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
153 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun late night activity near Anchorage
shravant2026,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience searching for northern lights late at night. Colin and Erica were enthusiastic to find good spots for us. The van was fully equiped and they had a lot of gear to keep us from freezing in sub zero temperatures. It was fun to hear Colin's stories of his photography expeditions all over the world.
Great!
jasminmI6120SM,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aunque la intensidad de las auroras no es algo que uno pueda controlar, en este tour harán todo lo posible para que tengas las mejores vistas. Fueron muy amables! Even though the intensity of the auroras isn’t something you can control, this tour will do everything possible to give you the best views. They were really nice.
a bucket list excursion
Judith F,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Erica was an amazing guide. She helped with everything from start to finish, and the result was so amazing shots of the little bit of the aurora that we saw. We went to several locations and set up and got some awesome photos. It was wonderful to have someone else drive a van, provide handwarmers and tripods and advice on settings. She was also there to make sure there was no bears or moose in the dark wilderness. What a relief.
Great experience
sandybZ4190ZR,,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip. Ben was very informative and had a true passion for finding and photoing the group and lights. Fantastic experience even though you are up the wee hours of the morning
No tour but great service
404kelseyp,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked our northern lights tour at the very beginning of the season knowing it would be hit or miss. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate so our tour did not run. I am still giving 5 stars to the excellent communication and customer service - we were notified with plenty of time and offered to reschedule. When the rescheduled tour also didn't run we were given a full refund within a couple days. It would have been easy for them to take our money and have us looking at clouds all night so I really appreciate the integrity. We will try again next time we are in Anchorage!
Wow an amazing night one to remember
LondonBiddy,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow what an amazing night we had. Colin was a fantastic guide so interesting and informative. Colin picked the best spots to see the northern lights. I would definitely recommend this company and Colin to see the Aurora
A great First experience capturing the Aurora’s
sarahhB7757IJ,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Erica was our guide for the night. She did a great job at helping set up cameras in manual settings for those of us that needed some guidance. She would let us know when we should be changing our settings to help capture the changes we were seeing. It was a great night! We were lucky enough to get to experience the Aurora’s for a couple hours! Erica also ensured that everyone on tour got individual or group photos under the beautiful colours. From booking online to drop off at the end of the excursion this was a great company to work with, they provide clear instructions and are willing to help make your time in Alaska what you want it to be.
Epic!
600beckye,,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely 100% worth every penny!!! Our guide Colin was amazing! He took us north from Anchorage and stopped every half hour or so to check the skies and the aurora meters, then moved on further north if the environment wasn't perfect. We ended up about 2 hours north in a little place called Talkeetna and the auroras were on full display. There was even a lake or river to create magnificent reflections and even better photos. We stayed for about 3 hours getting better and better shots, including camera and lighting setup so he could get a few shots with us and the auroras. He served us some really yummy hot chocolate and even brought us soup if we wanted it. Above and beyond! On another note, this company will refund the fee if they are unable to take you out. They won't take anyone out if there isn't a chance to actually see the northern lights. That's dedication and consideration rolled into a great corporate plan! If you get the chance, just do it! You won't regret it.
The organization was very...
Sherille J,,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The organization was very professional, the tour was canceled due to poor conditions. But we were aware that was the policy. Appreciated their honesty and timeliness. Our payment was refunded without event.
Alaska, weather prompted the tour to cancel rather than disappoint
Patricia M,,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We gave this a 4 star only because our tour was canceled due to poor weather. The tour contacted us to notify us of the reason and offered for us to rebook or refund. Opted for refund as we won't be in the area for 10 days. But when we get back will certainly try to rebook.
From US$315.00
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Operated by Alaska Photo Treks