Alaska Aurora Adventures LLC - North Pole, Alaska

Carolyn B.

Unfortunately, we did not read google reviews on this company before booking. We trusted the conversations we had with Jason (the owner). We had a great vacation only because we made our fun. It was no way due to this company. Firstly, Jase (the owner’s son) was late picking us up from the airport. He did take us to Walmart to get groceries for cooking/eating at our cabin. We had no idea we would need to cook so many of our meals because Jason told us they would take us to Fairbanks anytime we needed or wanted to go. What we should have been told is that they would allow us to “hitch” a ride which was nightly at 10:30 when they would pick up people at hotels to come out and view the aurora lights. Oh and they take them back no later than 3:00 am! We certainly were not needing to walk around Fairbanks between the hours of 10:30 pm and 3:00 am. We were picked up at the airport when we arrived and taken to Walmart and then dropped off at our cabin. The following day was a “free” day for us so we slept in, cooked breakfast and dressed to go out and play in the snow. That evening we were picked up to go to the lodge for a viewing of the northern lights. That’s when we were Chastised for breaking some rules we knew nothing about! We were made aware that we were not allowed to leave the area surrounding our cabin! I’m a rule follower and since I was never told about this rule, I was greatly offended for being Chastised, especially given the arrogance of this business owner. He even brought it back up on 2 occasions to Chastise us more which is when I responded to him to nip this in the bud! You don’t speak down to a southern women! We don’t put up with that BS! We felt like we were stuck in a cabin and never even had the opportunity to go to town (Fairbanks) and walk around, eat at restaurants or shop! Every excursion was 6 hours round trip in a van, only to get a PIC. It was a vacation filled with “riding” in a van and being criticized! All that being said, me and my friends made sure we made the best of the situation and refused to allow this rude business owner to ruin our vacation. I have made sure ALL of my friends that wish to visit this area of Alaska, will book to stay in hotels and book with other companies for various excursions!

Nicole Z.

I want to highlight a couple of points that I think make this company great.
Their website is accurate and cleanly designed. I truly feel like people do need to read from it more. “They don’t chase the aurora, or hunt for it.”
You are indeed inside a cozy cabin waiting for the lights to hopefully appear.
Having a bathroom, snacks, and drinks were great. Considering we didn’t have to bring much for the night.
The van pickup was easy. We were in an Airbnb and they picked us up in the parking lot of Walmart.
I emailed Jason a few times with questions and he answered all of my concerns every time.
They do have puzzles, a couple of northern light movies to watch, and books to look through if you get bored.

The cabin is on their family property, we weren’t sure of the rules so we stayed on the porch when the radar said the lights might be showing. We unfortunately didn’t see anything the night we booked. Our time slot was for 10-3, if things aren’t showing by 2am the tour is stop early.
You could do their deal and book 3 nights with them. However; I didn’t realize how much I liked driving and wanting to look for them, so I’m glad I only booked 1 night.
Overall, good company online but I was wish there was a little more interaction with the guide. Maybe talking about how the lights are visible in Alaska, or giving some pointers as to where people can see the lights best, etc. Biggest advice is read beforehand.

Dr. S. H.

I cannot say enough positive things about Alaska Aurora Adventures. If I had to sum up our week, I would say: Professional, small family business with exceptional care for guests and the community.

The website answers every question you might have, however, most people send emails and call with additional questions. Jason and Heather show much compassion for what they do and the other small businesses around the towns. As a foodie, we went to the best food places I've ever experienced. Fresh Thai, phenomenal Asian, flavorful TexMex, and even a cash only diner. If eating out isn't your thing, the cabins are quite literally fully equipped for a grocery store run.

Speaking of cabins, whatever it is you're expecting, these are better! Clean linens, washer/dryer in cabin, spices, clean dish towels, a drying rack, the fastest hot water I've ever experienced at -10°, a hair dryer, a TV with app access, wifi, movies and board games.

Regrettably, I became sick from my travels and Heather took me to urgent care and stayed with me all day. I felt like a loved distant family member with the care they gave me.

Now for the Aurora: they have a fully stocked lodge to wait for her majesty to appear. Stocked means all the snacks, hot and cold drinks, movies, and games you can handle. They monitor several high grade systems so you're only in the elements when the Aurora is out. The lodge also has a heated restroom. I'm not sure about others, but sitting in a van full of strangers "chasing the aurora" sounds like some sort of hell to me - this on the other hand, was like sitting in a high end ski lodge with my friends.

Book with them, you won't be disappointed. Tell them Sam says "hi" and watch for kitty cuddles and moose!

Alyssa M.

DO NOT book with this company. I hope you're reading these reviews prior to booking because unfortunately we didn't.

PRE-TOUR
We booked the dog sledding/Chena Hot Springs/Ice Museum package. The night before, approximately 12 hours before we would be picked up, we were informed we couldn't so the dog sledding tour without any further explanation. We were then told to meet at a hotel at 1pm instead of the earlier pickup.

