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Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

168 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 168 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
96% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Anchorage, USA
Book online or call us

from $315 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo Image 1
Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo Image 2
Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo Image 3
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Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 70 (56.67) days in advance.
6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Snacks
  • Aurora portraits
  • Gratuities
See 4 moreSee 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We pick up at hotels within the city of Anchorage. We also may possibly pick up at an Airbnb if it is near hotel locations in the Spenard, Midtown, and Downtown areas of Anchorage.To be clear, we DO NOT pick up at the Alyeska Resort or any other lodging in Girdwood. We also cannot guarantee pick up in Eagle River. Travelers staying in those areas will be directed to meet at a designated location in Anchorage.Timing of pick up will depend upon how many travelers are on the tour that evening, and how cloud cover affects our tour route for the night. A schedule is sent out the day of the tour with times and locations for pick up. Pick up times for this tour have varied from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

OR
Meeting point

907 East Dowling Road
Anchorage, AK 99518, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Eagle River

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

Palmer

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

Show 2 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for small children
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-9299P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
168 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 168 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
148
4 stars
13
3 stars
5
2 stars
2
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 70 (56.67) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
  • Snacks.
  • Aurora portraits.
  • Blanket.
  • State park admission fees.
  • Tripod.
  • Professional photographer guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for small children
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
  • Snacks
  • Aurora portraits
  • Blanket
  • State park admission fees
  • Tripod
  • Professional photographer guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for small children
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name