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northern lights anchorage alaska

Northern Lights Anchorage Alaska: Top 5 Reasons to Witness the Aurora Borealis

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider visiting Anchorage for a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights. From vivid greens to dazzling blues and purples, the Aurora Borealis is a source of wonder and awe. It's no surprise that witnessing this unique display has become a must-do item for any outdoor enthusiast.

If you're looking for the ultimate Northern Lights experience, then Anchorage, Alaska should be at the top of your list. Not only does Anchorage offer some of the best opportunities to glimpse the Northern Lights in all their glory, but it also offers plenty of other activities and attractions totally worth experiencing.

Ready to book your trip to Anchorage? Keep reading to learn about five reasons why you should witness the Aurora Borealis display in Alaska's largest city!

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

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Online Course

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Mobile App

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Anchorage Is the Perfect Place to View the Northern Lights

Living or traveling to Anchorage, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights. This natural wonder is only visible in certain locations throughout the world, and the best and brightest display can be seen in Anchorage. Here are five reasons why you should make it your destination for witnessing this incredible phenomenon:

  • Anchorage is perfectly situated for viewing the Northern Lights: With its clear northern sky, low light pollution, and geographical proximity to Borealis activity, Anchorage offers some of best sights in North America.
  • The seasons are just right: The Aurora Borealis is visible only during certain times of year that may vary depending on the amount of solar activity. However, you can expect great displays from September through April in Anchorage with peak sightability during mid to late October and late February to early April.
northern lights alaska anchorage
  • There are plenty of vantage points: Whenever they appear in the sky, the lights can be seen from almost any part of town, including downtown areas or from nearby lakeshores or hilltops.
  • You don’t have to wait forever for them to come out: It’s not uncommon for the lights to appear as early as 7pm or up until midnight - but if you want a longer display session then there are longer viewing nights during March and April at peak times.
  • You won't have to fight for a spot: Unlike some other popular viewing spots around Alaska where crowds gather waiting for a display, Anchorage offers open spaces with fewer people vying for an unobstructed view of this spectacular natural event!

northern lights anchorage ak

Little Light Pollution for Optimal Northern Lights Viewing

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis has been on many travelers' bucket lists for years, and it's no wonder why. After all, who wouldn't want to be dazzled by the beautiful dancing lights in the sky? The best place to do that - especially in 2021 - is Anchorage, Alaska. Here are a few reasons why:

Little Light Pollution. Light pollution is one of the key factors that affects how clear and visible the Aurora Borealis is. Anchorage enjoys minimal light pollution due to its remote location, so you can be assured of an unobstructed view of the Northern Lights.

The number of Clear Nights per Year. Of course, clear nights are also key for seeing the Northern Lights, and Anchorage has plenty of them! It is one of the best places in Alaska to spot them as it boasts over 300 clear nights per year, so you can really plan your trip with confidence.

Freezing Cold Temps Make for Perfect Conditions. Last but not least, one of Anchorage's strengths is its freezing temperatures which make viewing conditions perfect as they cause less turbulence in the atmosphere than warmer temperatures do. So if you're looking for a chilly winter getaway with a chance to witness nature in its most magical state - look no further!
Northern lights Anchorage

A Range of Northern Lights Tour Options From Anchorage

Visiting Anchorage to see the Northern Lights is an experience like no other, and what’s even better is that you can pick and choose your own adventure! Anchorage has a range of Northern Lights Tour options when it comes to witnessing the Aurora Borealis in all its beauty – from the traditional land-based options to special off-the-beaten-track tours.

Private Northern Lights Tours
If you are looking for a more intimate experience and want to make sure you get a front-row seat for some unforgettable memories, why not get a private tour? You and your group can design your own individual tour package with exciting activities such as glacier hikes, sled dog rides or snowmobiles – your guide will escort you to the best spots for experiencing the lights.
Northern lights Anchorage
Alaskan Rail Trip with Northern Lights Overnight Tour
This tour is all about traveling through Alaska's beautiful landscapes on board the luxury Alaska Railroad while enjoying a meal accompanied by essential viewing tips from your guide. Afterwards, you will arrive at magnificent scenery where there will be ample time to take photos of one of nature's greatest spectacles. Can’t wait any longer? Book it now!

