Gwen Pratesi and Amanda NorcrossJan. There, you can have a guided night tour with a Swedish fika (coffee and a pastry) or indulge in a four-course meal. Yellowknife, Canada. The storms can drive the aurora further south from its usual position over the polar . You can learn more about my mission here or read about me and the rest of the team here. People here in Connecticut may get a rare chance to see the Northern Lights this weekend. The town of Churchill, Manitoba, in Canada, is best known for its polar bear population, which congregates in large numbers along the shores of Hudson Bay. Because most of the country is remote and largely unpopulated, Greenland is an often-overlooked destination for travelers chasing the Northern Lights. While the northern lights are hard to predict, the best time to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon is typically during the spring and fall and experts at the park recommend visitors face north after midnight for the best chance to see the show. That is due in large part to it being a sprawling, 218,000-acre wilderness that's almost completely free of artificial lights or manmade structures of any kind. Manitoba is best known for polar bears, the Hudson Bay, and the northern lights in winter. The town is located about 15 miles north of Tartu in central Estonia's Tartu County. Some of the best places to watch include the coast at Birsay, the beach at Dingieshowe, or the top of Wideford Hill. It could be visible between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., but it is difficult to predict. Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places in the United States to view the Northern Lights. Top Rated: Last minute places for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches. 2:47. These are the best places to see the northern lights in 2020. These states are: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. With its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows from mid-November to the beginning of April. Head to Yellowknife, which is known as theAurora Capital of North America, thanks to its prime location and excellent viewing conditions. Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from August 21 to April 21. As a result, the skies above Fairbanks are illuminated four out of five nights from August 21 to April 21 each year. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! Finska. The Aurora Bubbles are even equipped with a laser-heated glass roof that opens up overhead and into the night sky. New Zealand's winter months June to August are the best time to see the southern lights, but you can still view them in the spring (September to November) and in the fall (March to May). Glacier National Park. In fact, its the only place in the world where the Northern Lights can be seen in thedaytime. This is especially true during the winter months. This experience includes several sightseeing spots and a night spent under the magical northern skies in a bubble at the 5 Million Star Hotel. . This group of captivating islands, located about 10 miles from Scotland's remote northern coast, is one of the best places to see the northern nights in the country. A quality travel stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones. 4. Theres only one place! While you're at the property, take advantage of the guided Northern Lights Safari by snowmobile or embark on a Moose Safari on Horseback atop an Icelandic horse. Guests can opt to head out by car to see the aurora, view it by snowmobile or go snowshoeing in pursuit of the lights. Looking for a hidden gem in Alaska? If youre willing to make the trek,Acadia National Parkis one of the best destinations in the region. Troms is a popular place for . They can also learn more about the aurora borealis from guest speakers during the flight. If you're up for a chilly overnight adventure, reserve accommodations at the world's first Icehotel 365 in one of its artist-designed cold suites. The city sits 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, and during the long nights of winter, it is possible to see the auroras while in town. This ones just for the ladies. Norway. Read on to discover the top destinations where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern and southern lights. 11, 2023, Stacey Zable and Timothy J. ForsterJan. These tours take place in the Autumn months when the weather is still relatively warm. For a bucket list experience, watch the impressive light show from a glass igloo at Santa's Hotel Aurora in Luosto. That said, you'll have more chances from October to March. Some have not only witnessed the Northern Lights for hours here, but observed a rare red Aurora. Keep your curtains open and you may even see the Northern Lights from your room. Spotting the aurora borealis from a train in Russia. However, all hope is not lost if you seek to view the aurora australis in Antarctica. In the winter months, Washington State isnt known for clear skies; the states reputation as a rainy and cloudy place is well-earned during the aurora-viewing season. The city sits directly beneath the auroral oval, which is a ring centered around the magnetic North Pole where the sun's energized particles gather. 11, 2017 12:07 pm EST The city of Fairbanks, Alaska, is a great place to start. Its not cheapstaying here costs a cool 95,000 (about $105,000), which includesa one-night stay in the North Pole, as well astwo nights in nearby Svalbard, plus transportation, meals and guides. Since Earth's magnetic field is weaker at the poles, more particles from the solar winds enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles there, making the lights more visible in these regions. In fact, Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole. They occur when waves of energized particles from the sun called . These durable carry-on bags are ideal for any upcoming vacation or business trip. One of best places to view the northern lights on the planet is the mountaintop Aurora Sky StationinSwedish Lapland. When it comes to lodging, the property features traditional rooms, suites, villas and cabins. One of the most unique ways to view the northern lights? That means that in the New England states, its hard to find a good dark sky! These experienced operators watch weather and aurora reports closely and know the best places to take travelers to see the Northern Lights. Headlands International Dark Sky Parkwas one of the first ten dark sky parks in the world, established in 2011! The Aurora Sky Station is one of the best vantage points to see the aurora in the park, with experts on hand to answer questions about the science behind this fascinating phenomenon. In fact, Yellowknife locals love the aurora borealis so much that they have tiny lighthouses which alert residents and visitors when theres a likely showing of the northern lights that night. These towns on