Located 40 miles from Anchorage, the luxury chateau-style hotel is surrounded by lush forest and the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains along the state's south-central coast, just below . Should I wait 2-3 years or go this year/next? Just 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the city of Fairbanks is ideal for Northern Lights viewing with its latitude below the oval of the lights. Winter temps in Alaska range dramatically depending on where you are. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge has several rooms that give you epic vistas and even have a balcony.Pick the Riverview Deluxe or – even better – the awesome Jetted Tub Room to get a private balcony, which overlooks the Chena River. Healy is a small town nearby the getaway to Denali National Park. The on-site Zach’s Restaurant serves classics like fried calamari, fish and chips, and pasta dishes.if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-overseasattractions_com-leader-1-0')}; Pick a book in the lounge’s library, work on your fitness in the hotel’s gym, or wait for the Northern Lights to show up at the outdoor terrace. Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the United States' top destinations for catching the elusive northern lights, and the Aurora Borealis Lodge — 20 miles north of Fairbanks — is a wonderful place to do just that. Latitude matters.
As the sunlight and warmth return to Alaska, your chances of seeing the northern lights slowly decrease. #9 Best Value of 110 places to stay in Fairbanks. Another great part is that there are many tour operators offering aurora tours in Alaska â you’ve got a lot of options. Many people consider Fairbanks the single best place for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. Enter Chena Hot Springs Resort, with its warm, mineral-rich healing waters.
Part of the package was the Alaska Railroad Tour from Anchorage and we enjoyed it very much. On top of that, you can work out in a gym that’s open 24/7 and comes with treadmills, weights, and stationary bikes. Ilulissat, Greenland. Set away from the light pollution of Fairbanks proper, this cozy lodge and a private two-bedroom log cabin give visitors a good . Borealis Basecamp. It can get quite cold in northern Alaska! Situated in Interior Alaska, Fairbanks' unique location to the auroral oval creates an ideal opportunity to see the northern lights. One of the best rentals in Iceland to see the Northern Lights, but it has become one of the world's hottest travel destinations and this cabin truly is a piece of heaven.Built in the old Icelandic style, it's just 80 miles west of the capital city of Reykjavik while being in a remote area along the sea in the middle of an open field surrounded by mountains, ideal for watching the lights. While Alaska is certainly not close to the rest of the U.S., this works out in its favor: it’s far enough north and sparsely populated so that you can have amazing aurora viewing opportunities, even near major cities. There’s also a service called Aurora Borealis Notifications where you can sign up for email alerts. The bitter cold that often comes with witnessing the northern lights can be a real deterrent. Here are some of the best spots to see the northern lights near Fairbanks if you want to improve your chances during your trip: Want to sleep under the aurora? The beautiful night, the chilling cold weather, and the crystal clear sky make Fairbanks in Alaska the perfect spot for enjoying the view of Aurora. Feeling hungry? I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. Northern Lights is on my Bucket List!
Winter is the best time of year to visit Alaska and see the northern lights. Sheldon Chalet is the place to stay. The Last Frontier. You’ll instantly feel at home in their suites, where a large kitchen, dining area, lounge, and an enormous TV are all within an arm’s reach. When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights, the area of Southern Iceland in which Hotel Ranga is located is considered one of the best places in the world. Borrow books or board games for a fun night with the family, or benefit from the complimentary WiFi – which is available despite the remoteness. Russia. Alaska. The Inuit believed that the northern . Let us know in the comments. Given Fairbanks' high latitude location, it is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. Alaska is the northernmost state in the United States and is the best place to go for a northern lights trip if you wish to stay stateside. 2 guests Welcome to the Aurora Borealis Lodge. It’s definitely going to be on your itinerary during a winter trip because Fairbanks is ideally located for viewing the northern lights. Here are some quick tips: If you need more help capturing the perfect photos during your trip, check out our full guide of aurora photography tips. A Taste of Alaska Lodge also hosts an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty dinner. Credit: Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks. ), I (Valerie, the founder of STG) grew up in Eagle River, Alaska. Alaska: The 49th State. Any of these spots will be good for a clear view of the night sky.
