CANADA

Bone-chilling temperatures and few clouds make Yellowknife a reliable option for aurora viewing. Even more intrepid is a trip to the remote Blachford Lake Lodge, only accessible by air. Far from artificial light pollution, stars shine brightly above the lakeside eco property surrounded by boreal forest. Discover the World (01737 214250; discover-the-world.com) offers four nights from £2,003pp, including most meals, transfers and excursions. Excludes international flights. Available from January to April

GET ON TRACK

Train tracks still run all the way to Churchill, a frontier town frequented by polar bears. Stop at three different locations on a rail break from Winnipeg, splitting time between a sleeper cabin and a cosy hotel. Witness purple-streaked polar dawns and night scenes dazzling with emerald ribbons. Canadian Train Vacations (001 604

332 3715; canadiantrainvacations.com) offers eight days from £4,552pp, including most meals and activities. Excludes international flights. Departures in February

Snow dome: build your own igloo at the Blachford Lake Lodge at Yellowknife