The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a stunning light display in the night sky, primarily in high-latitude regions near the Arctic and Antarctic. These mesmerising colours are created when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, producing vibrant hues such as green, pink, and red. While popular destinations for viewing the Northern Lights are Iceland and Norway, lesser-known locations also offer unique experiences for witnessing this natural phenomenon. Here's a look at some that offer stunning viewing conditions and less crowded experiences than more popular destinations.
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago of 18 mountainous islands in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, roughly halfway between Scotland and Iceland. They are part of Northern Europe. The islands offer a unique experience for observing the Northern Lights due to their remote location and dark skies, which provide a clear and unobstructed view of the aurora. The rugged landscapes and diverse islands enhance the visual appeal of the light show, making it a truly special experience. With their dramatic scenery and low light pollution, the Faroe Islands are an excellent choice for aurora hunters.
Due to its position within the auroral oval—a ring around Earth's magnetic poles where auroras are most frequently visible, Ilulissat, located in Greenland, offers a unique experience for viewing the Northern Lights. As a relatively small town with limited infrastructure, Ilulissat has minimal light pollution, which allows for clearer sightings of the aurora. The breathtaking backdrop of the Ilulissat Icefjord, with its icebergs illuminated by the lights, enhances the spectacle. Additionally, the Northern Lights hold cultural significance for the Inuit people, who believe the aurora represents the spirits of the deceased or the souls of children.
The Great Lakes Region, particularly areas along Lake Superior, like the Keweenaw Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, offers relatively good opportunities to see the Northern Lights, even at lower latitudes. The region's remote locations and minimal human activity contribute to very dark skies, making it easier to spot the faint aurora. The shoreline of Lake Superior, especially along the south shore of the Upper Peninsula, offers hundreds of miles of unobstructed north-facing views, providing ideal vantage points for observing the lights. The Great Lakes region is relatively close to the "auroral zone," around the Earth's magnetic poles, where auroras are most likely to occur.
Yellowknife, located in the Northwest Territories in Canada, is a top destination for viewing the Northern Lights because it lies within the auroral oval. This unique location provides high visibility and a greater frequency of sightings. Additionally, the area's clear, dark skies and low light pollution create excellent viewing conditions. The Northern Lights can be seen from mid-August to early April, offering an extended period for observation. In fact, if you spend three nights in Yellowknife during peak season, you have a 98 per cent chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Churchill, Manitoba, is an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights because it lies directly beneath the auroral oval. This position allows the lights to be visible on average 300 nights a year, making it one of the best places in the world to experience this natural phenomenon. As a small, remote town far from city lights, Churchill offers exceptionally dark skies that enhance the visibility of the aurora. The cold, clear nights of winter, particularly from January to March, provide ideal conditions for observing the lights. Additionally, the surrounding boreal forest creates a stunning foreground for photography, adding depth and context to images.