From mid-September onward, the nights are long and dark enough to offer a good chance to see the aurora on any given night. Wherever you travel to see the northern lights, here are a few rules of thumb to remember: The farther north you . 2. The brilliant light show occurs regions around the North magnetic pole, 30-130 km above sea level. From here, you can gaze upon the vivid Northern Lights if you’re lucky. Cruise through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, taking in rugged natural wonders. ∙ It has a full-size kitchen, dining table, and a seating area with a fireplace. No matter what residence you choose, there’s always bathrobes, a cable TV with sports channels, a seating area, and a microwave at your disposal. Fairbanks is a town in the heart of Alaska, the US's largest state. Is seeing the aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, on your bucket list of things to do before you die? Thanks to its indoor Aurora Conservatory and river views, this resort is a prime location for when the skies are brightly lit during a nighttime light show. Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the United States . Pick between an elegant King Studio in the main building, a quaint cottage on the riverside, and cottages with river views. If you're lucky enough to live near any of these countries, then it's worth taking a trip up there. The property is 260 acres in size and includes pine forests, cabins, and a lovely restaurant made of logs. Welcome to our family‑run Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Canada's Yukon, only 20 minutes from Whitehorse, the "Wilderness City" but miles away from its hustle and bustle. About 10 years ago my wife and I went to Iceland. The premium suites even have a fireplace, hot tub, and heated floors to keep your feet toasty on winter nights. The inn can arrange your winter trips like ice fishing, dog sledding, and even a romantic aurora dinner under the spellbinding skies. We are located just 20 miles north of Fairbanks in the famed Cleary Summit area, known locally and internationally as one of the best places to view the northern lights in the world! Hi. The room was an efficiency suit with a bedroom, 2 bathrooms, almost full size refrigerator and stove/oven, with a sofa sleeper. The aurora season is fairly long in this area, and you might be surprised to know you can see the northern lights as early as August. If you keep the shutter open longer than 15 seconds, youâll start to notice star trails. Tip: Check the University of Alaska Fairbanks’s geophysical institute aurora forecast before and during your trip and the local weather! Alaska. ∙ You can watch the sky from this little lounge area inside the wooden house on cloudless nights. In Finland, Rovaniemi is the place to head to. As the largest city in Alaska by population, most winter travelers will visit Anchorage at least once during a trip. Do you want to spice up your holiday experience? Fairbanks is the second-largest city in Alaska and a popular spot on the tourist circuit. Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Hope to photograph Northern Lights with as little light pollution as possible, with lakes/mountains in the scene.I would like to keep our budget to around $10,000-$12,000 (lower if possible) – for flights, accommodations, food and tours for the both of us.
I am into landscape photography.
Lodges & Overnight Tours. This residence measures 56 square meters, has a fully equipped kitchen, a large bathroom with a tub, and a separate seating area. The on-site Zach’s Restaurant serves classics like fried calamari, fish and chips, and pasta dishes. Tours like the Arctic Circle Aurora Fly & Drive Adventures will get you to Coldfoot and keep you warm in a comfortable tour van for viewing opportunities. (Hint: it requires a lot of self-sufficiency, and is pretty snowy and cold in the winter!). We enjoyed many months of the incredible midnight sun and now for the first time in over 90 days we are getting real sunsets that lead to dark night sky. Caused by supercharged solar particles colliding with the earth's atmosphere, these ethereal streamers of green, white, purple, blue and even red light draw awestruck travelers from all over the world. Luckily, visitors can experience the greens and reds of the northern lights . Here the list of 7 best places to see the Northern lights. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a colorful phenomenon caused by solar particles mixing with atmospheric gasses, resulting in dazzling colorful skies. It’s full of opportunities to experience the ‘real’ Alaska. The Land of the Midnight Sun. Fairbanks is known as one of the best places to see the Aurora. Be aware that it's a difficult trip in winter . Heck, you already traveled all the way to Alaska â the rest is pretty easy. The 1st Alaska Outdoor School offers a 14-hour tour by van for the most dedicated . Borealis Basecamp is located approximately 45 minutes outside of Fairbanks, which is heading north on the Dalton Highway.
4 guests Once we are at a lodge/location we plan on taking tours out into the wilderness for viewing. Sophie Station Suites also offers room service and a 24-hour front desk, enabling you to arrange excursions or a free airport shuttle at any given moment. Fairbanks. The primary road up into the pass (from Palmer) is typically open in some fashion for skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers who make their way up to the pass for daytime fun.
