23 Breathtaking Places to Catch the Northern Lights on a Budget

Destination 23: Churchill, Canada

Nicknamed the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the most surreal places to see the Northern Lights—and it’s surprisingly affordable. Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill experiences over 300 aurora nights per year, making it one of the most reliable places on Earth for viewing the lights. What makes Churchill truly unique is the chance to see polar bears, beluga whales, or Arctic foxes while chasing the aurora. In the fall, hundreds of polar bears migrate through the area, and if you're lucky, you can watch them roam beneath the glowing night sky. In summer, Churchill’s waters fill with thousands of playful beluga whales, offering a different kind of Arctic adventure.