World Wide Esteem

Guests travel from all over the world to Bettles, to see the Northern Lights. Bettles is located in one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in all of Alaska. Bettles officially has the most clear weather days in the entire state, which means more cloud free nights of opportunity to see the majestic Lights dance in the sky. Bettles is located directly under the Auroral Band, the highest aurora activity in the Northern hemisphere. For the best viewing of the Northern Lights come to the sunniest spot in Alaska! Little to no light pollution makes for great photography opportunities and optimal viewing.

Many photographers visit the Aurora Viewing cabin each winter.  The rustic Aurora viewing cabin is 2 miles from the lodge on a mile long lake. The Lodge staff can arrange a drop off and pick up time at the cabin or if you like to ski or snowshoe one way and we will pick you up or drop you off. Enjoy hot chocolate, tea, or coffee in our warming cabin. There is absolutely no light pollution at the cabin and the lake offers a great 360 degree view of the night sky. See how the rest of Alaska use to be and only a small part still continue to live.  Find some peace away from cell phone service as you imagine life 100 years ago.

Tips for Viewing the Aurora

Patience is the best tip for seeing the Aurora, although we have an aurora forecast the Aurora is not easily predicted. It is possible to see the Aurora whenever the sky is clear and the sun has gone. Although you can view the aurora from inside the cabin, it is best viewed from outside to experience the entire night sky. We have been told by photographers that it is the best place worldwide they have found for Aurora photography. At the Lodge, you can keep warm and comfortable in your own private Jacuzzi or relax in our large wood fired sauna. Please ask about our Aurora Photography workshops scheduled throughout the year.

When to Come

The northern lights can be seen from late August through mid-April.   All of the winter activities have begun the 1st of December thru the beginning of April.  We are open year round and do receive great Northern Lights in October & November as well, although not having enough snow on the ground prevents some of the activities form being available. Please keep in mind weather is the primary factor in viewing the Aurora. If it is overcast the aurora cannot be seen.  The best viewing weather is either in the month of September OR in the winter from December until the end of March.

Round-Trip Airfare

A scenic 1 hour flight over the Yukon River from Fairbanks to Bettles with our experienced and knowledgeable Alaskan pilots.  See how rural Alaskans live – using the airplane for their main mode of transportation to buy groceries or visit friends in neighboring villages. The Bettles Lodge staff will meet your aircraft to welcome you to Bettles and help with luggage.

Overnight Lodging

Get cozy and comfortable. Our friendly staff will welcome you to the Arctic with all the amenities you need!  Rooms available with Jacuzzi tubs, as an additional option schedule a massage or use our wood fired sauna.

Dining

We welcome you to an incredible dining experience. Serving Alaskan Fare with fresh vegetables from the garden in the Summer, our chef is capable of accommodating all of your dietary needs. Included daily in the tour are your three meals per day, snacks, 1 nonalcoholic beverage per meal and dessert. Our full bar can accommodate your beverage of choice from micro brewed Alaskan Beers to full bodied glasses of wine and cocktails, although not included in package price, they are available for any and all of your celebratory needs.

Tours

Our knowledgeable tour guide will show you around on a Village tour of Bettles. Bettles is isolated from the outside most of the year, with only an ice road two months in the winter. The Bettles Lodge is featured on many TV shows as a point of interest, including the famous ” Ice Road Truckers ”.  The tours that are included in the package price are guided snow shoe excursions, cross country skiing, bonfires in the evening while waiting for the lights.  Not included in the package price but a spectacular addition to your tour : an Alaskan Husky Sled dog ride down the Koyukuk River, go by “Old Bettles” founded in 1898, now a ghost town where the last gold rush in Alaska took place. Ice Fishing, snowmobiling & flight seeing are also additional tours to be added on. Don’t see what you are looking for, ask and we will do our best to accommodate.

Arctic Gear

Everything you need to be warm during your stay in Alaska is included in our Northern Lights Tour package price. Parkas, snow pant, snow boots, mittens, face masks and hats. To supplement your warmth we will have hand and feet warmers available for purchase as well.

Summer & Winter, let us create your unique arctic adventure above the Arctic Circle.