Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 174 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 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 174 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (174)
- 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 lat
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
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
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
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 173 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
9 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
173 verified traveler reviews for Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Total Gamble
The photography guides are incredible and clearly know their stuff. For visitors with professional gear, this is an excellent crash course in night photography. If the northern lights show up, I am sure it is an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, the lights did not appear during our tour. We ended up sitting in the cold for hours just taking standard night shots. A major warning: if you do not have a professional camera, this tour is not for you. Without pro gear, you will leave with zero good photos on your phone. I understand they cannot control nature, but paying this much money to sit in the freezing dark feels like a massive gamble. It essentially turned into a glorified, expensive night taxi driven by a very knowledgeable photographer
via Viator
Amazing!
We had an amazing time on this tour. We received info before leaving saying the conditions weren’t optimal and we were given the choice to cancel. We decided to go ahead and were so glad we did. Our tour guide, Erica was amazing. Incredibly knowledgeable and knew right where to take us when the sky finally cleared up enough to see. She took some incredible pictures to share with us and coached us on how to take our own. So thankful we got to see the northern lights, but feel confident it would have been worth it without the sky clearing up given the amount of knowledge gained from Erica. Excellent experience.
via Tripadvisor
Enchanted night 🤩
Enchanted 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 🤩🌌💛🥹
Response from the operator: You certainly had a magical night chasing the aurora borealis! Thank you so much for letting us know that you enjoyed the experience and that Colin took such good care of you. We hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
It was amazing and the...
It was amazing and the guides were very helpful and attentive. Colin and Nichole were great. I would defiantly use this tour again.
Response from the operator: We're so glad to hear that you had a good time out with us during your visit to Anchorage, Theresa! Please visit us again someday, and until then, best wishes and safe travels — Anna & the APT Team
via Viator
Aurora Lights Bucket List checked
This 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.
Response from the operator: We are so glad that everything worked out for you to join us on an aurora quest during your time in Anchorage, and we really appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a thoughtful review. We love helping folks check this particular experience off their bucket list, and we hope you'll be able to visit with us again someday. Until then, best wishes and safe travels — Anna & the APT Team
via Tripadvisor
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
- 61
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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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?
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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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 174 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?
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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?
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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 61 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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