On top of this, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge houses a gift shop, a 24-hour gym, and a coin-operated laundrette. The northern lights are best seen from Alaska, northern Canada, southern Greenland, Iceland, and northern Scandinavia. Be sure to bring a good tripod and camera and keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife! Tromso Ice Domes, the most original hotel for seeing the Northern Lights. Like a lodge/small town atmosphere as long as we can get some good meals! If you’re looking to go way beyond the beaten path and experience Alaskan winter at its truest, you may want to head even further north than Fairbanks to try and see the northern lights. From November through March, you can expect snow and cold, dark winter nights that get longer approaching the winter solstice on December 21st. 1 bedroom, House Are you heading out in the snow? Talkeetna is a great spot on your itinerary if you’re planning a winter trip to Alaska â even if you’re not hunting the aurora. This also means that your chances to see the northern lights are growing each day, as the dark nights return to Alaska. This small community gives you a great sense of what life is like outside the cities in Alaska. My friend and I are,taking a cruise between Sept.,7and Sep. 12, then a land trip .by rail from Whittier to. Enjoy three nights at stunning Princess' Lodges and Hotels. Chena’s Alaskan Grill is part of the property, and this is the hotspot for generous buffet breakfast, a filling lunch, comforting dinner, or late-night drinks. ), and difficult to predict. ). Several Questions…Agree that Alaska is a great place to go since we currently have travel bans in Canada. But if the lights were bad that week with good viewing the following, we would like to extend our stay. Hands down, Alaska is the best place to see the northern lights in the United States, thanks to its geographic location and dark skies . Seeing the northern lights is one of the top reasons people travel to Alaska during the cold winter months, and it's totally worth it. You can learn more about my mission here or read about me and the rest of the team here. Designated aurora watching services at Wedgewood Resort include headlamps and wake-up services when the Northern Lights appear. Aurora Zone's tour there includes a night's stay at an Ice Hotel. Outside the rooms, a 24-hour reception for bookings and a 24-hour gym are some of this hotel’s handy features. If you happen to visit in March, Nome is where the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race ends. Compare top rental sites at once to get the best deal on your next trip. 5 guests Other amenities that make this hotel stand out are its heated indoor pool, a hot whirlpool, and a 24-hour fitness facility. Otherwise, you can see the spectacle from around the firepit at the observatory deck.
Healy, Alaska. The primary road through Hatcher Pass is typically closed to vehicles in the winter because snow makes it impassable. In Alaska, the coldest months offer a glimpse of nature at its most elemental — and a chance to spot the aurora borealis. Borealis Basecamp consists of ten "domes" and an activity center. 2 bedrooms, House Candlewood Suites – Fairbank is located in the northern part of town, and features modernly designed accommodations.
"This hotel was just what we needed in Fairbanks. 2 bedrooms, Apartment Probably the biggest city in which you can see the northern lights, Fairbanks is a primo location because of its location under the "Aurora Oval," meaning 80% of nights in the winter (provided the skies are clear) the lights will be on display.While the best time to catch the show is between midnight and 3 a.m., most hotels will offer wake-up calls if you can't or don't want to wait up . This timber lodge is lightyears away from civilization, situated amidst grassland and forests. Head To These 17 Incredible Places In Alaska To View The Northern Lights. Ronn Murray's Alaska Aurora Cam; Where to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks Alaska. But here in the funky little town of Talkeetna, Alaska, there's something extra-special. Polar lights appear in the skies when charged solar particles interact with the atmosphere. Nights become shorter and days become longer, such that each new day has a few fewer minutes of darkness to stargaze or see the aurora. Thank you! Are you planning to travel far north with your friends, partner, or family? In Fairbanks, you can see the aurora almost anywhere on a strong night. Spend the rest of the night in one of the rooms, suites or cabins. Thank you for all the info. To improve your chances of getting a great picture, you need the right camera and gear plus the right settings to capture the color and details. River’s Edge Resort is a holiday park along the banks of the Chena River, west of central Fairbanks. As such, I spent fifteen winters enjoying the northern lights, and these are some of my favorite spots to view the aurora in Eagle River â ‘near home.’