Chasing Magic: The Best Places to See the Northern Lights (and What to Know Before You Go)
The northern lights or aurora borealis are one of the most otherworldly sights you’ll ever witness. Curtains of green and purple light ripple across the night sky like a silent symphony, leaving you breathless, emotional, and wondering how something so beautiful can be completely natural.
But here’s the truth: while the photos are dreamy, the reality is that chasing the northern lights is a game of patience, timing, and luck.
If you’re dreaming of seeing the aurora in person, this guide will walk you through the where, when, and how along with some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip (and your expectations).
Best Destinations to See the Northern Lights
The best places to spot the aurora lie in the "auroral oval", a belt around the geomagnetic poles, covering the northernmost parts of Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska.
Here are some of the most reliable and rewarding destinations:
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø sits right in the middle of the auroral zone and is easily one of the best cities in the world for seeing the lights.
Best time to visit: September to early April
What to expect: Charming town vibes, reindeer safaris, fjords, and a bustling food scene
Travel note: Daily flights from Oslo make it accessible
Why it’s special: You can enjoy city comforts and hop on an aurora-chasing bus within minutes. It’s a great choice for first-time aurora travellers.
Abisko, Sweden
Abisko National Park is famed for having some of the clearest skies in the region, thanks to its unique microclimate and minimal light pollution.
Best time to visit: November to March
How to get there: Fly into Kiruna, then train to Abisko
Who it’s for: Nature lovers, photographers, and those who want the best chance of clear skies
Why it’s special: Visit the Aurora Sky Station for high-altitude, uninterrupted views and near-scientific levels of aurora enthusiasm.
Reykjavík and Northern Iceland
While Reykjavík gives you a chance of seeing the lights, your odds improve dramatically the further north or east you go (think: Akureyri, Mývatn, or the Westfjords).
Best time to visit: October to March
What to do: Road trip along the Ring Road, soak in geothermal hot springs, or join a night tour
Good to know: Cloud cover can be tricky, so flexibility is key
Why it’s special: Where else can you go aurora chasing after hiking a volcano and bathing in a natural hot spring?
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
One of the most active aurora zones in North America, Fairbanks is remote enough to offer great visibility, but built up enough to offer all the comforts.
Best time to visit: Late August to early April
Don’t miss: Chena Hot Springs, dog sledding, and Indigenous cultural tours
Fun fact: Many hotels offer “aurora wake-up calls” if activity is spotted
Why it’s special: It’s one of the only places where you can watch the lights while sitting in a steaming hot spring surrounded by snow.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Consistently ranked as one of the best places on Earth for aurora viewing with minimal light pollution and extremely high activity levels.
Best time to visit: August to April
Airport: Yellowknife (YZF), then transfer to lodges or viewing camps
Great for: Hardcore aurora fans, photographers, and people who want the best odds possible
Why it’s special: Wide open skies and long, clear nights make Yellowknife a bucket-list destination for serious aurora chasers.
Where to Stay: From Igloos to Lodges
Whatever your budget or travel style, there’s something for you:
Glass-roofed igloos and domes in Finland, Iceland, and Sweden offer heated comfort and full sky views.
Luxury lodges with fine dining, spa services, and private guides can be found in many top aurora destinations.
Boutique cabins and guesthouses are great for travellers who want charm, comfort, and local experiences.
Budget-friendly options like hostels, self-catering cabins, or aurora campsites provide a more stripped-back but equally memorable trip.
Best Time to Travel
The northern lights can technically appear any time the sky is dar, but winter is prime time.
September to March is the sweet spot, with long nights and frequent aurora activity.
October to February often offers the coldest, clearest skies.
The equinox periods around late September and late March tend to bring increased solar activity.
Ideal viewing hours are typically between 9 PM and 2 AM, with peak activity most often around midnight.
Things to Know Before You Go
1. The northern lights are natural and unpredictable.
You can’t schedule them. You can’t control them. And no matter what Instagram says, no one can guarantee you’ll see them. They might appear for five minutes or dance across the sky for hours or they might not show up at all.
You can’t rush nature. But if you go for the experience not just the photo, it’ll be worth it either way.
2. Dark, clear skies matter more than the map.
Even in great viewing zones, cloud cover and bright moonlight can ruin your chances. Flexibility is key, plan to stay a few nights in one spot, and leave space to move if weather apps suggest better skies nearby.
3. Dress like your trip depends on it.
Temperatures can easily drop below -20°C in aurora-viewing destinations. Thermal base layers, a windproof parka, insulated boots, warm gloves, and a proper hat are essential. Throw in hand warmers and a good power bank for your phone or camera.
4. Book early, especially in peak months.
Accommodations, aurora tours, and rental cars get booked up months in advance during northern lights season. If you’re hoping for an igloo stay or a guided tour with photography support, plan at least 3–6 months ahead.
5. Let the lights be the bonus, not the purpose.
Build your trip around more than just the aurora. Try snowmobiling, meet Sámi reindeer herders, take a photography class, visit glaciers, or simply soak in the silence of Arctic winter. That way, if the lights don’t appear you’ll still have a trip to remember.
Final Thoughts: Let Nature Lead
We live in a world of fast results and instant gratification, but the northern lights don’t follow that script. They arrive in their own time, with no warning and no guarantee. But that’s part of the magic.
Because when they do appear, even for a few brief minutes… it feels like the universe paused, just for you.
So pack warm, stay patient, and keep your eyes on the sky. Some of the best moments in life are the ones you can’t plan. You just have to be there when they arrive.
Let’s connect, hello@tricitieedition.co and create an exciting trip to experience the Northern Lights.