There’s nothing quite like the thrill of standing under the night sky and seeing the aurora borealis dance in hues of green, purple, and pink. In 2024, my husband and I were lucky enough to see this wonder three times—first in Alaska, then in Vancouver, BC, and finally in Banff, AB. Here’s how we did it and how you can plan your own aurora adventures in 2025.
Best Locations to See the Aurora in 2025
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- One of the most reliable spots in North America for aurora activity, with frequent displays from September to March.
- Insider tip: Visit Chena Hot Springs for a magical aurora experience while soaking in warm water.
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
- Known as the “Aurora Capital of the World,” Yellowknife offers consistent and vibrant auroras during November to April.
- Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta, Canada
- Combine stunning mountain backdrops with aurora sightings in the winter months.
- Head to Lake Minnewanka or Pyramid Lake for the most breathtaking views. Even though, we were lucky enough to see them while driving on a highway in Banff National Park!
- Tromsø, Norway
- A bucket-list destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts, with high activity levels from December to March.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Just a short drive from the city, Iceland offers clear skies and dramatic landscapes, making it a perfect aurora-spotting destination.
How to Chase the Aurora Borealis
- Check Aurora Forecasts: Use tools like Aurora Alerts or My Aurora Forecast & Alerts to monitor aurora activity. Look for a KP Index of 3 or higher for good visibility.
- Escape Light Pollution: Even minor light pollution can dull the brilliance of the aurora. Drive **20-30 minutes outside cities** to find dark, clear skies for the best experience.
- Watch the Weather: Clear skies are essential. Use weather apps like **Windy** to track cloud coverage and pick nights with little or no moonlight for optimal conditions.
- Be Flexible and Patient: The aurora is unpredictable. Plan for multiple nights of viewing to increase your chances and prepare for the possibility of waiting a few hours for activity to appear. Consider talking to locals who would often recommend special viewing spots that are not popular.
Also consider booking a tour if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in a cold car. In Alaska, we booked a tour that came with snacks, a warm cabin and even professional photography to make your Aurora memories last a lifetime. Checkout our Alaska blog for details on the tour.
Apps to Download for Aurora Chasing
- My Aurora Forecast & Alerts: This free app is a must-have for aurora enthusiasts. It provides accurate predictions and was spot-on every time we spotted the Northern Lights during our road trips.
- Meteo Agent: Offering an hour-by-hour breakdown of the KP Index in your location, this app is perfect for timing your aurora sightings.
- Windy: A trusted weather app that helps track cloud coverage by the hour, ensuring you find the clearest skies for your aurora adventure.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Aurora Borealis
For iPhone
- Activate Night Mode (available on iPhone 11 and later).
- Set the exposure time to 10 seconds or longer. If you use a tripod to stabilize your phone, you can go as high as 30 seconds for a beautiful long exposure shot. Make sure to stay still if you are in the frame.
- Use Timelapse Mode to capture the aurora’s dynamic movements.
For Android
- Switch to Pro Mode and adjust the settings:
- ISO: 800-1600
- Shutter Speed: 10-25 seconds
- Focus: Set to infinity
- Use Timelapse Mode or a dedicated timelapse app to capture the lights dancing.
For DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras
- Use a wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster).
- Set ISO to 1600, shutter speed to 10-20 seconds, and manual focus to infinity.
- Use a tripod for stability and a remote shutter to avoid vibrations.
Pro Tip: Don’t Skip the Timelapse!
Timelapse videos are the best way to capture the aurora’s mesmerizing dance. A single photo doesn’t do justice to its motion, but a timelapse turns your footage into a stunning visual story.
Bonus Tips for Your Aurora Adventure
- Dress Warmly: Layer up with thermal clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and hats.
- Pack Snacks and Hot Drinks: A thermos of tea or hot chocolate makes the wait much more enjoyable.
- Carry Extra Power: Cold weather drains batteries quickly, so bring a portable charger for your phone or camera.
Start Planning Your Aurora Adventure Now!
Chasing the aurora borealis is an unforgettable experience. With the right tools, preparation, and a bit of luck, you can witness this natural wonder for yourself in 2025. If you have any questions, follow us @miscgyan on Instagram and send us a DM!
Happy Aurora chasing and we hope you get lucky!