1st Alaska Outdoor School - Fairbanks, Alaska

Prateeksha S.

We got to interact with multiple 1st Alaska guides over our 3-day first trip to Fairbanks, and every one of them was special.

We had a wonderful first night with Cedar waiting for the lights over a fire by the yurt, where she told us about having guided people to bears, glaciers and the wilderness. Wendy was our very knowledgeable Fairbanks highlights guide, and shared stories of the all the places we visited with the context her experience as a teacher in a remote Eskimo village as well as her life in Fairbanks. Elijah, our Chena Aurora viewing guide, was super entertaining throughout the trip and made sure we got all the pictures we wanted at the ice museum and the lights, and also chased the lights even on our journey back when we had already seen them, to get us some amazing pictures.

It was a memorable experience, and we couldn’t recommend them more.

Thank you team 1st Alaska.

Gary T.

Very easy to communicate with, great tours excellent guides. We did a Dog Sled tour with Elijah, and an Aurora tour with Paul. We've been with a few tour companies in Alaska and these two guides made these tours the best two activities in the Fairbanks/Chena hot springs area that we tried

Manuel D.

Our final night in Fairbanks, Alaska, was nothing short of magical, thanks to 1st Alaska Tours and their “Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights” experience. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel, it was evident that we were in for a special evening.

Our guide, Ash Naderhoff, greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, making us feel instantly at home. His passion for Alaska and the auroras was palpable as he shared detailed insights into the Northern Lights phenomenon, interspersed with captivating local anecdotes and historical tidbits. Ash’s storytelling prowess kept us engaged and entertained, turning the journey into an educational delight.

Upon arriving at the secluded yurt, we were welcomed by Joss, our chef for the evening. Nestled away from city lights, the yurt provided the perfect setting for our adventure. Joss treated us to a home-cooked meal that exceeded all expectations. Each dish was meticulously prepared, reflecting her deep passion for culinary arts. From appetizers to dessert, every bite was a testament to her skill, with presentations that rivaled those of high-end restaurants.

As we dined, Ash and Joss fostered a sense of camaraderie, sharing stories and answering our myriad questions. The combination of delectable food, engaging conversation, and the anticipation of witnessing the auroras created an atmosphere that was both cozy and exhilarating.

Nature graced us that night with a breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. Through the expansive north-facing windows of the yurt, we watched in awe as the sky danced with vibrant colors. Ash offered invaluable tips on capturing the perfect aurora photographs, ensuring we could immortalize the spectacle.

Reflecting on the experience, it’s clear that Ash and Joss are the heart and soul of 1st Alaska Tours. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and genuine care transformed a simple tour into an unforgettable memory. For anyone considering an Alaskan adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend 1st Alaska Tours, especially the dynamic duo of Ash and Joss. They don’t just offer a service; they craft experiences that linger long after the journey ends.

Thank you, Ash and Joss, for making our final night in Alaska an experience we’ll cherish forever.

Yuan-Jung C.

We have a very great experience in the arctic circle tour on 2nd November. I’m really sorry for forgetting our tour guide’s name. He is a really professional and fun guide. Although there is a road condition, we didn’t arrive the arctic circle finally. Our tour still take us to find aurora lights! And We still get the full refund! Recommended!

Arvindh S. S.

We had read beforehand that Aurora was a very hit or miss experience as it ultimately comes down to Mother Nature. However, when a visitor is making a trip with nervousness that they may not see what they came for, it is the experience that counts. Even if you do see the lights, experience provided by a professional tour operator just takes it to a different level.

Right from the booking and making the reservation, we had a very nice experience. The lady was very informative, and suggested days when Aurora could be highly probable. The hotel pickup was sharp on time, if not a few minutes early. Our guide Ryan was incredibly knowledgeable about Alaska in general and was just incredible to listen to so many informational tidbits that are quintessential to the Alaskan culture and way of life that always leaves you longing for more..

The dog sled ride was also beyond incredible. We were initially nervous about making this sled ride at night, but our dog mushers were so friendly and informative that we were at ease from the get go, and had such an unforgettable experience. At the end of the ride, when our fingers and toes needed some warmth, we were welcomed with warm drinks and delicious dinner. We were skeptical of the vegetarian dinner options initially, but the hot food prepared by the host were really yummy and absolutely delicious.

Aurora for us showed up only at the end of our tour, towards 1:30 am and it was absolutely mesmerizing.

Would recommend 1st Alaska Tours for an unforgettable experience !

Kylie M.

We did two tours with first Alaska and they were both amazing! We did the arctic circle tour and the dog sledding tour. We were a little nervous about the arctic circle because of all the driving, but Wendy was great! We felt so comfortable in the car and throughout the night. Wendy shared so many great stories with us, and she made the whole experience incredible.

Steven D.

We met Paul when we spending enjoy our time in Chena hotspring. Paul is a passionate guy and a party maker. He would love to share their life in Alaska and help us. The akutaq he made was delicious and thanks to the ingredients not that horrible as I heard. At last, we could achieve observing aurora that night, a great experience I will remember in the rest of my life.

Adam K.

My wife and I did the Arctic Circle Aurora Viewing with Elijah and dog mushing with Paul. Both were amazing tour guides full of useful information ranging from historical facts to restaurant recommendations as well as they both brought cool items for us to see. Elijah kept the conversation going for the long trip to the arctic circle and Paul was absolutely hilarious. I would recommend this company to anyone. My only complaint would be the vehicles got uncomfortable after a while. Not noticeable on quick ride to the dog mushing but over 12 hours in that bus to the arctic circle and back was pretty rough.