Alaska is one of the most magical places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Each fall and winter, shimmering waves of color dance across the Arctic sky a breathtaking phenomenon that draws travelers from all over the world.
But where should you stay to maximize your chances of seeing the lights? Which towns, lodges, and cabins offer the best views? And how can you plan an unforgettable aurora adventure?
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to stay in Alaska to see Northern Lights and why each destination stands out. From world-renowned aurora hubs like Fairbanks, to the scenic valleys of Wasilla and beyond, you’ll discover options that suit every style of traveler.
🌠 Why Alaska Is One of the Best Places on Earth to See the Northern Lights
Before we dive into specific destinations, it’s helpful to understand why Alaska is especially good for aurora viewing:
- Ideal geographic location: Much of Interior Alaska lies directly under the auroral oval the ring around Earth’s magnetic pole where Northern Lights activity is most frequent and intense.
- Long winter nights: From late fall through early spring, Alaska’s night skies stretch long and dark perfect for spotting auroras.
- Minimal light pollution: Outside cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks, the skies are very dark, enhancing visibility.
- Spectacular natural backdrops: Whether you’re in snowy mountains, wide tundra valleys, or frozen lakesides, Alaska’s landscapes add dramatic and unforgettable scenery to your aurora experience.
1. Fairbanks — Alaska’s Classic Northern Lights Destination
🌌 The Aurora Capital
Fairbanks is often called the aurora capital of Alaska and with good reason. Located close to the auroral oval and known for clear, dry winter skies, Fairbanks offers excellent chances to see the Northern Lights during peak season. Many aurora tours and viewing cabins dot the countryside just outside town.
Best Time to Visit in Fairbanks: Mid-August through April with prime viewing often in November through March.
🛌 Best Places to Stay in Fairbanks for Northern Lights
🔹 Borealis Basecamp
This is one of the most unique Northern Lights accommodations in Alaska. Heated transparent igloos and cabin-style suites let you watch the aurora dance right from your room. Imagine sipping hot chocolate under a sky of shifting greens and purples while staying warm inside a truly unforgettable experience.
Why it’s great:
- Heated transparent igloos for indoor aurora viewing
- Comfortable and cozy winter amenities
- Outdoor fire pits and viewing areas
- Close proximity to Fairbanks
This is a must-stay for travelers who want a bucket-list experience.
🔹 Chena Hot Springs Resort
About 60–70 miles from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort combines aurora viewing with natural geothermal hot springs a winning combination. Watch the lights overhead while soaking in warm mineral waters, or join a guided aurora tour at night.
What you’ll love:
- Natural hot springs pools (perfect for cold winter nights)
- Aurora viewing areas on property
- Comfortable lodge rooms and cabins
- Ice museum and seasonal winter activities
This spot is ideal for couples, families, or anyone who wants a mix of comfort and adventure.
🔹 Cabins, Lodges & Aurora Viewing Rentals
Fairbanks and the surrounding countryside feature numerous cabins and lodges designed for aurora seekers. The key is to pick accommodations with wide northern horizons and minimal light pollution even a short drive out of town can bring you to great skies.
Tips:
- Choose properties with aurora alarm notifications
- Get a northern-facing vantage point
- Reserve winter utilities in advance (heat, snow removal, etc.)
2. Wasilla, Alaska — Big Skies, Easy Access, and a Perfect Aurora Base
🌌 Why Wasilla Belongs on This List
Wasilla may not yet be as famous as Fairbanks for the Northern Lights but it’s quickly gaining popularity among savvy aurora chasers. Located in the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, Wasilla offers expansive skies and clear northern views, with the added convenience of being just a short drive from Anchorage.
And if you’re looking for cozy, comfortable lodging with excellent aurora viewing potential, Susitna Suites right in Wasilla puts you in a wonderful position to chase the lights.
🛏️ Why Susitna Suites Is a Fantastic Place to Stay for Northern Lights
Susitna Suites combines comfort, style, and convenience with excellent night-sky potential:
- Spacious, private units — ideal for couples, families, and small groups
- Quiet, dark surroundings — less light pollution than urban Anchorage
- Easy access to wide northern views — perfect for aurora watching
- Great base for excursions to Talkeetna, Hatcher Pass, and other local aurora spots
Imagine starting your evening with dinner in Wasilla, then stepping outside under clear skies to watch the aurora shimmer overhead. With a comfortable place to return to, you can enjoy long nights of viewing without sacrificing warmth or rest.
🌌 Other Aurora-Friendly Spots Near Wasilla
While Susitna Suites offers a beautiful home base, the surrounding Mat-Su Valley is also filled with excellent aurora spots:
🌲 Hatcher Pass
Just a scenic drive from Wasilla, Hatcher Pass gives you wide northern horizons with minimal light pollution. Sunset and sunrise hours here are magical and the long winter nights offer lots of opportunities to catch the aurora.