PICKUP
We waited outside this hotel (we couldn't enter because we weren't staying there and you needed a key card to enter) in -20°F. At 1:03pm I called the company to see if there was an estimate on pickup time so we could find somewhere warmer to wait until they arrived. When I called and asked for a time estimate, I was first mocked and then spoken to very rudely. A man picked up the phone and I asked if there was an estimated time of arrival. He asked the time of pickup, I told him 1, and his response was "okay and? What time is it now?" When I let him know I realized it was still just after 1pm and we just wanted to know an estimate it seemed like he was so annoyed that he transferred the phone to a female. I repeated my question to her and she was equally as annoyed, told me pickup could actually be any time from 1-1:30, and she had no idea where they were and to just keep waiting. At this point I was already wishing we hadn't booked with the company and started to read the reviews. Seems like others thought the same. I received an email that they'd be there in 8-10min and we were picked up at 1:17.

TRIP
All was fine, but just a heads up - ride is VERY bumpy (at least in the winter).

EVENT
Chena Hot Springs was fine but very crowded and the Ice Museum could have been 10 minutes long instead of the hour. Our guide was really just someone to drive us there and back, therefore definitely book with any other company. We were refunded for the dog sledding.

Makenzie M.

“Enjoy the stunning scenery on a daytime journey to the Arctic Circle. Experience the full expanse and splendor of interior Alaska, including views to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Yukon River, and possibly even the occasional wildlife.”

What should've been said -

A drive down an industrial oilfield haul road for 8 hours to see a sign. This trip is poorly advertised and you are disrespected if you attempt to state your opinion. Jason told our entire van he doesnt understand why people pick this tour….after we just went on it. He then told people they took terrible photos and to stand different than they wanted. He really needs to learn to talk to people. Find a different company!!

Victoria L.

Jason and his family were very hospitable! They went out of their way to get our group to see the aurora and took our portraits. Daytime Arctic view was amazing! Jason was very experienced and knowledgeable guide. We felt totally safe with him on the dangerous icy Dalton highway. Thank you Jason and family!

Dawn P.

Let me start by saying,(1) READ THE REVIEWS, The Negative ones are spot on truth! (2) I told the owner, Jason, I was going to write a bad review and he did not seem to mind.~EDITED REPLY TO OWNERS COMMENT: No double booking. I called the other tour company the morning after experiencing the video night with your company. My receipt showing I calledthe other company The 15th! (The morning of!) No blackmail, only asked for refund and tried to do it smoothly but you didn't want to. I was never hateful, in fact tried to avoid all negativity. No lies, my complete review is honest.!
So here is the truth of our experience. We spent a lot of money to travel to Alaska and hoped to have an amazing time for my birthday. I told Jason multiple times it was my birthday and you only get to be 60 once. I was looking forward to this trip. He repeatedly assured my that he would take care of us and not to worry. He repeated they were the best over the other companies.THEY'RE NOT!!!!
Our experience started with the van picking us up. That was no problem. However, once we reached the cabin..immediately the vibe changed. We were all hollered at firmly to get inside and take our shoes off. The cabin rule is NO shoes inside. So throughout the night you have take off your hiking shoes, put back on to go check the sky, then off again to go inside, then on again to check .... off/on off/on off/on. Not an easy task with hiking boots. After our boots were off, Jason rush through safety and camera talks and then rushed and said everyone outside NOW!!!.... he grabbed his camera and out the door he went, but wait we have to put on our boots! He did not wait. He rushed outside and kept going in the dark a distance to a dark field. Nice once you got there but in the dark we had no idea what to expect.
We did miss some good auroras by the time we got there and the skies were cloudy and only a few glimpses. Jason set up his camera and tried taking a few pictures. The sky was more clouds than anything though. Not his fault on the weather, BUT all of a sudden he was GONE! We were left out in the open dark field alone not a word of where he went or anything. We stood there thinking he was coming back but he did not! We really did not want to go in the cabin again because of the shoe thing. But with my phone flashlight we made our way back to the cabin. Jason was gone! We asked and was told.... He went to bed! (He what?) We were left for the duration of the tour inside the cabin watching videos of the auroras :/ We paid a lot of money for videos!! 🙁 Not a fun birthday as we anticipated.
My fault for not reading the reviews first. This was such a bad experience that I paid a second night but we did NOT want to go back and take a chance at the cabin to just watch videos again. Yes if that one location is a clear view of the auroras great but if all doesn't line up at the one location then expect videos!!! So the second night I called another tour company with over a 4.7 star review and it was worth it! Jason's company sits and hopes to see the lights. The other company, Auroras in Alaska, is better because they drive you to where it is clear sky and activity! We went to 3 great locations to see the lights! and no videos! all auroras!! They really focus on the customer.
So if you want to take off and put on your shoes all night, go sit in a cabin and eat snacks, and have a rude man tell you all about his rules, call Jason
If you want a fun fabulous time chasing and focusing on auroras then call the tour companies that chase and go to the best spots like Auroras in Alaska. It was worth not getting a refund from Jason, who refused, and paying a second company! Keep in mind Jason's refund policy which is 7 days out from booking date. Yet, he recommends you get 3 days with him and to not worry about the weather until one day before. That is a trap of stealing your money! Jason is not a people person. He is rude. Families spend a lot of money to go on vacation to Alaska and he does not seem to care. I highly recommend avoiding this company, it is not worth it!

Jenna S.

The absurdity of yesterday is honestly beyond words. Not only did Jason spend half an hour explaining to our van why we were all idiots for picking the arctic circle portion of the tour (vs. the other tour he also offers), he then went on to say it was our fault for not doing more research on what we signed up for. He was condescending, rude, and overly arrogant . 10/10 would never book with him again as I went on a different tour with a guide who bent over backwards to make our trip the best it could be.