Norway, Canada, Iceland, Greenland…if you’re thinking about taking a trip to witness the Northern Lights phenomenon, you’ve come to the optimal location. I hope that within the time frame of 15 minutes that it takes to read this article covering the best Northern Lights excursions planned for 2024, you will already have decided on your destination to make your dreams a reality.
But first, allow me to explain why it is so crucial for us to assist you in planning your Northern Lights holidays. Each year we lead an Iceland Photo Tour and a Lofoten Photo Tour, and so many travelers hoping to see the Aurora Borealis ask us if they can join these tours.
Our photography excursions aim to benefit photography fans who want to discover methods for photographing the aurora borealis. If you register without being a photographer, it’s probable that you may not enjoy the tour as much as you could with one of the superior Northern Lights holiday packages, such as the ones I will recommend below.
However, I’d be very happy to assist you in fulfilling your dream by helping you choose a good Northern Lights vacation package. Therefore, in this article, we’ll tell you how to pick a Northern Lights tour package in 2024.
- Best trips to view the Northern Lights in 2024
- What is the approximate cost to view the Aurora Borealis?
- Trips for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Journeys to view the Northern Lights in Norway
- Trips to witness the Northern Lights in Alaska
- Journeys to Witness the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland
- Journeys to see the Northern Illumination in Alaska
- Reduced expense Northern Lights travel packages
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Best trips to see the Northern Lights in 2024
Taking into account price, dates, visited attractions, and quality of the tour guides, here are the best Northern Lights vacations in 2024:
- Land of the Northern Crown of light:Iceland in 5 nights (affordable Northern Lights trip package)
- Northern Lights Exploration: 8-day trip in Iceland focused on viewing the Northern Lights
- Finnish Lapland in Winter:8-day Northern Lights get-away in Finland
- Best Value Aurora Viewing:4-day Northern Lights holidays in Whitehorse (Canada)
- Aurora Inn: Best place to stay to view the Northern Lights along the Yukon River.
- Winter expedition in the Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights:10-day trip exploring the Rocky Mountains and Yellowknife
- Northern Lights Experience at Aurora Village: 4-day Northern Lights tour package in Yellowknife (Canada)
- Northern Lights & wildlife in Swedish Lapland:Swedish Lapland tour across 6 calendar days
How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights?
The cost to see the Northern Lights varies depending on where you live, your chosen location, the dates, if you want to independently travel or book a Northern Lights tour, the length of the trip, etc.
Do not be worried. There are reasonably priced trips accessible to witness the Northern Lights. Now I will tell you how much a Northern Lights holiday package costs and how much you would spend if you traveled independently.
Cheap flights to see the northern lights
The optimum way to find low-cost flights to see the Northern Lights is through Kiwi.com, between 3 and 5 months before your trip.
This provides an estimate for a roundtrip ticket cost to some Northern Lights destination areas:
Iceland |
Norway |
Canada |
Finland |
Alaska |
Sweden |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USA (NY) |
500 |
450 |
430 |
490 |
500 |
456 |
Canada (Toronto) |
CAD570 |
CAD900 |
CAD400 |
CAD800 |
CAD700 |
CAD900 |
United Kingdom |
GBP52 |
GBP36 |
GBP600 |
GBP100 |
GBP630 |
GBP42 |
Australia |
AUD1670 |
AUD1160 |
AUD1420 |
AUD1140 |
AUD1570 |
AUD970 |
Northern Lights travel expense |
Vacations centered around viewing the Northern Lights
You may think that visiting the Northern Lights on your own could be less expensive than booking a guided tour. However, there are very affordable package tours available to see the Northern Lights.
While specifics will be expanded on later, a Northern Lights tour in Iceland costs approximately $153 daily, covering all lodging, tour guides, and transportation. Organizing it independently would undoubtedly be much more expensive.
In Canada, for example, there are opportunities to witness the natural light shows known as Northern Lights that are even more affordable, at a price of $130 per day. However, there are also some luxury tours designed to view the Northern Lights that include additional activities for $500 a day.
It all depends on what type of trip to see the Northern Lights you want to take.
