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Late August to mid-April

Northern Lights Tours

The season runs the same length across North America, so what decides the trip is where you go rather than when. Alaska and Yellowknife sit inside the auroral oval in dry continental air and produce displays on the most nights, with Chena Hot Springs, dog sledding and ice fishing during the day. Whitehorse is milder and flies direct from Vancouver. In Europe, one 10-day route runs from Finnish Lapland across Arctic Norway to Oslo, with seven nights above the Arctic Circle. No tour can promise the aurora, so packages include consecutive viewing nights.

Departure cities
Fairbanks, Anchorage, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Helsinki
Trip lengths
1 to 10 days
Guides speak
English and Mandarin Chinese

Which base is best for seeing the northern lights?

Alaska and Yellowknife sit inside the auroral oval and are where most travelers go. The 10-day Scandinavian route gives the most Arctic nights of any trip on this page. Whitehorse is the mildest of the North American bases. The North American season runs late August to April; Scandinavian departures run October to March.

Base Viewing nights included January average low Getting there Suits
AlaskaFairbanks and Anchorage 2 to 3 nightsacross two lodges around −27°CFairbanks, where the nights are Direct from Seattle to Fairbanks, and widely from the US mainland to Anchorage. Days filled as well as nights — hot springs, the Arctic Circle, the ice museum
YellowknifeNorthwest Territories 2 to 3 nightson 4 to 8 day routes around −27°C Connect through Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver. The most nights under the oval, for travelers who will dress for it
WhitehorseYukon 2 to 3 nightsfrom a heated cabin around −20°C Direct from Vancouver, where several packages also start. Older travelers and families, and anyone adding Vancouver to the trip
Finland & NorwayIvalo, Alta, Tromsø 7 nights above the Arctic Circleon one 10-day route −20°C to −6°Cinland Ivalo to coastal Tromsø Open-jaw: fly into Helsinki, out of Oslo. The most Arctic nights of any trip here, with North Cape, a Sámi camp and a husky farm

North American trips park you at one base for two or three nights. The Scandinavian route moves you across the Arctic for seven, from Finnish Lapland to the Norwegian coast. Fairbanks and Yellowknife sit inside the auroral oval in dry continental air and are the coldest, around −27°C in January. The Scandinavian route covers both extremes in one trip: around −20°C inland at Ivalo, where the skies are clearest, and around −6°C on the coast at Tromsø, where the Gulf Stream keeps it mild but brings more cloud.

Viewing is outdoors or from an unheated vehicle, so the January column is what you will be standing in. Alaska, Yellowknife and Whitehorse routes generally lend a parka and boots; the Scandinavian route asks you to bring your own Arctic clothing. Check the tour page before you pack.

What Travelers Say

Well-designed aurora-focused tour. Chena Hot Springs and Basecamp increased our chances – we saw dancing lights at Basecamp! Glacier hiking gear was provided, and the leader ensured safety. Good!

—Patrick · 7-Day Alaska Aurora Tour: Matanuska Glacier and Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks to Anchorage (1 Night Borealis Basecamp)

Exceeded all expectations! we witnessed a major aurora storm. The hot springs experience was unique. Accommodations were clean with good breakfast. Made friends within the group it will definitely return!

—Vaibhav · 5-Day Alaska Aurora Viewing, Santa Claus House, and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks with Flexible Activity Options

This tour suits people whose main goal is seeing the aurora, with three nights of viewing scheduled. The free time during the day is generous, leaving room to arrange your own plans or optional local activities. The day 1 city tour is conditional on an early flight; late arrivals can join it the next morning instead.

—Lyna · 4-Day Whitehorse Magic Aurora Tour from Whitehorse

The itinerary gives you plenty of daytime to yourself, with the main activity happening at night. The city tour on day 1 depends on an early flight arrival; otherwise, there's a chance to catch it the next morning. The aurora viewing takes place in a heated cabin, which is practical in winter.

—huaqing · 4-Day Whitehorse Magic Aurora Tour from Whitehorse

The standout feature is having aurora viewing scheduled for all three nights. The daytime is kept light—there's a city tour on day 1 if your flight arrives early enough, and the next two days are mostly free. The cabin had hot drinks and snacks, which made the long wait more pleasant.

—Kathy · 4-Day Whitehorse Magic Aurora Tour from Whitehorse

The pace felt relaxed. Days 2 and 3 left the daytime open for exploring on my own, with the aurora outing starting around 10 pm. On day 1, an earlier arrival meant I could join the city tour and see the Klondike steamship and Yukon Valley. A good fit if you prefer some daytime flexibility.

—Lynae · 4-Day Whitehorse Magic Aurora Tour from Whitehorse

The structure is straightforward: three nights of aurora viewing, with the daytime mostly left open. That worked well for me since I mainly wanted to focus on the northern lights without feeling rushed during the day. The heated cabin with hot drinks on the first night made the wait more comfortable.

—Bahareh · 4-Day Whitehorse Magic Aurora Tour from Whitehorse

An amazing experience! Soaking in Chena Hot Springs was magical. The Arctic Circle Drive Expedition was thrilling. The guide was helpful with aurora photos. Only minor point: the snowmobile time felt a bit short. Highly recommended!

—Satedra · 5-Day Alaska, Chena Hot Springs, Aurora Viewing and Arctic Circle Tour with Fairbanks Airport Transfer | Small Group

An immersive deep dive into Alaska! Smooth transition from Fairbanks' arctic charm to Anchorage's glacier. Expert guide, helpful with photos. Unique lodging like the hot springs resort. Scenic train car offered wildlife sightings. Worth every penny for nature lovers!

—Kim · 7-Day Alaska Tour Aurora Train, Matanuska Glacier, Santa Claus House, Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks to Anchorage

Well-designed itinerary blending nature and culture. Soaking at Chena Hot Springs was amazing. Santa Claus House was fun. Clean, warm lodging. Long train ride but scenic. Great value for families.

—Chalet · 7-Day Alaska Tour Aurora Train, Matanuska Glacier, Santa Claus House, Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks to Anchorage

The guide service was excellent! Transportation was seamless. The combination of the cabin tour and chasing tour maximized our chances of seeing the aurora. A very well-organized tour.

—Heath · 5-Day Alaska Aurora Viewing and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks (1 Night Borealis Basecamp)

A fulfilling itinerary! Unforgettable Matanuska Glacier and Chena Hot Springs aurora. Well-chosen accommodations, especially the hot springs resort for aurora. Worth every penny.

—Jeremy · 6-Day Alaska Aurora Tour: Matanuska Glacier and Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks to Anchorage with Flexible Activity Options

Perfect first aurora experience! Soaking in Chena Hot Springs was magical. Well-designed itinerary including Santa Claus House. Vehicle was a bit tight for our luggage, but driver was helpful. Highly recommended Alaskan adventure!

—Eddie · 7-Day Alaska Aurora Tour: Matanuska Glacier and Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks to Anchorage with Flexible Activity Options

Perfect first trip to Alaska! The tour covered glaciers, hot springs, and Arctic activities comprehensively. Scenery at Turn Again Arm was breathtaking. Guide service was impeccable. Worth every penny!

—joseph · 7-Day Alaska Anchorage, Matanuska Glacier, Turn Again Arm, Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks | Small Group

We left Fairbanks around 11 am and soaked in the outdoor natural hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort, which felt special with snow all around. The ice museum was an extra cost, but I enjoyed seeing the ice furniture and knight sculptures.

—Joanne · Chena Hot Springs Resort 1-Day Tour from Fairbanks
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