Destination Comparison
Canada vs Alaska for Northern Lights
Two of North America's finest aurora destinations — Yellowknife sits directly under the auroral oval in Canada's Northwest Territories, while Fairbanks commands Alaska's vast dark interior. Both exceed 60°N latitude with exceptional clear-sky access and world-class viewing infrastructure.
✦9/10
Aurora Score
✦9/10
$165/day
Daily Budget
✓$160/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
18h
Dark Hours (Winter)
✓20h
Subarctic
Region
Subarctic
16 types
Activities
✓17 types
Our Verdict
Yellowknife sits marginally closer to the auroral oval with slightly better statistics, but Fairbanks wins on Chena Hot Springs access and flight connections from Japan and the US West Coast.
Choose Yellowknife if:
Directly under the auroral oval, Indigenous teepee camps on frozen lakes, cultural experiences, accessible from eastern Canada
Choose Fairbanks if:
Chena Hot Springs, Denali and Alaska wildlife access, better West Coast USA and Asian flight connections, Aurora Ice Museum
Canada
Yellowknife
Aurora chasers from North America seeking the continent's highest success rates and most authentic Indigenous experience
Alaska (USA)
Fairbanks
Aurora chasers from North America and Asia wanting the continent's most reliable viewing with hot spring soaks