One of the best north-facing views in town
Fairbanks sits under the aurora oval, and on most nights the lights begin in the north: a pale arc low on the horizon that brightens, then climbs and spreads overhead. So the best place to watch from is anywhere with a wide, open view north.
That's where Pike's shines. The lodge sits right on the south bank of the Chena River, so the view north is across open water, with no buildings or tall trees in the way. In our opinion it's one of the best north-facing views in Fairbanks, and you can enjoy it from the Aurora Riverfront Deck by the gas fire pit, or straight from the riverbank.
Early in the season, in late August and September, the river is still open, and a strong aurora can reflect in the water. Later in winter, look for the LOVE ALASKA sign out on the frozen river: it makes a great foreground for a photo under the lights.
Watch the sky without bundling up
Pike's built a 20 by 20 foot glass room with three glass walls and a sloped glass ceiling, pointed north toward the Chena. It's completely heated, completely panoramic, and free for guests. On a cold night, it's the most comfortable seat in Fairbanks for watching the aurora build.
Learn what you're looking at
The Aurora Discovery Institute is Pike's own aurora learning space. A 7-foot spinning globe shows the aurora and the world's city lights from space, and eight iPad stations explain the aurora, the planets and the solar system.
Stop in before your first night out. Ten minutes with the globe and you'll know why the aurora circles the pole, why Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see it, and what the colors mean.
Sleep in, and let the front desk watch
Ask the front desk to add your room to the northern lights wake-up call. If the aurora comes out during the night, they'll ring you, so you don't have to sit up waiting.
Plenty to do while you wait
The aurora keeps its own schedule. Pike's makes the waiting part of the fun:
- Jay Bird's Sledding HillFree sleds. Yes, adults too.
- Light-up winter bocceGlowing balls on the snow after dark.
- Fire pit on the riverfront deckThe classic way to wait for the lights.
- Evening ice cream social6–9 PM, an Alaska-winter tradition.
- Free breakfast buffet6–10 AM, for the morning after a late night.
- Pike's Landing, next doorFairbanks' favorite riverfront dining.
Pike's also runs a free airport and train shuttle, and its 180 rooms and 28 log cabins are minutes from Fairbanks International Airport.
A perfect aurora night at Pike's
- Dinner at Pike's LandingEat early and warm; aurora nights run late.
- Ice cream social and the Aurora Discovery InstituteLearn what to look for before it gets dark.
- Tour night: SkyChase pickup at the lodgeOr, on your other nights, settle in by the fire pit or in the Conservatory.
- Wake-up call onHead to bed. If the lights come out, the front desk rings.
When it's worth chasing
Pike's is wonderful on a strong, clear night. But it's in town, near the airport, so two things can get in the way: cloud over Fairbanks, and city light washing out a fainter aurora. That's what a guided night is for.
On SkyChase, our guides watch the clouds and the solar wind all evening and drive to the clearest, darkest sky that night. There's a fire, hot drinks, the Mobile Lodge on nights it travels, and unlimited portraits of you under the aurora, included.
- Pickup right at Pike'sUsually 9–10 PM (10–11 PM early and late in the season).
- A short first ridePike's is minutes from our base, often one of the first pickups.
- We text youWhen your guide is on the way. We wait about 15 minutes.
- 3 PM weather callWe make the call on tour day, with the Aurora Guarantee behind it.
“Please do this tour trust me!!”
“The guides at aurora in Alaska are the absolute best you can find In Alaska … if you are having doubts about visiting Alaska stop and just do go there stay at pikes and do this tour you will not regret it I promise you they take awesome pictures … They also have a fire and hot drinks and sausages and pop corn there!”
Staying at Pike's? Book your SkyChase night.
Questions first? Call or text a real person at (907) 931-4000.
Northern lights at Pike's, answered
Can you see the northern lights from Pike's Waterfront Lodge?
Yes, on clear nights with good activity. Pike's sits on the Chena River with an open view to the north across the water, which is where the aurora usually shows first. The riverfront deck, the fire pit and the heated Aurora Conservatory all face that way.
What is the Aurora Conservatory at Pike's?
A heated 20 by 20 foot glass room with three glass walls and a sloped glass ceiling, facing north over the Chena River. It's free for Pike's guests, so you can watch the sky without bundling up. Ask the front desk for its hours.
Does Pike's have a northern lights wake-up call?
Yes. Ask the front desk to add your room, and they'll call if the aurora comes out during the night.
Do you pick up at Pike's Waterfront Lodge?
Yes. Pike's is a few minutes from our base, so it's often one of the first pickups of the night. Pickup is usually 9–10 PM (10–11 PM early and late in the season), and we text you when your guide is on the way.
Why book a tour if Pike's has great viewing?
Pike's is perfect on strong, clear nights. A tour helps on the others: when cloud sits over town, or when the aurora is faint against city light. Our guides drive to the clearest, darkest sky that night, with a fire, hot drinks and portraits under the aurora. Doing both gives you the most chances.
What if the aurora doesn't show on my tour?
No one can promise the aurora. With the Aurora Guarantee, no Northern Lights on a Guaranteed Night means a 50% refund or a new night, so booking early in your stay leaves room for that new night.
Photos of Pike's courtesy of Pike's Waterfront Lodge. Amenities, hours and seasons can change, so check with the front desk. Aurora In Alaska is a locally owned tour company in Fairbanks. Dress for the cold with our what-to-wear guide, and check tonight's odds on ANN, our free live aurora forecast.
SkyChase™Guided aurora tours from Fairbanks
Northern Lights in FairbanksA visitor's guide to seeing the aurora
Private SkyChase™Your own luxury Sprinter and photographer
Best time to goMonth by month, hour by hour
Aurora GuaranteeWhat happens if the sky doesn't cooperate
Your photosPortraits under the aurora, included
Camera settingsPhone vs. camera, and settings that work
QuestionsStraight answers before you book