Chasing the Northern Lights from Anchorage: Multi-Location Aurora Sightseeing Tour
Leave the city lights behind and let experienced guides chase clear skies and Kp-index windows as they move between vantage points around Anchorage. This three-hour, multi-location tour combines real-time weather tracking, local lore, and practical photo help to maximize your chance of seeing the aurora.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in warm layers
Temperatures drop quickly at night; windproof outer layers, insulated boots and a warm hat will keep you comfortable during roadside stops.
Bring tripod and manual camera controls
Long exposures and steady framing are essential for aurora photography; guides can advise settings but a tripod speeds successful shots.
Expect mobile pickup downtown
Meet at Dena'ina Convention Center on 6th Avenue between F & G Streets — arrive 10–15 minutes early to board smoothly.
Flexible ticket policy
Use the sliding multi-evening ticket if weather blocks viewing—apply your reservation credit across covered nights according to the operator’s policy.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Turnagain Arm pullouts for low horizons and mountain-framed aurora
- •Small roadside parks outside Anchorage where light pollution drops quickly at 15–45 minutes from downtown
Wildlife
- •Moose
- •Snowshoe hare
Conservation Note
Keep group sizes small, avoid using bright white flash photography, and park in designated areas to minimize impact on roadside vegetation and wildlife.
The area around Anchorage is traditional Dena'ina territory; Indigenous stories often interpret the lights as communicative or spiritual phenomena.
Photographer's Notes
- • Roadside pullouts along Turnagain Arm for wide horizons
- • High-elevation overlooks outside the city for darker skies
- • Quiet gravel lots away from streetlights for unobstructed framing
What to Bring
Insulated waterproof bootsEssential
Protects feet from cold, damp roadside stops and packed snow.
TripodEssential
Necessary for long-exposure aurora photography to avoid blur.
Headlamp with red-light mode
Keeps hands free for camera adjustments while preserving night vision.
Windproof outer layerEssential
Blocks cold breezes at exposed pullouts and parking areas.
Common Questions
Is there a guarantee I will see the northern lights?
No—auroras depend on solar activity and local weather; the tour increases your odds by moving to clear-sky vantage points and tracking Kp indices, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Where is the meeting point and do you provide pickup?
Meet at the Dena'ina Convention Center on 6th Avenue between F & G Streets in downtown Anchorage; the tour boards there and returns to the same area.
Can infants and children join?
Yes—infants must sit on an adult’s lap and the tour is rated physically easy, though nights can be cold and late for young children.
What should I bring for photography?
Bring a camera with manual controls, a sturdy tripod, wide-aperture lens, and spare batteries (cold drains battery life quickly).
What happens if the tour is canceled for weather?
If canceled at least 24 hours before departure you’ll receive a full refund; the operator may also offer alternate dates or credits under their sliding ticket program.
When is the best time of year for aurora viewing?
Prime season is late August through April when nights are long and dark; peak probability is during winter months when geomagnetic activity and clear, cold skies coincide.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
Approximately 3 hours (179 minutes)
Location
Anchorage, Alaska
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly short, easy walks from vehicle to viewing points.
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