Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
This is the longest-running northern lights photo tour in the Anchorage area. We pick you up at your Anchorage accommodations and take you on a nocturnal adventure to witness the beauty of the Alaskan night sky. It's a great option for any travelers to Alaska during August to late April. This tour accommodates serious photographers to sightseers.
We conduct a daily update that includes both the aurora borealis and weather forecast. The tour runs based on that forecast, but runs only if the forecast indicates a chance of seeing the aurora. Because both weather and the aurora borealis are natural phenomena, we cannot guarantee seeing the northern lights.
This tour increases your chance of aurora viewing success by allowing you to reserve as many nights as you like [space available] and only finalizing payment 48 hours in advance under the Reserve Now & Pay Later system. If you do not see the northern lights during your tour, you get a free make-up tour.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for small children
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chugach State Park
One potential stop during this tour is the Glen Alps trailhead, were we will walk on a short trail to an overlook of the city and a wide view to the north.
Eagle River
A possible stop along the tour is the Mt. Baldy trailhead, which provides high elevation, expansive views of the north.
What‘s Included
Aurora portraits
Blanket
Snacks
Professional photographer guide
State park admission fees
Tripod
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Anchorage Aurora Quest - Northern Lights Photo Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
166 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely worth it !
Escape36399995544,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome tour with our guide Chad. He was super friendly, knowledgeable and went out of his way to give us the best Aurora Viewing experience possible, including Science behind the Aurora, photo setting tips and portrait and landscape shots! Thank you so much Chad, we had a great night!! Absolutely Recommend !!
I saw the LIGHTS!
V6785POdanas,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous experience! Thank you Colin for the adventure of a lifetime! What an informative and once in a lifetime experience! I loved how we were told about how the lights work- how to find them and how to take photos on your own to see them! Not only was Colin knowledgeable about the lights but Alaska in general! Thanks Colin- can’t wait to see the pictures you took for our night time photo shoot in front of the lights!
A Memorable Night Under the Northern Lights
Ravee T,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience on the Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo Tour. Everything was well organized, and the experience felt very special from start to finish. Our guide, Erica, was amazing. She was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and very supportive throughout the tour. It was very cold (-18 F), but she still took great care of us the whole time. We especially appreciated the calendars and the hot chocolate, which made the experience even more thoughtful and comforting. She helped make everyone feel comfortable and did a great job guiding us during the photo experience. Her encouragement and professionalism really made the night even better. The scenery was beautiful, and the whole tour was memorable. We really appreciated all the effort that went into helping us enjoy the northern lights and capture great photos. Highly recommend this tour, especially if you have Erica as your guide.
Nothing like Alaska
CloudyRN,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went with my boyfriend and another couple and we were thrilled to have the possibility to see northern lights. We def were treated well by the night sky and our guide, Erika! Super friendly and talking about the hows and whys about auroras. She helped each group set up their camera on provided tripods (in case you didn’t bring your own). Pictures were taken professionally and I can’t explain how beautiful they looked! No moon and clear skies. I will say below freezing temps became intense as the night went by at each stop Lol. Hand and feet warmers provided along with snacks and hot drinks! A MUST DO. We def had great weather this week luckily. Photos taken using iPhone.
Wonderful experience of the Northern Lights Anchorage.
F65GGpamelaf,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I used Alaska Photo Treks for a 4 night Northern Lights experience. We saw the light 3 out of the 4 nights. Ben, Colin, and Erika were all fantastic. They all had a desire to make our experience great. All were knowledgeable about the lights and where best times find them. Had a wonderful experience and will definitely use them again.
Trip of a lifetime!
tonyasQ9680SH,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family selected the multi-day option and it was the most breathtaking experience. We had aurora multiple nights but each of our guides Ben,Erica, & Colin brought a great new perspective to the night. A variety of landscapes and great photography guidance made the entire tour package superb. This tour w/ this company is a must do!!!
Northern Lights
937berkayb,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Last night’s Northern Lights tour was absolutely unforgettable. Thanks to our guide Erika, everything was perfectly organized and incredibly enjoyable from start to finish. She was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about what she does. Erika made sure we were comfortable, kept us informed about the aurora activity, and chose the perfect spot to maximize our chances. Her positive energy and friendly attitude made the whole experience even more special. Seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the sky was magical, and having such a dedicated guide made it even better. Highly recommended! Thank you, Erika, for an incredible night I will never forget.
Breathtaking Experience
Gabriel Q,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A breathtaking and beautiful experience we will never forget. Ben was extremely patient and helpful with taking our photos, providing us tips on how to capture the lights on our cameras and providing us with knowledge on the northern lights. Erica was extremely helpful with setting up the tripod for us to take photos, as well as offering us items to keep warm. I will definitely recommend this tour and attraction to my family and friends because I had an amazing time with my girlfriend (now fiancé). We will never forget such a beautiful and wonderful time we had. Every second of it was worth it.
Experience of a Lifetime
christinawD591JJ,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best experiences of my life! It's always been a bucket list of mine to see the Northern Lights and Erica and Ben made that dream a reality! The whole process was extremely smooth! Their communication, their punctuality, their knowledge, their professionalism were all beyond our expectations. They even came prepared with hot apple cider and hot chocolate with lots of snacks, and made sure everyone was as warm as they could be with hand warmers! They brought extra tripods for our phones. They made the whole experience top notch! Thank you so much Erica and Ben! We highly recommend Alaska Photo Treks for your once in a life time experience!
Highly Recommend if you're looking for a bucket list moment.
962teria,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very happy with our experience. The aurora's are very difficult to see with the naked eye, so it was very helpful to have photo experts to show you how to set your camera to shoot amazing photos! Also, liked the fact that if there was not a chance to see the aurora's they would give you advance notice and cancel the experience with a full refund. We rescheduled three times and the third time was a charm!!
From US$315.00
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Operated by Alaska Photo Treks