If opting not to book a Northern Lights package vacation, keep the accompanying costs in perspective:
Cost of hotels for viewing the Northern Lights
If you decide to independently take a trip to see the Northern Lights, you should consider the expense of lodging. While you can opt to stay at one of the finest hotels in the world for viewing the Northern Lights, in most Northern Lights locations you will also find reasonably priced alternatives.
- Average cost of lodging in Iceland: $ 150 ( Hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland)
- Average cost of lodging in Norway: $ 200 ( Hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Norway)
- Average cost of lodging in Canada: $ 250 ( Hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Canada)
- Average cost of lodging in Alaska: $ 200 ( Hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska)
- Average cost of lodging in Finland: $ 100 ( Hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Finland)
- Average cost of lodging in Sweden: $ 70 ( Hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Sweden)
Self-guided Northern Lights trips by rental vehicle
Also, if you decide to travel alone, you should think about the cost of transportation. Renting a car will generally be the most affordable choice. We nearly always book through Rentalcars, as they offer various price reductions.
One-night tours to view the Northern Lights
Of course, one could choose to take the aerial cable car ride, known as the Super Skyride, to reach the top of the mountain. A return ticket is covered by general admission to Grouse Mountain (from mid-May to September it also incorporates a shuttle from/to downtown Vancouver). However, if visiting in summer, I would opt for this combined tour that additionally takes you to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Our guide on planning inexpensive trips discusses recommendations for Northern Lights holiday packages by destination, as outlined below.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is the most popular place to take a Northern Lights trip this year. If you don’t have much time or want to travel on a budget, the Land of the Northern Lightsis your best choice. In just five days, you’ll see all the Iceland must-sees: Blue Lagoon, half of the South Coast, the Golden Circle, and Reykjavik.
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The expedition to view the northern lights in Iceland takes place every Tuesday and Thursday between September and April lasting 5 days. You can check availability for your dates here.
The journey lasting 8 days to observe the aurora borealis in Iceland occurs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from September through April. You can check for any open spots for your dates here.
What does a trip cost to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The destination called the Land Where Northern Lights Abound costs $ 1045, though it is presently discounted so one can reserve it for $ 768. This represents $ 153 for every day. If you independently take a trip to see the Northern Lights, you will expend more on lodging and transportation.
On the flip side, the Northern Lights Exploration excursion costs $ 1916 ($ 240 each day). It may seem to you that it is much pricier than the previous one, but keep in mind that the chosen accommodations are superior and that it involves a cruise on the Breiðafjörður fjord and a farewell dinner party. If you have sufficient time, I assure you that it is very worthwhile to craft the itinerary of this Northern Lights trip.
Northern Lights sightseeing tours in Iceland
In case you are not interested in a guided tour, I recommend you read our guide to know when and where to see Northern Lights in Iceland on your own. We have also written a guide on the best places to visit in Iceland.
Also, if you would like to have the help of a guide to increase your chances of seeing the aurora, you can always use an affordable one-day tour to see the northern lights. Most of them depart from Reykjavik.
NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN REYKJAVIK
Although you can read here our opinion on the best Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik, summing up, the ones we recommend:
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Canada is among the most magical places to see the Northern Lights globally.
The Most Affordable Aurora Viewing excursion is the most inexpensive tour to see the Northern Lights and takes place in Whitehorse. For 4 days, you’ll independently visit the capital city of the Yukon and then meet your guide in the afternoon to hunt the Northern Lights. You’ll go to the AuroraCentre, a camp where you can wait, away from light pollution and sheltered by the heat of a fire, for the Northern Lights to appear.
Another option available is to undertake a Northern Lights holiday package in Yellowknife. Northern Lights at Aurora Village, which also spans 4 days, provides the best choice. Your guide will accompany you on different winter activities during the day, and at night, you’ll pursue the Northern Lights from the Aurora Village, where you can find shelter in a teepee or next to a bonfire.
However, Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights is my preferred Northern Lights vacation in Canada. It is a combination of a Northern Lights tour in Yellowstone and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The trip is quite similar to our 15-day Canadian Rockies adventure, aside from the tremendous opportunity of observing the Northern Lights in the Rockies. Logistically, you possess a higher probability of viewing them if you head to Yellowknife following your Rockies experience.
Most advantageous month in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Canada
The Best Value Aurora Viewing excursion departs daily throughout the entire year with the sole exception of April, May, June, and July. However, if witnessing the northern lights is a priority, I suggest steering clear of booking in August or September for improved odds.
