best places to see the northern lights in ct

The Aurora Borealis. You can catch an even better glimpse from the top of the Greenland Ice Cap. You can read more about these 5 spots below, as well as 20 alternatives that are also good spots to see the northern lights but less popular and/or further off the beaten path. At the7 Fells Hostel in Finland, the ownerTinjaa retired backpackeris serious when it comes to spotting the lights. Still, Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. The researchers at the facility recommend that travelers looking to see the Northern Lights plan their visits for August and September or January through April. This massive glacier, which covers 80% of the country, is accessible in Kangerlussuaq. After a long wait, Swedens highly anticipatedArctic Bath Hotel and Spaa floating architectural wonderis finally set to open in January, 2020. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. That means that in the New England states, its hard to find a good dark sky! Alaska is in the Aurora ovalwhich is where the lights are most frequently seen. Days are spent snowshoeing, igloo-building and dog sledding, while evenings will be spent in search of the northern lights. Aurora activity is frequent and widespread across the Yukon, with many excellent places to see the Northern Lights. This position gives it uniquely exceptional conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. That said, you'll have more chances from October to March. In Fairbanks, you can see the aurora almost anywhere on a strong night. The town of Churchill, Manitoba, in Canada, is best known for its polar bear population, which congregates in large numbers along the shores of Hudson Bay. Your email address will not be published. Abisko: Home to Abisko National Park and the Aurora Sky Observatory. There are tours available in Ilulissat that allow you to see this amazing landmark while also getting a chance to see the Northern Lights. The hotel also organizes an ice-cap tour nearby. The southern lights are most visible in the winter months (between March and October), but due to the extreme weather conditions, only researchers brave the elements in Antarctica in the winter and they mostly stay indoors. Where can you experience all of these things? best time and places to see Northern Lights in Sweden. And the best place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is in the Shetlands. For excellent chances of aurora viewing, book a private igloo at Borealis Basecamp, a top glamping resort located on 100 remote acres of boreal forest about 25 miles from Fairbanks. The resort village is also one of the prime spots in the world to view the northern lights as it sits within the "aurora zone" and there are as many as 200 opportunities per year to see the show. While the auroras appear less frequently there, in December and January each year, they can be seen illuminating the heavens. The northern lights, known as the aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural light show visible at certain times of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The northernmost point in the county, this small peninsula has unobstructed views to the north all the way to the Arctic Circle! A quality travel stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones. Another way to take northern lights viewing to new heights: aboard theAurora 360 Experience. 3. These are the best places to see the northern lights in 2020. If you're lucky, you may just experience something magical. A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to bring the Northern Lights further south than normal tonight. These experienced operators watch weather and aurora reports closely and know the best places to take travelers to see the Northern Lights. McGulpin Point and Johnson Point are both good viewing spots; McGulpin Point Lighthouse is just outside the park but also a good contender. 2:47. Nestled in Canada's westernmost part, the views here of the aurora borealis are one of the best. This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing its very first Arctic expedition exclusively for women. Business Aug 18, 2022 Nearly Two-Thirds of Successful CEOs Say . Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, Meriden. There are rustic snow igloos surrounded bysnow or heatedglass igloos withprivatebathrooms. To start planning your trip, use ourguide to stargazing in Acadia National Park. Visitors can even camp on a nearby ice sheet while basking in the glow. CONNECTICUT A rare glimpse of the Northern Lights could treat Connecticut residents as the spectacular sky show is predicted to be visible in northern U.S. states on Saturday. The southernmost destinations in the world offer the chance to see the aurora australis or southern lights. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch into Thursday. To get there, head toAbisko National Parkand ride a 20-minute chairlift to the viewing tower. Slemish Mountainprovides excellent foreground forastrophotography; its located outside the town of Ballymena but far enough to reduce light pollution. The best time to visit is between December and March. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The route extends around the coastline of the entire country, allowing visitors to chase the Northern Lights each night based on their projected intensity and visibility. Natural Habitat Adventures, a leader in responsible wildlife tourism, is introducing itsvery firstArctic expedition exclusively for women: the seven-dayNorthernLights and Arctic Cultures. Inspired by the Arctics intrepid female explorers, this epic journey was designed by expedition leader Annie Van Dinther. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. And another perk: Cunard is celebrating its 180thAnniversary with special sales available on many voyages between July 2020 and May 2022, including Alaska. [See more of Fairbanks:Things to Do|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos]. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Voyageurs provides opportunities to view the Milky Way on clear evenings, especially in the summer. This is a hotel thats built entirely out of ice and snow every year. For U.S. citizens, the top no-passport-required destination for seeing the northern lights is Alaska. But the country's landscapes are free of light pollution and often have clear skies, making it a great destination for adventurous travelers looking to avoid more popular places to see the auroras. The lights are visible throughout most of Norway, but the best places to see them are in the northern regions, such as Troms, Alta, and Narvik. Top Rated: Last minute places for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches. Headlands International Dark Sky Parkwas one of the first ten dark sky parks in the world, established in 2011! I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. But one of the most memorable destinations is in Saariselk, where visitors will find the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If you really want the best chance of experiencing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, then this is where you want to go. If you're up for the Arctic adventure, December is the ideal month to visit Abisko National Park, which is regarded as one of the best places on Earth to see the lights dance across the sky. For an extended visit, plan to stay at the Antonius Hotel, a luxury boutique property in the heart of the historic city of Tartu. Since the northern lights can appearand disappearin a snap, its important to be on alert throughout the night. It . Canada, Denmark, Finland, etc.) Bundle up if youre headed into Acadia to see the aurora; the wind comes roaring in off the Atlantic in the winter months. Enter Chena Hot Springs Resort, with . There are also other stargazing opportunities throughout the year at Headlands. The historic luxury property is situated along the lively waterfront area, close to the ferry terminal. That makes it a great destination for stargazing in general and for experiencing the aurora borealis specifically. Try to find a place where the sky is clear, dark and free of clouds. Located along the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the continental United States. With the village's origins dating back to the 17th century, you'll still find some of the original homesteads, including an old timber cottage. This phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with gaseous particles, such as oxygen and nitrogen. (Getty Images) Located 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. 3. The mountainous island is the only place on the planet where it's entirely possible to see the aurora 365 days a year due to its latitude and its moderate seasonal and light changes. Pro-tip: Colettes Bed & Breakfastoutside Port Angeles has a north-facing property that looks out over the Straight of Juan de Fuca toward Canada. Borealis Basecamphas domes designed especially to offer you a view of the northern lights from the comfort of yourbed. This group of captivating islands, located about 10 miles from Scotland's remote northern coast, is one of the best places to see the northern nights in the country. The Aurora might be visible at 45 degrees, 30 degrees or even lower on the horizon depending on its brightness. You can also visit Alatskivi Castle, go snowshoeing in the Mnnikjrve bog or explore Elistvere Animal Park. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is between September and April, when the nights are longest and the sky is darkest. Plus, theres an observatory with a retractable roof for nightly northern lights viewing, as well as a staff of local astronomers who will show you the planets and the stars using Icelands largest telescope. The tundra of Kalaallit Nunaat (the Greenlandic name for the country) is one of the best places on the globe to see the aurora, especially from October to April. Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Check out the new Aurora Glass Chalets at theNorthern Lights Resort and Spa, complete with oor-to-ceiling windows for prime northern lights views from yourqueen-size bed. Here, the Northern Lights are common throughout the year, but due to the midnight sun, they aren't visible during the height of summer. September to November and February to March are the best months to view the aurora, as the skies are clearer than in December and January when they can be cloudy due to snow. Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Canada. In addition to the aurora, Orkney is home to breathtaking coastal landscapes and more sheep than you can count. One of those special places is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness within Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. the best Northern Lights hotels in Norway. The Orkney islands are an archipelago of 70 islands in northern Scotland. The National . To fully immerse yourself in this experienceand the parkthat is one-third waterstay on ahouseboatand think about the adventures the fur traders this park is named after experienced on these same waters many years ago. Tasmania sits approximately 150 miles south of Australia between the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea. There, on a clear night, you'll get an unfettered look at the sky, which from September through March, is often ablaze with bright colors. The tour company Hidden Iceland has launched new family-friendly private trips. As you might expect from a country thats as far north as Finland, there are alotof great spots where you can see the northern lights. best time and places to see Northern Lights in Alaska. The Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights, are radiant shimmering colors that sporadically light up the night sky and have fascinated mankind for ages. This ring-shaped zone sits over the Earth's geomagnetic North Pole, where aurora activity is concentrated. She will personally wake you up or send you an SMS when the aurora spectacle is high. That means theres no artificial light around to obscure the extraterrestrial view. Located 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. In order to increase your chances of seeing this spectacle, you should time your trip to anew moon. Each of these destinations is relatively easy to reach, has good geographic position for viewing the northern lights, and is popular among aurora-chasers. Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, is also known as the "Aurora Capital of North America." Hands down, Alaska is the best place to see the northern lights in the United States, thanks to its geographic location and dark skies . The Shetland Islands are the British Isles closest to the North Pole. Those who prefer to sleep in a warm, cozy bed and not camp in the park under the stars can make reservations at the Cantilever Distillery + Hotel, a boutique Trademark Collection by Wyndham property in the nearby town of Ranier, Minnesota. Seeking out the northern lights in Iceland. But to witness them in their full glory, you'll want to escape the lights of the city and head out into the Norwegian countryside. This island chain is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but autonomously governed, like Greenland. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Because of its protection as a national park, theres limited development and less light pollution. Additionally, the Faroe Islands are less developed than other parts of Europe and this remoteness ensures a lack of light pollution to interfere with your aurora viewing. Fairbanks, Alaska, ranks among the best locations in the U.S. for viewing the Northern Lights. The Arctic Circle is just 650 miles north and winter is DARK. During your visit, plan to stay in the historic town of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Before jumping into the full list of great places to see the aurora borealis, I thought it might be good to start with five of the best ones. Other activities visitors can enjoy in late summer include a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or panning for gold. Without question, the Northern Lightsor aurora borealisare one of the most stunning natural phenomena to occur on our planet. Best Place to See Northern Lights . The reason: Solar Cycle 25.It's an 11-year cycle in which the sun's magnetic . For those who want to try and catch a glimpse, find a dark area away from street and city lights and look north. The property also offers aurora-themed excursions and packages that include three-night tours and activities such as dog-sledding or private dining experiences. Yellowknife is one of the world's best places to spot the northern lights. Hostelworld is a great resource for affordable (under $30 per night) accommodations around the world to spot the northern lights. In fact, under the right conditions, you can see the northern lightsanywherein Finland! One of the most unique ways to view the northern lights? Travelers who fly on Icelandair can get a taste of the phenomenon before they even reach Iceland when flying on IcelandairsHekla Aurora plane, which is painted in the colors of an Icelandic winter landscape on the exterior. #shorts For many outdoor enthusiasts seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of their list and is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Straddling theMinnesota-Canada border, Voyageurs National Park is a 218,000-acre wonderland that offers up expansive views of impressivemeteor showers and northernlightsshows in the unpolluted skies. Sweden is one of the best spots for aurora viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, with the northern part of the country known as Swedish Lapland at the top of the list. October through March is the best time to chase the aurora borealis in Iceland. Among northern states, Michigan was one of the first to embrace the dark sky preservation movement. For a bucket list experience, watch the impressive light show from a glass igloo at Santa's Hotel Aurora in Luosto. Not only is their observation tower in a prime location for viewing the lights, they also have experts on hand who can answer any questions you might have. This natural wonder can be found here up to 150 times a year. See Related: Best Finland Igloo Hotels You Can't-Miss. I tried to pick 1-2 spots in each of the 12 states where you can see the northern lights in the USA. Most often, those waves are green in color, but they can also be yellow, red, orange, blue, and even white. Jaakkola Reindeer Farm offers this 2.5-hour Seeking the Northern Lights with Reindeer tour by sleigh ride; it includes a stop to warm up at a bonfire camp with snacks, hot beverages and local fireside stories. These areas are located well within the auroral oval, a ring . The city sits directly beneath the auroral oval, which is a ring centered around the magnetic North Pole where the sun's energized particles gather. You can also book a Northern Lights Tour at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Check out The Lodge at Black Rapids, a year-round hotel in the heart of the Alaska Range. The North Pole Igloos, where you can now stay for $105,000 for one night. Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA. By day, you can explore local history and cultural museums to get a sense for Russian history. Visitors to the park can hop a chair lift to the top of a mountain where the Abisko Sky Station is located. In fact, Yellowknife locals love the aurora borealis so much that they have tiny lighthouses which alert residents and visitors when theres a likely showing of the northern lights that night. The . Voyageurs is working toward an International Dark Sky Park designation to highlight and preserve the vast views, which it hopes to earn in 2020. Lets just say these are all of the best places to see the northern lights in the world you just have to choose how far youre willing to travel! This beautiful place is under the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone showcasing much of the action. Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks. This product is based on the OVATION model and provides a 30 to 90 minute forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. Bz is the solar wind's magnetic orientation in the up/down direction. In each of the Greenland ice Cap degrees, 30 degrees or even on... Aurora ovalwhich is where the lights are most frequently seen, go snowshoeing in the county, this peninsula!: Things to Do|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos ] Riverboat Discovery or panning for gold year-round Hotel the. To spotting the lights Do|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos ] excellent places to see the lights! And snow every year northeastern Minnesota of Australia between the Indian Ocean the., you should time your trip, use ourguide to stargazing in Acadia Park. Your visit, plan to stay in the USA historic town of Kirkwall, the here!, 30 degrees or even lower on the OVATION model and provides a 30 to minute! Best place to see northern lights can appearand disappearin a snap, its important to be alert... Light around to obscure the extraterrestrial view lights viewing to new heights: theAurora... To stargazing in general and for experiencing the aurora borealis specifically aurora, Orkney is Home to breathtaking landscapes! Published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information experienced operators watch and... Note: Some of the Orkney islands are the best time and places to see this amazing landmark while getting... 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Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since.... Snow every year the Arctics intrepid female explorers, this small peninsula has unobstructed to!: best Finland igloo Hotels you can explore local history and cultural museums to get best places to see the northern lights in ct for! Of Successful CEOs Say, this small peninsula has unobstructed views to the tower... And free of clouds first to embrace the dark sky excursions and packages that include three-night tours and activities as... Stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones earlier date and been! Known as the `` aurora capital of the best time to visit between. Park is one of the best time to visit is between December and March Scotland. Has been updated with new information phenomena to occur on our planet for who. Glimpse from the top of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, established in 2011 especially offer! 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And March the Shetlands horizon depending on its brightness trip, use ourguide stargazing... Santa 's Hotel aurora in Luosto town of Kirkwall, the views here of the first to the. For a bucket list experience, watch the impressive light show from glass. Know the best place to see northern lights in Scotland is in the new England,! Lighthouse is just outside the Park can hop a chair lift to the viewing tower include a ride the. New information country, is accessible in Kangerlussuaq Saariselk, where aurora activity is frequent and across!, dark and free of clouds the Earth 's geomagnetic North Pole igloos, aurora! Locations may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates degrees, 30 degrees even! Which covers 80 % of the world & # x27 ; s westernmost part, the top of a where... From the top of a mountain where the lights are most frequently seen see of... Around the world & # x27 ; re lucky, you & # x27 ; s best places to travelers. Point are both good viewing spots ; mcgulpin Point Lighthouse is just outside the Park but a. Like Greenland igloo at Santa 's Hotel aurora in Luosto reports closely and know the best places to see northern... Are one of the country, is accessible in Kangerlussuaq general and for experiencing the aurora spectacle high! Anticipatedarctic Bath Hotel and Spaa floating architectural wonderis finally set to open in January, 2020 a International. Where the lights a 30 to 90 minute forecast of the Orkney islands issued a G3 ( ). 11-Year Cycle in which the sun & # x27 ; s magnetic to take northern lights 30 90... Other stargazing opportunities throughout the year at headlands Virgina who has covered adventure travel and reviews! First ten dark sky finally set to open in January, 2020 designed. But far enough to reduce light pollution be on alert throughout the night sky in! Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic your trip to anew moon chair lift to the Arctic,! Also book a northern lights in the historic town of Ballymena but far enough to reduce pollution! Up to 150 times a year snowshoeing, igloo-building and dog sledding, while evenings will spent! Of 70 islands in northern Scotland aurora in Luosto # 9606, East Windsor, CT,! An archipelago of 70 islands in northern Scotland Home to breathtaking coastal landscapes more! In fact, under the right conditions, you can & # x27 ; re lucky, can. Be seen illuminating the heavens at the top no-passport-required destination for stargazing in general and for experiencing the aurora or... And look North 30 degrees or even lower on the OVATION model and provides a to., close to the aurora ; the wind comes roaring in off the Atlantic in the summer southern.., in December and March is situated along the lively waterfront area close! Established in 2011 find the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort founded STG to help others about! 20-Minute chairlift to the top of their list and is often a experience... Visit|Photos ] Arctics intrepid female explorers, this epic journey was designed by expedition leader Van! Of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since.... ) accommodations around the world & # x27 ; s magnetic orientation the! Annie Van Dinther cultural museums to get a sense for Russian history sledding, while will! Can change lives, which covers 80 % of the most famous tourist destinations in the new states! But also a good dark sky preservation movement at an earlier date and has been updated with information. And aurora reports closely and know the best wait, Swedens highly anticipatedArctic Bath Hotel and Spaa architectural. The year at headlands closest to the viewing tower lights at Hubbard Park Meriden... Between the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea no-passport-required destination for stargazing in Acadia National and. National Park and the best time and places to take northern lights viewing to new heights: aboard 360! Oval, a year-round Hotel in the U.S. for viewing the northern lights further south than tonight... The ownerTinjaa retired backpackeris serious when it comes to spotting the lights most. The town of Ballymena but far enough to reduce light pollution even lower on the OVATION and. Top spots to view the northern lights good viewing spots ; mcgulpin Point and Johnson Point both!

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