Discover Parks & Wildlife contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
11 National Parks That Are Secretly Great For Northern Lights Viewing
There’s something downright magical about standing in the crisp night air, looking up, and feeling like the universe is throwing a neon-colored disco just for you. And the northern lights are one of those bucket-list phenomena that feel too good to be true… like seeing the universe’s screensaver come to life.
What better backdrop to this spectacle than some of the most stunning national parks in the world? Because these places offer more than just scenic hiking trails or wildlife encounters, they’re also prime spots to catch nature’s most dazzling performance. From icy tundras to remote forests, these parks guarantee an unforgettable experience for stargazers.
Of course, you’ll need the right blend of timing, patience, and some luck. But it’s worth trading a few hours of sleep to watch the night sky explode with color. So stick with us, and find out about some of the ultimate places to witness this celestial wonder.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park in Alaska is the kind of place that makes you rethink all your life choices (especially those that involve staying indoors). Spanning over six million acres of pure, untamed wilderness, it’s a playground for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
It’s home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, standing a casual 20,310 feet tall. Surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and forests, you’ll find an endless supply of breathtaking landscapes and, of course, prime aurora-viewing spots. Speaking of which, Denali’s remote location ensures minimal light pollution, making it an aurora chaser’s dream.
And let’s not forget the wildlife; this park boasts an impressive roster, including grizzly bears, wolves, and moose, who will remind you who the boss is around here. So, next time you’re contemplating life’s existential questions, maybe it’s time to head north… way north.
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Located in the Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park is like the VIP lounge for Aurora-watching. There’s the Aurora Sky Station, a dedicated spot for northern lights enthusiasts. Here, you can almost guarantee a light show thanks to the park’s unique microclimate that keeps clouds away most of the time.
And speaking of uniqueness, Abisko also boasts the stunning Tornetrask Lake, Sweden’s seventh-largest lake, which offers an epic reflective surface when the lights come out to play. Plus, there’s the Kungsleden, or “The King’s Trail,” one of Sweden’s most famous hiking routes, slicing right through the park.
So whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or just a newbie hoping to catch it for the first time, Abisko’s got everything you need for a sky-gazing experience that’s nothing short of royal.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is like that hidden spot your cool, outdoorsy friend keeps raving about. Located in Minnesota, it’s a labyrinth of interconnected waterways dotted with over 500 islands. You’ll find yourself paddling through serene waters, feeling like an explorer discovering uncharted territories.
What makes Voyageurs a prime spot for aurora-spotting? Well, the park’s remote location means you’ll have minimal light pollution, giving you that perfect dark sky. Plus, it offers boat-in campsites, so you can pretty much make your own private island getaway. Just imagine lounging on a secluded shore while the northern lights do their mystical dance overhead.
Fun fact: the park’s name honors the French-Canadian fur trappers, known as “voyageurs,” who navigated these waters way back in the day.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
When it comes to jaw-dropping landscapes and geological wonders, Thingvellir National Park in Iceland doesn’t mess around. Sitting right in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are literally drifting apart, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is incredible to see.
Wander down trails, explore the Silfra fissure (yes, you can snorkel between continents… how’s that for a travel brag?), and soak up the sheer uniqueness of it all. And did we mention it’s a prime spot for catching the northern lights? When those vibrant ribbons of green and purple shimmer across the inky Icelandic skies, it’s like the universe decided to throw you a private light show.
So whether you’re here for the science, the scenery, or just an unforgettable connection with nature, Thingvellir delivers on all fronts and then some.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Jasper National Park is not just any park; it’s the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s got that aurora action on lock. Just imagine sprawling landscapes spanning over 4,200 square miles, all begging to be explored.
The wildlife at the park is like a roll call of your favorite animal emojis: elk, caribou, and black bears roam freely, reminding you who’s boss. Plus, we saw multiple moose during our visit. Jasper is also part of the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, which means stargazing here is like winning the celestial lottery. Forget your fancy apps, just look up and be wowed.
But even if the northern lights decide to play hard to get, you’ve still got the rugged beauty of the Athabasca Falls and the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies to keep your jaw firmly on the floor.
It was right here in Jasper where we caught sight of our first set of northern lights on a trip in September a few years ago. And let’s just say, watching those lights dance across the sky was unforgettable.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Tucked away in the remote waters of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park in Michigan might just be the ultimate unplugged escape. No cars, no crowds, no Wi-Fi (gasp!). Just you, miles of rugged trails, dense forests, and the occasional curious moose.
