12 BEST Places to See the Northern Lights in North America (2025)

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Dreaming of experiencing the Northern Lights in North America? You don’t have to fly all the way to Iceland or Lapland to see the Aurora Borealis this fall or winter. There are plenty of incredible spots in our own backyard— throughout the US and Canada— where you can catch this midnight spectacle.

From the Great Lakes to the peaks of Denali, these locations offer unforgettable views. No matter if you’re from the East Coast or West Coast, you’ll find that there are northern lights spots within a reasonable distance. If you’re ready for an epic night show, check out these best spots in North America to catch the Northern Lights in 2025.

Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here are my favorite accommodations to see the Northern Lights with availability right now!

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

You don’t need to fly to Iceland to catch the Northern Lights – Glacier National Park in Montana actually delivers some pretty incredible aurora shows when conditions are right. I’ll be honest, they’re not as frequent as Alaska or northern Canada, but when they appear, the mountain backdrop makes them absolutely stunning.

The best viewing happens from November through March when you need a K-index of 7 or higher (you can check this online). Lake McDonald is your best bet for catching them – it’s just a couple miles from the west entrance and the lake reflections double the magic. I’ve found the north shore gives you the clearest views since you’re looking directly north where the lights originate.

For a more remote experience, head to Bowman and Kintla Lakes near Polebridge. These spots are way off the beaten path, but that means zero light pollution. The drive up there is on unpaved roads, so plan accordingly. Winter access can be tricky since Going-to-the-Sun Road closes, but the park stays open year-round.

Apgar Campground is perfect if you want to stay overnight – it’s got 190+ sites and stays open all year. The Lake McDonald Lodge offers a cozy backup plan if it gets too cold outside. During the day, you can’t beat the Highline Trail or just driving whatever portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are accessible. The combination of winter landscapes and potential aurora viewing makes this way more interesting than just camping out in some random field.

• Read next: Must-See Destinations in Montana

2. Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is hands down one of the best places in North America to see the Northern Lights, and honestly, it’s way more accessible than people think. The city sits right under the auroral oval, which means you’ve got incredible viewing from August through April when it’s dark enough.

I spent a week there last winter and saw the lights four out of seven nights – that’s pretty typical. The best viewing happens between 10 PM and 2 AM, but I’ve seen them start as early as 9 PM when solar activity is high. Murphy Dome is the local favorite spot about 20 minutes northwest of town at nearly 3,000 feet elevation. It’s an old Air Force radar station with killer 360-degree views.

Chena Hot Springs Resort is brilliant because you can literally soak in 100-degree natural hot springs while watching the aurora dance overhead. They’ve got an Ice Museum carved entirely from ice that’s worth checking out during the day. Borealis Basecamp has these crazy glass igloos where you can sleep under the aurora – they run about $600+ per night but it’s pretty unforgettable.

For tours, companies like Alaska Wildlife Guide and Northern Alaska Tour Company know exactly where to go and provide warm clothing. The Aurora Pointe venue is just 15 minutes from downtown with heated viewing areas, coffee, and local snacks. During the day, you can dog sled, snowmobile, or visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and University of Alaska Museum. Fairbanks has the infrastructure to make aurora hunting comfortable and successful.

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3. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Yellowknife is basically the Northern Lights capital of the world – they see aurora activity on about 240 nights per year, which is honestly insane. I’ve been twice and caught incredible displays both times. The city sits directly under the auroral oval with virtually zero light pollution once you get outside town.

Most tour companies guarantee you’ll see the lights if you stay three nights, and they’re usually right. Aurora Village has these heated tepees where you can wait comfortably until the show starts – way better than freezing your butt off outside. Beck’s Kennels offers dog sledding during the day, and some tours combine that with aurora viewing at night.

Blachford Lake Lodge is about 45 minutes from town and offers the full wilderness experience. You can stay in heated cabins right on the lake and watch the lights reflect off the water. North Star Adventures runs cultural tours where you learn indigenous stories about the aurora while waiting for them to appear.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is worth visiting during the day to learn about local indigenous cultures and the history of the region. Pilot’s Monument gives you great views over Great Slave Lake and the surrounding wilderness. The town itself is small but has decent restaurants and shops to explore.

What makes Yellowknife special is the combination of excellent viewing conditions and the fact that it’s actually set up for tourists. The infrastructure is there, but you’re still in legitimate wilderness. Tours typically run $150-250 per night and include transportation, warm clothing, and hot drinks.

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4. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Churchill is famous as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” but honestly, the Northern Lights here are just as impressive. The bonus is you get to combine polar bear viewing (October-November) with aurora hunting, or come in winter for the lights with way fewer crowds.

I visited in February and the aurora activity was incredible – the town sits at about 58°N latitude which puts it right in the sweet spot. Lazy Bear Lodge is the main accommodation and they’ll actually wake you up if the lights start dancing while you’re sleeping. The lodge food is surprisingly good too – they serve local specialties like arctic char and elk.

Nanuk Operations runs photography tours that take you to remote locations along Hudson Bay for aurora shots with the tundra landscape as foreground. Churchill Wild has luxury eco-lodges further out that offer ground-level polar bear encounters and aurora viewing from heated cabins.

