I’ll admit it: the northern lights are intoxicating. For many years I’ve been drawn to cold, northerly destinations, both as a photographer and an adventurer. And beyond the desolate beauty and landscapes of these locations, whether it’s Greenland or Canada’s northern territories, it’s icing on the cake that they also provide us with the best opportunities to shoot the aurora borealis.
Here are my top 10 favourite locations around the globe to shoot the northern lights, in no particular order of preference:
1. Alaska
In a nutshell: Perfect latitude, fantastic scenery to pair up with lights. Cloud cover can be an issue.
When to go: October to March.
Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
2. Canadian Prairies
In a nutshell: Nice low horizon, easy access. You need a decent show.
When to go: Year-round.
Canadian Prairies. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
3. Canadian Rockies
In a nutshell: Some of the most incredible skylines to pair with lights. Great displays are rare. High horizons make it more challenging to shoot.
When to go: Year-round.
Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
→ Check out these Resources for Shooting the Canadian Rockies.
4. Greenland
In a nutshell: Zero light pollution, mind-blowing scenery. More difficult/expensive to access. Strong displays frequent.
When to go: September to April.
Greenland. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
→ You’ll also find my Aurora Watching Web Resources here.
5. Iceland
In a nutshell: Easier, cheaper access. Weather can be an issue. Good latitude, great landscapes. More people.
When to go: September to April.
Iceland. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
6. Labrador
In a nutshell: Super dark skies, very wild. Access can be difficult. Some incredible skylines.
When to go: September to April.
Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
7. Norway
In a nutshell: Good latitude. Stunning landscapes. Weather can be an issue.
When to go: September to April.
Norway. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
8. Nunavut
In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, incredible scenery. Lower temperatures to deal with. More difficult/expensive to access. Strong displays frequent.
When to go: September to April.
Nunavut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
9. Northwest Territories
In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, low horizons, surprisingly great access. Strong displays very frequent.
When to go: September to April.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
10. Yukon
In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, fairly easy/inexpensive access. Great latitude for aurora.
When to go: September to April.
→ Check out my Aurora Watching Web Resources