The Northern Lights at Aurora Village trip presently is available solely throughout the month of December 2021, so those with interest are encouraged to reserve promptly.
The Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights departs once monthly in January, February, and March. Spots for January and February sold out immediately. For March, reserving remains viable, or planning ahead for 2022 vacations proves prudent. This excursion promises the most comprehensive aurora borealis experience of all as participants can admire northern lights alongside incredible winter landscapes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
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In Canada, we provide Northern Lights tours with differing price points. The Most Reasonably Priced Aurora Viewing excursion incorporates lodging, transportation, and an auroras guide, for the cost of $ 525 ($ 131 per day). However, the Northern Lights at Aurora Village tour also features winter activities and daytime assistance for $ 1194 ($ 300 per day).
The Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights may seem more costly, at a rate of $ 5608 ($ 560 per day), but keep in mind that lodging in the Rocky Mountains is much pricier. Additionally, this hotel package includes a resort and premium activities, such as a helicopter excursion for snowshoeing. Without question, it is the finest luxurious Northern Lights holidays in Canada.
Tours to view the Northern Lights in Canada
If you opt to independently witness the Northern Lights in Canada, you could also hire some evening tours available to enjoy this spectacle.
Northern Lights tours in Whitehorse
Whitehorse offers the sole location in Canada presenting one-night Northern Lights tours. The expense of this excursion is $ 100. Additionally, they will educate you about capturing photos of the aurora borealis.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Norway
Norway represents one of the most budget-friendly spots to witness the Northern Lights in Europe. Furthermore, tourism options span from lodging focused on viewing this spectacle to multi-day trips touring the northern region.
Nearly every excursion leaves from Tromso, the Arctic capital, and from there, either head to the Lofoten Islands, for example this seven-day Norway Winter & Northern Lights trip, or take you to Alta, epicenter of the Norwegian Lapland, where you’ll have a great opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis, as in this five-day Capitals of Northern Lightsexcursion.
In my evaluation, if you wish to not only take a guided trip to see the Northern Lights but also fall in love with Norway`s landscapes, I suggest opting for the Lofoten Islands tour. We visit these islands each year as part of our Lofoten Photo Tour, and they boast some of the most impressive scenery I have ever photographed. If you pick that tour, here is a list of the most remarkable places to see in the Lofoten Islands.
Most advantageous month in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Norway
The Norway Winter & Northern Lights starts every two Sundays from November to March. However, I advise that you refrain from taking this tour in November, as historical data indicates that rainfall in Lofoten is more common that month, so you may have fewer possibilities to see the northern lights.
The Capitals of Northern Lights commences each Thursday from December to March. In this case, March would be the best month to take this Northern Lights Holiday Package.
What is the approximate cost of a trip to view the Northern Lights in Canada?
The cost for a 7-day trip to witness the northern lights in Tromso and the Lofoten Islands naturally varies based on the date chosen. On average, the total expense is approximately $2,000 (equivalent to around $285 daily), though deals are frequently published for such northern lights vacation packages. You can check pricing and availability here.
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Tours to view the Northern Lights in Norway
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When wanting to independently view the Aurora Borealis in Norway, it is preferable to sign up for a single-evening guided excursion to ensure visiting one of the premium locations for observing the phenomenon subject to weather conditions. Though many of the Northern Lights night tours operate out of Tromso, the Lofoten Islands additionally feature some engaging options.
NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN TROMSO
We have discussed the best Northern Lights excursions in Tromso in that article. However, if you want a brief list of the trips we advise, check here:
- Tour of the Northern Lights for Seven Hours
- Small group excursion in search of the Northern Lights
- Whale Watching + Northern Lights + Overnight Lavvo Lodge
Northern Lights tours in Lofoten
The offer of Northern Lights excursions in Lofoten is more limited. However, we can find some engaging Northern Lights in Svolvaer, like this one.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
While Alaska isn’t the lone place in the United States where you can observe this phenomenon, it is the best location to plan a trip to view the Northern Lights. However, the options are somewhat scarcer than in the rest of the nations stated. The only multi-day excursion we identified leaves from Fairbanks. On it, you’ll spend five days chasing the Northern Lights in the Borealis Basecamp and engaging in winter activities, for example snowmobiling or sledding.
