Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo
Anchorage, United States

Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

Outty Ranking 69 4.6 · 182 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $315
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 182 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo worth booking?

Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo is a 6-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $315 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 182 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (182)
Duration
6 hours
From
$315 per person

This is the longest-running northern lights photo tour in the Anchorage area. We pick you up at your Anchorage hotel and take you on a nocturnal adventure to witness the beauty of the Alaskan night sky from August to late April. Led by a professional photographer guide, gain insight into the science behind the Aurora Borealis and learn new photography skills.This tour is for sightseers and photographers alike - no photography experience needed! We do a daily forecast update for both the aurora borealis and weather. The tour 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. Increase your chances by reserving 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.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is the longest-running northern lights photo tour in the Anchorage area. We pick you up at your Anchorage hotel and take you on a nocturnal adventure to witness the beauty of the Alaskan night sky from August to late April. Led by a professional photographer guide, gain insight into the science behind the Aurora Borealis and learn new photography skills.This tour is for sightseers and photographers alike - no photography experience needed! We do a daily forecast update for both the aurora borealis and weather. The tour 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. Increase your chances by reserving 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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Aurora portraits
    • Blanket
    • Snacks
    • Professional photographer guide
    • State park admission fees
    • Tripod
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Eagle River

      A possible stop along the tour is the Mt. Baldy trailhead, which provides high elevation, expansive views of the north.

      45 minutes here

    3. Palmer

      We will spend most of our time in the area of Palmer, visiting locations from the Knik River to Hatcher Pass Management Area.

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Anchorage

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 2 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Alaska Photo Treks

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Northern lights and coast, Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights PhotoView of northern lights at one of our many locations, Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights PhotoAnchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo, photo 4Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo, photo 5Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo, photo 6Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 181 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    181 verified traveler reviews for Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    150
    4 star
    13
    3 star
    8
    2 star
    4
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    Tammy_H · September 2026

    Erica was an exceptional...

    Erica was an exceptional guide. She was very informative to those of us who had never seen the lights. She is a very kind person and was easy to talk to. The lights turned out to be fantastic. A once in a lifetime experience for some of us. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone. 10 out of 10.

    Response from the operator: I am so glad that you enjoyed your tour so much. Thank you for letting us know and that you enjoyed your guide Erica and how she conducted the tour. We hope to see you again sometime!

    via Viator

    lesw823 · September 2026

    Five stars for this experience and guide!

    What an awesome experience and our guide CHAD made it even better. Extremely knowledgeable and personable. I felt his passion for the aurora borealis. He took awesome pictures and shared his photography knowledge with us. He was very patient with our photo requests and really took some great photos. I highly recommend this experience. The cloud coverage interfered with our viewing a bit but we were still able to view some significant auroras. Thank you again!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing this! We’re so glad Chad’s enthusiasm for the aurora and photography made the evening so memorable. He really enjoys helping guests get the most out of both the experience and their cameras, so it’s great to hear that his patience and knowledge stood out. Cloud cover can certainly keep us on our toes during aurora season, and we’re happy you were still able to catch some significant activity and come away with some great photos as well. Thank you for joining us and for the recommendation!

    via Tripadvisor

    j0seirvins · September 2026

    Lady Aurora Made Us Wait, Then She Danced

    Got to see Lady Aurora! A huge thank-you to Alaska Photo Treks, especially the owner and award-winning Alaskan photographer, Carl Johnson. At first, I was beginning to lose hope. The forecast was 50/50, and we thought the clouds might get in the way. However, the real challenge was that the aurora took a long time to put on a show. Carl was incredibly patient and explained everything to us throughout the tour. He detected the aurora while it was still very faint, but she became truly visible only during the final part of our trip. We waited from 11 PM until almost 4 AM for that moment. Lady Aurora wasn’t simply given to us. We had to be patient, but the wait was worth it. She finally revealed herself and even danced for us. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m very grateful to Carl and Alaska Photo Treks for making it possible.

    Response from the operator: Aurora nights can be unpredictable, and sometimes the ones that make you wait are the ones you remember most. In a way, that uncertainty is part of what makes seeing the aurora feel so special. We’re so glad you stuck it out and were rewarded with such a memorable display at the end of the night. There’s something especially exciting about watching faint activity build into a visible aurora right in front of you. We really appreciate you choosing Alaska Photo Treks for the experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    K5132ZAkims · September 2026

    Checked off bucket list item

    Highly recommend. Ben was our guide and was so knowledgeable and created a really enjoyable experience.

    Response from the operator: We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour, thank you for joining us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Alexnadra_T · September 2026

    Disappointed

    Nothing is guarantee to see the northern light. We were able to get a little bit of the northern lights from tour guide’s camera because of all the cloud cover the sky. $315 per person for seeing nothing is very disappointed. Tour Chad is professional and knowledgeable.

    Response from the operator: Hi. Thank you for letting us know that our guides did a good job in helping you to enjoy this experience as much as possible. The forecast for the night of your tour indicated that the aurora would be visible (it likely would have been visible if not for the band of low clouds to the north). Unfortunately, forecasts are sometimes wrong. Because of our vigorous standards for when we run this tour, we have a five-year average of our guests seeing the aurora borealis with the naked eye 80% of the time this tour runs. I am sorry that you were among the 20%. Since you were not able to see the aurora with the naked eye (only in camera), you are eligible for a free makeup tour at any time. Please contact us directly to schedule it. We certainly hope that you take advantage of your makeup tour.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    64
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Alaska Photo Treks, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.0.

    See everything Alaska Photo Treks runs

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)73
    Review evidence (18% weight)70
    Booking momentum (14% weight)65
    Value for money (12% weight)52
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)26
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.

    How much does Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo cost?

    +

    Prices start at $315 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anchorage usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anchorage is not rushed.

    Is Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 182 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Anchorage, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?

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    Around 64 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anchorage can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anchorage and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anchorage within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Anchorage?

    +

    Anchorage is the staging point for glacier cruises out of Whittier and Seward, Denali flightseeing, wildlife conservation centre visits, dog sledding and northern lights chases in winter. Long transfer times make itinerary honesty essential. On Outty we rank every Anchorage experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage, Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour, Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Anchorage?

    +

    June to August for glaciers, September to March for aurora. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Anchorage?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?

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    Included: Aurora portraits; Blanket; Snacks; Professional photographer guide; and State park admission fees. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 66 listed pickup locations in and around Anchorage. Be ready about 2 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?

    +

    Across 182 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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