Why Borealis Basecamp Is the Ultimate Northern Lights Experience

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Introduction: Choosing the Perfect Stay in Fairbanks

If you’re planning a winter trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, chances are you’re chasing one thing: the Northern Lights. And while you can see the aurora from many places around Fairbanks, where you stay can completely transform your experience.

From standard hotels in town to remote wilderness lodges, Fairbanks offers a range of accommodations—but one property consistently stands out for travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience:

Borealis Basecamp

This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an immersive Arctic adventure designed specifically around aurora viewing. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about where to stay in Fairbanks, with a deep dive into why Borealis Basecamp may be the best choice for your trip.

Why Fairbanks Is One of the Best Places to See the Northern Lights

Before we talk about where to stay, it’s important to understand why Fairbanks is so popular.

Fairbanks sits directly under the auroral oval, meaning it experiences some of the most consistent Northern Lights activity in the world. In fact:

The aurora can be visible up to 240 nights per year in interior Alaska
Clear skies are more common than coastal destinations like Iceland
Peak viewing season runs mid-September through April

Because of this, your accommodation plays a huge role—not just in comfort, but in how easily and often you’ll see the lights.

Types of Places to Stay in Fairbanks

Before we zoom in on Borealis Basecamp, here’s a quick breakdown of your main options:

1. Hotels in Town

Budget-friendly
Easy access to restaurants and tours
BUT: light pollution can limit aurora visibility

2. Remote Lodges

Dark skies = better aurora viewing
Often include guided experiences
Less flexibility for dining/transport

3. Aurora-Focused Resorts (Best Overall Experience)

Designed specifically for Northern Lights viewing
Often include wake-up calls, excursions, and panoramic views

This is where Borealis Basecamp shines.

Borealis Basecamp: The Best Place to Stay in Fairbanks for Northern Lights

What Makes Borealis Basecamp So Special?

Located about 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp sits on a quiet ridgeline surrounded by boreal forest—far from city lights and perfectly positioned for aurora viewing .

But what truly sets it apart is this:

You can watch the Northern Lights from your bed.

The Famous Glass Igloos

Borealis Basecamp is known for its clear-roofed igloos, designed specifically for aurora viewing:

16-foot panoramic dome windows overhead
Positioned facing northeast for optimal viewing
No reflection glass—designed for crystal-clear night sky views
Cozy interiors with beds perfectly angled toward the sky

These domes allow you to experience the Northern Lights without standing outside in freezing temperatures—something that’s especially valuable when it’s -20°F or colder.

The Aurora Cubes: A Luxury Upgrade

In addition to igloos, Borealis Basecamp also offers modern cube suites:

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls
King beds facing the aurora
Heated decks and spacious bathrooms
Sleek, Scandinavian-inspired design

These are ideal if you want a more luxury, private experience while still maximizing your chances of seeing the lights.

Aurora Wake-Up Calls (So You Never Miss It)

One of the most underrated features:

Aurora alerts

Each room includes a phone so staff can notify you when the Northern Lights appear. They’ll even guide you outside to the best viewing direction if needed .

This is HUGE—because the aurora often appears late at night (between 11 PM–3 AM).

All-Inclusive Experience

Unlike standard hotels, Borealis Basecamp offers a package-style stay that includes:

Dining at Latitude 65

Complimentary breakfast
Multi-course dinners featuring Alaskan cuisine (king crab, steak, reindeer)
Local ingredients and gourmet preparation

Activities & Excursions

Dog sledding
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing & fat tire biking
Arctic Circle tours
Aurora photography sessions

On-Site Amenities

Sauna
Fire pits
Central yurt lounge
Guided aurora education sessions

This makes it feel more like a luxury Arctic retreat than just a hotel. In addition to all these awesome activities they also provide all the gear needed to stay warm for daily activities. In addition to this gear you should also be prepared for your trip.

Pricing: Is It Worth It?

Borealis Basecamp is definitely a splurge, but here’s what you’re paying for:

Packages start around $1,000–$1,500 per person per day
Typically includes:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transfers
- Some activities

While that may sound expensive, it’s actually comparable—or even cheaper—than similar aurora experiences in places like Iceland when everything is included .

Most guests stay 2–3 nights minimum to increase their chances of seeing the Northern Lights

Pros and Cons of Staying at Borealis Basecamp

Pros

✔ Unmatched aurora viewing from your room
✔ Remote location = darker skies
✔ Unique “bucket list” experience
✔ All-in-one package (lodging + food + activities)
✔ No need to chase the aurora

Cons

✖ Expensive compared to hotels in town
✖ Limited availability (books out months in advance)
✖ Remote location (less flexibility)
✖ Requires package booking (not nightly rates)

Real Traveler Insights (What People Say)

From traveler discussions and reviews:

“You stay in custom igloos… they call and wake you up when lights appear.”

Many travelers highlight:

The comfort of viewing indoors
The once-in-a-lifetime experience
The convenience of having everything handled for you

Some also mention the price as a consideration—but most agree it’s worth it for a special trip.

Tips for Booking Borealis Basecamp

If you’re planning your Fairbanks trip, here’s what you need to know:

Book Early

Peak season (Feb–March) fills up 6–9 months in advance

Stay at Least 3 Nights

Aurora sightings are never guaranteed
More nights = better odds

Use It as a “Highlight Stay”

A smart strategy:

Stay 2–3 nights at Borealis Basecamp
Pair with a cheaper hotel in Fairbanks before/after

Alternative Places to Stay in Fairbanks (Quick Comparison)

If Borealis Basecamp isn’t in your budget, here are alternatives:

Budget Option

Standard hotels in Fairbanks
Pair with aurora tours

Mid-Range Aurora Lodges

Smaller lodges with wake-up calls
Dark-sky locations outside town

Unique Experience

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Includes hot springs + aurora viewing

But none combine luxury + convenience + direct-from-bed aurora viewing quite like Borealis Basecamp.

Is Borealis Basecamp Worth It?

If your goal is:

Seeing the Northern Lights comfortably
Having a bucket-list, Instagram-worthy stay
Experiencing Alaska in a unique way

Yes—it’s absolutely worth it.

This is especially true if:

It’s your first aurora trip
You’re celebrating something special
You don’t want the stress of chasing the lights

Final Thoughts: The Best Place to Stay in Fairbanks

Fairbanks offers plenty of accommodation options—but if you want the ultimate Northern Lights experience, Borealis Basecamp stands in a category of its own.

It’s not just a hotel—it’s:

A front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows
A cozy Arctic escape
A once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget

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March 24, 2026