Anchorage offers some of the most compelling scenery for photography enthusiasts. With towering mountains, icy waterways, and abundant wildlife, this city is a natural playground for photographers. We particularly love the Turnagain Arm Highlights Photo Tour because it combines diverse landscapes—mountain streams, glaciers, mudflats, and the chance to spot bears and eagles. Whether you’re aiming for wildlife shots or scenic vistas, Anchorage’s landscapes deliver.
If you’re eager to chase the Aurora Borealis, the Anchorage: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour offers a magical experience, perfect for night sky photography. And for those who want to spend a day exploring less crowded spots, the Turnagain Arm Highlights Photography Day Trip combines creative instruction with access to hidden gems. For winter lovers, the Winter Wonderland Photo Tour and Winter Wonderland Photo Tour 2 showcase snowy landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and coastal sunsets, with plenty of wildlife opportunities.
Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each experience, helping you decide which tour fits your style and interest best.
1. Turnagain Arm Highlights Photo Tour
At number one, the Turnagain Arm Highlights Photo Tour offers a five-hour journey into some of Anchorage’s most photogenic locations. This tour covers Turnagain Arm, Chugach National Forest, and Chugach State Park, providing a wide variety of scenery—mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and mudflats—ready to be captured. The itinerary includes stops at Falls Creek Trail, Bird Point, Portage Valley, and the Twentymile River, each offering unique photographic opportunities.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to photograph wildlife such as bears, moose, Dall sheep, Bald eagles, and Beluga whales, depending on the season. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you get the best shots, and the landscapes are so varied that you won’t need to travel far to find compelling images. The tour’s five-star rating reflects its value, especially considering the inclusion of wildlife sightings and scenic vistas — perfect for both amateur and seasoned photographers.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience, this tour hits the mark. Expect a mix of landscape and wildlife photography with expert guidance to help you improve your shots.
2. Anchorage: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour
Number two on our list is the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour, which is for night owls eager to capture the sky’s spectacular light display. This six-hour adventure takes you away from city lights to chase the elusive Northern Lights in the snow-covered landscape. It’s an experience that combines scenic beauty with the thrill of capturing one of nature’s most mesmerizing shows.
The tour includes guidance on photography techniques for low-light shooting, making it suitable even if you’re not a seasoned photographer. Your guide also explains the science behind the Aurora Borealis, adding an educational element to the adventure. Transportation is round-trip from Anchorage, so you won’t need to worry about logistics. While the reviews are good, with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews, some travelers note that aurora visibility depends on solar activity and weather conditions.
Bottom Line: For anyone wanting to photograph the Northern Lights in a comfortable, guided setting, this tour offers expert advice, scenic snowy landscapes, and the chance to create unforgettable night sky images.
3. Anchorage: Turnagain Arm Highlights Photography Day Trip
Coming in at number three, the Turnagain Arm Highlights Photography Day Trip is perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth, daylong exploration of this stunning area. The tour emphasizes creative and technical photography instruction, guided by a professional who knows exactly where to find the best light and compositions. It’s ideal for photographers eager to improve their skills while discovering less crowded spots.
This trip includes opportunities to photograph glaciers, waterfalls, mudflats, and mountain ranges, with wildlife like bears, moose, Dall sheep, and eagles often seen. The guide’s local knowledge guarantees access to hidden gems beyond the usual tourist spots. The six-hour itinerary allows for multiple stops, making it perfect for capturing different lighting conditions, from morning to late afternoon.
Review highlights praise the guide’s expertise and the chance to get off the beaten path. The value is high considering the personalized instruction and unique locations visited.
Bottom Line: If you’re serious about improving your landscape and wildlife photography and enjoy a personalized experience, this trip offers excellent value and expert guidance.
$222 per person
4. Anchorage: Winter Wonderland Photo Tour
Number four is the Winter Wonderland Photo Tour, a four-hour daytime experience tailored for winter landscapes. It’s designed for those who want to see the natural winter beauty in a range of settings, from icy waterfalls to snow-covered mountains. The guide offers creative and technical instruction, helping you make the most of the winter lighting and conditions.
Locations include frosty woods, ice falls, and the coast where you can photograph sunset over snow-capped hills. Wildlife sightings like moose are common, and the short duration makes it accessible even for families or travelers with limited time. The tour balances landscape photography with wildlife viewing, providing a well-rounded winter experience.
Some reviews mention the fun atmosphere, and the focus on technical tips makes it suitable for those looking to sharpen winter photography skills. It’s good value for a shorter, focused tour.
Bottom Line: For winter scenery and wildlife in daylight, this tour offers hands-on instruction and access to scenic areas, perfect for a quick but comprehensive winter photo experience.
5. Anchorage Winter Wonderland Photo Tour
The final spot is the Winter Wonderland Photo Tour 2, a four-hour daytime tour exploring 4-5 locations around Anchorage, including Chugach State Park, Turnagain Arm, and Cook Inlet. Its flexible itinerary means departure times are adjusted to sunset, giving you prime lighting.
This tour emphasizes creative and technical instruction and offers access to iconic winter scenes—frosty woods, frozen waterfalls, and coastal sunsets. Stops include a variety of landscapes, and the guide’s local expertise helps you find the best framing for each shot. The itinerary also includes photo opportunities of wildlife like moose and eagles at different stops.
While this tour has no reviews yet, its comprehensive approach and focus on a variety of scenic locations make it appealing for winter photography enthusiasts who want a balanced mix of landscapes and wildlife.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a flexible, multi-location winter photography experience with guidance on technique and composition, this tour provides a solid option.
$189.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Photography Experience in Anchorage
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If wildlife and scenic landscapes are your priorities, the Turnagain Arm Highlights Photo Tour or the Day Trip will serve you well. For capturing the night sky, the Aurora Borealis Tour is unmatched. Winter lovers should consider the Winter Wonderland experiences for their seasonal beauty and snow-covered vistas.
Consider how much time you have: if only a half-day, the Winter Wonderland Photo Tour 2 or Tour offers great value. For a more immersive, instructional experience, the Turnagain Arm Day Trip is perfect. Always check the weather forecast, especially for Northern Lights tours, and book early to reserve your spot.
Anchorage’s mix of dramatic mountains, icy waterways, and wildlife make it a photographer’s paradise. Whether you want to capture glaciers at sunrise, the Northern Lights dancing overhead, or cozy winter scenes, these tours provide a variety of ways to make the most of your trip. For the best results, plan ahead, dress warmly, and don’t forget your camera — Alaska waits for your best shot.