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Northern Lights over Canada

Northern Lights Tours & Trips

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are the world’s greatest light spectacle, a testament to the Earth’s raw and untamed beauty, an experience that transcends words.

Imagine standing in silent reverence beneath the emerald, violet, and pink hues that paint the sky with luminous brushstrokes. The crisp Arctic air tickles your skin while the world around you fades away. This is a moment that etches itself into your soul forever.

Spark your sense of wonder—whether it’s in Iceland, Finland, Norway or Alaska—and we guarantee you a transformative adventure! Are you ready to chase the magic?

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Northern Lights captured on a Northern Lights tour in Alaska

What are northern lights?

The northern lights, also called Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere, especially the closer you get to the North Pole.

The light effect occurs when the sun drives solar wind away from itself, causing high-energy particles to strike the Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles collide with oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere, they produce red or green lights; when they collide with nitrogen, the light produced is green and violet.

If you're looking for a practical guide on how to capture the glowing spectacle, our tips on how to photograph the northern lights come in handy.

 
Person marveling at the Northern Lights on a tour in Iceland

Where can you see the northern lights?

The closer you get to the North Pole, the more likely the chance of seeing the northern lights! Of course, it’s not always possible to visit the North Pole directly, but fear not—there are many areas close to or within the Arctic Circle, such as Alaska, parts of Canada, Finland, Iceland, Norway (especially up north in places like Svalbard) and Sweden, where the northern lights are often visible.

If you’re looking for the aurora australis, however, you’ll have to head south—the southern lights are, of course, located in the Southern Hemisphere! Read more about southern lights or what distinguishes them from the northern lights.
Northern lights illuminate the mountains of Iceland

When is the best time to see the northern lights?


The best time to see the northern lights is from November to March, as they are only visible when there is no sunlight, so the dark winter months are perfect. Chances are slimmer in September and October, but for travelers who don’t deal well with extreme cold, it may be a suitable option.

In general, while you can never predict when you’ll see the northern lights with 100 percent accuracy, visiting in December, January, and February is your best shot—just be sure to dress for the occasion!

In this article from our magazine Days To Come, you’ll learn a little more about when’s the best time to hunt northern lights. 

Best places to see the northern lights

  • View of Seljalandsfoss in Iceland

    Iceland

    The land of fire and ice is perfect for those who want to experience the colorful light spectacle while exploring a unique place. Discover iconic Reykjavik and bubbling geysers, hike across glaciers, explore ice caves and thundering waterfalls, or relax in the blue lagoon.
    Northern lights in Iceland
  • Northern lights in Canadian sky over traditional tent city

    Canada

    Canada’s size means there are lots of places perfect for spotting this natural phenomenon. In Ontario, the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve near Muskoka is known for its fantastic views of dazzling lights. Traveling further west? Check out Banff National Park!
    Northern lights in Canada
  • Norway in winter with snowy mountains

    Norway

    Norway awaits with friendly locals, stunning fjords and plenty of opportunities to seek out the illuminated skies. A plethora of adventures beginning in Oslo and continuing north along the coast to Tromsø will spellbind you.
    Northern lights in Norway
  • Person on northern lights tour in Alaska

    Alaska

    America’s last frontier is great for outdoor adventures of all kinds, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, or skiing. Fairbanks is often ranked as one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights and an iconic location for its Gold Rush heritage.
    Northern lights in Alsaka
  • Reindeer with sleigh in Alaska

    Finland

    Lapland in the north of Finland is known as one of the best places in the world to see the lights—they appear on roughly 200 nights in the whole year! Rovaniemi, the "Official Hometown of Santa Clause" is also known for its stunning northern lights display.
    Northern lights in Finland
  • Modern igloo in Sweden

    Sweden

    Swedish Lapland provides an opportunity to connect with the indigenous Sami people and their traditional reindeer herding lifestyle. It is also home to the world’s original Icehotel, founded in 1989, complete with an ice bar and an ice art gallery!
    Northern lights in Sweden

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Your northern lights trip questions, answered

  • Is it guaranteed I will see the Northern Lights during my trip?

    While there certainly are things you can do to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights (see above), there are no guarantees that travelers will see them. However, the chances increase with an organized adventure alongside an experienced guide. Anything from sun activity to cloudy weather can make the difference between seeing the aurora borealis and not! The best option is to choose a destination you’d be happy with regardless of whether you see the northern lights. 

  • What other activities are offered during a northern lights trip?

    Depending on the adventure you choose, travelers can often enjoy many other activities while hunting for northern lights! The adventurous can enjoy dogsledding, skiing, snow-shoeing, and snowmobiling, while those looking for a slower pace will love the many museums and cultural offerings at many northern lights destinations. Of course, the gorgeous nature is an attraction in itself!

  • Can you see the northern lights when there is a full moon?

    A popular misconception about viewing the northern lights is that a full moon negatively impacts visibility. Thankfully, that is simply not true! The Northern Lights can and do appear on nights with full moons, and many photographers appreciate the moon’s presence in their shots. 

  • How long do the northern lights last?

    As with many questions about the northern lights, the answer to this is: it depends. On active nights, the aurora borealis can be seen all night long. However, at other times the spectacle only lasts for a few minutes. The weather patterns that cause the lights are not always easily tracked, and therefore it’s not possible to know exactly how long each display will last. But specified apps will provide help in finding out where the activity is high.

  • Do I need travel insurance for a northern lights trip?

    Travel insurance is mandatory for most of the organized adventures on TourRadar and must be purchased before you start your travels. It covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and more. You can simply add travel insurance with Cover Genius directly to your TourRadar booking.

  • How do I book a northern lights tour on TourRadar?

    Find your next northern lights tour package by perusing our tours by choosing your dates and destination, and use our handy filters such as must-see city or budget, and you’ll find the one calling your name. Then you simply fill out your details to secure your organized adventure. If you have any questions along the way, our Travel Experts are standing by 24/7!

  • What should you wear on a northern lights tour?

    When embarking on a Northern Lights tour, dressing appropriately is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Layering with a waterproof and windproof insulated jacket is key. Gloves, a scarf and a warm head covering are also important to avoid getting chilled. Thermal socks and boots will keep your feet warm in the snow. After all, remember, it's not unusual for you to spend a lot of time outside.

  • Are there Northern Lights tours for seniors?

    There are no specific Northern Lights tours for seniors, however, all of our organized adventures are age-graded so you can easily find out if the tour is suitable for you. An additional helpful note to the tour descriptions is our physical rating filter function. This helps you assess how active the Northern Lights trip will be.
NORTHERN LIGHTS ARTICLES WRITTEN BY OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

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