1st Alaska Outdoor School

Fantastic experience: Good overall tour and experience. We didn't get to see the Aurora because of heavy cloud cover sadly, but our tour otherwise was great. Josh is a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and kind spirited. The Yurts made for a nice, secluded spot to enjoy a relaxing evening with good company.

Fantastic experience: Josh was exceptional in his ability to lead a tour! We booked this tour the last minute since the one we had booked cancelled on us the day before. Josh was punctual for the hotel pickup and he took us and explained all the places that were listed in the tour overview. He was very knowledgeable about all the places we visited and even gave some of his local knowledge concerning each place we visited. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: 3 Sept 2025 - My experience with1st Alaska tours was nothing short of exceptional, Josh was respectful considerate and professional. I have been a little bewildered as to some of the feedback which seemed to focus on the comfort level of the vehicles…. Um well you are in wilderness country people’s!! Josh’s knowledge, enthusiasm and adaptability to his clients was impressive and very much appreciated. As a solo traveller, I could not recommend a tour company high enough than I do 1st Alaskan Tours. Thanks Josh…… Kate (Sydney-Australia)

Fantastic experience: We had a wonderful and relaxing day at Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum. Muriel was informative and friendly and it was so nice to leave the driving to someone else! Great tour, highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: WE LOVE JOE!!!!! He was a riot. We had the van to ourselves on our way to Chena Hot Springs, and he regaled us with so many Real Alaska Stories from his life, so we felt like we got a real insider's sense of the place. If you get Joe, you must ask him about his first experience with a moose--- someone needs to adapt it into a film and give him all the royalty rights. He absolutely adores Alaska, and his pride is so infectious we were left thinking -- hey, maybe we'll give it a try too! Fantastic man, fantastic service. Thank you!!

Fantastic experience: My best friend and I signed up quite last minute with 1st Alaska Tours for the Arctic Circle tour in the first week of April 2025. Our tour guide Ash was super fun and knowledgeable. We really got to learn more about the authentic Alaska from him. He answered all of our questions and gave us enough time for photos at beautiful spots! (Trust me, we took a lot of photos!). The roads were definitely dangerous but Ash had it under control and we always felt safe. The Yukon stop and activities were super fun! As the days we went were super cloudy, we didn’t see a great aurora show, but Ash put in his 200% to make sure we saw something somewhere in the break of the clouds. We were at Mother Nature’s mercy. Even if the auroras were mostly hidden under the clouds, we saw the most gorgeous sunset in the arctic (while it was snowing)! We had a fun adventure overall with the whole tour group and Ash! Would definitely book again the next time we’re in Fairbanks!

Fantastic experience: Colleen and Ash were great guides, and excellent drivers. I learned a lot about the Tundra and Borealis forest. Thank you for answering ALL of my questions. It was an amazing 16hr trip. We were blessed to have seen the Northern Lights, thank you for not rushing us to leave so that we can take it all in . Side note: It is a long bumpy drive, but it's worth it!

Fantastic experience: My sister and I got to go on several tours with 1st Alaska Tours, and they really go above and beyond in everything they do! We did a city tour in Fairbanks with Wendy and learn so much about Fairbanks and Alaska, it was a really fun time and she had such great stories. Then we had a chance to try and see the northern lights with Joe, which was still a fun trip even though the weather didn't end up cooperating that night. And finally we went to the Chena Hot Springs with Paul and had a blast even though the weather still didn't clear up for the northern lights. He is so friendly and nice, really made it a memorable trip for us - one of the best tour guides! I highly recommend 1st Alaska Tours!!

Fantastic experience: Ash delivered in every way. A friend to everybody

Fantastic experience: We were about to catch some decent lights. Our guide Paul was great! Had some neat history and information about hideout history and information about the lights. Would recommend this trip for anyone attempting to see the lights!

Fantastic experience: Ash led us around Fairbanks for the afternoon and was very entertaining. He took us to unique local spots and gave us inside info that we really appreciated. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Best Ever Do yourselves a favor and book with this group. They won’t disappoint. Experts in Interior Alaska. Summer and Winter

Fantastic experience: Ash was charismatic and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to give us a personal experience, while considering the expectations of the whole group. We were able to visit several sites in a short time, but never felt rushed. Definitely recommend the Fairbanks Autumn/Winter city tour!

