Hi All,
My wife and I have around 7 days vacation in September and we were planning to go to Alaska. We are looking forward to see the Northern Lights and want to be there at Fairbanks or any suitable location around Sep 22 (equinox) for 2-3 days. Any hotel suggestions/best view point suggestions?

Now the rest of the Alaska trip is like a blank sheet. Could any of you suggest a good itinerary for us - On how we can make the most? We like great dining places, scenic drives, whitewater rafting etc. So any itinerary involving any of these will be very much appreciated

Since we are not US citizens, we will not be abe to enter Canada . So unless there is a pure-alaska only cruise we might not be able to take that..

Thanks for all your help

Cheers
Murthy

Murthy
You can apply for Canada visiting visa by walkig in Canadian Consulate in Seattle and most of the time it takes the same day to get back your passport. you can check their website for detailed forms and fees.
With a valid visiting visa, you will be able to get onto the cruise!
OR you can have more options for your visit to ALaska- a combiation of cruise and inland ALaska trip maybe?
Enjoy!

Hi Angelradia,
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, getting the Canada visa is not much of an issue, but re-entry to the US would require us to get a fresh US VISA stamping - that would take around 2-3 days in canada.
Basically, with our current status, we can travel only within the US.
Cheers
Murthy

Hello Murthy,
My husband and I are taking a 2 week driving trip in August. We are actually staying at a Marriott in Fairbanks as we are using points. However, I just read about a old/new place in Fairbanks called The Lodge at Black Rapids....www.blackrapids.org. I did look at it on line and it looks very nice. Our itinerary starts in Anchorage, down to Valdez, up to the Wrangall National Forest then over in the Yukon (which sounds like you are not able to do), back into Alaska and the to Fairbanks and from FB to Talkeetna and then back to Anchorage and home. We have already done the Denali National Park which you really should do if you have not done already. You will be real busy if you only have a week. Last year we went down the penninsula to Homer, which also was a great trip and rented a room at a bed and breakfast.
Have fun - Alaska is amazing

You might check online for the Denali Road lottery (Shhh this is a very big secret) but in July they hold a lottery to let 1200 people over 4 days drive on their own into Denali NP. We did this in 2006 and it was awesome. It costs 10$ to enter the lottery and well worth it. But don't be an idiot and rent a convertible.. The bears love it when tourists drive up there with easy opening pop top dinner platter. There is a very real reason why they say get out of you car and enter the food chain. and here is a hint... You ain't at the top of the food chain cause you ain't going in there armed!
Have fun anyway

If the aurora is your priority, then you might want to strongly consider rethinking this trip. This is an OFF year, even this past winter, had crappy, skimpy viewing, only a few so so days ALL winter. VERY doubtful you will get any viewing allowing only a few days in Fairbanks. You need to look at winter 2011-2012 for the next good viewing season.

The Denali Park lottery is the best suggestion so far for you. Otherwise the shuttle stop around the 13th.

I suggest you find out what else you want to do with your time.

In Fairbanks, McKinley View B&B is a wonderful place on the edge of town that will give you great views if the northernlights are out. She'll take wonderful care of you, you can find her contact info on the web. www.mvbb.info I think.

While in Fairbanks eat at The Turtle Club, excellent prime rib and halibut in a classic Fairbanks restaurant, not a hotel dining room. The trees will be changing colors and are beautiful, lots to enjoy.