Most advantageous month in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Alaska
This tour is available throughout the year with exceptions in May, June, and July. However, if observers desire the chance to witness the auroras, I propose they book it from October through April, the time frame most likely to experience the Northern Lights in Alaska.
What is the approximate cost of a trip to view the Northern Lights in Norway?
The monetary value of this Northern Lights holiday allotment in Alaska is $1123 ($225 for each day).
Tours to view the Northern Lights in Alaska
Should one wish to witness the northern lights in Alaska, another highly convenient choice is to hire a single-day Northern Lights excursion. The options are more varied. These are some of the best Northern Lights tours available in Alaska:
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Finland
Finland is one of the most visited places for Northern Lights packages and Christmas tours. Meeting Santa Claus, staying in an igloo, or seeing the Aurora Borealis in Lapland are the main attractions. If there is a country focused on Northern Lights tourism above others, it would be Finland. Here you can find some of the best Northern Lights accommodations worldwide.
Signs are prominently displayed across the region cautioning visitors about bears that inhabit the landscape. Be sure to follow bear safety practices – travel as a unit, make noise periodically, and carry bear deterrents like spray while understanding correct usage procedures.
The most cost effective 8-day vacations is the Finnish Lapland winter escapade. This tour travels by train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi hoping to glimpse the Northern Lights. Another good choice is the four-day Finland Aurora excursionwhich visits Harriniva while searching for the spectacular Northern Lights display.
If you prefer an exclusive guided tour that includes visits to Oulu, Kemi, Rauna, Rovaniemi, Kemijarvi, Kuusamo, and Syöte over 8 days, I suggest taking the Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter tour.
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Iceland
December through March provide the finest opportunities for a Northern Lights trip to Finland. Nevertheless, if you travel with children and wish to visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, his hometown, I advise taking your trip in December.
What is the approximate price for a trip to view the Northern Lights in Finland?
Procure your rental car from the airport terminal, and take the short drive to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to catch the ferry to Salt Spring Island. If you have spare time before boarding, drive to Sidney, BC for a meal at Fish on Fifth (gluten free fryers!) and a stroll down Beacon Avenue along the waterfront prior to the ferry departure.
Taking the high-end Northern Lights tour: A Lapland Winter, the cost would be $5673 or $709 daily.
Northern Lights tours in Finland
In case you want to independently take a one-night tour to see northern lights, the best choices are in Rovaniemi. These would be the most popular tours:
Trips to see northern lights in Sweden
Finally, if you had opted for Sweden as your Northern Lights destination, the Northern Lights & wildlife in Swedish Lapland experience, spanning 6 days and beginning in Lulea, would have been your best choice. With the Northern Lights and Wildlife holiday package, you’ll undertake an authentic adventure, camping in Sami dwellings and photographing moose and wild reindeer found in that region of Sweden.
Most advantageous month in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Sweden
Winter constitutes the prime season to view the Northern Lights in Sweden. The excursions operate in December, January, and February. Spots commonly sell out rapidly, so check here if any openings still exist.
What is the approximate cost of a trip to view the Northern Lights in Alaska?
The excursion Northern Lights & Wildlife in Swedish Lapland costs $ 2406 ($ 401 per day).
Tours to view the Northern Lights in Sweden
The best place to hire Northern Lights one-day excursions is in Kiruna. This would be the best option.
Northern Lights travel deals
If finding budget-friendly trips to view the Northern Lights is a goal, check the TourRadar deals section. Significant discounts are posted there, and one can select the destination country of interest to see if any good deals are available.
If budget Northern Lights vacations interest you, note that opting for a guided group trip means avoiding costs for lodging, vehicle rental, etc. Sometimes, signing up for an inclusive Northern Lights vacation package proves more affordable than independent planning. However, always compare pricing for all Northern Lights tours to identify the best option.
Have you already decided where to spend your next Northern Lights holiday? Remember that it is vital to travel during the optimal time to view the Northern Lights. If not, you will not see them, no matter which tour you hire.
Feel free to leave me a comment if you need assistance with anything. Nothing would make me happier than aiding you in fulfilling your dream of seeing the Northern Lights.