Fantastic experience: Very good tour group. We had the pleasure of having Joe for two tours and Josh for one. Both were excellent. Thank you for making our tour of Alaska so wonderful for a lady with a cane ❤️

Fantastic experience: Tyson was amazing. He is a good guide, fisher and chef. He made my day. He invited the fortune for us to see northern lights✌

Fantastic experience: Northern lights tour lead by Paul was fantastic! Paul greeted us with drinks & snacks for the night ahead & provided wonderful commentary on the trip to & from the Chena hot springs. Although we had low visibility of the northern lights, Paul kept us entertained with his ample knowledge of regional history, books about AK, & games. He kept us engaged with his charisma & eclectic storytelling. Would definitely book another tour with Paul & 1st Alaska Tours!

Fantastic experience: We had 3 experiences with 1st Alaska tours, all just as incredible as the last. We interacted with many different guides and it’s so clear that everyone here enjoys their job and wants you to share the joy for their state as much as they do. Every single tour was well organized, well priced, and well worth the trip. Some of the most incredible moments, photos, and experiences ever. I cannot be thankful enough for these guides and how they truly put their heart into making these tours special for you. How incredible they are. I could never have enough great things to say about them. Ash, Colleen, Zach, and the rest of the tour crew are just incredible. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: Ash was fantastic with the Fairbanks tour! Great stories and he is quite comical - enjoyed the 5.5hr tour and he kept it interesting

Fantastic experience: The BEST Fairbanks highlights tour and the BEST guide, Ash. He was IMMENSELY knowledgeable about Alaska, sharing his stories from his life. This truly made the highlights tour better. Shout out to Ash, this was by far the best tour I’ve ever done to date.

Fantastic experience: 1st Review: Yurt Aurora Viewing Tour~ The tour was Awesome with our guide Paul, he was able to find best spots for our aurora viewings, even before heading to the yurt, turned out it was a very rare and super amazing aurora experience!!! And when we were in the yurt waiting Paul kept us entertained with lots of poems and history telling, and even set up a campfire outside to keep us warm!! Thanks Paul for the extra steps you’ve taken for us and we really appreciate it so very much!! 5-stars❤️ 2nd Review: Arctic Circle/Pipeline/Yukon Tour~ Really have to give Elijah a 5 stars review, sorry it’s a little late but he really deserves some great comments!! For that super long trip to Arctic Circle, 16 hrs, we never felt unsafe, bored nor exhausted with his driving and entertainment, he would try his utmost best to make us feel great and warm. He took extra steps to find the auroras when we were coming back in the morning, since that night aurora showed up in the southern sky, not his fault… even though he still went above and beyond to let us see some nice ones, really appreciate it a whole lot!! We still couldn’t believe that we’ve been to the very northern pole of the earth once!!! Thanks again Elijah for making us safe back the whole trip!! That night was an event that would stay in our hearts for long long time!!!

Fantastic experience: **Unforgettable Chena Hot Springs Tour with an Amazing Host!** I can’t even begin to describe how incredible our Chena Hot Springs tour was! From start to finish, it was an experience beyond words. Our host, Ash, was fantastic—so knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. From the moment we met, it was clear that Ash truly cared about making this an unforgettable experience for us. The highlight of the trip was definitely the Northern Lights. We were lucky enough to witness the most spectacular display of the aurora borealis—literally dancing across the sky! The colors were vibrant, and the movement was so magical it felt like something out of a dream. Ash made sure we had the best viewing spots and shared fascinating insights about the lights and the area, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience. Chena Hot Springs itself was absolutely beautiful and the perfect way to warm up after a chilly night under the stars. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the northern lights was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough. If you’re looking for a unique adventure with an amazing guide, this is the one. Ash truly made this tour something special to remember for a lifetime!

Fantastic experience: 這次共參加4種不同行程，遇到導遊Paul有3次，聽Paul講3次故事，玩3次遊戲，太有趣了。還有北極圈之旅Colin非常辛苦，也很照顧我和兒子，像個媽媽般的貼心，非常感謝她，希望老闆給她加薪。

Fantastic experience: Paul was a courteous and helpful tour guide. He made my trip great. I highly recommend this company and Paul for an excellent experience.

