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Anchorage Aurora Quest - Northern Lights Photo Tour

Anchorage Aurora Quest - Northern Lights Photo Tour

Overview

This is the longest-running northern lights photo tour in the Anchorage area. Highlighted by Iceland Air's Stopover magazine as one of Anchorage's "Hidden Hot Spots" in its Spring 2019 issue (page 64), this tour is designed to maximize fun and opportunity with the aurora borealis.

We provide a free 3-day forecast service that includes both the aurora borealis and weather forecast. This tour increases your chance of aurora viewing success by allowing you to reserve as many nights as you like [space available] and only finalizing payment 48 hours in advance under the Reserve Now & Pay Later system. We pick you up at your accommodations and take you on a nocturnal adventure to witness the magical lights rippling over snowy peaks and dancing across dark waters. It's a great option for business travelers to Alaska during August to early May. This tour accommodates serious photographers to sightseers. Photographic instruction and aurora portraits are provided for those who desire.

City: Anchorage

Wed 25 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $275.00

Make a reservation

Wed 25 Dec

Starting at $275.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Private transportation

Tripod

Snacks

Professional photographer guide

State park admission fees

Coffee and/or Tea

Parking Fees

Additional Info

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
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
Cloth face masks required for staff and guests when social distancing not possible (i.e., inside the tour van), but not out in open areas when social distancing is possible.

What To Expect

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.

Eagle River

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

Palmer

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (59)

kathrynf595

Jan 2022

We had a WONDERFUL time! It was not a super clear night so we had to drive very far, but the guides did an excellent job making sure we could find them, and our timing was PERFECT! They gave good picture tips, provided warm gear, treats, and warm drinks! Ben was AWESOME! Very friendly and knowledgeable! Would recommend, but dress warm!

Response from Host

Jan 2022

Thank you for the very kind review. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience so much! Yes, late nights chasing the aurora can be cold in the middle of winter.

pulmcc

Jan 2022

We got the 4-night pass with Alaska Photo Treks and ended up going out 3 nights. You will get picked up and dropped off at your hotel each time you go out. The website has a 3-day prediction of the likelihood of going out and you receive an email mid afternoon the day of confirming whether or not there will be a trip that night. Your destination is dependent on where clouds are forecast to be ABSENT, as it doesn't matter how strong the aurora is if there is a barrier preventing viewing. We left Anchorage feeling fulfilled in terms of seeing the aurora. We saw it on every trip, with each one being better than the one before. Our first night was a small glimpse and not visible to my naked eye. The next night was better, and the final night was like a 4th of July fireworks display. If your goal is to see aurora, you have to give yourself enough time. You can't expect to go out on two successive nights and expect to see it, which I think is why many people return home disappointed. By giving ourselves a week, we maximized our chances and we left satisfied (we never went out on successive nights). It's important to choose a tour that travels. Do not lock yourself in to a fixed location because if that location has cloud cover, you will see nothing that night whereas a location 50 miles away could have prime viewing. As stated above, a key benefit of this tour is that they look to see where cloud cover is and where it won't be, and they go to the latter. I think that is critical to you achieving your goal of seeing aurora. Thank you Carl and Amber for a trip that we will remember forever.

Response from Host

Jan 2022

I am so happy to hear that you valued the opportunities presented with the four-day pass. We designed that option specifically for people like you who really want to give themselves the best chance to see the aurora borealis. I am so happy that you had success. It was a real treat and pleasure for us to host you and help you achieve your dream of seeing the northern lights in Alaska. Thank you so much for taking the time for such a detailed review!

Anne F

Dec 2021

5-5. This was at the top of my bucket list! Glen our tour guide was awesome! He knew just where to go to see the northern lights and we did! The night sky was breathtaking! Glen took his time to educate me on the best ways to photograph the aurora! He took spectacular photos of the aurora and each of us on the tour and shared them all with us. I highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host

Dec 2021

Annie, thank you so much for your review! Glenn is an awesome guide as well as photographer and we are lucky to have him. I'm so happy he found you auroras!