Hello, fellow adventurers! It’s your friend Anderson, back with another thrifty travel guide, this time for one of my favorite natural wonders—the Northern Lights. I’m all about experiencing the magic of the world without emptying our bank accounts. And today, I’ve got the scoop on how you can witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis without breaking the bank.
What Makes the Northern Lights So Special?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a celestial ballet of lights dancing across the night sky. They’re caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. Sounds scientific, doesn’t it? Well, to put it simply, it’s just pure magic. I’ve seen it myself, and trust me, there’s nothing quite like it.
Your Affordable Northern Lights Trips Start Here
Our economical Aurora Borealis tours will take us across a few countries in North America and Europe where we’ll get the best views of this spectacle. Let’s dive into our travel itinerary.
Canada: The Great White North’s Light Show
There are quite a few places in Canada where you can spot the Northern Lights, but Yukon, Newfoundland, and Labrador top the list. You might want to visit between October and March when the dark skies make a perfect canvas for the lights. A round-trip flight from NYC to Whitehorse, Yukon, can range from $500 to $800, depending on the season.
I’ve got a local insider tip for you here. Head over to the small town of Churchill in Manitoba; not many people know this, but it’s one of the top spots for affordable Northern Lights trips in Canada!
For accommodations, I recommend the Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Yukon. It’s a cozy, budget-friendly option starting at around $150 per night (CAD 190) with a unique feature—a glass-roofed cabin that allows you to witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed!
United States: Alaska’s Aurora Oasis
Just a hop, skip, and jump away, we have Alaska—a stunning state that offers some of the best views of the Northern Lights in the US. The best time to visit is during the winter months (September to mid-April). Round-trip flights from major US cities like Los Angeles or Chicago typically range from $300 to $500.
I highly recommend staying at Aurora Borealis Lodge in Fairbanks. With rates starting at $209 per night, you can enjoy a stunning view of the lights right from your cabin’s large north-facing windows.
Europe: The Old Continent’s Aurora Adventure
When we talk about witnessing the Northern Lights in Europe, the Nordic countries are the clear winners. Let’s explore some budget-friendly Northern Lights holidays in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Iceland: A Symphony of Lights and Landscapes
In Iceland, the Aurora Borealis truly complements the dramatic landscapes. You can see the lights from late August to early April. Round-trip flights from NYC to Reykjavik can be as low as $300 during off-peak season.
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, check out the Northern Light Inn in Grindavík. For around $150 (17,000 ISK) per night, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable room, with the bonus of an Aurora wake-up call service!
Norway: The Lights of the North
The Northern Lights in Norway are an awe-inspiring sight. They can be seen from late September to late March. Round-trip flights from NYC to Oslo start around $400.
For an unforgettable yet cost-effective stay, try the Malangen Resort in Tromsø. Starting at $190 (1600 NOK) per night, it offers waterfront cabins and panoramic views of the Northern Lights.
Sweden: Underneath the Arctic Sky
Sweden is another hotspot for witnessing the Northern Lights. The best time to visit is from December to March. Round-trip flights from NYC to Stockholm can be found for as low as $450.
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi offers a unique experience: staying in a hotel made of ice and snow. Don’t worry about the cold; they provide thermal sleeping bags! Expect to pay around $200 (1800 SEK) per night.
Finland: In the Land of a Thousand Lakes
The last stop in our European Aurora Borealis tour is Finland. You can catch the lights from September to March. Round-trip flights from NYC to Helsinki start around $500.
For accommodations, I recommend the Aurora Domes in Finnish Lapland. These are igloo-shaped tents with transparent walls, perfect for viewing the lights. Prices start at $250 (210 €) per night.
A Taste of the Aurora: Unique Dining Experiences
Hey foodies, I haven’t forgotten you! One of the best parts of traveling, in my humble opinion, is getting a taste of the local cuisine. But imagine coupling a delicious meal with the spectacular view of the Northern Lights. Now that’s an experience to write home about!
In each of our Northern Lights destinations, I’ve found some unique yet affordable dining options where you can enjoy a tasty bite without taking your eyes off the sky.
