Destination Comparison
Yellowknife vs Fairbanks
North America's two premier aurora destinations — Canada's Aurora Capital versus Alaska's interior powerhouse.
✦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
Both are excellent; Yellowknife wins slightly on aurora statistics, Fairbanks wins on hot springs and Japanese visitor infrastructure
Choose Yellowknife if:
Canadians and those wanting Indigenous cultural experiences with teepee aurora camps
Choose Fairbanks if:
Those flying from Japan or West Coast USA, and anyone wanting Chena Hot Springs
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