Fantastic experience: Our final night in Fairbanks, Alaska, was nothing short of magical, thanks to 1st Alaska Tours and their “Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights” experience. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel, it was evident that we were in for a special evening. Our guide, Ash Naderhoff, greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, making us feel instantly at home. His passion for Alaska and the auroras was palpable as he shared detailed insights into the Northern Lights phenomenon, interspersed with captivating local anecdotes and historical tidbits. Ash’s storytelling prowess kept us engaged and entertained, turning the journey into an educational delight. Upon arriving at the secluded yurt, we were welcomed by Joss, our chef for the evening. Nestled away from city lights, the yurt provided the perfect setting for our adventure. Joss treated us to a home-cooked meal that exceeded all expectations. Each dish was meticulously prepared, reflecting her deep passion for culinary arts. From appetizers to dessert, every bite was a testament to her skill, with presentations that rivaled those of high-end restaurants. As we dined, Ash and Joss fostered a sense of camaraderie, sharing stories and answering our myriad questions. The combination of delectable food, engaging conversation, and the anticipation of witnessing the auroras created an atmosphere that was both cozy and exhilarating. Nature graced us that night with a breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. Through the expansive north-facing windows of the yurt, we watched in awe as the sky danced with vibrant colors. Ash offered invaluable tips on capturing the perfect aurora photographs, ensuring we could immortalize the spectacle. Reflecting on the experience, it’s clear that Ash and Joss are the heart and soul of 1st Alaska Tours. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and genuine care transformed a simple tour into an unforgettable memory. For anyone considering an Alaskan adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend 1st Alaska Tours, especially the dynamic duo of Ash and Joss. They don’t just offer a service; they craft experiences that linger long after the journey ends. Thank you, Ash and Joss, for making our final night in Alaska an experience we’ll cherish forever.

Fantastic experience: Bei unseren nächsten Touren in Fairbanks (Aurora Dinner Tour und Fairbanks Winter City Tour) hatten wir beide Male sehr tolle Guides (Colline und Joe). Speziell Joe konnte uns sehr viele interessante Sachen mitteilen, da er auch hier in Fairbanks aufgewachsen ist. Da wir nur zu zweit waren, kamen wir durch ihn in den Genuss einer Privatführung . Danke vielmals . Dann machten wir mit Paul den Ausflug ins Chena Hot Spring Resort. Das Baden in der heissen Quelle war toll , vor allem, als die Nordlichter noch erschienen. Paul hat sich grosse Mühe gemacht, unsere Gruppe von 24 Uhr - 02.00 Uhr zu unterhalten (eigenhändiges Früchtedessert, Spiele und Bücher schauen), damit wir auch die Zeit hatten, die Nordlichter zu bestaunen. Vielen herzlichen Dank Paul für Dein tolles Engagement

Fantastic experience: We met Paul when we spending enjoy our time in Chena hotspring. Paul is a passionate guy and a party maker. He would love to share their life in Alaska and help us. The akutaq he made was delicious and thanks to the ingredients not that horrible as I heard. At last, we could achieve observing aurora that night, a great experience I will remember in the rest of my life.

Fantastic experience: We did two tours with first Alaska and they were both amazing! We did the arctic circle tour and the dog sledding tour. We were a little nervous about the arctic circle because of all the driving, but Wendy was great! We felt so comfortable in the car and throughout the night. Wendy shared so many great stories with us, and she made the whole experience incredible.

Fantastic experience: Omg is the best phrase I could come up with!!! First, Paul was our guide and he was warm, funny and generous with his energy. The cabin was warm and the coffee was tasty. We played cards with table friends as we waited for the lights and boy, did they appear!!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I did the Arctic Circle Aurora Viewing with Elijah and dog mushing with Paul. Both were amazing tour guides full of useful information ranging from historical facts to restaurant recommendations as well as they both brought cool items for us to see. Elijah kept the conversation going for the long trip to the arctic circle and Paul was absolutely hilarious. I would recommend this company to anyone. My only complaint would be the vehicles got uncomfortable after a while. Not noticeable on quick ride to the dog mushing but over 12 hours in that bus to the arctic circle and back was pretty rough.

Fantastic experience: Very easy to communicate with, great tours excellent guides. We did a Dog Sled tour with Elijah, and an Aurora tour with Paul. We've been with a few tour companies in Alaska and these two guides made these tours the best two activities in the Fairbanks/Chena hot springs area that we tried

Fantastic experience: Elijah was our Auror Borealis tour guide, and he was wonderful! He was on time for pickup at our hotel, he safely drove us to the Aurora Lights viewing area which was a yurt, and made us hot cocoa. It took some patience for us to see the lights, but when they finally appeared, Elijah was just as excited! Outside, he was right next to us, giving some tid bits of information and showing us where to look. Elijah also took some awesome photos of me with the lights in the background. He was accommodating, kind, and very personable. Thanks for a great experience!