Canada: Dinner with a View in Yukon
In Yukon, I recommend The Deck, a restaurant with an outdoor viewing platform that allows guests to marvel at the lights while enjoying their meal. Expect to pay around $20 – $30 (CAD 25 – 40) for a main course.
United States: Alaska’s Skyward Diner
In Fairbanks, Alaska, try Pike’s Landing. It’s situated right on the Chena River, offering a beautiful backdrop of the sky for potential Northern Lights sightings. Main courses range from $20 – $40.
Iceland: Dining Under the Lights
In Reykjavik, the Perlan restaurant offers a rotating view of the city and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. Prices for a three-course meal start at around $70 (8000 ISK).
Norway, Sweden, and Finland: Nordic Delights
In Tromsø, Norway, the Aurora Sky Station’s dinner excursion includes a chairlift ride to a mountain-top restaurant where you can dine under the stars and potentially the Northern Lights. The four-course meal and chairlift ticket will set you back around $120 (1000 NOK).
In Sweden’s Icehotel, the restaurant serves hearty, locally sourced food. Dining under the Northern Lights here will cost you around $50 – $80 (450 – 700 SEK) for a main course.
In Finland, the Aurora Estate offers a wilderness dining experience with Northern Lights viewings. A three-course meal starts at around $60 (50 €).
Unique Activities for Aurora Admirers
Alright thrill-seekers, if watching the Northern Lights is not enough for you, how about combining it with some memorable activities? Of course, we’ll keep it within budget. Let’s dive in!
Canada: Ice Fishing Under the Northern Lights
In Manitoba, you can combine your Northern Lights chase with a bit of ice fishing. For around $70 (CAD 90), you can rent all the gear you need for a night of fishing on a frozen lake, with the Northern Lights dancing above you.
United States: Dog Sledding in Alaska
Try out a dog sledding tour in Fairbanks. There are budget-friendly tours that offer a 1-hour dog sled ride, followed by warming up in a cabin and waiting for the Northern Lights to show. These tours start around $100 per person.
Iceland: Lagoon Lounging
Soak in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon in Fluðir while waiting for the Northern Lights to make an appearance. The entry fee is around $30 (3400 ISK).
Norway: Whale Watching
In Tromsø, whale watching tours during the winter months offer a chance to see both majestic whales and the Northern Lights. Expect to pay around $110 (950 NOK) for these tours.
Sweden: Northern Lights Horseback Riding
Try a horseback riding tour in Kiruna, Sweden, which gives you a chance to see the Northern Lights. These tours start around $90 (800 SEK).
Finland: Snowmobile Safari
Go for a snowmobile safari in Lapland. This thrilling activity allows you to drive through snowy forests and frozen lakes, with potential Northern Lights sightings. These tours start around $100 (85 €) per person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before I wrap up, let’s go over some of the questions I often get from fellow economical explorers about chasing the Northern Lights on a budget.
1. What’s the best time of year to see the Northern Lights?
Generally, you can witness the Northern Lights from late September to early April. However, it varies depending on the destination. Dark, clear nights are ideal for viewing.
2. How can I photograph the Northern Lights?
Capturing the Northern Lights in a photograph requires some specific settings on your camera. You’ll need a tripod to keep your camera stable, as you’ll be using longer exposure times to capture enough light. Make sure to set your camera to a high ISO (800-1600), use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and set the exposure time to about 15-30 seconds.
3. What should I wear?
Dress in layers to stay warm. Start with thermal underwear, add a middle insulation layer (like a fleece jacket), and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
4. Is there a guarantee I’ll see the Northern Lights?
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and depend on solar activity and weather conditions. But going in the right season and being patient increases your chances!
5. How can I keep track of Northern Lights forecasts?
There are several websites and apps, such as Aurora Service, Aurora Alerts, and My Aurora Forecast that provide forecasts and alerts about the Northern Lights.
I hope these answers help you plan your economical yet unforgettable Northern Lights trip!
Happy Travels!
– Anderson
