Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

1. Denali National Park

Encompassing more than six million acres of Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park is a stunningly beautiful nature preserve only accessible via the thin strip of road known as the Dalton Highway. Almost every part of the park is completely free from light pollution, so no matter where you're staying, there's an excellent chance that you'll see the aurora if you're visiting the park at the right time of year. The aurora can usually be seen here by the second week of August, but the opportunity to watch the lights is gone by the end of April each year.

George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, Phone: 907-683-9532, Map

Watch this short video time-lapse of Alaska’s Northern Lights.

2. Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, making it ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the northern lights without compromising on modern conveniences. The area has far less light pollution than most other major cities in the world, and plenty of excellent aurora viewing spots can be found only a short drive away from the downtown core. Self-guided tours are possible, but there are plenty of local tour guides available to make sure you have the best experience possible. The aurora can be seen as early as 8 pm in the winter, but the show is typically best around midnight. Map

Anchor­age events:
- Iditarod Sled Dog Race - First Saturday in March
- Fur Rendezvous Festival - February 20 - March 2, 2025
- Anchorage RunFest - August 16 & 17, 2025

3. Coldfoot

Formerly a gold mining settlement, Coldfoot is little more than a truck stop halfway between Fairbanks and the Arctic Ocean. However, its remote location and its position at the 67° parallel north make it an ideal destination for anyone interested in seeing the aurora. The area is home to a lodge known as Coldfoot Camp, which offers rustic accommodation, dining options, and assistance booking local activities and excursions. Many tour companies based out of Fairbanks and Anchorage bring visitors here, but it's also possible to drive yourself; the lodge sells fuel and can help with minor tire repairs. Map

4. Fairbanks

The city of Fairbanks can be found right underneath the famed Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone of extremely concentrated aurora activity in the far north. The area offers plenty of cozy viewing lodges and some of Alaska's most famous aurora watching spots, including the Murphy Dome and Chena Lake, but visitors can also rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and drive off to hunt the aurora on their own. The city is only 150 miles away from the Arctic Circle, and many visitors choose to combine their aurora watching trip with an excursion into the Arctic Circle. Map

5. Juneau

The capital of Alaska, Juneau is a popular cruise ship stop and can only be accessed by plane or by boat. Many of the cruise ship operators based out of Juneau offer northern lights cruises in the fall and early spring; this is a great way to enjoy the beauty of southern Alaska while chasing the aurora. However, visitors should be aware that the lights are not seen here as often as they are further north, and anyone who has their heart set on catching the aurora would be well advised to spend some time in northern Alaska as well.

6. Nome

Located on the tip of the Seward Peninsula, Nome is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the aurora while getting a taste of life in rural Alaska. The 350 miles of road originating in the town make it easy to explore some of the most untouched wilderness in Alaska, but the northern lights can be seen as close as one mile outside of town. The aurora can typically be seen here between November and March; green and white are the only colors seen most of the time, but other colors do appear on occasion. Map

7. 1st Alaska Outdoor School

Based out of Fairbanks, 1st Alaska Outdoor School offers a wide range of aurora viewing experiences to suit people of every interest. The company brings guests to the area's best viewing spots, including the Chena Hot Springs and the Arctic Circle. Special photography workshops are offered for anyone particularly interested in capturing the experience on film, while visitors who would like to combine their aurora viewing with another traditional Alaskan activity can join an ice fishing tour or go for a dog sled ride. The company operates all year round, and a two-person minimum is required for online bookings.

2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, Phone: 907-590-5900, Map

8. Airlink Alaska

Family owned and operated since 1992, Airlink Alaska is a charter bus company that can cater to the needs of almost any size group. The company's most popular tour brings guests to the Murphy Dome, one of the highest mountains in the Fairbank area, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the night sky. Visitors who would prefer to view the lights from the comfort of a cabin can join a tour to the Aurora Viewing Lodge.

Airlink Alaska, Phone: 855-454-8094

9. Alaska Aurora Adventures

Thanks to their cozy but remote viewing lodge, Alaska Aurora Adventures is perfect for visitors who would like to view the aurora in comfort. Hotel drop-off and pick-up is provided, and the viewing lodge comes with a warm fire and a variety of food and beverages. Camera rentals and professional portrait photo sessions are available, and the company also offers photo tours, including some that allow visitors to capture the reflection of the aurora in one of the nearby lakes. Guests who would like to maximize their opportunity of seeing the aurora can book an all-night aurora viewing that lasts between 10 and 12 hours.

Alaska Aurora Adventures, Phone: 907-590-3229