Fantastic experience: We got to interact with multiple 1st Alaska guides over our 3-day first trip to Fairbanks, and every one of them was special. We had a wonderful first night with Cedar waiting for the lights over a fire by the yurt, where she told us about having guided people to bears, glaciers and the wilderness. Wendy was our very knowledgeable Fairbanks highlights guide, and shared stories of the all the places we visited with the context her experience as a teacher in a remote Eskimo village as well as her life in Fairbanks. Elijah, our Chena Aurora viewing guide, was super entertaining throughout the trip and made sure we got all the pictures we wanted at the ice museum and the lights, and also chased the lights even on our journey back when we had already seen them, to get us some amazing pictures. It was a memorable experience, and we couldn’t recommend them more. Thank you team 1st Alaska.

Fantastic experience: We have a very great experience in the arctic circle tour on 2nd November. I’m really sorry for forgetting our tour guide’s name. He is a really professional and fun guide. Although there is a road condition, we didn’t arrive the arctic circle finally. Our tour still take us to find aurora lights! And We still get the full refund! Recommended!

Negative experience: You should not book their Aurora tour before you arrive Fairbanks, unless you very sure the weather is perfect. They don't allow you cancel or reschedule, even Fairbanks is snowing. They just drop you at a certain Loge or Murphy Dome, and do nothing. Even trough weather is not bad, you still need some lucky, Aurora may not show in sky where you are looking for. They actually only provide you a shuttle van service.

Fantastic experience: Friday the 13th was our lucky day. Joe was a great guide for the aurora tour that day. He was very entertaining and the aurora lights show was great.

Fantastic experience: Really love the service! Didn't know where I was going however, my tour guide Jake was excellent with helping me reach to my final destination.

Fantastic experience: I am a little late with writing the review, and today I finally got some time to write. I and my Husband had a fantastic experience with 1st Alaska outdoor school. Our guide, Ed was so knowledgeable and friendly and we had a great time on his tour(Chena hot springs tour). We were all a little disappointed as a group when we couldn't see the Aurora, but Ed kept us all really busy with his stories and experiences with Aurora sightings. Another experience with 1st Alaska we had was, a van ride from Denali to Fairbanks and if I remember correctly, his name is Josh, and he drove us. Josh was so accommodating and friendly and we enjoyed his company. We were also picked up and dropped off on time, and given that we had a flight to catch in the evening, we found him to be very efficient. I have just a suggestion, as an area for improvement. You should have more staff members to attend calls, or find an alternate way to account for coverage, as I faced difficulty with getting a hold of the representative on the same day. But overall, it was a great experience with the tours.

Fantastic experience: We did Arctic Circle tour.It was a long tour,and I very respect driver took us there and back safely.it was a very nice experience,love the tour!

Fantastic experience: Ryan took us on a great tour and was very knowledgeable! Would do again!

Fantastic experience: Ryan was awesome! We had the best time and he was so informative about everything. Will definitely be joining this tour again when we come back!

Fantastic experience: Ryan was a great tour guide. Highly recommend the cabin and aurora light dinner. The food was great

Fantastic experience: The dogs are very friendly, and the musher was informative. When you’re sledging with the dogs in the wilderness, it truly feels peaceful.

Fantastic experience: We had Jake as our guide for a trip to the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights yesterday. He was a fantastic driver and handled the less than ideal road conditions masterfully. He was very attentive to his guests and never rushed anyone when stopping to take photos at the various places. He offered great information about the construction and history of the Alaskan Pipeline. He was very responsive to any questions or concerns that were expressed. He was concerned about our safety when stepping out of the bus at all stops.

Fantastic experience: Ryan took us on a trip to the Artic Circle. What a great experience. A bumpy ride but we felt safe with him driving. Beautiful. Thanks.

Fantastic experience: Great experience with Ryan, our driver, and Matt as our musher. They were both a wealth of knowledge and really took care of us. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the dogs and the ride with Matt. Would recommend to anyone! Next time we are in Fairbanks we would love to come check out the Aurora viewing experience they offer.

Fantastic experience: We had a city tour in Fairbanks with Ryan. It was incredibly fun. We saw the north museum where you get to take very beautiful pictures from the top, Santa clause house and another museum in downtown. Ryan shared a lot of information with us. He is very patient and fun!

Fantastic experience: Ryan was lovely. He drove us for our dog sledding experience, explained everything to us on the way. Was entertaining and kind. The dog sledding experience was unique and fab.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time on Aurora dinner with dog mushing. Yurt was nice and warm, and Salmon dinner was fabulous! Joe, our guide, was very knowledgeable and had great stories. Dogs were so much fun and Matt, our musher, was great! Was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the sled was. I highly recommend this tour.

