Located halfway between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay, this is an exceptional spot to see the lights. Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge , a fly-in luxury wilderness lodge inside Gates of the Arctic National Park, offers one of Alaska’s most exclusive experiences for viewing the northern lights.
Where is the best place to go and see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Fairbanks is one of the best places to view the northern lights in Alaska due to its location, hours of darkness in the winter, auroral activity, and the amount of tours, activities, and accommodations dedicated to northern lights viewing.
What is the best month to see Northern Lights in Alaska?
The northern lights occur all four seasons of the year, although they are harder to see under the Midnight Sun. So, the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between mid-September and early April , when less daylight leads to darker night skies.
Is Anchorage or Fairbanks better for Northern Lights?
Although Fairbanks is known as the best place to see the Northern Lights in Alaska , you can also get a pretty good show in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. 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.
Where can I see aurora in Denali?
Because of its solitude, 6+ million acres, and lack of light pollution, Denali National Park is an amazing destination for outstanding Northern Lights views. Denali Viewpoint South off of the Parks Highway offers you a great chance to view the Mt. McKinley rising majestically beneath the sparkling aurora borealis.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Juneau Alaska?
National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Spann said auroras aren’t rare over Juneau, but Southeast weather patterns mean that it is rare for people to see them .
Can you see the northern lights every night in Alaska?
Yes, you can see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, from Anchorage – but not in the summer . The aurora actually occurs all year long, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see it. Views are best from September to April.
Is Iceland or Alaska better for northern lights?
If you’re wondering if Iceland or Alaska is better for viewing the Northern Lights. The answer is that both offer incredible opportunities . Ideally, you should be north of the 65 degrees latitude on a cloudless night, away from the light pollution of a major city.
Can you see northern lights from Denali National Park?
Denali is a great location for viewing the aurora because we are located at a far northern latitude and because there is very limited light pollution.
Which city is better to visit Anchorage or Fairbanks?
Overall Anchorage is the best choice when deciding where to start your trip . If you plan your visit for the Northern Lights, then Fairbanks is a better choice.
Can you see the northern lights with the naked eye?
Yes. Most commonly the aurora seen will be green or whitish, but depending on the strength of the activity, pinks and reds are also visible to the naked eye . The sensitivity of a person’s eyes will also be a factor.
How far is Fairbanks from Anchorage?
| Trip Distance (Miles) Car | Anchorage to Fairbanks 360 7-8 hrs | Anchorage to Denali 265 4-5 hrs | Fairbanks to Denali 120 2 – 3 hrs | Denali to Talkeetna 150 2 – 3 hrs |
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Is Fairbanks worth visiting?
Fairbanks is the hub for Alaska’s Interior and Arctic and is known for its first-class accommodations and restaurants, museums, concerts, historic sites, Alaska Native culture, and access to the Alaskan wilderness. It is also famous for it’s incredible long summer days, where the sun never seems to set.
Can you see northern lights in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks’ location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is under the “Auroral Oval,” a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Additionally, Fairbanks’ low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights.
How is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks?
The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3 . This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
Can you see the aurora in Patagonia?
The Southern Lights make a rare appearance in Chile, but Patagoniahas had recorded sightings . Like many of the other destinations on the list, the months between March and September offer the best chance of witnessing the spectacular Aurora Australis. But that’s not the only spectacular thing you”ll see.
Is Denali worth the money?
The Denali package is more worth it for people who want an advanced safety system in their car . With the extensive safety features offered on this package, it should help you feel better when you hit the roads. The package might also make sense for families or those who have small children.
What is the best month to visit Denali National Park?
For many people, the best time to visit Denali is during peak season, from May 20 to mid-September . From May 20, buses begin offering tours along the 92-mile Denali Park Road—the only access route for vehicle-based sightseeing and off-trail hiking and other adventures.
Can you see the northern lights from Kodiak Alaska?
The closer you are to the north pole, the better chance you’ll have at seeing the Northern lights. However, in some exceptional solar storm years, such as in 2012, you can see the Aurora Borealis from Kodiak Island, near the location of Afognak Wilderness Lodge .
Can you see the northern lights from Glacier Bay?
The phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, is rare in many parts of the world, and it can only be seen when the conditions are just right . At Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, however, park rangers captured the moment the sky came alive.
Is Juneau worth visiting?
Is Juneau Worth Visiting? Juneau is definitely worth visiting . It is rich in history and became the capital city of the territory in 1906 and of the state in 1959. It has a marvelous State Museum that contains artifacts and displays, an active waterfront with piers full of boats, ships, and floatplanes.
How much does it cost to see Northern Lights in Alaska?
Most tour companies will pick up guests from any Fairbanks hotel or accommodation as part of the package price. Evening tours run from 9 p.m. to about 4 a.m. and average $75 to $85 per person , while more extensive tours like the Northern Alaska fly/drive Arctic Circle viewing tour begins at $269 per person.
Can you see the Northern Lights in summer?
No, you can’t see the Northern Lights in summer . Although the aurora is active year-round, there just aren’t enough hours of absolute darkness for it to be reliably visible over the summer months. This is all thanks to the Earth’s axial tilt.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Glacier National Park?
In Glacier National Park, you can observe polar lights at any time of the year . However, the longer nights of late fall, winter, and early spring offer the best chances to watch an unbelievable light show. The peak times are from around an hour before midnight to around an hour after.
How long do northern lights last?
The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 5:00 pm and 2:00 am. They don’t usually exhibit for long – they may only show for a few minutes, then glide away before returning. A good display may last for no longer than 15-30 minutes at a time, although if you’re really lucky, they could last for a few hours .
How can I see the northern lights cheaply?
Finland (part of the euro) is the cheapest of those options . The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is the furthest north you can go on a commercial flight; during its winter months of 24-hour polar night, northern lights viewings are possible around the clock.
How far south can you see the northern lights?
To observers at far-northern latitudes, the Lights are a frequent occurrence, but many who live in more temperate climates have never seen them, even though they are occasionally seen as far south as 35 degrees North latitude .
