Winter Travel in Alaska
Many people associate vacations with summer, but winter is an exhilarating season to travel as well. Getting into Alaska’s natural wilderness is an amazing adventure that few get to experience. It’s also a location where snow lovers are in their element. For these folks, the Chicago Tribune and Orlando Sentinel have suggested the Northern Lights Ecotour by Gondwana as a winter travel destination.
Cruise Trip or Land Tour?
The articles also mention cruise trips with destinations around the world, but really, there’s no comparison. Though cruise lines have many amenities and activities available onboard, it can lack in personal touches that makes a trip feel authentic. In comparison, one of our favorite things about travel is getting to know the locals and their lifestyle. Gondwana’s commitment to local businesses and sustainability helps guests have the trip of a lifetime, while learning about different cultures and lessening their environmental impact.
Activities and Culture in Fairbanks
To kick it off, “The trip starts with a night in Fairbanks, Alaska, before moving to a lodge outside of town for five nights.“ Including lodging, most meals and activities, guests will have a broad itinerary available to choose from. The tour gets even more adventurous on the 2nd night, when the trip moves to a remote area to see the northern lights. Getting a taste of city life on the first night gives guests a sense of place, before heading out to the outskirts of town to better see the aurora.
Fairbanks is Alaska’s largest interior city, and is teeming with people, nature and things to do. “During the day, there will be explorations of Fairbanks, the chance to snowshoe or take a ride on a dog sled (weather permitting) and a visit to check out some friendly reindeer. A hot-springs soak is also on the agenda.” With so many options to choose from, the activities and culture in Fairbanks have something for everyone.
Northern Lights in Fairbanks

The Aurora & Alaskan Culture
“If the aurora borealis gets a late start doing its thing, wake-up calls will alert you so you don’t miss the show. When the lights do appear, a local photographer will be on hand to offer tips on how to get the best shots.” The continental climate offers clear skies during the winter months, which means greater visibility for seeing the aurora. The northern lights in Fairbanks are unparallelled because of their location in the auroral oval and proximity to the north pole.
Want to Join the Northern Lights Adventure?
Gondwana hosts trips through March 2017, so there’s plenty of winter travel dates to choose from.