Anchorage: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour

If you’re dreaming of capturing the Northern Lights and want a guided experience that combines stunning scenery with photography tips, this tour from Anchorage might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want to chase the aurora along snowy peaks and learn how to photograph one of nature’s most dazzling displays. While it’s not a perfect fit for everyone—especially those visiting outside peak viewing months or hoping for a guaranteed sight—you might find it worth the investment if you’re eager for a well-organized, scenic adventure.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances expert guidance with the chance to take home some stunning photos. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage, which means you don’t have to worry about getting out into the wilderness on your own. Also, the small group size keeps things intimate, allowing for more personalized tips and interaction. On the flip side, a notable consideration is that aurora sightings are never guaranteed—cloudy weather or solar activity can sometimes mean a night without the lights.

This tour seems best suited for photography enthusiasts and travelers who want a knowledgeable guide to help them get the most out of their Northern Lights experience. If you’re flexible with timing and understand the seasonal limitations (most sightings occur September through March), it could be a memorable part of your Alaskan trip.

Key Points

• Expert-guided photography help enhances your chances of capturing great photos and understanding the science behind the aurora.
• Round-trip transportation from Anchorage makes it convenient and comfortable, especially in cold weather.
• Small group size means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Weather-dependent nature of the Northern Lights means seeing them is never guaranteed; cancellations are possible.
• Warm gear and amenities like hot drinks, snacks, and hand/toe warmers improve comfort during the outdoor wait.
• The price reflects the guided experience and included amenities but may seem high if you’re looking for a longer or more immersive tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting with hotel pickup within Anchorage, this 6-hour adventure takes you into the night with a focus on photography and viewing the Northern Lights. The pickup times vary, generally from 8 pm to midnight, depending on the season and weather conditions that night. Keep in mind, if you’re staying outside the city or at Girdwood, you’ll need to meet at a designated location in Anchorage, which is a small inconvenience for some.

Once you’re on the road, expect to be driven to dark, scenic spots away from city lights—places chosen for their potential to give you the best chance of seeing the aurora. The landscape is typically snowy, with stunning mountain backdrops that add to the visual drama. Your guide, a professional photographer, will share insights about the science behind the Aurora Borealis and offer tips on how to frame your shots.

The experience isn’t just about waiting outside in the cold. It’s interactive—guides will help you with camera settings, and you can rent a camera if needed (just contact ahead). Tripods are provided for everyone, which is essential for capturing long-exposure shots of the lights. Many guests in reviews appreciated the guide’s expertise, with one describing the guide as “spectacular” and the experience as “unique.”

While outside, you might be away from the vehicle for up to an hour—so dressing in warm, weather-appropriate clothing is a must. The tour provides hot drinks, snacks, hand warmers, and toe warmers to make the wait more bearable. And even if the Aurora doesn’t show up, guests often enjoy the starry sky and snowy landscape, which can be a beautiful surprise.

The Value of the Experience

At $313 per person, this tour is not cheap, but it does include a lot of what many travelers want: expert guidance, transportation, warm gear, and photographic coaching. However, some reviews suggest that the cost may be hard to justify if your main goal is simply to see the Northern Lights, especially if you’re not interested in photography or don’t get good conditions.

One traveler from Germany noted, “the guide was really great, but I think $300 is definitely not justified,” because they only drove for about two hours and had limited chances to actually see the aurora. On the other hand, others found the experience “spectacular,” praising the guide and the scenery even if the lights were faint or absent.

In essence, you’re paying for the guidance, convenience, and a chance to learn photography skills—not a guarantee of a sighting. If conditions are poor—cloudy or snowy—you’ll be refunded if the tour is canceled, which provides some peace of mind.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Anchorage, which offers a hassle-free start. Once on the bus, your guide will explain what to look for and share interesting science about the aurora. The journey will take you to darker, less light-polluted spots, where the snowy landscapes and mountain silhouettes create a magical backdrop.

When you arrive at your viewing spot, the guide will help you set up your camera or assist with rentals. Tripods are provided for free, recognizing their importance for good aurora photos. The guide will give tips on how to frame the lights and capture their movement, making this a good opportunity to improve photography skills, even for beginners.

Throughout the night, the guide will be on hand to answer questions and help you make the most of the experience. You’ll be outside for roughly an hour at each stop, so dressing in layers, hats, gloves, and weather-appropriate clothing is essential. The included hot drinks and warmers serve as small comforts against the cold. If the weather is unfavorable, the guide will inform you, and you may reschedule or receive a full refund.

The landscape itself, often snowy and mountain-lined, creates fantastic photo opportunities. Even if the aurora stays elusive, many guests find the experience memorable for the scenery and the company.

What the Reviews Say

Our research shows mixed feelings about this tour. Many praise the guides’ expertise and friendliness—one reviewer called the guide “spectacular,” which speaks to the quality of the personal touch. The scenery and the chance to learn photography are also highly appreciated.

However, some guests are disappointed by the limited aurora views or feel the experience doesn’t justify the price. For example, a traveler from Guatemala mentioned that April weather isn’t ideal for aurora viewing and suggested avoiding this tour outside the peak months of September through March. Others noted that the actual drive times or the number of stops may be short for the cost.

The common thread is that success partly hinges on luck and weather conditions. The tour provider is transparent about cancellations if conditions aren’t suitable, which is fair but can be frustrating if your hopes are high.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is geared toward photography lovers and curious travelers looking for a guided, scenic outing rather than a pure aurora chase. If you want a hassle-free way to go out at night, learn about the lights, and take home photos, you’ll likely value what’s included here.

It’s less ideal if you’re visiting outside the prime aurora season or expect a guarantee of seeing the lights. Also, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a longer, more immersive experience, this might feel like a hurried snapshot rather than an in-depth adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour from Anchorage offers a practical, well-organized way to try your hand at capturing one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. The experience benefits from knowledgeable guides, warm amenities, and convenient transportation—all important factors, especially in the cold Alaskan nights.

While it’s not a guarantee of seeing the lights, many guests find the scenery alone worth the trip. The focus on photography makes it a good choice if you’re eager to learn tips and get some memorable shots, even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate fully.

Overall, it’s a solid option for those who want a guided, scenic, and educational Northern Lights experience. If you’re flexible, realistic about the weather, and eager for a bit of adventure, this tour can add a special touch to your Alaskan getaway.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off within Anchorage, light snacks, water, hot drinks (hot cocoa, cider, tea, or coffee), hand and toe warmers, and free tripods. Photography coaching and aurora portraits are available if desired.

Can I rent a camera?
Yes, you can rent a camera if you don’t have one. Just contact the tour provider in advance to arrange it.

Is this tour suitable for Girdwood residents?
Pickup from Girdwood is not available. Travelers staying there will need to meet at a designated location in Anchorage.

How long do we stay outside during the tour?
Guests may be outside for up to an hour at each stop, so dressing warmly is essential.

What happens if the weather is cloudy or snowy?
The tour may be canceled due to poor weather, and you’ll receive a full refund. The provider will notify you if conditions aren’t suitable.

How do I know when my pickup is?
Pickup times are sent on the day of the tour and vary between 8 pm and midnight, based on conditions and your location.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, and cold outdoor conditions might be challenging for young children. Check with the provider if you’re considering it for kids.

This tour is a good pick for those seeking a manageable, guided experience with a focus on photography and scenic beauty. Just stay flexible and prepared, and you might end up with some incredible memories and photos of the Aurora Borealis.

You can check availability for your dates here: