Aurora borealis, or northern lights, are lovely dancing bands of colour. Midwinter is the best time to see them when days are lengthy, and the temperature is cold. But the best chance to see them is between September and mid-April. There’s no doubt that Alaska is one of the best places on the globe to enjoy this fantastic experience. Let’s read more in this blog about the best places to see the northern lights in Alaska.
1. Fairbanks
With its latitude just 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is the perfect place to view Northern Lights. From Fairbanks International Airport, you can reach Fairbanks, and there are many activities and clubs in the area. You can make your tour ideal by viewing places like Murphy Dome or Chena Lake. Or you can hire a four-wheel drive vehicle to chase the lights yourself.
It is advised to check the climate states before and during visiting. Alaska’s northern regions can get quite cold.
2. Utqiagvik
A journey to the nation’s northernmost town of Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) is a must if you want more fun. This area sits above the Arctic circle bringing chances to get more facts about the indigenous Iñupiaq and their culture.
They are most of the town’s locals in addition to operating the Inupiaq Heritage Center. You can take an aurora viewing tour or ask your lodging staff to wake you up when the lights occur.
3. Denali National Park
The Dalton Highway connects Denali National Park, a stunningly scenic nature preserve spanning more than six million acres in Alaska’s nature. There is no light pollution in almost any part of the park. The aurora is a common sight at the park any time of year, still where you stay. You can usually see the aurora here in July and August, but everything is gone by April. And, this is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Alaska, where you can enjoy them a lot.
4. Juneau
A cruise to Alaska’s Juneau and other scenic ports is the perfect way to view the Northern Lights. Many cruise lines provide Northern Cruises in the early spring and fall, and they can take you on a fantastic tour of southern Alaska. It is best to book offshore lodging to get a better view of the northern lights.
5. Gates of the Arctic National Park
In the Brooks Range, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve stand above the Arctic Circle. A wilderness area without paved roads or tracks is one of the wildest places on the mainland. It is only the aurora borealis that lights the cold winter nights. To reach Coldfoot or Anaktuvuk Pass, most people fly charter aircraft from Fairbanks.
6. Nome
You can experience Alaska’s rural lifestyle in Nome, a remote town famous for its Northern Lights. Visiting Nome in March will let you watch the Iditarod Sled Dog Race at its end. Over 950 miles pass via the state of Alaska for the two-week race starting in Anchorage. And, when compared to others, it is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Alaska where many people love to watch them.
7. Anchorage
Fairbanks is famous for seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska. Still, you also see these lights in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Getting outside the south coast city might be vital to enjoying the lights, and many guides can take you to the best spots. September and March are the best times to visit Anchorage. It doesn’t get too cold below zero.
8. Coldfoot
A truck stop in northern Alaska’s Yukon Territory is a great place to observe the Northern Lights. On the Dalton Highway, Coldfoot mainly serves as a truck stop (think Ice Road Truckers). Various tour firms provide access to Coldfoot and comfy vehicles for viewing. Even scientists urge Coldfoot because it is directly under the Aurora Oval.
9. Girdwood
In the south of Anchorage, Girdwood is about 40 minutes away. With mild temperatures and an alpine view, it’s at the bottom of the Chugach Mountains.
Girdwood’s Alyeska Resort is a great spot to see the Northern Lights. In addition to offering Northern Lights viewing tours, the resort is a “Dark-sky Friendly” resort.
10. Chena Hot Springs
Seeing the northern lights is easy from here. This is because of their efforts to be aurora friendly. To make the Northern Lights more visible, they lower light pollution in the area.
A package that includes lodging, a tour of the northern lights, and breakfast is also available at the resort.
11. Talkeetna
At the base of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, Talkeetna is about 115 miles north of Anchorage. This historic town offers more than hunting the aurora with its old clapboard edifices, log cabins, and inn dating back to 1917. Located in Main Street’s heart of the city are galleries, shops, restaurants, and a brewery. “Northern Exposure” imagined a fictional borough called Cicely based on the quirky village, a former mining town.
If you visit in December, check out the Winterfest festivals. During this event, you can see a march of lights, watch the tree lighting rite, and sample tasty food. Additionally, the Wilderness Woman Competition and Bachelor Auction provide fun events. Those looking for the lights can go to Christiansen Lake or Beaver Road past the airport to see the northern lights. From Talkeetna Riverfront Park, look north toward Denali if you like to stay close by.