. The train trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks was breathtakingly beautiful â we saw many moose and caribou and Bettles Lodge was absolutely loved. Fairbanks is a town in the heart of Alaska, the US’s largest state. The River Front Cottages are particularly appealing, as they come with a river-facing terrace perfect for night sky viewings. Here’s all my knowledge and wisdom to help you plan an unforgettable trip to see the northern lights in Alaska. Alaska is the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA. From cold and isolated Greenland to the cultural zone of Tromso, Norway, there's a trip out there just waiting to be checked off your bucket list, so bundle up . Everything worked out very smooth and I am looking forward to return in a couple of years to Alaska. You can book a room at Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge with confidence.This hotel welcomes up to two dogs weighing up to 80 pounds each, so your pets can also enjoy the snow and outdoor activities. The Best Place in the United States to see the Northern Lights. From Iceland to Alaska, explore 11 of the best places around the world to see the Northern Lights. For the room fare, you’ll also get a continental buffet breakfast to start the day off properly. Turn on JavaScript so our search engine can do its magic. The Best Places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska Updated November 2021, Best Places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska was originally written in January 2020 For many people, seeing the northern lights is a major bucketlist item. I (STG founder Valerie) grew up in Alaska and has seen the aurora many times there. 2) My wife and I are both retired. In terms of forecasting, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has a great website with real-time data. Northern lights season in Alaska is between September and late April, peaking in March. Because of this, it is by far my favorite place to stay in Glacier View. A truck stop in the Yukon Territory in northern Alaska happens to be a perfect place to spot the Northern Lights. They're elusive, require (usually expensive) travel to far northern latitudes (and southern too! In the main building, a shared kitchen with a stove, fridge, and other cooking utensils allow you to prepare your favorite meals. (This may be at 2 am, so be prepared to wake up in the middle of the night if the aurora beckon!). Fortunately, a stay . ∙ In fact, if you stay 3 nights in Fairbanks, you have an 80% chance of seeing them. ∙ Please read the section in this post on the best time of year to see the aurora in Alaska.
The best time to visit is in the months of September and March when the temperatures don't drop too far below zero! If you don't have the time for that, then head out into your backyard on a clear night with no moonlight. However, one of our favourite trends is the innovation of Aurora accommodation, which . Known for its clean air, clear skies, natural wildlife, rugged remoteness, and freezing winter temperatures, the further north you travel toward the Arctic Circle the greater your chances of catching the Northern Lights. Caused by supercharged solar particles colliding with the earth's atmosphere, these ethereal streamers of green, white, purple, blue and even red light draw awestruck travelers from all over the world.
April and May are a great time to visit Alaska because they’re cheaper and less crowded â but you most likely won’t see the northern lights during a trip at this time. Boost your northern lights bragging rights by venturing into the Arctic Circle for a northernmost vantage point. 95 10th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701-5002. From late August to mid-April, travellers from all over the world search for the Northern Lights. Away from the center – and therefore light pollution – this alluring accommodation is excellent for Northern Lights observations. These will inspire you to find the tour that’s right for you and includes daytime experiences you want with nighttime aurora-viewing opportunities. The staff lets you borrow winter gear such as thick jackets, boots, and snowshoes at no additional costs. This area - north of Denali National Park is one of the best places in the world to see Aurora Borealis because it's very close to the Aurora oval. We are thinking October thru February. It is located about 20 miles North of Fairbanks on a hill side looking north. Aurora Villa is a hypermodern accommodation that seems to pop up like a UFO in Fairbanks’ winter scenery. What’s the Best All-Inclusive Hotel in Xcaret Park, Mexico? Holland America, Princess and other cruise lines offer Northern Lights cruises in the fall and early spring and can take you on a beautiful tour of southern Alaska. View on Map. Read on! ∙
No matter what time of night you’re viewing the northern lights in Alaska, you need to bundle up. One of the best and most convenient places to see the aurora is Aurora Pointe, newly opened in 2018 with the express purpose of giving people a venue for viewing the lights. Alaska and Iceland are the most popular places to spot them, but the Northern Lights can be seen from any locations between 65 and 72 degrees latitude. 16 Best Family Hotels for Ski Resorts in Banff, 15 Best Hat Yai Attractions and Places to Visit [New Guide], 13 Best Luxury Hoi An Hotels on the Beach. The Sparkling City of Fairbanks. For parks south of Alaska, you'll want a Kp . In case you want to plan some tours and activities, the 24-hour front desk is open to help you with your travel requirements. Think Ice Road Truckers meets the greatest night sky show on Earth. Flights to Barrow are offered from Anchorage by Alaska Airlines. Many Thanks! Chris and Kathy, Chris & Kathy, thanks for reading! Located halfway between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay, this is an exceptional spot to see the lights. It's best to be within the Arctic Circle to get the full experience. At this resort, free goodies include a WiFi connection, shuttle service to the train depot and international airport, and gym access. I was lucky enough to live in Fairbanks, Alaska for four years, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world.