During the day, you can visit the Prince of Wales Fort – a massive stone fortress from the 1700s that’s now a National Historic Site. Dog sledding through the boreal forest is a must-do, and several companies offer trips where you actually learn to mush your own team. The Itsanitaq Museum has fascinating exhibits about Inuit culture and Arctic survival.

Getting to Churchill requires flying from Winnipeg (about 1.5 hours) since there are no roads. The remoteness is part of the appeal – you’re literally on the edge of the Arctic with pristine dark skies and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

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5. Yukon, Canada

Yukon Territory delivers some of the most reliable Northern Lights viewing in North America, and the landscapes here are absolutely stunning. Whitehorse is your base camp – it’s got decent infrastructure but you’re still surrounded by pure wilderness.

Northern Lights Resort & Spa near Whitehorse has these outdoor hot tubs where you can soak while watching the aurora overhead. The resort provides winter clothing and wake-up calls when the lights appear. I stayed there in March and caught displays three out of four nights – the combination of hot springs and Northern Lights is pretty unbeatable.

Takhini Hot Springs is another great spot about 30 minutes from Whitehose where you can combine natural hot springs with aurora viewing. The MacBride Museum in town is worth checking out during the day to learn about Yukon’s gold rush history and indigenous cultures.

Arctic Range Adventure runs tours to remote cabins where you can watch the lights away from any light pollution. Inn on the Lake offers luxury accommodations right on the lake with guaranteed dark skies and comfortable viewing conditions.

What’s cool about Yukon is that you can combine aurora hunting with other winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and learning about First Nations culture. The aurora season runs from late August through April, but winter months (December-March) offer the most consistent viewing. The territory gets way less touristy than Alaska but offers similar quality experiences.

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6. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage gets overlooked for Northern Lights viewing, but it’s actually pretty solid if you know where to go. The city itself has too much light pollution, but drive 30-45 minutes outside town and you’re in prime aurora territory.

Flattop Mountain is a local favorite – it’s an easy hike during the day with panoramic views, and the elevation helps for aurora viewing at night. Eagle River Nature Center offers rustic cabins and excellent dark sky viewing about 45 minutes from downtown. Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood (about an hour south) is perfect if you want luxury accommodations with mountain views.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is worth visiting during the day to see native animals like bears, moose, and caribou up close. The Anchorage Museum has excellent exhibits on Alaska Native cultures and the state’s history.

For aurora tours, Salmon Berry Tours picks you up in the city and drives to optimal viewing locations. They provide warm clothing and hot drinks while you wait for the lights. Aurora Pointe has a viewing facility with heated indoor areas about 45 minutes from downtown.

The advantage of Anchorage is that it’s way more accessible than places like Fairbanks – you’ve got better restaurant options, shopping, and it works well as a gateway for exploring other parts of Alaska. You can easily combine Northern Lights viewing with day trips to Matanuska Glacier, Turnagain Arm, or winter activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling.

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7. Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Jasper National Park is one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves, which makes it absolutely perfect for Northern Lights viewing. The park has virtually zero light pollution and the Canadian Rockies provide an incredible backdrop for aurora photography.

Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake are popular viewing spots, but honestly, anywhere in the park with a clear northern view works well. I’ve had great success at Pyramid Lake and along the Icefields Parkway – just pull over at any of the scenic viewpoints and watch the sky.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers luxury accommodations right in the park with easy access to prime viewing areas. Whistlers Campground is perfect for the camping crowd – it’s got over 700 sites and minimal light interference. The campground stays open year-round and has heated washrooms and showers.

During the day, the Maligne Canyon ice walk is incredible in winter – you’re walking through frozen waterfalls and deep gorges. The Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield is one of the most scenic drives in the world, even in winter. Jasper Hikes and Tours offers guided aurora viewing tours that take you to the best spots and provide photography tips.

Jasper SkyTram operates in winter and gets you up Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views – perfect for aurora hunting with the entire valley spread out below you. The park sees aurora activity from September through April, with peak viewing in the darker winter months.

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8. Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park offers some of the most spectacular Northern Lights viewing in Alaska, especially with Mount Denali (North America’s tallest peak) as your backdrop. The park’s remote location means incredibly dark skies and minimal light pollution.

Wonder Lake Campground is the ultimate spot for aurora viewing – it’s 85 miles into the park with unobstructed views of Denali and the northern sky. The campground only has 28 sites and you need reservations way in advance. Denali Backcountry Lodge offers heated accommodations for those who don’t want to camp in potentially -40°F weather.

Winter access is limited since the Park Road closes after mile 3, but that’s actually perfect for aurora viewing near the park entrance. Northern Alaska Tour Company runs winter tours that include aurora viewing combined with dog sledding and learning about Alaska Native cultures.

Savage River area is accessible year-round and offers great viewing with mountain backdrops. The Denali Visitor Center has exhibits about the park’s wildlife and geology – during winter you might spot caribou, moose, or even wolves.

