What are the best times to see the Northern Lights during Arctic tours?

If you want to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip between September and March when the Arctic nights are at their darkest. Most travelers spot them between 5pm and 2am, especially in places like Tromsø, Norway and Finnish Lapland. You'll have the best chance of seeing them at spots like the Wilderness Hotel in Inari, Finland or Aurora Camp in Whitehorse, where you can get away from city lights and have clear views of the sky.

What kind of weather conditions should I prepare for in the Arctic?

Winter temperatures in the Arctic typically range from -4°F to 32°F (-20°C to 0°C), and the weather can change quickly. I've seen this firsthand at places like Camp Tamok in Norway. While tour companies like Intrepid Travel will give you winter gear including suits, boots and gloves, you should pack good base layers. Even when it's freezing outside, you'll stay warm inside places like the Wilderness Hotel in Saariselkä.

What wildlife might I encounter during an Arctic tour?

You might see humpback and orca whales in Norwegian fjords during winter, plus Arctic foxes and reindeer herds near places like Inari, Finland. If you visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve in Canada, you'll likely spot moose, elk, caribou, mountain goats and lynx in their natural habitat. While polar bears do live in some Arctic areas, you probably won't see them on most regular tours.

What type of accommodation is available on Arctic tours?

You'll find everything from regular hotels to special wilderness lodges. At Muotka Wilderness Lodge in Finland, you can stay in Aurora glass cabins that have huge windows and private saunas. In Tromsø, Norway, you'll be in nice 3-4 star hotels like the Scandic Ishavshotel. If you go somewhere more remote like Basecamp Oulanka, you'll stay in cozy wooden lodges that have modern comforts like hot tubs and saunas.

What kind of cultural experiences are included in Arctic tours?

You'll get to learn about local culture, especially from the indigenous Sami people. In Tromsø, you can try traditional reindeer sledding, learn about Sami ways of life, and eat authentic meals in their traditional lavvu tents. If you visit the Siida Museum in Inari, Finland, you'll learn all about Sami culture. Throughout Greenland, you can also discover Inuit traditions and see what modern Arctic life is like.

What meals are typically included in Arctic tours?

Most tours include your breakfast every day and some dinners. At Basecamp Oulanka, you'll get to try Finnish food made with local ingredients like elk, salmon, berries and fish soup. When you visit Sami communities in Norway, you might have special meals like reindeer stew and traditional breads. Places like the Wilderness Hotel in Inari serve both local Arctic dishes and regular international food.

What is the best time to visit the Arctic region for optimal Northern Lights viewing?

You'll want to visit between September and March, when the nights are longest and clearest. Places like Svalbard and Finnish Lapland have the best aurora viewing during these months, with temperatures usually between -4°F to 14°F (-20°C to -10°C). The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort even has special glass igloos designed for watching the Northern Lights from October through March.

Arctic Tours & Trips

175 tours

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Polar
Trek from Karale Fjord to Tasilaq Fjord
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Kulusuk, Ikatek, Knud Rasmussen Gletscher,Kaarali Gletscher,Nuuaartik Point,Tunu,Kuummiit,Tasiilaq Fjord,Tasiilaq,Keflavik+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Arctic Hiking and Expeditions.
From
US$4,385per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Arctic Villages
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Kulusuk, Kuummiit, Tiniteqilaaq, Tasiilaq
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Arctic Hiking and Expeditions.
From
US$4,225per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Finnish Lapland Discovery
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $2,799
US$1,959per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Northern Lights
Summer in Lapland: A Family Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $2,199
US$1,539per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Karasjok, Honningsvag,Alta,Tromso+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
From $3,671
US$2,937per person
+$228 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Luosto, Ivalo, Karasjok,Honningsvag,Alta,Tromso,Lofoten,Bodo,Ørnes,Sandnessjoen,Bronnoysund,Rørvik,Trondheim,Kristiansund,Molde,Floro,Bergen+14 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
From
US$6,399per person
+$228 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Northern Lights
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua, Korouoma
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$2,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Wild Wonders of the Arctic - 8 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent tour, staff went above and beyond to make the tour as memorable as possible."
Lynette, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Longyearbyen, Nordaustlandet Island, Sjuoyane,Kongsfjorden,Ny Aalesund,Oslo+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Arctic / North PoleSvalbard+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$9,890per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Northern Lights
Tailor-Made Aurora Safari & Icehotel Trip
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lulea, Harads, Kiruna, Jukkasjärvi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
20% Off
From
US$9,459per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Across the North Atlantic: Iceland, Greenland & Labrador
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Iceland Greenland Canada
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$8,299per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
South Greenland Grand Adventure - 6 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The scenery of the fjords, icebergs, glaciers and valleys carved out by the ice were amazing and from another world."
Chia, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq, Narsaq
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
GJ Travel
20% Off
From
US$3,975per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Amazing Days in Ilulissat - 5 Days
4.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Greenland and its people are tremendously friendly and welcoming."
James, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Ilulissat, Disko Bay, Eqi, Reykjavik
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
GJ Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,700per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Beyond the Arctic Circle: Tromsø to Svalbard
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Enjoyed with knowledgeable and professional staff."
Hersh, traveled in June
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tromso, Svalbard, Longyearbyen
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Arctic / North PoleSvalbard+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$6,999per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Northern Lights
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
4.5 (10 traveler reviews)
"Nice tour, I recommend."
Mariana, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
20% Off
From
US$1,257per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis & Glass Igloo
4.7 (17 traveler reviews)
"This was the holiday of a lifetime made even better by the unbeatable Alain. Trips and tours were exceptional and organised by Alain."
Adrian, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
20% Off
From
US$2,028per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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