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
171 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enchanted night 🤩
emilyfP9316AP,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enchanted night 🤩 I don’t think I’ll ever have the words to describe the beauty of the Aurora Borealis, but I will say it made me cry twice. 🥹 It was the experience of a lifetime! Colin was our tour guide and he was THE BEST!! You can tell he loves what he does. He did a great job at capturing portraits of us as well as teaching us about how and when to view the Aurora Borealis. The trip in total lasted about 6 hours. (which I thought was perfect!) The group was small, just us three and Colin. However, the energy was electric. Colin made sure we were all safe and warm (hand warmers were provided and the tour van was kept warm during our stops in case we needed to warm up a bit). He also provided hot apple cider, hot cocoa and snacks. We made multiple stops during the 6 hours. It truly was a thrilling experience! 1,000,000/10 recommend 🤩🌌💛🥹
It was amazing and the...
Theresa D,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing and the guides were very helpful and attentive. Colin and Nichole were great. I would defiantly use this tour again.
I didn't get a chance to do it.
Lisa C,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The experiment did not take place because of the weather. But the communication with Anna was perfect. Waiting for the refund, but I will not hesitate to book again if I have the chance to come back!
Aurora Lights Bucket List checked
jordains2026,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was honestly everything. Seeing the Aurora Lights in person was literally a dream come true for me. Pictures really don’t do it any justice at all — it’s way more beautiful and surreal in real life. The way the colors move across the sky is just… unreal. The atmosphere was really nice too. It felt calm, peaceful, and just a whole vibe. Everything was set up in a way that made it easy to just enjoy the moment without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. The staff were amazing Mr. Ben and Ms. Monica they were super friendly, helpful, and just made everything run smoothly. You can tell they actually care about people having a good experience. The group size was a pretty decent size. It wasn’t too crowded, but it also didn’t feel empty either — it was like the perfect balance. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone. If it’s something you’ve been wanting to see, do it. It’s 100% worth it.
Bucket List Adventure
V5449TKmarys,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Aurora Lights experience was truly unforgettable — seeing the lights in person was literally a dream come true. Pictures don’t even come close to capturing how beautiful and surreal they are. The way the colors move across the sky creates such a peaceful, almost magical feeling that’s hard to put into words. The overall atmosphere was amazing. It felt calm, immersive, and well put together, making it easy to just be in the moment and enjoy the experience. Everything flowed smoothly, and the setting really added to how special it felt. The staff were great — Ms. Anna and Mr. Ben they friendly, helpful, and organized. They made sure everyone felt comfortable and had what they needed, which made the experience even better. The group size was a pretty decent size — not too crowded, but still enough people to share the moment with. It felt balanced and didn’t take away from the experience at all. Overall, this is something I would absolutely recommend. If seeing the Aurora Lights is on your bucket list, this experience is definitely worth it.
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.
From US$315.00
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Operated by Alaska Photo Treks