Borealis Basecamp
Hotel · Fairbanks North Star Borough
2640 Himalaya Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
Highlights
Modern igloos with skylights for aurora viewing, plus tours
Modern igloos with skylights for aurora viewing, plus tours
"Tucked into a boreal forest well north of Fairbanks and far from light pollution, this off-grid-feeling lodge is built for northern-lights viewing with a collection of 28 geodesic igloos whose ceilings incorporate repurposed 16-foot helicopter windows so guests can watch auroras from bed. The upscale accommodations combine Arctic-inspired scientific design with comforts, and newer modern cube cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows make sky scanning even easier, while the remote location and curated amenities cater specifically to aurora chasers seeking both immersion and comfort." - Bailey Berg
"Set on 100 acres of boreal forest outside Fairbanks, these fiberglass-domed igloos are modeled on polar-expedition shelters and are winter-ready, with comfortable beds and full bathrooms in each unit. Roof windows stretching about 16 feet allow two to three guests to watch the aurora borealis from bed while the camp sits beneath the auroral oval for prime viewing. A large on-site yurt serves as home base and restaurant, and guests can book mushing and snowmobiling tours; a Family Suite Cube for larger groups (opening August 2024) adds a glass wall oriented northeast for optimal northern-light viewing." - Lyndsey Matthews, Maya Kroth
"Tucked into a boreal forest north of Fairbanks, this off-grid-feeling lodge is purpose-built for northern lights viewing with 28 geodesic igloos whose ceilings incorporate repurposed 16-foot helicopter windows so guests can watch auroras from bed. Recent additions include modern cube cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows for effortless sky scanning, and the overall vibe balances rugged Arctic inspiration with upscale creature comforts, plus seasonal menus that favor heartier root vegetables in cold months. Dark-sky seclusion, cozy communal spaces, and easy access to aurora-chasing experiences make it a coveted winter destination for stargazers and photographers." - Nicholas DeRenzo
"Surrounded by 100 acres of boreal forest in the Alaskan wilderness, these fiberglass igloos are modeled after those used on polar expeditions and at polar research stations—so they can certainly handle an Alaskan winter. Each of the 15 igloos has comfortable beds, a full bathroom, and a 16-foot-wide window on its roof, enabling guests to watch for the aurora borealis at night. It’s a perfect place to do so, because the camp is located under the auroral oval, the atmospheric region where the aurora borealis is brightest. A large on-site yurt serves as a home base and restaurant, and guests can also book mushing and snowmobiling tours." - Maggie Fuller
"Hidden on a private 100-acre boreal forest about a 45-minute drive north of Fairbanks, AK, this upscale lodge-style retreat is built for aurora hunters and outdoor adventurers year-round. Twenty-eight geodesic fiberglass igloos—each with a king bed, a small kitchen, a bathroom with a dry-flush toilet, and a 16-foot-wide ceiling window made from repurposed helicopter glass—offer dramatic in-bed views of chartreuse- and magenta-hued northern lights and are popular with couples and honeymooners. Modern cube cabins added in 2022 provide floor-to-ceiling north-facing windows, a lofted sleeping area suited for small families, and more thermal efficiency, while forthcoming double cubes will include extra sleeping space, a two-person indoor sauna, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. The on-site restaurant, Latitude 65, operates from an oversize yurt and emphasizes locally sourced seafood and meats plus foraged summer ingredients—expect dishes like halibut cassoulet and pan-seared sockeye salmon—alongside a robust local beer selection, notable wines, nightly bonfires with s’mores, and lounge hors d’oeuvres. Staff are described as casual and knowledgeable, and popular excursions include dog-mushing mornings with puppy meet-and-greets and half-hour rides, reindeer hikes, snowshoeing/trekking, and snowmachine/ATV ridge trips for sunset s’mores and champagne. Accessibility is mixed—cubes have level access while igloos require roughly six steps and dirt paths plus winter snow can challenge wheelchair users—but the property balances off-the-grid wilderness with creature comforts and a very high chance of seeing the aurora thanks to minimal nearby light pollution." - Bailey Berg
