How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska Viewing Guide

No matter your itinerary, UnCruise helps guests witness incredible creatures in their natural habitats, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Alaska’s magnetic pull is undeniable, drawing adventurous travelers eager to explore its vast wilderness and rugged landscapes. More than 25 years ago, it was also the launching pad for UnCruise Adventures, which started with a single yacht in Alaska. Today, UnCruise’s Alaska expeditions are renowned for non-stop action, adventure, and exploration. Bridgett Quinn Weber, an advisor with Cruise Specialists who works with expedition cruises offered the advice below.

Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights - Cruise Critic

Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights.

Posted: Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT [source]

What Is The Best Time To See Northern Lights In Alaska?

If you plan to stay in the area, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and its massive north-facing deck means you'll have unobstructed views if the lights make an appearance. Plus, from this location, you’ll be able to see the aurora over Denali National Park and the towering Alaska Range. You’ll also be able to find activities, dining events and photography workshops from March through April at the lodge, making it an unforgettable off-peak destination regardless of your luck with the lights. Many cruise ships are equipped to cater to passengers with mobility issues, offering accessible areas from which you can view the aurora. It’s essential to discuss any requirements with the cruise line ahead of booking.

What Do You Need to Know Before Booking a Northern Lights Cruise?

Engaging with these stories enriches the experience, providing a cultural context to the natural marvel. The prime season for Northern Lights viewing in Alaska is between late September and early April. Remember, while all these destinations provide potential sightings of the Northern Lights, the natural phenomenon remains unpredictable. Still, the journey through these pristine, remote landscapes coupled with the anticipation of an aurora display makes for an unforgettable experience. The dance of colors in the sky isn’t just a natural phenomenon; it’s a testament to the universe’s beauty and wonder.

I Still Want to See Them From a Cruise Ship, Though!

And it truly is an adventure - because its appearance from one sighting to the next is never the same. I like to think that chasing the Borealis similar to the adrenaline rush of storm-chasers who follow tornadoes - except, you're chasing a natural beauty, rather than a destructive force. You can also visit the Iñupiat Heritage Center to learn about bowhead whale hunting and traditional crafts. Alaska Airlines flies to the town's Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport from Anchorage. So, grab your tripod, adjust your camera settings, and get ready to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Aurora Borealis on your Alaska cruise.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Space Weather Prediction Center, which is a great resource for a short-term forecast of northern lights activity. Fairbanks also happens to be the headquarters of the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, which issues a nightly forecast on Aurora viewing alongside a 27-day forecast. Spanning 13.2 million acres, this national park is the largest protected reserve in the United States. Travelers can bed down at the 14-person Ultima Thule Lodge for a wild adventure filled with glacier trekking, rafting, fishing in Tebay Lake, and (of course) waiting for the northern lights to flicker across the sky. When it comes to experiencing the mesmerizing beauty of the Aurora Borealis in Alaska, the winter months with their long nights provide the perfect backdrop.

By using a tripod, you can keep your camera steady and ensure crisp, clear images. Explore the best time to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis in Alaska and find the top cruise lines for an unforgettable experience. Aside from volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, one of the main reasons people have Iceland on their travel bucket list is because they dream of seeing the Northern Lights on display. Iceland is a sparsely populated country, so you don’t have to go far to get away from light pollution. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Arctic for a chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

While you may see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, Fairbanks and points farther north are where you can increase your odds. If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights." The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions.

When and How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Like other natural occurrences, the Aurora Borealis come out to play when they feel like it. That said, being in the right place at the right time of year increases the odds. The 10-Night Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour (2A Northbound) will take you deep into the interior of Alaska, where you can explore Gold Rush history.

There is also an Alaska igloo hotel 25 miles from Fairbanks, known as the Borealis Basecamp. You'll likely get to Coldfoot on an organized tour, and if you fly to Utqiaġvik, your accommodations will also act as a local tour guide. If you're going to be in Fairbanks, however, you have excursion choices to make. The Northern Alaska Tour Company runs round-trip van tours 60 miles north of Fairbanks to the town of Joy for an increased chance of seeing the northern lights. And 1st Alaska Tours runs nightly trips to Chena Hot Springs 60 miles north and to Murphy Dome, one of the highest peaks in the Fairbanks area, which has a 360-degree view of the horizon.

Or, head outside, set up your camera and capture postcard-worthy photos to share with your loved ones. Select ships also offer an onboard viewing experience with the indoor planetarium located in the Princess Theater. Venture on a cosmic voyage with a Stargazing specialist and uncover the secrets of the skies above. The northern lights— known to science enthusiasts as the aurora borealis— are like a colorful dance party in the sky.

The Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis are one and the same — most people call them Northern Lights, while the scientific name is Aurora Borealis. Denali National Park is another good option in early spring or fall, as it’s far enough north and free from light pollution. If the stars align and the conditions are ripe for the show, try to find a clear viewing path, free of buildings and forest and facing north, as that’s where the activity starts. If you’d rather cruise to Alaska in summer, don’t expect to see the northern lights, but do soak up that midnight sunshine. SolarHam gives a reliable three-day geomagnetic forecast that's often used by aurora hunters, while the Aurora Forecast app shows travelers the position of the auroral oval around the Arctic Circle. It also indicates the probability of seeing the northern lights where you are (green, not so much; red, and they're probably happening right above you).

Aurora Borealis is the kind of scientific phenomenon that most people seem to either know everything about or nothing at all. I must admit – until I became interested in global cruising, I don’t think I’d ever heard of this natural wonder with the weirdest of names. A survey by the Discovery Channel noted that seeing Aurora Borealis made it to more "bucket lists" than any other travel adventure.