which sits a short wander from the main lodging area, and has gear from gloves to coats to help insulate you from the chill. Even in September, I was grateful for extra layers!
- Reindeer Walking Experience – There’s SO MUCH I didn’t know about reindeer! And I’m not going to tell you, because you’ll want to be surprised. You get to walk through the forest with a real reindeer on a leash – it took me back to my dog show days, that’s for sure. Ideal spot to snag a photo for your annual Christmas card.
- UTV tour – We did the 3-hour UTV tour of the backcountry and got good and muddy doing it. You get to cruise alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, have a hot cocoa stop and see parts of Alaska no one else gets to. Beautiful in September with the yellow birch leaves, but note once the snow falls, this switches over to a snowmobile tour.
- Sunset Snowcoach Tour – On our last night, we hopped in a tricked out Toyota Tundra for a ride to the top of a neighboring ridge. You get great views of the whole property with all its domes and cubes across the way, Champagne and a gorgeous sunset.
- 1-Hour Sauna – A great idea to warm up after a day of dogsledding or a late night of aurora watching.
When there’s snow on the ground, you can take a dogsled ride through the forest or hop on a snowmachine for a speedy adventure. There are also daylong tours to the Arctic Circle and scenic helicopter rides. They recommend booking in advance so when you arrive, you know exactly what your schedule will be.
Read more about Borealis Basecamp tours and activities
TIP: Don’t over-schedule your days with tours, and book later in the day so if you are up all night marveling at the Northern Lights, you can sleep in and not have to get up super early for a UTV tour. (Speaking from experience, friends!)
How Much Does Borealis Basecamp Cost?
Being so for real, Borealis Basecamp is definitely a splurge – but, I personally think it’s a worthwhile one. We had the most wonderful time, and we didn’t even see the Northern Lights while we were there! So I hope that gives you an idea of just how much we enjoyed ourselves. Rates vary depending on the season and you can purchase package deals that include various activities. The price includes breakfast, use of the facilities and the bragging rights of sleeping in a glass igloo in Alaska of course. Some packages also include round-trip transportation from Fairbanks and select excursions. It’s not a budget trip, but it’s one that many travelers consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Borealis Basecamp Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The setting is spectacular, the domes are warm and comfortable, and the staff goes out of their way to make your stay special. The quiet and isolation make it easy to disconnect and focus on the beauty of Alaska.
- The food is delicious
- Super friendly staff
- Lots to do — or not do
Cons:
- Because aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, there’s never a guarantee you’ll see the lights.
- Wi-Fi can be a little spotty.
- There’s not a full-service spa. Now listen, if there was, they would have had to force me to leave. So maybe it’s better this way.
Even with the risk of missing the lights (which did in fact happen to us), Borealis Basecamp delivers exactly what it promises – an immersive, peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
Best Time to Visit Borealis Basecamp
Borealis Basecamp is only open during Aurora Season from August through April. December to February are the coldest months but often bring clearer skies. March offers slightly warmer days and plenty of aurora activity. And as I’ve said, September was positively glorious weather and mild temps. The best advice I can give? Book early as availability is limited and the domes fill fast.
Is Borealis Basecamp Worth It? My Honest Opinion
I’ll be honest: it was easy to write this Borealis Basecamp review because I loved every moment of our 3-night, 4-day stay. It really is a bucket-list experience. It’s expensive indeed, but it’s such a unique location with lots to do aside from aurora chasing. Even without the aurora, I’d call it worth it for the scenery, the comfort, the food and the story you’ll tell later. If the northern lights do appear, that’s just the cherry on top.
WANT MORE? Read this: The Aurora That (Almost) Got Away
Alternatives to Borealis Basecamp
If Borealis Basecamp is out of budget or booked up, there are other great options near Fairbanks, although not much high end luxury if that’s what you’re going for. Fairbanks is small, even if it’s technically the second largest city in Alaska so don’t expect big-city hotels or fancy service. Instead, focus on your itinerary – if you’re spending lots of time in town, definitely look at the hotels in the city. And if you have the flexibility, it’s wonderful to get out further afield into some of the more experiential properties.
Prices vary wildly depending on when you visit. Summer is peak season and you’ll quickly find even Alaska’s 2-star properties can be expensive. Timing your trip can make a big difference in what you pay and the kind of experience you have, so plan accordingly.
Explore pricing and availability for Fairbanks Hotels
Borealis Basecamp Review: All the Stars
Is Borealis Basecamp the coolest place to stay in Alaska? When I decided to visit Borealis Basecamp just outside Fairbanks, I was chasing one thing: the northern lights – and even though that didn’t happen until a few nights later, I have no regrets about starting our Alaska road trip in our cozy dome, with resident reindeer, friendly staff and an incredible chef whipping up culinary delights. Not seeing the lights didn’t actually make the trip any less magical. If anything, it just made me want to come back again to experience the property in the snowier months.
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While September was snowless, I can’t get the ribbons of yellow birch weaving between the evergreens out of my mind. It was an incredible introduction to Alaska, and set the tone for the rest of our adventure in such a special way.
Thinking about booking a stay at Borealis Basecamp? Drop me a line! Happy to answer your questions and suggest activities.