Fantastic experience: We had read beforehand that Aurora was a very hit or miss experience as it ultimately comes down to Mother Nature. However, when a visitor is making a trip with nervousness that they may not see what they came for, it is the experience that counts. Even if you do see the lights, experience provided by a professional tour operator just takes it to a different level. Right from the booking and making the reservation, we had a very nice experience. The lady was very informative, and suggested days when Aurora could be highly probable. The hotel pickup was sharp on time, if not a few minutes early. Our guide Ryan was incredibly knowledgeable about Alaska in general and was just incredible to listen to so many informational tidbits that are quintessential to the Alaskan culture and way of life that always leaves you longing for more.. The dog sled ride was also beyond incredible. We were initially nervous about making this sled ride at night, but our dog mushers were so friendly and informative that we were at ease from the get go, and had such an unforgettable experience. At the end of the ride, when our fingers and toes needed some warmth, we were welcomed with warm drinks and delicious dinner. We were skeptical of the vegetarian dinner options initially, but the hot food prepared by the host were really yummy and absolutely delicious. Aurora for us showed up only at the end of our tour, towards 1:30 am and it was absolutely mesmerizing. Would recommend 1st Alaska Tours for an unforgettable experience !

Fantastic experience: Ryan was awesome. Very knowledgeable on everything. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: On my first tour in our first visit to alaska. Jake was very knowledgeable and very nice.. making sure we were OK and happy throughout the tour.. he was doing it not only as a job. He has been passionate on what he does.. he loves alaska . . He even helped us see musk ox and reindeer and show us the best Chinese cuisine in pagoda restaurants.. he deserves to be recognized. Will definitely come back.. thanks Jake

Fantastic experience: Dog sled tour and Aurora viewing in the cozy yurt were both wonderful experiences. Joe was our driver/guide and very knowledgeable and fun with great stories. The whole tour team were accommodating and kind.

Fantastic experience: We booked 2 tours with them. Frank drove us to Chena Hot springs and it was a beautiful drive. Frank was very friendly and a great tour guide!!!

Negative experience: When you book a tour, it implies that your guide will provide information and guide you through the experience. This was not the case with this company. I paid $240 dollars for two of us and Ryan (guide) literally drove us to Murphy Dome and sat in the car for 4 hours while we went outside to try to make out the northern lights. Not once did he explain anything to us or point anything out, and when he did speak, he only spoke about his girlfriend. The description for the tour stated we would be provided with hot drinks which we were not. If all I wanted was a ride, I would have been better off ordering an Uber. This was such a waste of money. I DO NOT recommend this company. Do yourselves a favor and book elsewhere. I would give this place a 0 if I could.

Fantastic experience: We took the Autumn/Winter tour of Fairbanks and it was amazing. Our tour guide, Wendy, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The tour takes you to the heritage center, museum of the north, the pipeline and north pole. Will recommend 100% (if you have a short stop at Fairbanks, this will definitely be worth it)

Negative experience: I have booked a 3 days tour from 1st Alaska Tours from 9/28 - 9/30. Bad Experience : On 9/30 we had a trip to the Arctic Circle. The van which was sent to us was in a bad condition compared to the one which we got earlier and compared to another vehicle which was driving along that day. Also, there were already 6 people in the van which we got and including us it made us 8 people. We were picked up at the end so we had to sit at the last row of the van which was very uncomfortable. It was a 12 hours long drive with bad road conditions. This was a very uncomfortable ride which resulted in severe back and neck pain for me. Also, there was van stuff which was kept on the floor of the last row. I think the 1st Alaska tour should not have given a poor condition van and should not have allowed people to sit on the last row of the van which are generally bumpy knowing the condition of the road. How do you expect people to sit there ? This was in-human, 1st Alaska tour should have limited number of guests OR should have provided an extra vehicle. On complaining about this at the start of the tour, I was given an option to cancel the tour and take a refund but this was not possible since i was coming from out of state for the 3 day tour with 1st Alaska tour. Also the guide/driver that day was very rude. I wont recommend Artic Circle tour. Good Experience : The other 2 tours - Aurora Viewing Lodge and Chena Hot Springs were good. Nick and Jo the guides were good.

Negative experience: Their Arctic circle tour is not worth the money! Had booked through Viator so paid almost $300 per person to be just driven 400mile round trip. The Aurora viewing in this trip is basically whole driving back if you get to spot something kinda deal. Wouldn't recommend save your money and do something else.