4x4 Adventure Tour
Are you ready to go off-roading in the Arctic? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on a 4x4 journey that will take you around some of Alaska's most spectacular sights. You'll travel around over glaciers, alpine meadows, mountains and waterfalls in search of those elusive lights before culminating with a campfire dinner at night.

No matter which tour option you choose, witnessing the Northern Lights from Anchorage should be on everyone’s bucket.
anchorage ak northern lights

Unique Winter Activities During the Day, Northern Lights at Night

Witnessing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, and it doesn't just have to be a night-time activity. Anchorage Alaska offers plenty of unique winter activities that you can enjoy during the day while waiting for the aurora borealis display in the evening.

Here are some of the top winter activities that you can take part in while visiting Anchorage:

  1. Dog Mushing - Start your morning with a dog mushing tour, where trained sled dogs will take you through some of Alaska's beautiful winter terrain.
  2. Ice Fishing - Get out on the ice and drop a fishing line into one of Alaska's many frozen lakes. With luck, you'll catch your dinner for the night!
  3. Snowmobiling - Take a thrilling ride through Alaska's rugged landscapes on a snowmobile tour with your friends or family.
  4. Skiing/Snowboarding - Experience some of America's best skiing and snowboarding terrain in nearby Alyeska Resort, located only 40 miles from Anchorage.
  5. Snowshoeing - Venture out in nature with snowshoes strapped to your feet for an experience like no other!
You could spend all day participating in these fun winter activities and end each day watching the Northern Lights fill up the night sky - what more could you ask for?
northern lights anchorage alaska

Stay at a Secluded Wilderness Lodge Under the Northern Lights

The fifth reason you'll want to see the Northern Lights in Anchorage Alaska is the secluded wilderness lodges around the city. Staying in a cozy cabin surrounded by untouched nature while watching the sky dance with the Aurora Borealis is an experience you'll never forget.

These lodges come with all the creature comforts you'd need - hot tubs, wood-burning stoves, and mesmerizing views of snow-covered mountains. And since they're located just outside of Anchorage, they are close enough to the city for convenient shopping trips, whale-watching trips, or any other activities you'd want to do during your stay at the lodge.

Plus, many of these lodges offer special aurora-viewing packages to ensure you get an up-close view of this natural light show. You can even join their tour guides and professional photographers for tips on capturing a stunning photo of this celestial event.

The experience of staying at a secluded wilderness cabin just outside of Anchorage under the Northern Lights will make it impossible not to fall in love with Mother Nature's canvas in Alaska.
anchorage ak northern lights

Delicious Seafood and Cuisine to Fuel Your Northern Lights Adventure

Of course, the Northern Lights experience isn't all about the show - it's also about the unforgettable memories you make when you get to see them. And there's no better way to remember an epic night in Anchorage watching the aurora borealis than by trying some mouthwatering Alaskan seafood!

The seafood in Anchorage is truly something special - freshly-caught salmon, halibut and crab, just to name a few. Plus, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants serving up traditional Alaskan dishes like king crab legs, fish tacos and smoked salmon. Not to mention the Native Alaskan delicacies such as akutaq (Eskimo ice cream) and smowhites (fermented whale blubber).

Seafood isn't all you can find in Anchorage though. The city is known for its eclectic restaurants that offer cultural cuisines from around the world. You'll have no problem filling up on plates of Greek gyros or Neapolitan pizza before your night out at the Northern Lights!

So don't forget to pack your appetite with your camera gear - Alaska's fresh bounty of seafood plus its diverse menu of global flavors will surely enhance your Northern Lights adventure!

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

  1. Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.

  2. The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.

  3. Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.

  4. Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.

  5. Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.

  6. If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

northern lights anchorage ak

Conclusion

The Northern Lights of Anchorage, Alaska truly are a sight to behold. It’s unlike anything else you’re likely to see and it’s something that you’ll never forget. From the breathtaking spectacle of the aurora borealis to the pristine beauty of the pristine wilderness, Anchorage has it all. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the best places in the world to capture a picture of the Northern Lights, and the unique cultural experiences that Anchorage has to offer. Whether it be a romantic honeymoon, a family reunion, or a solo adventure, visiting Anchorage offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go witness the majestic beauty of the Northern Lights in Anchorage, Alaska.

Find out more about The Northern Lights

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