Adventures Under the Auroras

Always wanted to experience the majesty of the Northern Lights? There are plenty of places and ways to see the iconic Aurora Borealis, and here are some of our favourites.

One of the world’s most stunning natural phenomenons, the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, are natural and spectacular light displays that only take place in the High Arctic. Created by charged particles from the sun striking atoms in Earth’s atmosphere, which causes electrons to release photon – light- the Northern Lights are increasingly drawing intrepid travelers north for their chance to capture the light’s heavenly beauty.

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Coastal Cruise

Norwegian expeditionary cruise company Hurtigruten offers annual “Hunting the Lights” cruises from mid-November to mid-March in northern Norway. Itineraries read like an adventure book of Arctic exploration; search the night-time sky during dog sledding treks across the frozen landscape, or from your suite at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, brave the waters of the iceberg-dotted Barents Seas, reach untouched coastlines by zodiac, enjoy an evening concert in the Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral, and celebrate your new finds with a “polar baptism” – an ice cube shower – hosted by ‘King Neptune’ himself.

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Canada’s High Arctic

In the north of Manitoba, in Canada, Churchill Wild offers exciting itineraries that not only include the Northern Lights, but also the chance to encounter polar bears up close, to take a front-row seat at the region’s most famous dog sled race, the Hudson Bay Quest, and to stay the night in your own igloo. Staying at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, you’ll also have the chance to participate in traditional Inuit customs and to truly experience the rugged beauty of Canada’s Arctic Circle.

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The Lights of Alaska

To the west, Alaska is also a popular destination for those looking to experience the Northern Lights. Go Alaska Tours offer stunning views while you travel down the famous Dalton Highway across the Arctic Circle and into the Brooks Range. This five-day itinerary also takes in the Alaskan Pipeline, the mighty Yukon River, and miles of untouched Alaskan wilderness. Travel from Fairbanks, one of the best spots on the ‘Auroral Oval’ to see the blue, green, and yellow light show each evening, stay in remote villages deep within the Arctic Circle, and cross the Atigun Pass, the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round.

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Orcas in Norway

World Expeditions offer unique Orca cruises in October and November, which track both the Northern Lights and the Lofoten Orca pods which frequent northern Norway. This is a wonderful introduction to coastal Norway and the beautiful fjords, islands, and wildlife in this region. The cruise follows pods of Orca hunting for herring, as well as shore excursions to view the Stone Age petroglyphs, sea eagles, and historical villages such as Kabelvaag and Henningsvaer. Restricted to just 20 guests traveling on the schooner Noorderlicht, passengers have the opportunity to participate in the sailing of the vessel, which departs on the eight-day itinerary from Lodingen, in Norway’s northwest.

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Lapland

In the far north of Finland, in a region known as Lapland (reputed to be the home of the “Snow Queen” as well as Santa Claus), the best time to see the Northern Lights is during the Polar Night, a period when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, sometimes for as long as 50 days. Northern Lights Holidays specialize in arctic adventures and offer an amazing Lapland itinerary that takes in all the best aspects of the far north. Stay in the Lapland Igloo Village, which is perfectly situated to see the Northern Lights each night, and spend your days driving trains of huskies, riding on reindeer sleighs, learning about the indigenous Lapp people, cross country skiing, and even ice fishing. You’ll even have a chance to rough it in an igloo overnight, kept warm with reindeer skin blankets and padded sleeping bags.

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Kangerlussuaq

Greenland

One of the most sought after Northern Lights destinations, Greenland straddles the Arctic Circle and is known for its starkly beautiful, icy landscapes, magnificent glaciers, and picturesque hamlets. You can explore this otherworldly destination with Regent Holidays’ Aurora & Polar Circle Adventure, during which you’ll venture to the island’s only inland town, one of the best spots to view the Lights, thanks to an average of 300 clear sky nights a year. You’ll fly into Kangerlussuaq from Copenhagen, learn the town’s history as an American Air Force base, explore ancient glacier valleys, visit the impressive ice cap, try your hand at dog sledding, and spend nights gazing at the heavens.

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Staff Writer

Ultimate Encounters staff writers and contributors are made up of seasoned travel journalists and expedition leaders who have travelled the globe seeking thrilling new experiences for our readers.

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