🌌 Eklutna Lake and Big Lake
Both Big Lake and Eklutna Lake areas are known for their wide open skies and dark surroundings perfect for aurora photography and late-night sky watching.
Together, these destinations make Wasilla an exciting and accessible hub for both experienced aurora enthusiasts and first-time viewers.
3. The Arctic Circle & Brooks Range — Ultimate Wilderness Viewing
For travelers seeking remote Alaska experiences, heading north toward the Arctic Circle and Brooks Range delivers rugged landscapes and some of the darkest skies available anywhere.
🌌 Wiseman & Arctic Cabins
Tiny settlements like Wiseman are far from city lights and offer dramatic, uninterrupted aurora views. Imagine staying in a heated cabin, surrounded by wilderness, as waves of light sweep across the expansive night sky.
Highlights:
- Far-north wilderness atmosphere
- Extremely low light pollution
- Beautiful mountain backdrops
- Great for photography
This kind of trip requires more planning, but the remote location offers aurora viewing in its purest form.
🚗 Arctic Tours Based from Coldfoot
Coldfoot a small essential stop for Arctic travelers is a base for many aurora tours that take you deep into the Brooks Range and Arctic wilderness. Tour guides often know the best hidden viewing locations and can help you chase clear skies when conditions change.
Good for:
- Guided aurora experiences
- Extended wilderness camping
- Adventure packages that include hiking, wildlife viewing, and more
4. Talkeetna & the Mat-Su Valley — Scenic Aurora Stays
The Mat-Su Valley including towns like Wasilla, Palmer, and Talkeetna offers a beautiful mix of accessibility, scenic landscapes, and great skies for the aurora.
🌲 Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small, charming town with rustic lodges and cabins. Its northern location above Anchorage gives it a quieter, more rural feel and that translates into better aurora viewing conditions than you might find closer to the city.
Things to love:
- Cozy inns and cabins
- Historic small-town charm
- Excellent views of Denali on clear days
- Easy access to dark sky viewing areas
For travelers who want a scenic aurora trip with daytime activities, Talkeetna delivers.
5. Girdwood & the Coastal Mountains — Ocean Meets Aurora
While coastal Alaska doesn’t typically offer the same aurora odds as the Interior, the area around Girdwood and Alyeska Resort provides spectacular scenery when conditions align.
Here’s what makes this area special:
- Mountain and ocean vistas enhance aurora photography
- Wide northern viewpoints along Turnagain Arm
- Resort amenities with aurora wake-up alerts
- Cozy lodges and cabins
Pro tip: Coastal weather can be cloudier than Interior Alaska, but when skies clear, the views especially with snow-capped peaks and water reflections are unforgettable.
📅 When to Go — Your Best Chances to See the Northern Lights
Aurora viewing season in Alaska generally runs from:
⚫ Late August through Mid-April
Within that window:
- Prime viewing: November through March long, dark nights maximize your odds.
- Shoulder season: Late September–October and March–April milder temperatures and still strong aurora activity.
The aurora is most active between 10 PM and 2 AM, though it can appear anytime after nightfall.
Tips for a Successful Northern Lights Trip
Here are essential tips to help you make the most of your aurora adventure:
📍 Stay Multiple Nights
Aurora activity is never guaranteed nature doesn’t follow a schedule. Staying three to five nights gives you more chances to catch good displays.
📱 Use Aurora Forecasts
Apps and websites that track the KP index help you know when aurora activity is likely to be strongest.
🚗 Chase Clear Skies
In places like Fairbanks and Wasilla, sometimes driving just a short distance from town brings you into a clearer sky.
🧤 Dress for the Cold
Layered clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and hats make long nights outside more comfortable.
Final Thoughts — Where Should You Stay?
Alaska’s Northern Lights are a bucket-list experience, and choosing the right base can make all the difference.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Best for Aurora Odds | Fairbanks & Chena Hot Springs |
| Best for Comfort + Aurora | Wasilla / Susitna Suites |
| Best for Remote Wilderness | Brooks Range & Arctic Circle |
| Best for Scenic Alaska | Mat-Su Valley & Talkeetna |
| Best for Coastal Views | Girdwood & Alyeska |
No matter where you stay, the key is to embrace the adventure the aurora is spectacular, but it’s part of a larger, unforgettable Alaska experience.
🌌 Ready to Plan Your Aurora Trip?
If you’re thinking about your Northern Lights getaway especially near Wasilla, Alaska — Susitna Suites is an excellent home base for your adventure. With cozy accommodations, easy access to dark skies, and local insights into aurora viewing spots, we’re here to help you make memories under the Alaskan sky.
Start planning today and may the lights be with you!
