Aurora Borealis is a beacon that calls out tourists to watch the mystical splash of colours dancing in the sky. The curiosity to watch the natural phenomenon in real draws travellers from far and wide. Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway are some of the Nordic countries where you can catch sight of the aurora. Outside Scandinavia, Canada and U.S.A have the best places to see the northern lights.
However, you cannot get up and go to watch the northern lights any time you please. The aurora reveals itself at certain times of the year on cloudless nights. So, it will be a waste to plan a visit and not catch sight of it. Plan your aurora trip around September to March; that will be the perfect time to watch the extraterrestrial event unfold. We are sharing the best places to see the northern lights in 2022 to help you plan the best aurora trip of your life. Let’s get on with it!
Best places to see the northern lights in Canada
Aurora Borealis is caused by electromagnetic activity. When solar winds collide with Earth’s magnetic field, it results in the burst of colours dancing in the sky. Canada falls in Northern Hemisphere or Arctic circle; that’s where the display of northern lights is strongest. Follow the aurora forecast before visiting these places for the clearest and sharpest views of the northern lights in Canada.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is among the best places to see the northern lights in Canada. The spectacular view is strongest in Yellowknife; that is why it is also known as “The Aurora Capital of North America”. The exclusive experience of watching aurora show from Yellowknife brings tourists to this lonely part of the Northwestern Territories of Canada. Apart from the northern lights, it does not hold any other interesting sites or tourist attractions. But when it has the best of the aurora to show off, it does not need any other enticement to beckon tourists.
Where to see the northern lights in Yellowknife: Aurora village teepees, Blachford Lake Lodge, Great Slave Lake boat cruise.
Best time to see the northern lights in Yellowknife: From September to April.
Yukon, Canada
Canada’s wild northwestern territory, Yukon, is one of the best places to see the northern lights. If you catch the Yukon’s northern lights at the perfect time and location, it will surpass your expectations. You can either go rogue and hunt the aurora alone or join an aurora tour guide. However, the Yukon tour guides know best how to turn your aurora trip into a memorable excursion. Get on the dog sleigh or book cabins, lodges, and teepees to revel in the splendid northern lights in Yukon. Also, there are hot springs to soak your body while marvelling at the sparkling night sky.
Where to see the northern lights in Yukon: Northern Lights Resort & Spa, Takhini Hot Springs, Dawson City’s Midnight Dome, and Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast.
Best time to see the northern lights in Yukon: From Mid-August to Mid-April around 10 Pm – 3 Am.
Alberta, Canada
Chasing the northern lights in Alberta is unlike any other aurora light show. Alberta offers the best places to see the northern lights from the world’s largest dark sky preserves. Because of the absence of artificial lights in the surroundings, you can relish the unobstructed view of aurora lighting up the night. The northernmost parts of Alberta harbour the best views, though. The green, red, and purple hues of aurora mesmerize tourists to no end. Not only that but around mid-October, you can also join Jasper Dark Sky Festival to explore cosmic events in the night sky bursting with stars.
Moreover, there is a group of photographers called “Alberta Aurora Chasers”. They chase the northern lights, take photos, hunt “Steve”, and keep others posted about aurora happenings. In 2016, they discovered a streak of a purple and green atmospheric phenomenon, “Steve”, gleaming on the sky.
Where to see the northern lights in Alberta: From September to mid-May
Best time to see the northern lights in Alberta: Elk island, Wood Buffalo National Park, Jasper National Park, Cypress Hills, Beaver Hills, and Lakeland Provincial Park.
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Best places to see the northern lights in the US
Another country that is home to aurora borealis outside Scandinavia is the United States. If you don’t want to chase the infamous aurora around Nordic countries, the good news is that you can watch it in the U.S.A as well. Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan are some of the best places to see the northern lights in the US. Plan your trip around these places in the US for a definitive aurora experience.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Alaska’s position on the map makes it out to be one of the best places to see the northern lights in the US. It lies on the extreme northwestern side of North America under the “Auroral Oval”, an ideal location to see the shimmering aurora appear in the sky. On a clear night, you will be able to watch the vibrant light show in different shapes, from curtains, bands, to rays. Booking a northern lights tour guide is the best way to follow the Alaskan aurora. Savour the spellbinding moment of watching the green, teal, purple, and white hues swirling in the sky.