And speaking of moose, this park is home to one of the longest-running predator-prey studies in history, which has tracked the fascinating dynamics between wolves and moose for over 60 years. It’s like your favorite nature documentary, but live.
If that’s not enough, Isle Royale also delivers some of the darkest skies in the country, meaning you’ve got a front-row seat for the northern lights when conditions are just right. Imagine sitting by the lakeside, the auroras swirling above, and a wolf’s howl echoing in the distance. It really doesn’t get better than this.
Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada
Welcome to Canada’s wild backyard, also known as Wood Buffalo National Park. And when we say “backyard,” we mean a backyard bigger than Switzerland… because subtlety isn’t in this park’s vocabulary.
This is Canada’s largest national park, a sprawling sanctuary that’s home to some of the last free-roaming herds of wood bison. Picture vast boreal forests, winding waterways, and enough space to make you forget that cities even exist somewhere out there.
And if you time your visit right, you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring display of the northern lights. Watching those vibrant greens and pinks dance across a pure, uninterrupted stretch of starlit sky is something straight out of your bucket list dreams.
Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
Vatnajokull National Park is the type of place that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with city life. This massive park covers 14% of the country, making it the largest national park in Europe. It’s also home to Vatnajokull, the largest glacier outside of the polar regions.
Think ice caves, glacial lagoons, and waterfalls. If that interests you, then you can’t afford to miss this park. Because standing on the glacier’s ice cap, while the northern lights swirl above, is like starring in your own sci-fi epic.
Did you know the park also houses the deepest lake in Iceland, Jokulsarlon? The floating icebergs there pull double duty: they’re perfect for your photo ops and also serve as a dramatic stage for the auroras. So, when you’re done gawking at the sky, take a moment to explore the park’s otherworldly landscapes.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is nature’s version of a mind-blowing Instagram filter… but without the annoying hashtags. This Montana park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, so if you’re the type who loves to wander (or just get lost), you’re in for a real treat.
Don’t forget that it’s home to more than 130 named lakes, offering plenty of opportunities to flex that canoeing muscle you’ve been working on. And got your eyes on some wildlife spotting? Good news: the park is packed with critters, from mountain goats to grizzly bears.
When it comes to catching the northern lights, the park’s minimal light pollution makes it a prime location. But hey, if the auroras decide to ghost you, the breathtaking scenery and epic wildlife are pretty stellar consolation prizes.
Rovaniemi Region/Pyha-Luosto National Park, Finland
Situated in the heart of Finnish Lapland, the Rovaniemi Region near Pyha-Luosto National Park offers an enchanting blend of wilderness and whimsy. Did you know this area proudly claims the title of Santa Claus’s “official” hometown? Yep, so don’t be surprised if you feel a sudden urge to write your wish list while you’re here.
But beyond the festive cheer, this region boasts jaw-dropping scenery, pristine nature trails, and a front-row seat to one of nature’s most magical phenomena: the northern lights. On clear nights, the sky erupts in dazzling ribbons of green, purple, and pink, like a holiday lights extravaganza Santa would be proud of.
Whether you’re chasing auroras or exploring the park’s ancient forests, Rovaniemi wraps adventure and enchantment into one incredible package. And really, how many times in life do you get to say you’ve explored Santa’s backyard?
Skjervoy Region/Reisa National Park, Norway
Get ready to have your jaw drop, because Reisa National Park is a slice of Arctic magic that doesn’t hold back. This dramatic wonderland is carved by deep canyons and crisscrossed with salmon-packed rivers, making it an angler’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream.
But the real showstopper? The northern lights. On crisp winter nights, the skies here ignite with waves of green and purple, dancing so vividly you’d think the night sky was never meant to be dark. Some luck is involved in spotting the aurora during your visit, of course, but the park has plenty more to offer as well.
From epic hiking trails to Mollisfossen waterfall, you’ll camera will be working overtime day and night. Plus, the park is near the Skjervoy region of Norway. This coastal spot north of the park is famous for its whale watching and aurora viewing, giving you another opportunity to try to spot the northern lights.
Like Our Content? Follow Us on MSN (or click the Follow Button above) for more from Discover Parks & Wildlife.