Negative experience: We had an awful experience. The driver's name was Jeff and I would not recommend him to anyone. He took multiple smoke breaks on the drive up to the hot springs, spent the majority of the drive bitching about someone named Burning Carl, making us feel like we wasted our time coming to Alaska, and was driving incredibly fast on the roads. The ice museum was closed (not something that could be helped, but would've been nice to know ahead of time as there wasn't much else to do besides the hot springs... and 7 hours is a long time to spend solely in hot springs). The hot springs closed at 11:45pm and we were to stay until 2am to watch for Northern Lights, however, it was very uncomfortable because we had nowhere to go to spend the remaining two hours. We were all kind of lingering in the parking lot while Jeff sat in the van complaining, and I just felt very uncomfortable. It started pouring and with no chance of seeing the northern lights, the group decided to head back around 12:30am (not a complaint... we understand no one can control the weather/actually seeing the northern lights). The drive home was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Jeff drove at least 70mph on the windy road, in the dark and the pouring rain, passing other cars as well. People were literally bouncing up and down in their seats when he would fly over potholes and seat belts clanging against the windows. We were out of cell service and it felt incredibly dangerous to be on the road with Jeff. I was incredibly disappointed with the experience.

Positive experience: Jeff our guide/driver was FABULOUS! Shared lots of fun information and was so accommodating of our group. Review is only 3 stars because the trip did not feel like a good value for the money once we saw the actual costs at the Chena Hot Springs (not the fault of the driver). Can definitely do the same trip for cheaper on your own with a rental car.

Fantastic experience: Ryan was our tour guide for the arctic circle trip. He was knowledgeable and interesting. I did learned a lot during this trip. Ryan brought us to a good spot to see the northern light on our way back. Highly recommend Ryan if you want to do any tours with 1st Alaska tours!

Fantastic experience: Joe, our tour guide was excellent. Very warm and friendly. He was prompt to pick us up at our hotel and stayed outside the yurt while we ate our delicious dinner to keep an eye out for the Northern Light. Torsten, our dog musher was engaging and we loved hearing his story. Thanks everyone!

Fantastic experience: Did a mushing tour with them outside of Fox AK and it was by far the best experience of my life. Childhood dreams come true. They did a superior job!

Fantastic experience: 2 Tours and both were great! 1st the city tour with Ryan - very knowledgeable and personable. Gave us the time we needed to explore was able to answer any questions that were asked. 2nd tour the aurora yurt tour - Joe was great! Shared his knowledge and AK experiences. Kept everyone informed about when the Aurora Borealis was out and peaking. Both great drivers - never any concerns. Thank you for a wonderful day!

Fantastic experience: Did the Aurora dinner with dog sled tour where they take you out to these beautiful, cozy yurts where you head downhill to see the kennels, do a moonlight dog sled with an experienced musher who has incredible stories, back to the yurt to warm up with hot beverages, then a wonderful Alaskan dinner. You get to sit in the cozy yurts waiting for the lights to make an appearance while getting to know the staff and your tour group. It was the best night of my entire life and I am so grateful for the group and our amazing tour guide, Eliza, who made this experience extra special. You can also book just the yurt viewing lodge on its own, or viewing lodge plus dinner or combine with dog sledding too like I did. Got super lucky with the lights that evening too.

Fantastic experience: Chena hot springs tour & aurora chasing with Kirk (A++ guide) 100% awesome!! We had a great night and can't say enough about Kirk's effort to find us the lights & teach us about the Fairbanks area. This tour made this NC girl very happy!!!

Fantastic experience: We had a great time on our dogsledding trip! Joe was a great, safe driver despite the February ice. Kinda fatherly in nature, and also knowledgeable about the history of the area. Would recommend!

Fantastic experience: We haven't been to Alaska yet, but Josh has gone so far above and beyond we had to leave a review before we made it! Josh is exactly the kind of person you want on the phone when you're planning adventures. He is so friendly, and informative. He called me back after hours to let me know my tour went through. He gave me lots of info on what to expect when we get there, and even recommended a bakery for the birthday we're celebrating. He even gave me his personal cell number. 1st Alaska Tours, I hope you know what a wonderful employee you have! With this kind of service, your great grand children will have a solid business model!!

