The Last Year of the 2017 Aurora Cycle Peak – Compare the Top 4 Best Viewing Spots

▲ Northern Lights in Alaska. (Photo / Provided by Tripresso, the same below. No unauthorized photography to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Chasing the aurora has always been a lifelong dream for many people. The great aurora outbursts occur once every 11 years, and 2017 marks the end of the aurora cycle. Miss this year when the auroras are easiest to spot, and you’ll have to wait another 11 years. Still undecided on where the best place to see the aurora is, or which country offers the best value? The travel website Tripresso analyzed big data to rank the top four aurora viewing destinations in the world this year.

No. 1 Alaska
Best Viewing Spot: Fairbanks
Aurora Peak Season: September to December
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★
Tour Cost: Approximately $74,900–$109,900 per person

The City of Aurora. Fairbanks, known as the Golden Capital, is the easiest city in the world to catch the aurora, with a chance to see the magical northern lights up to 240 days a year. Thanks to its prime location just tens of kilometers from the Arctic Circle at 66.33° north latitude, autumn offers the most stable weather, low light pollution, the best time to view the aurora, the highest success rate for aurora hunting, and the most affordable tour prices. It's the best choice for budget travelers.

Must-Do Activities: Stephen’s Aurora Cabin, Dog Sledding, Ice Fishing on Snow Lake.

No. 2 Iceland
Best Viewing Spot: Nationwide
Aurora Peak Season: October to February
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★
Tour Cost: Approximately $106,900–$152,900 per person

Voted by CNN as one of the world’s eight best aurora viewing spots. Aurora can be easily seen across the entire country of Iceland. With its breathtaking natural wonders, Iceland boasts precious geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, and sea cliffs and caves eroded by ocean waves. It has become one of the most popular countries for aurora viewing in recent years and is a pilgrimage destination for photographers.

Must-Do Activities: Aurora Cruise, Blue Lagoon Hot Spring, Gullfoss Waterfall.

No. 3 Canada
Best Viewing Spot: Yellowknife
Aurora Peak Season: October to February
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★
Tour Cost: Approximately $79,900–$101,880 per person

2017 is the best time to visit Yellowknife for aurora viewing. Known as the Aurora Capital, Yellowknife is located in the Arctic Circle fringe zone with short days and long nights in winter. Staying here for three nights or more greatly increases your chances of seeing the aurora.

Must-Experience Activities: Aurora Viewing in a Teepee Tent, Dog Sledding, Lake Louise

Most Canadian aurora tour packages cost over $100,000. This year, in addition to flights by China Airlines and EVA Air, direct Air Canada flights to Vancouver have returned. Also, as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Air Canada is offering promotional fares, significantly reducing overall tour costs. Therefore, this year is the perfect time to go to Canada.

No. 4 Finland
Best Viewing Spot: Lapland - Ivalo
Aurora Peak Season: October to March
Recommendation rating: ★★★★
Tour cost: approximately $149,900~$179,900 per person

The happiest place to see the Northern Lights! Finland has one-third of its land within the Arctic Circle, and its most famous aurora destination, Lapland, is remote and has minimal light pollution, making it a prime spot for travelers to witness the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. The region is home to the world-renowned pioneer of glass igloo hotels. Stay in a fully transparent glass igloo, where you can admire the auroras from the warmth of your bed—no need to brave the freezing outdoors. Finland’s Northern Lights tours generally come with higher average costs. This is due to Finland’s location in Northern Europe; many tour packages combine nearby Norway or all five Nordic countries, resulting in longer itineraries and higher prices.

Must-do experiences: glass igloo aurora viewing, Santa Claus Village, reindeer sleigh ride, and the icebreaker MS Sampo