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​FAQ
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Can you see the Northern Lights every night?Not quite. According to a research paper, the Northern Lights make an appearance about 220 days a year (including dates with very faint lights that aren't visible to the naked eye). The visibility of the Northern Lights is influenced by weather conditions and solar activity, so it's not a sure thing every night. Please think it over before joining a tour because we can't offer a refund if you don't catch a glimpse of the lights.
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When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?For Northern Lights enthusiasts: The prime season for witnessing the Northern Lights extends from mid-August to mid-April, with winter offering the most favorable conditions. While March typically boasts clearer skies compared to October/November, in recent years, the difference between autumn and late winter has not been significant. I believe this is partly due to the effects of climate change, which are more pronounced in polar regions than tropical ones. For Aurora photographers: The best time for capturing stunning lake reflections is from September 20th to 27th. If you're looking to incorporate a touch of wet snow covering the landscape, mid-October is my preferred period. It's essential to consider the moon phase and its rise and set timings. When a full moon is present in the sky, the colors and brightness of the aurora tend to diminish, and the sky takes on a bluish hue. Feel free to reach out to us for tips on Northern Lights photography—I'd be happy to share some insights with you.
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Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?I'd like to express that Aurora House is the best spot, but to be honest, there are a few factors to consider. Here are the ideal criteria for Aurora viewing locations: ・An observation deck facing north is optimal in Fairbanks. ・The location should be at a higher elevation, ranging from 1000 ft to   2000 ft. ・It should be situated in a remote, light-free area. ・Proximity to downtown is essential for a day trip with safe road conditions (very important!). Fortunately, our location fulfills all four conditions for optimal Aurora viewing, making it a highly favorable spot.
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Should I bring a camera on the tour?Yes. While a DSLR camera is ideal, you can also capture photos with an iPhone. In the case of a DSLR, the lens has become more critical than the sensor in recent times. A prime lens is optimal, but a range of 10mm to 35mm works well (up to 24mm for APS-size sensors). Even iPhone 8 can take photos, but versions 10 or newer offer cleaner and easier shots. Regardless of the device, having a tripod is immensely useful when taking photos, so don't forget to bring one. If you'd like more details, feel free to email us.
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Got any tips for taking photos during the tour?It's a bit detailed, but here's a quick answer for you. Grab a tripod, think about long exposure, and go for a high ISO. (The exact range depends on your camera body, but usually, 1600-6400 should do the trick.) Opening up the aperture and setting it at 5 - 15 seconds, ISO 1600, are the basic settings for the best Northern Lights photos. But, it all depends on what gear you've got.
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When can I make a reservation for the tour?You can make reservations several months in advance, and we recommend booking early. Here is the direct link to our online booking page on our website. You can also email us at aptours.ak@gmail.com to make a reservation! Afterward, last-minute reservations can be made online until 4:00 PM on the day of the tour. However, if it is after that time, you will need to call directly. If there is availability at that time, reservations can be made.
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What is included in the tour?Our tour comes with a round-trip transfer from your hotel to Aurora House, featuring a spacious observation deck, well-kept photogenic spots, hot beverages, comfy rooms and sofas, and clean bathrooms. You're also welcome to play outside with complimentary snowshoes. If you need warm winter gear, you can rent it at the lodge for $40 (check out more details here, and you can also place an order online).
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Is the tour canceled in case of bad weather?Usually not, but in the case of severe weather, yes. The safety of our participants is our top priority, so we may cancel the tour in adverse weather conditions. Please refrain from making the decision on your own, as we cannot provide a refund if you fail to show up at the pick-up time.
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What should I bring for cold weather during the tour?Just make sure to pack your cold-weather essentials: gloves, a hat, warm footwear (double socks are a good idea!), and optionally, some chemical warmers. Keep in mind that chemical warmers work above 10°F but might not be as effective below freezing. And if you need, we've got you covered with our Rental Winter Wear services! (See more detail with Rental Winter Wear.)
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Can individuals in wheelchairs join the tour?Absolutely. Our Aurora House is wheelchair-accessible, with just a few steps to enter from the parked car. Our van is equipped with a step and has space for a folded wheelchair. It's always a good idea to ask about accessibility options when making your reservation.
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Are meals provided during the tour?Both our Private Space Rental and 5-hour Aurora Tour come with light snacks and hot drinks (black tea, coffee, hot chocolate). For Private Space Rental customers: We have a microwave and a hot water kettle, so feel free to bring your own meal, but please avoid alcoholic drinks as they are prohibited by state law.
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Will I get a refund if I don't see the Northern Lights?While a few tour operators offer refunds in case the Northern Lights aren't visible, we don't provide refunds. So, make sure to check out our cancellation policy and agree to it before booking.
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Is it safe to bring children on the tour?Yes, children are welcome, but it's important to take necessary precautions and have the right gear. Please also review the car seat information here and let us know in advance which child seat you'll need.
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