Where to see the northern lights in Fairbanks: Dalton Highway, Aurora Borealis Lodge, Chena Hot Springs Resort, and Aurorium cabins.
Best time to see the northern lights in Fairbanks: From 21st August to 21st April.
North Dakota, USA
North Dakota is another place where you can fill your eyes with the magical display of vibrant sky. Dark skies come alive in North Dakota statewide. Where tourists and locals take in the awe-inspiring show of colourful lights sparkling across the night. Theodore Roosevelt park presents the perfect spectacle of the northern lights for tourists and locals alike. You can also go to Lake Metigoshe to enjoy the view of the landscape beneath the aurora beams.
Also, on 4th November 2021 in North Dakota, many people witnessed the dazzling green, red, and purple shades of aurora glimmering across the sky. It left people with awe and excitement. North Dakota is undoubtedly one of the best places to see the northern lights in the U.S.A.
Where to see the northern lights in North Dakota: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Crow Flies High Butte, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mystical Horizons, and Turtle Mountain.
Best time to see the northern lights in North Dakota: They can be viewed all year round, but the best time is fall or winter. From Late November to late March.
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Minnesota, USA
There is absolutely no lack of best places to see the northern lights in Minnesota. Find your favorite spot to observe the flashing northern lights around the plethora of lakes in Minnesota. Go far the north to the lightly polluted places for an incredible cosmic display of the twinkling and pulsating. There are some amazing National parks, lakes, and international dark sky sanctuaries that tourists visit to spend a night under the sky pulsating with dazzling colors.
Even though the ideal seasons for aurora sightings are fall and winter, there is no predetermined timing for the natural phenomenon to appear. Though, what you can do is follow the online forecast to plan your celestial trip according to the aurora alerts.
Where to see the northern lights in Minnesota: Lake Superior in Cook County, Gunflint Trail, Voyageurs National park, Lake of the woods, and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Best time to see the northern lights in Minnesota: From September to March.
Michigan, USA
If you are in Michigan during winter, you will most likely want to get a glimpse of the shimmering night sky. Bundle up and stake out on a nice lake to catch a glimpse of the extraterrestrial night view. The sight of green, teal, and purple colors stretched across the starry night will be unlike anything you have seen before.
The most popular spot to watch the cosmic event at its best is Lake Superior Shoreline. The lake is situated away from the town, towards the north, so no light pollution obstructs the view. However, unlike other aurora exhibits, Michigan rarely sees the northern lights directly above. So, find a position from where you can get a good look down the skyline. Finally, the best places to see the northern lights around Lake Superior are Marquette, Copper Harbor, Whitefish Point, and Brimley.
Where to see the northern lights in Michigan: Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Lake Superior’s Shoreline, and Port Crescent State Park.
Best time to see the northern lights in Michigan: From August to April.
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Maine, USA
Maine is the smallest and most peaceful state of the United States. It is the perfect aurora destination for travelers who prefer small towns to bustling cities. The aurora borealis is more intense in the northernmost and lightly polluted areas. And Maine has some of the best places to see the northern lights, such as Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness and Sugarloaf Mountain. The speckled Caribou mountain is breathtaking. And to watch the northern lights from up there will be nothing short of magical.
The aurora chasers will find the brightest show of cosmic events in Maine because of less pollution and clear skies. Check out the forecast before you travel to Maine to view the lit-up sky at the perfect time.
Where to see the northern lights in Maine: New England Outdoor Center, Schoodic Lake, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Best time to see the northern lights in Maine: From December to February.
Final Thoughts
Northern lights are elusive, mystical, and exciting. The sight is so enthralling that people wait for the long wintry nights to capture the aurora shimmering and flickering away. Apart from the nordic countries, U.S.A and Canada host the best places to see the northern lights. The farther you go to the north, the better the view will be.
If you are on the hunt to catch the aurora alone, you can book cabins, lodges, and teepees at the finest locations. However, the northern lights are difficult to track down on your own. In such a case, join a tour guide who knows the best places to see the northern lights or follow the aurora forecast to plan an amazing trip to the north. Whatever you do, it is prime time to arrange an outstanding aurora tour and set out to watch the dark skies come to life! 🙂
Before you go
Lastly, Watch out for post-Covid travel restrictions with the help of Omio. That way, you will be well prepared for the experience of a lifetime. Get the right travel insurance, bundle up, and get on your way to see the nights of the north light up!