Where is the best time & place for me to see the Northern Lights?

So I have this pretty intense dream of watching the aurora from a boat. Not a yacht or anything, just a little rowboat or kayak.

Now, I'm in college in Montreal, Quebec, so at least I'm somewhat north- but I can't drive 1,000 miles or anything. I don't have a car, for one thing, given the nature of the city I live in. However, I can take a train to some other major cities- like Quebec City, for one.

So where's the best place I can get to within reason to see this? Keep in mind, it also has to be on the water- either a big river like the Saint Lawrence or else the ocean. Also, what time of year would be best for that location? What conditions? For instance, I assume clear skies would be preferred? What time of night would they appear? How long would they last? Any other tips you can give for a really good showing of the lights?

Thanks so much!

Anonymous2016-05-11T22:59:10Z

The best place to see the beautiful lights are Scandinavia, Alaska or Canada. Depends where you live. If you live in Europe i recommend Tromso. From London there are direct flights to Tromso in Northern Norway operated by the budget airline Norwegian. It's a beautiful city and not as small as you think. The best time is September or march but not December-February cause it is freezing!!! Hope this helps

?2011-05-30T00:01:40Z

The lights tend to be a winter phenomenon. Open water isn't easy to find in the winter in the far North.
They are more likely the further north you go but can only be seen at night. You see the problem - far north and night = winter.