6 Northern Lights Photography Tours in the USA to Build a Morning Around

1.Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 486 reviews · 8 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $210Our pick

Meet Arctic Night Tours at 8 pm for an 8 to 12 hour aurora chase from Fairbanks. Guides such as Elena and Ed track clouds and activity, driving to dark viewing spots while two cameras capture your night. Bring serious cold-weather gear, since the van is warm but the viewing is outdoors.

“This was an incredible Aurora experience!! We ended up about an hour north of Fairbanks in the mountains and the Aurora was spectacular! It took a few hours to come out in full force but even the view of only the stars is incredible from that far outside the city. It was insanely cold (-36 degrees) so make sure to dress warm but it is definitely one of the best experiences I have ever been on.”

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2.Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 481 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189

David and the Alaska Journey Tours team drive you through rural Fairbanks in search of the aurora, changing locations as clouds and activity shift. You get hotel pickup, a warm vehicle, a small-group setting, and free JPG photos, but no restroom, chairs, blankets, or guaranteed sighting.

“The experience didn't happen. The sky was completely overcast with periodic rain. The company called and suggested cancelling -- although they said they'd do the tour if we wanted or we could move it to another day. We didn't have another free day and attempting to do the tour was pointless, so we cancelled. AND THEY CHARGED US 20% FOR CANCELLING! Rip-off!”

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3.Mountaintop 360° Best Alaskan Cabin with Photography @Aurora Camp

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 322 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99Best value

Spend about 4.5 hours at Aurora Camp near Murphy Dome with hosts Joy and David. Wait for the Northern Lights in a warm cabin with drinks, snacks, games, and an indoor restroom, then step into the 10-acre yard for open-sky views and professional photos.

“David was a great guide! He is passionate about what he does and he makes sure you’re comfortable & getting the best experience you can seeing the lights! We were lucky to have a great clear night”

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4.From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 220 reviews · 1 day · from $210

Join Arctic Night Tours for an 8 to 12 hour Aurora chase from Fairbanks. Guides Ed and Elena track weather and sky conditions, drive toward clearer skies, provide snacks and warmers, and photograph you beneath the Northern Lights.

“Guide knew and shared so much about the Aurora. She made sure we were all comfortable even with very cold temperatures.”

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5.Aurora Glass House – Northern Lights and Photos at Cleary Summit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 162 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

Ride from Fairbanks to the 270° Aurora Glass House at Cleary Summit, where you can watch the Northern Lights through floor-to-ceiling windows or step outside for photos. Guides such as Michael and Stella help spot the aurora, take portraits, and send images afterward. Hot drinks, snacks, and hotel pickup are included.

“The lodge is new, clean and warm. However, it is very crowded and packed. It is filled with chairs in all possible corners. If you’d like a quiet experience, this is not the place. Otherwise hosts are friendly and aurora is beautiful.”

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6.Anchorage: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 33 reviews · 6 hours · from $312

You’ll spend six hours chasing the Aurora Borealis from Anchorage with a professional photographer guide. Learn the science, use a complimentary tripod, and get help capturing the lights. Chad and Erica have guided recent outings, and camera rental is available by advance request.

“Our guide, Chad, was fantastic! The forecast was uncertain for the night, but he did a fantastic job watching the data and finding us a great spot to catch the lights. He even extended the tour a little to make sure we could see them before heading back to our hotels. It was a great experience!”

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