There are few natural phenomena as captivating as the Northern Lights. For centuries, their luminous green ribbons have danced across Arctic skies, drawing travellers to some of the world’s most remote and extraordinary landscapes.
But beyond the familiar emerald glow lies something far rarer — an aurora painted in vivid shades of pink, rose and magenta.
These extraordinary displays appear only under particular atmospheric conditions. According to NASA, pink auroras occur when energetic particles penetrate deeper into Earth’s atmosphere, interacting with nitrogen to produce flashes of colour that can shift between pink, purple and white.
And 2026 continues to offer an exciting opportunity to witness this elusive spectacle.
Although the Sun has passed the peak of its current 11-year solar cycle, solar activity remains elevated, creating opportunities for unusually colourful aurora displays across the Northern Hemisphere.
To discover where travellers might have the best chance of experiencing the rare pink Northern Lights, Icelandair analysed some of the world’s most celebrated aurora-viewing destinations. The study considered the intensity of recorded pink hues, the darkness of the night skies, the likelihood of aurora sightings and the accessibility of each location.
The results reveal five remarkable destinations, from the majestic Canadian Rockies and Alaska’s vast wilderness to Greenland’s spectacular ice-filled fjords.
Each offers more than the possibility of witnessing an extraordinary celestial display. These are places where dramatic landscapes, profound silence and the beauty of the natural world transform the journey itself into an unforgettable experience.
Here are the five best places in the world to chase the rare pink Northern Lights in 2026.
Maligne Lake, Jasper, Canada
Ranked first in Icelandair’s study, Maligne Lake combines breathtaking mountain scenery with exceptionally beautiful night skies.
Aurora displays analysed here revealed a vivid rose-pink hue (#D23574), while the location’s Bortle rating of 3.2 indicates relatively dark skies with limited light pollution.
Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and the iconic Spirit Island, the lake provides an unforgettable backdrop for aurora photography. Its accessibility from Jasper makes it an appealing destination for travellers seeking wilderness without venturing too far from established routes.
Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
With a Bortle rating of just 1, Denali National Park offers some of the darkest skies in the study.
The auroras analysed here displayed a delicate rose-pink hue (#D67193), set against Alaska’s immense mountain landscapes and untouched wilderness.
From August through April, travellers have opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, with the George Parks Highway providing accessible viewing points.
For those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure, Denali offers an extraordinary combination of solitude, dramatic scenery and celestial beauty.
Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Located near Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs ranks third, offering one of the most accessible Northern Lights experiences in Alaska.
The analysed auroras produced a striking magenta-pink hue (#F44CD8), with 69% saturation and 96% brightness — among the most vibrant colours recorded in the top five.
With accommodation, heated viewing areas and road access from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs combines the thrill of aurora hunting with the comforts of a remote northern resort.
Prelude Lake, Yellowknife, Canada
Canada makes another appearance in the global top five with Prelude Lake, located near Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.
Known for its favourable aurora-viewing conditions, the destination benefits from a Bortle rating of 3.0 and a viewing season extending from September through April.
Displays analysed here revealed a softer, dusky pink hue (#875360), while the lake’s accessible location allows travellers to escape the city’s artificial lighting without journeying deep into the wilderness.
Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland
Completing the global top five is Greenland’s spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord, where immense icebergs rise from Arctic waters beneath some of the darkest skies in the study.
With a Bortle rating of just 1, Ilulissat offers exceptional viewing conditions. The analysed auroras displayed an intense hot-pink hue (#FC469D), with 72% saturation and 99% brightness.
The viewing season generally extends from late August through April, making this remote destination particularly appealing for travellers seeking both extraordinary landscapes and the possibility of witnessing a rare celestial phenomenon.
Beyond the Ordinary
The Northern Lights have always carried an element of mystery. Their appearance cannot be guaranteed, their colours cannot be chosen, and even the most carefully planned journey remains subject to the unpredictable rhythms of nature.
Perhaps that is precisely what makes them so captivating.
From Canada’s alpine lakes to Alaska’s vast wilderness and Greenland’s frozen fjords, these destinations offer more than a chance to witness the rare pink aurora. They invite travellers to experience the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.
For those looking to combine adventure with distinctive accommodation, Mr & Mrs Smith offers a curated collection of luxury and boutique hotels worth exploring when planning a wider northern escape. Specific hotel options near these five destinations should be checked individually.
And sometimes, when the conditions align, the sky turns pink.
Research and destination rankings: Icelandair.