We live in Washington State on Whidbey Island so travel (flying won’t be too bad). The Northern Lights can be seen over Nome, a former Gold Rush town. 1 bedroom, Moose Pass, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, Kalifornsky, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, Delta Junction, Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska. Find a vacation rental near Denali National Park, Alaska. The most common places to see the Northern Lights are in Alaska, Canada, and Iceland. Fairbanks, Alaska.
Here are some of the ones that stand out: As you can tell, you have plenty of choices! ∙ The northern lights are visible from northern parts of Scandinavia, northern Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and Iceland. At A Taste of Alaska, you can spend your vacation in a charming timber lodge. This two-week long race starts in Anchorage and goes over 950 miles through the state of Alaska. Tripping is the world's largest search engine for vacation rentals. The Aurora Pointe. In this section, you’ll find a list of places you can see the aurora near some of the major cities and communities you’ll probably visit anyway on a winter trip in Alaska. I love travelling because of the connections I can make with people, the amazing nature around the world, and the different cuisines I was able to discover. Created through the sun's interaction with Earth's magnetic field, this dazzling natural light show is a common occurrence in and around the Arctic Circle. But sometimes, when you least expect it, you might see the telltale warm, creeping glow on the horizon; it will shift and move with a life of its own, illuminating a previously dark sky. They have international classics like potstickers, risotto, and French onion soup on the menu. The town is home to the native Inupiat culture where you can learn about and participate in traditional games of the Inupiat like dogsledding. North of Eagle River, Eklutna Lake Road leads to Eklutna Lake. Northern Lights Alaska: Bettles Lodge. Find a vacation rental in Fairbanks, Alaska. Be sure to bundle up and come prepared for the cold weather conditions.
Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks has several favorable features, including an indoor pool with reclining chairs around it and a whirlpool for ultimate relief. Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, dancing overhead. You can choose between a modern villa and a traditional wooden Alaskan home to spend your holidays. 5 Best Spots to See the Northern Lights in Anchorage. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks, 9 Best Luxury Iceland Camping Sites to See Northern Lights, 17 Best Luxury Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland to see Northern Lights, 23 Best Natural Wonders to See in Iceland, 12 Best Beachfront Hotels in Panama City Beach. Indeed, you can even see the aurora from right in town… On our flight up to Fairbanks, it was the middle of the night and we caught our first glimpse before we even landed. This homely lodging boasts comfortable double rooms, suites, and even a vacation home if you treasure your privacy. A Glimpse of Sitka's Northern Lights. You won’t have to explore Fairbanks and surroundings with an empty belly either. Gis'óok is the Tlingit word for . The number one consideration when planning a trip to see the aurora in Alaska is traveling at the right time of the year. You may need to get a bit outside of the south coastal city to really see the lights, but guides like Salmon Berry Tours can take you to all the best spots. No biggie â the science is actually pretty simple at its core. Both the Queen Suite at Candlewood Suites – Fairbanks and the Jetted Tub Room at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge have fantastic hot tubs.Particularly the room at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is enormous, and conveniently located right beside the bed.Anyway, you can’t go wrong by dipping in either of these room’s tubs. Though you can see the lights from anywhere with the right conditions, Fairbanks ranks as the top city in Alaska to go to. The 49th state’s northern regions like Fairbanks and Nome are perfect for aurora viewing and you don’t even need a passport! Here you can take tours or simply look out your window for an Aurora show, but you’ll have to brave the frigid negative temperatures. Would like to go out viewing most nights we are there – don’t want to miss anything! The celestial show typically comes in a swirling array of green, while the most intense aurora gets a purple edge. The rooms are excellent and comfortable. . Flexible schedules. Take a reindeer safari, climb to popular lookout points on a snowmobile, stay overnight in an igloo, or visit the world's first Northern Lights Observatory atop the 2,966-feet Haldde Mountain .
Alyeska Resort Considered the crown jewel of Alaska's backcountry ski properties, this château-style resort just 40 miles outside of Anchorage boasts more than its average 650 inches of annual snowfall and steep and deep terrain. Depending on the conditions you might be able to make it all the way to the campground. With breathtaking mountain ranges, pristine rivers and lakes, Fairbanks is where you'd want to find yourself for the perfect chance of catching a glimpse of this celestial dance . 4) I am into Landscape Photography. Ask for a wake-up call in case the wondrous Northern Lights occur. 2.