Fantastic experience: We did 2 tours with 1st Alaska, and both were amazing . The first one was a dog sledding /dinner/northern lights tour and it was awesome. Joe picked us up from our hotel , entertained us with countless stories of his wild experiences while transporting us to the yurt where we were met by so many kind people . The dogsledding was breathtaking, and then Tureston (probably spelled that wrong) made us the most delicious meal ! We then sat in the warm yurt while Joe diligently kept an out for the northern lights. They finally showed about an hour before the tour was over and we got some amazing pictures. The second tour was the Chena Hot Springs/northern lights tour. Sarah was our tour guide and she was very kind and knowledgeable . She picked us up from the hotel and transported our small group of 4 to Chena Hot Springs where we experienced the Chena ice show (probably the most disappointing part because it’s so small and not worth the time) , then we got to spend hours in the hot springs , and around midnight Sarah found a nice dark area for us to watch the northern lights . On our way back to the hotel , we were able to stop at a secluded area and get even better pictures of the norther lights. Everyone we encountered on these tours was helpful and amazing ! Both tours were small so you got a lot of personalized attention. Would definitely recommend booking through this company

Fantastic experience: From the moment Ryan picked us up at the hotel till he brought us back, the experience was exceptional. This was our first dog sled ride and absolutely did not disappoint. The dogs and people were so entertaining. The salmon was delicious and then the anticipation of the northern lights. If this isn't on a person's bucket list, they need to add it at the top. Looking forward to doing this again.

Fantastic experience: Ryan was an awesome guide! Maneuvering the Dalton Highway like a pro and giving great facts along the way. We made it to the Arctic Circle and even saw the Aurora Borealis.

Fantastic experience: The dog sled tours we initially booked with other companies got cancelled twice due to cold weather. Luckily, we were able to book the dog sled tour last minutes with 1st Alaska Tours. It's very good! The hill that they do dog sled is a little bit warmer than north pole etc. locations, so their dog sled tours are less likely to be cancelled due to cold weather. They have a warm yurt for us to wait before and after the tour. They also serve hot drinks and cookies. We are able to take photos with dogs. After the dog sled, they also put a very friendly and lovely dog inside the yurt for us to pet!

Fantastic experience: Ryan is an awesome and thought guide! We have hot coco and cool stuff to do while waiting for the northern light! Highly recommend!!!

Fantastic experience: Came to visit Fairbanks with the family and found the best dog sledding tour! Joe picked us from our hotel, warmed us with an incredible sense of humor, things to do in the area and very interesting stories while we headed out for our adventure. Tyler was our guide, showed us what these beautiful dogs are capable of, fun facts and lots of cool jumps and even some drift . Dinner was great, Peggy cooked the best dinner, local salmon and red wine to top off the night. Adam made sure things were going smooth showing his experience on these snowy terrains. 100% recommended! Try it !

Fantastic experience: The Arctic Circle tour guided by the military-veteran, Josh, was the highlight of my trip! Josh is wonderful and has great knowledgeable about the area. He took care of everyone from feeding us hot cocoa, hunting aurora, to make the restroom stops. Highly recommend this tour group for a day adventure in Fairbanks!

Fantastic experience: We booked a trip from Fairbanks to Chena hot springs resort. Our driver and guide Joe was great! He has the knowledge and experience and stories about everything. He took great care of us and made everything super easy and fun. We will definitely book through them again and request Joe as our guide. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: We had an awesome trip. And it wouldn't have been this awesome without Joe. He is friendly, always smiling and vibrant. And being local he has all rhe answers to your questions and great suggestions. Thank you Joe!

Fantastic experience: Such an amazing experience!! I highly recommend their Northern Lights yurt tour!! It’s fabulous to be able to sit in a nice warm yurt and wait for the lights to show themselves & great to have a place to warm up!! With the wind chill last night it was way under -0.

Fantastic experience: Our group of 4 did the Fairbanks city tour and then the next night did the Aurora Borealis late night viewing. Our tour guide for both times was Ed, a wildlife biologist, teacher, resident of Fairbanks for over 30 years. We found bim to be very knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects, very outgouing, articulate, and with a great sense of humor. I also liked that the tour Van had a high ceiling, for a tall person is a blessing when getting in and out without having to duck. Highly recommend, and I can't wait to come back and do it again!

Fantastic experience: The Aurora dinner dogsled & city tour were EXCEPTIONAL! Joseph is a knowledgeable and pleasant tour guide! Bob Emma and team put on a wonderful salmon dinner & dog sled tour under the stars. I highly recommend both tours!

Fantastic experience: Tyson was amazing. He kept up hopeful and provided a delicious meal. Lights weren't out much and fish weren't biting but over all it was still a great experience. I'd definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: We had booked the artic circle tour. Josh our tour guide was very informative and helpful, he kept the mood of the car very light and happy. We had a great ride until, the car unfortunately broke down. However, what was amazing is how professionally Josh and team handled the situation. We had to unfortunately cancel our trip thereafter, but we received a full refund, with no hassle. Definitely would recommend this company!