the Olympic Peninsulas northern coast are in the rain shadow of the mountains and have a good northern view if the weather cooperates. Because of its protection as a national park, theres limited development and less light pollution. In addition to its strategic location, Whitehorse also has the longest season for viewing the northern lights in Canada. Start the day smarter Notable deaths in 2023 . Romantic in a rustic-wilderness way, these steamy natural thermal pools are Canada's second largest. Luxury adventure outfitter Butterfield & Robinson has expanded its winter offerings with a new collection of cold-weather expeditionsnorthern lights included. A number of local guide services offer unique Northern Lights tours for visitors. From big-city adventures to small-town escapes, these locales highlight some of Middle America's top destinations. There is even a Facebook group calledOrkney Aurora Groupwhere local residents and enthusiasts post the latest information. Have you visited any of these places? She will personally wake you up or send you an SMS when the aurora spectacle is high. Weve ordered these alphabetically by country (i.e. Because its so far north, its also one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate . It also gets surprisingly dark here at night, which makes it a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights. This resort town is around 70 miles north of the town of Rovaniemi, set among the picturesque and hilly landscape of Pyh-Luosto National Park. Soak in the springs, and don't forget your snowshoes. Ultimately, the best place and time to see Northern Lights is above 65 N latitude, between late September to March. Fairbanks, Alaska. You can head to Russia and Norway on The Golden Eagle - Arctic Explorer - Quest for theNorthernLights (which includes a tour venturing out into the wilderness with a guest astronomer), celebrate the natural wonders of Sweden and Norway with TheNorthernLights& Lapland or explore Alaska on the Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge, where youll partake in a communal bonfire under the light-streaked skies of the Arctic Circle. If catching the aurora borealis has always been a priority on your bucket list, these are the best places for you to go. Atop this forest sits Perlan, which houses the only planetarium in the country and a museum featuring exhibits about Iceland. largest offer of Northern Lights hotels in the world. Borealis Basecamphas domes designed especially to offer you a view of the northern lights from the comfort of yourbed. This is especially true between the months of October and April. READ MORE: Where To Go Next: 27 Best Places To Travel In 2020. Even as late as the end of March or the beginning of April, you may still get a glimpse of these undulating rainbows. If you want to explore this remote Arctic region further and have the incredible opportunity to see Greenland's endangered polar bears Quark Expeditions offers a 20-day tour that starts in Toronto and sails round trip from Kangerlussaq in mid-September. The park is located far away from any city lights which might interfere with your view. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once! With its arctic location and dark skies, Yellowknife is one of the most famous places in Canada to see the northern lights. Those . Located on the international border of Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is an approximately 218,000-acre labyrinth of boreal forests, lakes and streams. Keep kids happy and entertained with these activities in and around Las Vegas. See the northern lights on a towed sled in Iceland. Where can you experience all of these things? Hotel Kangerlussuaq , 3910 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland; +299 841180 This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. The Best Tourist Attraction in Every State, The Easiest Way to Renew an Expired Passport, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. . On the shores of Great Slave Lake, travelers have a 95% chance of spotting the lights. In fact, they have awhole section about iton their website! The word "aurora" comes from the Latin word for "sunrise," and "borealis" means "to the north." The Aurora Borealis shines sporadically over the middle . 3. This has earned it an International Dark Sky Park designation. In the solar maximum, the sun is more "active", leading to northern lights that are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Its the only flight in the world to take off within the Aurora Oval. In the air. But one of the most memorable destinations is in Saariselk, where visitors will find the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. While you might see be able to see them year-round (just as you can the northern lights), certain months are better for aurora viewing in the Southern Hemisphere. Cruise lines that offer March voyages include Scenic, Silversea Cruises, Aurora Expeditions, Viking and Ponant. The Aurora Borealis. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Voyageurs provides opportunities to view the Milky Way on clear evenings, especially in the summer. If you visit in March, plan to attend the monthlong Snowkings' Winter Festival, which features events and activities like a snow-carving competition, an ice slide, a snow castle, live music and more. The lights are visible throughout most of Norway, but the best places to see them are in the northern regions, such as Troms, Alta, and Narvik. At the time of publication, the SWPC's 3-Day Forecast projects a G1 watch starting early on December 10 with various levels of that lasting until the early morning hours of December 11. This makes them a good destination to see the northern lights in winter! The cruise ends in Bergen. Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. / Getty Images. Thanks to longer hours of darkness and clear night skies, December through March is usually thebesttime to observe this elusive natural phenomenon (though you can sometimes see the northern lights starting as early as August). Its position under the auroral oval also makes it an excellent spot to view the Northern Lights. Most often, those waves are green in color, but they can also be yellow, red, orange, blue, and even white. But the long nights of winter give visitors the greatest opportunity of witnessing the Northern Lights in all of their glory. Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Alaska: Late August through April. (Martha Shuff/Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park). #shorts For many outdoor enthusiasts seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of their list and is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the best chances to see aurora borealis, get away from city lights and look north between 10 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday. Because the Nothern Lights are less predictable in Acadia, an app such as My Aurora Forecast & Alerts (iOS/Android) can be very helpful for timing a visit to the park. Set in a remote part of northern Sweden, the property promises to be the ultimate place to catch the northern lights. The Ice Bar at the 30th anniversary version of Sweden's legendary Icehotel. Still, Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. Want northern lights viewing thats pretty much guaranteed? With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to spot the northern lights in the U.S. 1. You can also watch the northern lights from a cozy teepee at Aurora Village, an Aboriginal-owned experience that also offers custom-made, heated outdoor seats that swivel 360 degrees to catch every angle of the aurora borealis. To help you narrow down a literal hemisphere of places to try and see the northern lights, weve pulled together the best places to see the northern lights from all of the posts weve written so far. There, youll find suggestions on recommended forecast tools as well as a few tips to help you maximize your chances of seeing them. But a dedicated group of locals does chart the current activity and shares the best places to see the shimmering lights. Figuring out where to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks doesn't have to be difficult. Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The 10 best places to see the Northern Lights in 2023, Composition is the most important skill to develop, A star tracker is probably the best tool to improv, We are almost at the end of the Northern Lights se, We have just created a complete guide to photograp, A series of long exposure landscape images capture, The best time to photograph the Milky Way arch in, We are just about to start the first Capture the A. best time and places to see Northern Lights in Iceland. The northern lights sparkle above the teepees at Aurora Village in Yellowknife, Canada, the Aurora [+] Capital of North America.. Visitors to Troms will find plenty of local guides who offer aurora tours. Designed by Snhetta, the completely self-sustainable hotel will be propped on wooden stilts in the water with an unusual shape that maximizes panoramic views of the fjord. This facility is found in an optimal setting, thanks to the clear skies and aurora activity most nights of the year. You can even take a sleigh ride through the snow to a campsite on Lake Inari, where no light pollution at all makes this one of the world's best places to catch the aurora. Widely referred to as "the Crown of the Continent", the park is a national gem for a multitude of reasons, not least because of the unparalleled views it boasts of the unfiltered night sky. Thanks to a winter storm blowing in, The Northern Lights may be visible here in Connecticut! Check the aurora borealis off your bucket list. You can also visit Alatskivi Castle, go snowshoeing in the Mnnikjrve bog or explore Elistvere Animal Park. One of the world's best locations to behold the aurora borealis, Canada is home to 80-90% of all accessible land located under the Aurora Oval, the area with the strongest . Another way to take northern lights viewing to new heights: aboard theAurora 360 Experience. Popular places to spot them include Inganess Bay, Widefond Hill, and Kirkwall. While in Reykjavik, splurge on an overnight tour with Buubble.com. Bundle up if youre headed into Acadia to see the aurora; the wind comes roaring in off the Atlantic in the winter months. If you're staying for several days, book accommodations with harbor views at the Scandic Ishavshotel. Some years they can be seen as early as August. They're free and fun for everyone! Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital with one of these refreshing weekend getaways. However, these auroras are sudden and short-lived. But it also happens to be one of the best places to see the Northern Lights as well, which appear in the sky on more than 300 nights each year. As Shetland lies closer to the North Pole than any other part of Britain, it's the best place to see the Northern Lights. 5. Head to the newNorth Pole Igloos Hotel, a pop-up glamping concept in the northernmost place on earth. Absolutely! Other activities visitors can enjoy in late summer include a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or panning for gold. Lisa Jacobs/Flickr. [Read: The Best Places for National Park Camping.]. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Travelers can also see ice sculptures in February and March at the impressive World Ice Art Championships or take a dog-sledding or snowmobiling tour. At the7 Fells Hostel in Finland, the ownerTinjaa retired backpackeris serious when it comes to spotting the lights. Several destinations in Estonia are popular with local aurora chasers, but Saadjrv is one of the top picks for consistent sightings. Located along the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the continental United States. New England is one of the most densely populated parts of the United States. As the days shorten in length, you may encounter dustings of snow across the otherworldly landscape and ice starting to form on the water's surface. Kiruna: Sweden's northernmost city with a high-end "camp" (resort) designed for those seeking the Northern Lights. Because of its northern location, during the peak season, you can see the northern lights from inside of the city as well as in the surroundings. Travelers can also visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several monuments dating back 5,000 years. This beautiful property is just minutes by foot from Oban village and the property will pick you up at the airport or ferry terminal for your stay. A clear night at sea is the perfect venue to stargaze, and being out on the water further illuminates the northern lights, as there is no ambient light interference from land. In the two-story timber-frame lodge, owners Annie and Mike Hooper showcase Alaskan artists, with works on display throughout the property. Days are spent snowshoeing, igloo-building and dog sledding, while evenings will be spent in search of the northern lights. Canada, Denmark, Finland, etc.) Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. You can also watch for elephant seals, leopard seals, wandering albatross and other species of birds. The best way to see the northern lights here is from one of the remote igloo dome base camps; plenty of professionally guided tours are available. Icelandair captain Sigrur Einarsdttir,a woman pilot who has spent more than 30 years flying beneath the Arctic skies,has become an expert in seeing the northern lights. The mountainous island is the only place on the planet where it's entirely possible to see the aurora 365 days a year due to its latitude and its moderate seasonal and light changes. Phone +1 218-283-6600. 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