Best Northern Lights Photography in the USA — Our Top 14

1.Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

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

Start with hotel pickup around 8 p.m. and ride into darker country with Arctic Night Tours guides such as Elena. The 8 to 12 hour outing follows clear skies, pauses at viewing spots, and includes snacks, hand and toe warmers, and many professional aurora photos. You can return to the heated van whenever the cold bites.

“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.”

See open dates →The full review

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

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

Chase the aurora around Fairbanks with guides such as David, Grace, Cole, or Joy, stopping at rural viewing points as skies change. Your guide takes free JPG photos while you watch, then sends a download link within about three days. The tour lasts roughly four hours, but includes no restroom, chairs, blankets, or camera coaching.

“David was a nice polite photographer and our van driver. Only me and my wife were in the SUV so we got plenty of time for photographers and we were really lucky to just see the Aurora right out of the gate in the first location he took us to. We decided to come back soon since we'd already gotten a glimpse of the lights throughout and we were really tired. But lucky for us we got an even brighter display of the lights on our way back and David was quick to pull over and capture them some more for us”

See open dates →The full review

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, waiting in a warm cabin for the Northern Lights. You can step into the 10-acre yard for clear 360-degree views, enjoy hot drinks and snacks, and get help taking aurora portraits. Transfers from Fairbanks are available.

“At some point we could see aurora with eye but better with new smartphone where you can the settings”

See open dates →The full review

4.From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

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

Join Ed, Elena, or another Arctic Night Tours guide for an all-night Aurora chase from Fairbanks. Hotel pickup, a warm van, snacks, drinks, hand warmers, and guide-taken photos are included. Your route may stretch toward Yukon Lake and last 8 to 12 hours, depending on cloud cover and where the lights appear.

“An Unforgettable Aurora Experience! Our tour with Arctic Night Tours was absolutely incredible! We spent the whole night chasing the Northern Lights, and it truly felt magical. Elena and Edmond were the warmest, sweetest guides — full of energy, patience, and enthusiasm. They made sure everyone was comfortable, helped us with poses, and took an amazing number of beautiful photos that we’ll cherish forever. We loved every moment — from the cozy breaks with snacks to the delicious cake they surprised us with at the end of the night. Their passion and kindness made this experience even more special. Thank you, Elena and Edmond, for an unforgettable night under the…”

See open dates →The full review

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

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

Ride from your Fairbanks hotel to the 270-degree Aurora Glass House at Cleary Summit for about five hours of Northern Lights watching. Stay warm behind floor-to-ceiling windows, step outside when the aurora appears, and ask guides such as Michael or Stella for photo help. Drinks, snacks, and photography are included.

“Great experience! Aurora was fantastic. The glass house is cozy and clean, it is very nice to see aurora while stay inside the warm place. The hosts also took photos for us, which is very nice. Highly recommend!”

See open dates →The full review

6.Northern Lights Aurora Chasing Adventure Tour & Free Photography

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Meet your guide near Fairbanks for a five-hour aurora chase in a comfortable van. Pickup usually runs between 9:25 and 10:00 PM, with the exact time sent around 5 PM. Your guide follows the weather, changes viewing locations as needed, and helps photograph the aurora while you enjoy hot drinks and snacks.

See open dates →The full review

7.Private Tour for Chasing Northern Lights (Aurora) with PHOTO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $499

Meet your guide at 10:30 pm for a four-hour Aurora Borealis chase from downtown Fairbanks. Alaska Journey Tours provides pickup, an experienced guide such as David or Abigail, and photographs of your group beneath the lights. Your guide may change locations as conditions shift, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! It is the first time we see the aurora! We booked for Thursday night but we found out 2 days earlier that it would be cloudy on Thursday night, so we called to seek the possibility to change to Wednesday night, which is sunny day. And thanks to the flexibility, we go the chance to see the aurora!”

See open dates →The full review

8.Hot Spring and Northern Lights Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $225

Join Howling Bay Kennel for an eight-hour evening from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. You’ll see seasonal ice art, stop for dinner at your own cost, soak in mineral water, and chase the Aurora with guides such as Kevin and Tabitha. Pickup is offered, groups are capped at 12, and Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed.

“Kevin was amazing…. The experience was so much better with his guidance…. The ice museum was ok. The hot springs were so magical, and the lights were unforgettable! Nature is amazing, but people what makes the experience more memorable. Thanks Kevin”

See open dates →The full review

9.Anchorage: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour

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

Spend up to six hours chasing the Aurora Borealis from Anchorage with a professional photographer guide. Learn the science behind the lights, practice night photography with a complimentary tripod, and request an aurora portrait. Chad and Erica are among the guides named in recent bookings. Hotel pickup, snacks, warm drinks, and hand warmers are included.

“The experience was so cool. The guides knew exactly where to go. My teenage son thought it was coolest thing we've done on our trip.”

See open dates →The full review

10.Northern Lights(Aurora) Tour with Photography and Karaoke on car!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $149

You’ll leave Fairbanks around 10 pm with an English or Mandarin-speaking guide such as Adam or June, then follow changing aurora conditions to dark viewing spots. Expect a mostly car-based four-hour outing, snacks, water, karaoke, and photography help, with photos shared afterward. The car is not wheelchair accessible, and bathroom stops are limited.

“Experiencia interesante. Guía de mucha ayuda y nos tomó buenas fotos Lo único que no me gusto es que era todo el tiempo en el vehículo sin posibilidad de baño. De regreso el guía me paro en un baño”

See open dates →The full review

11.Luxury RV Small Group Aurora Chasing Tour with Photography

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $230

Meet your guide Michael at 10 p.m. for a five-hour aurora chase around Fairbanks in a warm RV for up to eight people. You can move between viewing spots as conditions change, use the onboard restroom, and get help with phone camera settings and tripod setup. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, hot water, and snacks are included.

“The R.V. is an ideal way to travel for viewing the lights. It is comfortable and warm. A small group and the dynamic was helpful and friendly. Our guide Michael was a great host and photographer! Most importantly it was a great night for the lights. An experience not easily had but will be a memory for life.”

See open dates →The full review

12.Aurora Chasing Tour With Free Photography Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Meet your guide in Fairbanks for a roughly five-hour evening search for the Northern Lights. Pickup runs between 9:25 and 10:00 PM, with the exact time sent by text. You will visit promising viewing spots, enjoy snacks and hot drinks, and receive aurora photos at no extra charge. The group is limited to 14 people.

“Our driver and tour guide, Michael, was excellent! We went to two different locations and the Aurora did not disappoint! I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Lady Aurora and all her glory.”

See open dates →The full review

13.Half Night Personalized Aurora Chase and Photography

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $160

You’ll spend about five hours chasing or watching the Northern Lights near Fairbanks with a private guide from Wandering Alaska. Pickup timing follows the forecast, and the evening includes an Aurora lesson, phone or camera help, five edited portraits, warm drinks, snacks, and transport from nearby lodging.

See open dates →The full review

14.Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Photography

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $160

You’ll leave Fairbanks around 10 p.m. with a driver-guide, searching for darker northern viewpoints and waiting for the aurora to appear. Guide June adjusts the route and timing to suit the sky, provides photography services, snacks, and water, and may keep watch late into the night. Groups are capped at 14 people.

See open dates →The full review