If you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, now is the time to go. Experts are expecting some of the most intense and consistent displays of the Aurora Borealis from winter 2024 through spring 2025, when the sun will experience its highest solar activity in a decade. 

Here are the three best places on earth to witness the spectacle this year, from the midwest to Europe.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota 

Minnesota’s only national park is also among the country’s most beautiful, 218,000 acres of lakes, forests and streams so rural it’s designated a Dark Sky Park. This makes Voyageurs National Park a bit of a trek to get to, about a 5-hour drive from Minneapolis. 

That said, it’s among the best places in the northern hemisphere to see the northern lights. Last year, there were northern light exposures on more than 200 nights in the park. You’re most likely to see bright green colors, with the possibility of blues and yellows.

When to Go

Late Winter–Early Spring: Northern lights can happen any time of year at Voyageurs National Park, but you’re more likely to see them the longer the night is, from December through March. The clear, cold skies during these months also help ensure uninterrupted views of the aurora. Visitors during this season may also encounter fewer crowds, making for a tranquil experience under the stars.

Where to Stay

$ Kettle Falls Hotel Open since 1913, this historic hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only hotel located in the park. It’s a bit of a pain to get to, accessible only by boat or snowmobile, but has one of the best views of the northern lights in the winter. Staying here feels like stepping back in time, with its rustic charm and cozy ambiance perfect for a winter getaway. Rates start at $90 per night for a double room.

$$ Arrowhead Lodge Cabin This original wood lodge sits right on Lake Kabetogama, with unfettered views of Voyageurs National Park. The cabins are equipped with modern amenities while still maintaining a cozy, woodsy feel. Rates start at $1,250 weekly for a two-bedroom cabin.

$$$ Pines of Kabetogama Located less than a mile from the best viewing points in town, this resort features five newly-furnished and well-appointed lakefront cabins. Guests also have access to private lake docks, perfect for quiet northern lights viewing. Rates start at $279 per night for a two-bedroom cabin.

Activities  

Ice Fishing - Lake Kabetogama, part of which is located in Voyageurs National Park, is a world-class ice-fishing location, with tons of walleye, pike, and bass from December–February. For added comfort, consider booking a guided tour that provides heated shelters and gear. Ice fishing here offers not just a great catch but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine winter wonderland.

Snowmobiling - Voyageurs National Park is one of the best snowmobiling locations in the country, whether you go solo or with one of the local excellent tours. With miles of groomed trails that wind through frozen lakes and snowy forests, it’s a thrilling way to explore the park’s winter beauty.

Alta, Norway

This idyllic city on Norway’s northern coast is known worldwide for its consistent and spectacular Northern Lights displays. It’s reported that any traveler who visits during the Aurora season for at least three days will witness a display. Here the lights are more pastel in color, known for blues, pinks and violets. The unique geographical position and cold, crisp Arctic air create vibrant, flickering displays that dance across the sky. Alta is also rich in Sami culture, and visitors can enjoy traditional food and music while waiting for the auroras to appear.

There are no direct plane routes from the U.S. to Alta Airport, but several flights each day from Oslo.

When to Go

Early Spring: Alta’s clear skies make its Aurora season particularly long, from late August to late March. The best time to see the Northern Lights here tends to be late February through March when the area sees the least amount of precipitation and nights are longest. You can combine your aurora viewing with spring festivals that showcase local traditions and Arctic adventures. 

Where to Stay

$ Alten Lodge: Overlooking the majestic Altafjord, this rural lodge features a handful of cozy individual cabins at a good price. With panoramic fjord views and quiet surroundings, it’s a great place for aurora watching. Two-bedroom cabins start at $169 per night.

$$ Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge: This cozy, modern boutique hotel gets high marks for its excellent restaurant. Guests rave about the Nordic-inspired design and personalized service, which makes it feel like a luxurious retreat. Double rooms start at $295 per night.

$$$ Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge: Enjoying a spectacular location right on the Alta river, this 24-room lodge features luxurious, spacious rooms with unparalleled views. The lodge also offers exclusive guided aurora safaris and ice cave tours for a truly unforgettable experience. Double rooms start at $520 per night.

Activities 

Dog Sledding: Alta is home to Finnmarksløpet, the world’s northernmost dog sledding race. Take part in this exhilarating and historic tradition with a range of local tours. Whether you’re navigating frozen tundras or forested trails, the experience is both thrilling and serene.

The North Cape on Magerøya Island is one of the most rural and majestic locations in the world. There are numerous daily excursions from Alta, about a 2-hour drive away. This spot, known as Europe’s northernmost point, offers breathtaking cliffs and Arctic Ocean views, perfect for daytime exploration before an evening of aurora chasing.

Yukon, Canada

The Yukon is one of Canada’s most beautiful and wild territories, with wide-open skies, majestic mountain ranges and untouched boreal forests as far as the eye can see. It also sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in the world for spotting the northern lights. Temperatures can be rough in winter, averaging around 15 °F during the day. But if you’re looking for a spectacular lights display, as well as a slew of other once-in-a-lifetime winter activities, it’s a great spot.

The territory’s capital, Whitehorse, is a particularly good place to stay, rural enough to witness beautiful auroral displays, but with an international airport that’s only a two-hour flight from Vancouver.

When to Go

Early 2025: The best time to see the Northern Lights is from the end of January to the end of March, when the Yukon’s skies are their darkest and most clear. The long nights during this period offer ample opportunities for multiple aurora sightings. November and December are the territory’s wet months, with clouds that can obscure views of the lights.

Where to Stay

$ Northern Lights Resort & Spa This secluded resort offers all-inclusive packages, including nightly guided aurora borealis viewings, all meals, and transportation to and from Whitehorse International Airport. Guests can also relax in outdoor hot tubs while watching the lights. Rates start at $1,150 per person for a four-night stay.

$$ Black Spruce Landscape Hotel his tiny boutique hotel features 4 luxuriously-appointed cabins nestled on the granite boulders of the northern boreal forest. Each cabin offers privacy and uninterrupted views of the auroras. The hotel also offers nightly aurora viewing tours for $149/person. Rates start at $229 per night in the winter.

$$$ Boréale Ranch This well-appointed lodge is a 40-minute drive from Whitehorse, making it ideal for seeing the northern lights. The hotel includes an aurora viewing platform and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that combines modern comfort with rustic charm. Rooms start at $300 per night and include breakfast for two.

Activities 

Fat Biking: In the winter, locals in the Yukon travel by fat bike, bicycles outfitted with unique oversized tires for optimum traction in the snow. Make your way to Bennett Lake near Carcross for a scenic but leisurely bike trail that proffers stunning mountain and water views. You can rent bikes and join guided tours for an easy introduction to this Arctic pastime.

Explore Indigenous History: The Yukon Territory has a rich First Nations heritage. The Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre in Dawson City hosts fantastic exhibits with rare ancient artifacts like canoes and hunting tools. Many First Nations communities also host cultural workshops, offering visitors a chance to learn traditional crafts or storytelling.

There’s no better time than this year to see the Northern Lights. Whether it’s a weekend trip to Minnesota or an expedition through the Norwegian arctic, seeing this year’s historic Aurora Borealis should definitely be on your winter bucket list.