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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

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $275.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 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)

HikerBigG

Feb 2020

Carl took myself and three other adults on a fantastic Northern Lights photo tour. There's no guarantee of course that you will see the Northern Lights on any given night. Carl very skillfully used his knowledge of the area and regular data checks to share with us a spectacular experience of the Northern Lights. What I didn't know when I registered for the tour was that Carl is a very well-known wilderness photographer in Alaska! In addition to a great tour, Carl took professional-level pictures of everyone individually as well as of the group. Carl also shared pictures that he took of the Northern Lights alone. If you go, bring your camera. Carl will teach you a lot! It was a real pleasure spending time with Carl. I hope to return to the area and have another opportunity to go on another photo tour with Carl. You won't be disappointed if you do!

Response from Host

Feb 2020

Thank you for the great feedback! It was a wonderful night and I am glad we had the success that we did. What a show! I am happy you enjoyed the photos - taking pictures of people enjoying the aurora borealis is a lot of fun for us, too. We hope to see you again!

Federicapacheco

Feb 2020

No words to describe this experience! We had the 4 day pass for the northern lights which was the main reason that we came to Alaska and I was soooo happy that we saw it, it was on my bucket list. Carl made everything possible, he is also a magician with his pro photos and an amazing person. We just had so much fun, lady aurora was soooo amazing dancing for us in the sky. Hope we can come back very soon. 100% recommended.

Response from Host

Feb 2020

I, too, was pleased to see Lady Aurora dance for you! You both were just a pleasure to have along with us for four days and made taking photos a lot of fun! Thank you so much for the feedback, and we look forward to seeing you again.

dstrauss

Dec 2019

I recently returned home from Anchorage, and I can't recommend Carl and Alaska Photo Treks highly enough. I was very pleased with the entire experience. Their page is informational, the booking process is simple and responsive, and the tours were great. The whole operation was very professional, and to say Carl is knowledgeable is a significant understatement. He is very patient and helpful with the setups and camera equipment, as well as being generous with his local knowledge and his knowledge of the Aurora Borealis and the art/science of chasing the lights. While we were lucky enough to get some great displays of the Aurora on multiple nights in a row, I would've been satisfied with my experience even if the lights had not chosen to grace us with their presence. The locations selected were perfectly suited to the conditions of each night, and made for wonderful scenery, with or without the Aurora. Anchorage is truly a great setting for chasing the lights if your goal (like mine was) is to capture beautiful landscapes and hope the lights come out. Highly recommend, and would gladly join again next time I am back in Alaska!

Response from Host

Dec 2019

Thank you for the detailed and kind words about your experience with our northern lights photo tour! We certainly had some great conditions for the several nights you joined us. Glad that you enjoyed the informational parts of the tour as well. We hope you can join us again.