Chandalar Ranch - Private Resort - Fairbanks, Alaska

Yan

We booked the northern lights tour from Fairbanks city, about 10.30pm pick up and left at 2am.

Weather wasn't good and we didn't manage to see any aurora. However, George's place, family and dogs were friendly and cosy. George was also kind enough to share a lot about his heritage and the local way of life. Coming from Singapore, glad that we managed to interact and learn from a local.

P.S. George, we did manage to catch the aurora the next day and it was awesome!

Yusuke S.

I really appreciate their thoughtful hospitality. We had a great, unforgettably impressive time in Chandaler Ranch.
We could see a beautiful Aurora from the yard. Owner waked us when it appeared. My kids got along with their kids and really enjoyed the stay. Room is clean and comfortable. Common use spaces, which are kitchen, shower and restroom are also great. They allowed us to play with their super cute, friendly dogs. They took us to ice fishing. We caught a lot of trouts and Owner cooked them for us. It was quite delicious we'd never had before.
I definitely recommend to stay in Chandalar Ranch.

Ellen B.

Aurora viewing at the Chandalar Ranch we got some great sightings of the northern lights. George & Joy were very knowledgeable picked us up and took us back to the hotel safely. Snacks and drinks were provided. We had a great night. I recommend.

Lorraine T.

At the outset, I would like to mention that I have had the pleasure of numerous aurora sightings over the years with Chandalar Ranch, which is located on private property approximately 20 miles from Fairbanks. The fact that I keep returning to this ranch and location for my aurora chasing activities should underscore how much I really enjoy the dark night setting there, the inviting lodge with its huge north facing windows as well as upper and lower level viewing areas and, finally, the wonderful owners and hosts, George and Joy, ||||The hosts do their utmost to ensure a comfortable, informative and exciting time for their guests. During periods when the auroras are quiet or the weather is not conducive for outdoors viewing, George sets up an informative video movie usually related to the auroras or arctic landscape to help pass the time. Coffee, tea and light snacks are provided but I would think that tips would be appropriate. George is also very knowledgeable about local wildlife and landscape, customs and native cultures and is quite the aurora photographer! ||||I have been on other aurora tours in the past but I continue to believe that the aurora tours offered by Chandalar Ranch are not only top notch but that they are also more reasonable than many other operators. The price includes pick-up and drop off at area Fairbanks hotels, although I understand that one can also self-drive themselves to the lodge for a reduced rate with a confirmed advance reservation. ||||Sometimes, other guests need to be reigned in, however, especially when it comes to using cell phone flashes and bright lights as others are trying to adjust their eyes to the darkness in order to see the faint colors of the auroras. I’m not sure how one can successfully overcome this annoyance, however, since some individuals just don’t understand proper aurora etiquette and photography. I know George tries his best to remind such photographers of proper protocol. ||||I look forward to my next aurora bookings with Chandalar Ranch and remain grateful to George and Joy for being such helpful and caring hosts!

Alex H.

I visited Chandalar ranch twice, once in Nov 2021, another earlier one in March 2014. Though the way it manages are different, I'll give best 5 stars for both!

Coming to Fairbanks, you want not just the normal hotel and restaurant which are usually not up to level of the place you come from, but more of native culture and environment. Ranch owner George and his family can definitely gives you that. We did ice fishing, dog sledging, reindeer walk, and hot spring there, as well as enjoying local food with the family during Thanksgiving. We couldn't imagine how our trip would be without living with them.

And we saw Auroras during both visits. Ranch itself is an Aurora viewpoint, ppl from other places drive here to see. If you want to see Aurora and want to find a good place for it, why not live there.

Li C.

We booked two nights but we extended one more night for the Aurora. The Ranch is up on the hill excellent for Aurora viewing. The Ranch is very comfortable inside although outside was covered with snow everywhere on February 2019. We appreciated very much that Keith and his wife picked us up at the airport when we arrived late night. And Keith is very experienced and knowledgeable of Alaska. Thank You Keith!
George is funny, Maggie is nice!
Thank you for letting us to stay at your ranch!
This is the one to stay if you want to go for Aurora!

Ronald B.

Maggie who handles the tour arrangements was very flexible and made the itinerary almost exactly as I wanted. I had so many questions for her and she was very nice and patient in answering all of them. Chandalar Ranch is located 30 minutes outside of Fairbanks. The aurora viewing area is facing due north with the clearest skies that you will ever see. ||On the high activity night, the view of the aurora left me absolutely speechless. My camera would not pick up the aurora for photos however George the owner of Chandalar took pictures on his more sophisticated camera and sent 10 photos to me by email. Thanks to him, not only can I think of my memories but I can actually see the aurora with me standing in front whenever I want.||I tried all of the activities offered by Chandalar Ranch. Under George’s instructions, I caught several fish during the ice fishing tour. You are given the option of ice fishing in an enclosed shed or if you can handle the temperatures, you can fish outdoors. We were all involved in the entire process from drilling the holes in the ice to enjoying a delicious fish dinner at the ranch. ||Boy was snowmobiling or as Alaskans call it snow machining fun. Since it was my first time, George gave me step by step instructions. By the time that I was finished, I picked up a lot of speed. I felt so comfortable that I was ready to hop on again. || I was travelling alone and everyone at the ranch made me feel comfortable at all times. I highly recommend Chandalar Ranch.|

Kate M.

I stayed in one of the bunk rooms in the lodge with a friend for four nights recently and we had a good time overall. My main complaint is that their website needs some major updating because it's a bit deceptive. There aren't any horses there anymore, the little log cabin that appears to be off on its own is actually in a rather busy parking lot, and the back decks weren't even built yet in the photos of the lodge.

I also think Maggie, the host, could have been a little friendlier and more helpful -- especially when it came to locating Chena Hot Springs Road from the Parks Hwy and finding the lodge. I also had asked her via email about stopping at a grocery store on the way out there and she did not provide enough useful information. I had to call a friend who lives in the area because I got a bit turned around. Maggie also did not provide enough info about finding the lodge in the dark. Many road signs were covered with snow and I had no idea what mile marker the lodge was. I had to pull over and call her.

The owner of the resort, Keith Koontz, and his son George, as well as Linda the housekeeper, were the most helpful and friendly. George always gave us a heads up when the aurora was out and even knocked on our room door to let us know it was out strong to ensure we didn't miss it. His sense of humor was a pleasure!

Maggie did redeem herself a bit on our last night by treating my friend to a large cupcake with a candle and singing Happy Birthday with her family.

I would recommend the place for anyone wanting to see the aurora because we did catch a couple of good shows two out of the four nights. The common kitchen was well stocked with cooking utensils, the bunks were comfy, and the bathroom was clean. I hope Maggie will do a little soul-searching, however, and be a better hostess.