Fantastic experience: I came to Alaska with about 0 knowledge other than it’s freezing cold. I had a tour with Joe and Josh and they are both incredibly wonderful and nice people! Even though it was cold, these kind hearted and soulful people will keep your heart warm. I learned so much about Alaska and what it was about. The northern lights were also beautiful! Would recommend!

Fantastic experience: We had Joe as our tour guide/driver and he was awesome! He had a story about everything we saw and was very informed of local history. He was determined to get our group a site of the Northern Lights. I appreciate your determination to make our trip incredible.

Fantastic experience: Joe E gives my husband and I a great experience for the three days trips. Love chocolate and hot coca received from him and his stories in Alaska. With help from him, we finally see the northern lights even in a cloudy day. But I do recommend only schedule one to two days for the northern lights tour. Staying up for three days weakened us a lot and we have to cancel our last one tour because of this..

Fantastic experience: Thank you Josh for a memorable trip down Dalton hwy to the artic circle last week! You are so friendly and down to earth. Not to mention patient. Thanks again for a trip of a lifetime!

Fantastic experience: Joe was our tour guide back to Fairbanks from Denali! He was awesome with a great sense of humor and personal stories.

Fantastic experience: We took a shuttle from Denali to Fairbanks with 1st Alaska. Our driver was great with relevant narration, and he was a professional and skilled driver making it as comfortable as possible for passengers by avoiding the bumps along the way. Would highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Joe was a great guide on our trip back to fairbanks from Denali.

Fantastic experience: The Arctic Circle tour guided by the military-veteran, Josh, was the highlight of my trip! The Dalton highway was so dangerous in the winter, but Josh drove it with skill and confident. Josh also very kind and knowledgeable about the area and told many facts and stories. He took care of everyone from feeding us hot cocoa, hunting aurora, to make the restroom stops. Thank you, Josh!

Fantastic experience: Did the yurt aurora tour and was so happy we did. Our first attempt ever and we were lucky enough to see the aurora around 1AM and it was incredible! The tour guide was knowledgeable and fun, the yurt was a nice place to warm up in-between viewings. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a comfortable and warm way to experience the Aurora if you're lucky enough to see them.

Fantastic experience: Alaska ...Exploring the Last Frontier...as our plane landed in Fairbanks, we knew a wonderful Adventure has already begun. Feeling the freezing temperature brushed our face as we stepped out of the airport was already quite an experience itself for us who come from a tropical country. To be continued...

Fantastic experience: Joe is a great guide with sense of humor and well experience. He guide us to find northern lights and Moose! And also launched fireworks during New Year’s Eve. Highly recommend!!!!!!!! Alex

Fantastic experience: My friend and I enjoyed a lot our tour to Chena Hot Springs with Brooke, who was amazing and accommodating. Brooke went out of her way not only to make sure our group has a terrific experience at Chena and seeing the Northern Lights, but also for us to have a picture! She went above and beyond of what the tour was about, sharing stories, chasing the Aurora's best viewing location, and not looking at the time. Thank you so much for great memories!

Fantastic experience: Our Tour Guide, Tony, was timely, very personable and engaging. He took the time to get to know us, informative information shared about the tour and the area. Felt like we made a friend by the time we parted.

Fantastic experience: Our trip to the Chena Hot Springs was delightful! I unfortunately cannot remember our guides name, but he was awesome. Very friendly and talkative!

Fantastic experience: Tony was great! Aurora put on a beautiful show on 9/2/19

Positive experience: The pie was good.

Negative experience: The tour guide, Robin, made the evening enjoyable. Otherwise, the wood was wet and actually made of pieces of a dog house that created a smoky and weak fire. The van had a broken seatbelt. The office was unorganized and gave us misinformation regarding start and stop times. I dealt with a different person each time I called or wrote. Lastly, they wouldn't let us reschedule for another night when the lights were active even though we called the morning of. This I understand the most of all as no one has control of the weather, but the workings of the business were not worth the money. Go to another tour company.

Fantastic experience: Had a blast! Gary our driver was awesome! Will request Gary when I return in fall. Wonderful adventure!

Fantastic experience: I visited Fairbanks, Alaska and went on a dog sled, dinner, and aurora lights experience. My tour guide was fantastic Holly. She was so friendly, knowledgeable, and interesting to talk to. The musher Bob from Belgium was great as well. I would highly recommend this company and excursion.