What makes Denali special is the sheer scale of the landscape. When the aurora appears over the Alaska Range with Denali visible in the distance, it’s absolutely breathtaking. The park gets fewer winter visitors than summer, so you’ll often have the aurora displays entirely to yourself. Just make sure you’re prepared for serious cold – temperatures can drop well below zero.

9. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park is one of the best-kept secrets for Northern Lights viewing in the lower 48 states. The park’s location on the Canadian border and its vast dark waterways create perfect conditions when solar activity is strong enough.

Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake offer excellent viewing spots with wide-open northern skies. Ash River and Crane Lake visitor centers provide information about current aurora forecasts and the best viewing locations. In winter, you can actually drive or snowmobile on the frozen lakes to get to prime viewing spots.

Voyageurs Outfitters rents canoes and kayaks during the warmer months, and some of the remote backcountry campsites like Locator Lake or Mukooda Lake offer incredible dark sky viewing. These sites are only accessible by boat, which guarantees you’ll be away from any light pollution.

The Echo Bay Trail is a great day hike that leads to elevated viewing areas. Winter activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park’s Rainy Lake Visitor Center has exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural history.

What’s cool about Voyageurs is that you can combine aurora hunting with other outdoor activities like fishing or paddling. The park sees periodic Northern Lights displays when the K-index gets high enough (usually 6+), and the reflections off the water double the visual impact. It’s definitely not as reliable as Alaska or northern Canada, but when conditions align, it’s magical.

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10. Lake Superior, Minnesota

Lake Superior‘s North Shore offers some surprisingly good Northern Lights viewing when solar activity is strong. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is probably the most iconic spot – watching aurora dance over the historic lighthouse is pretty unforgettable.

Gooseberry Falls State Park has several great viewing areas along the lakeshore, plus the frozen waterfalls are incredible during winter. Grand Portage State Park near the Canadian border gives you the best chances since you’re further north and away from Duluth’s light pollution.

Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte offers lakefront accommodations with northern views. Many of the North Shore resorts will provide aurora wake-up calls when conditions look promising. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais rents winter gear and offers aurora photography workshops.

The Superior Hiking Trail has multiple access points with elevated views over the lake. In winter, you can try ice climbing on the frozen cliffs or just explore the ice caves that form along the shoreline. Grand Marais is a great base camp with restaurants, gear shops, and cozy accommodations.

Lake Superior doesn’t see Northern Lights as frequently as northern destinations, but when they do appear (usually when K-index hits 7+), the combination of the massive lake and rocky shoreline creates incredible photo opportunities. The best viewing happens during the darkest months (November-February) on clear nights away from Duluth and other cities.

11. Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Iqaluit is way up in the Arctic at 63°N latitude, which puts it in prime Northern Lights territory with aurora activity on most clear nights from September through April. It’s remote as hell – you need to fly from Ottawa or Montreal – but the viewing opportunities are incredible.

Frobisher Inn is the main accommodation and they’ll wake you up when the lights start dancing. The hotel restaurant serves local Arctic specialties like caribou and arctic char. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park just outside town offers excellent dark sky viewing with the city lights blocked by hills.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum has fascinating exhibits about Inuit culture, traditional hunting, and Arctic survival techniques. Inukpak Outfitting runs snowmobile tours across the tundra – imagine racing across frozen Frobisher Bay under a dancing aurora.

Arctic Kingdom offers multi-day expeditions that combine aurora viewing with cultural experiences like traditional throat singing, drum dancing, and learning about modern Inuit life. You can also try your hand at ice fishing on Frobisher Bay or snowshoeing across the Arctic tundra.

The best part about Iqaluit is that you’re experiencing the aurora in its traditional indigenous context. Local Inuit guides share stories and legends about the lights that have been passed down for thousands of years. It’s expensive to get there and accommodation is limited, but if you want to see the Northern Lights in one of the most remote and culturally rich locations in North America, Iqaluit delivers.

• Read next: Spectacular Spots in the Arctic Circle

12. Baxter State Park, Maine

Baxter State Park in Maine occasionally sees Northern Lights when solar activity is really cranking, and honestly, it’s pretty magical when it happens. You need strong aurora activity (K-index 8+) to see them this far south, but Maine’s dark skies make it possible.

Katahdin Stream Campground and South Branch Pond Campground offer the darkest skies in the park. Mount Katahdin provides elevated viewing, though the Knife Edge Trail definitely isn’t recommended in winter conditions. Katahdin Lake reflects the lights when they do appear, doubling the visual impact.

Maine Rafting Expeditions sometimes runs special Northern Lights trips when forecasts look promising. Katahdin Lake Wilderness Camps offers rustic accommodations right on the lake with excellent northern sky views.

During the day, Baxter is incredible for winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing. The park’s Scientific Forest Management Area has excellent trails for exploring the Maine wilderness. Millinocket is the nearest town for supplies and has a few decent restaurants.

The reality is that Northern Lights sightings in Maine are pretty rare – maybe a few times per year during solar maximum periods. But when they do happen, having Mount Katahdin and Maine’s pristine forests as your backdrop makes it incredibly special. It’s worth keeping an eye on aurora forecasts if you’re already planning to be in the area during winter months.