The 4 Anchorage Northern Lights Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 156 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $315Our pick

You’ll leave Anchorage late at night with a small group and a photographer guide such as Ben, Chad, Colin, or Erica. The route may reach Chugach State Park, Eagle River, Palmer, the Knik River, or Hatcher Pass. Expect camera help, tripods, snacks, blankets, and portraits beneath the aurora.

“It’s been a bucket list item to see the Aurora Borealis and did this tour deliver (with a little luck from the weather). Our tour guide, Colin did a great job explaining and finding the best locations. Our other guide Ben did a great job taking professional pictures of our group with the Northern Lights in the background. The warm van and hot chocolate were fantastic during those moments when we needed to warm up! Great tour and highly recommend for your bucket list!”

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2.Anchorage Northern Lights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 125 reviews · 6 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $354

Chase the aurora from Anchorage in a small group of up to eight. Guides such as Dana, Dennis, Chris, and Aaron use forecasts to choose viewing spots, provide warm drinks and shelter, explain the science, and take portraits and night-sky photos. Expect a late night, a long drive, and no guaranteed show.

“Great tour. Chris was fantastic and very passionate about this tour and this field of work in general. Not an easy task to perform but he is a 5 star guy. Loved the aurora borealis and would probably do this tour again.”

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3.Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks One Way

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $259Best value

Travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks by Alaska Railroad, leaving at 8:30 am and arriving around 8:00 pm. Expect big windows, snowy backcountry, Denali and Alaska Range views, optional dining, and useful commentary from onboard staff such as Andy and Laura.

“What a wonderful experience. Nice staff that narrated the entire trip (knowledgeable local info, plus wildlife spotting and alerting passengers where to look). Great food and service in the dining car; snacks available the entire trip. No worry travel with the granddaughter who loved the train.”

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4.Northern Lights Adventure of a Liftetime from Anchorage

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · from $320

Join photographer Scott for an 8 to 10-hour northern lights search from Anchorage. With hotel pickup, a maximum of five participants, camera coaching, warm drinks, blankets, and free high-resolution photos, this tour puts comfort and better aurora pictures first.

“What an incredible experience. it was my second time seeing the lights and this time was exponentially more superior! if it's on your bucket list, do it in Alaska!!! it was AMAZING!”

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