6 Best Places to See Northern Lights in Canada
Watching the sky turning into a mesmerizing colorful pallet is a dream for most people because northern lights are not visible in all countries. However, if you live in Canada, you are lucky because you can take breathtaking pictures of the northern lights in Canada.
The special thing about the natural phenomena is that they are free. You only need to find a place to watch them. So, get ready to find the best places to see aurora in Canada.
What are the Northern Lights?
Before packing to see this beautiful phenomenon, let’s take a quick look at how it happens.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the Earth’s polar regions. This phenomenon is caused by solar winds carrying charged particles that interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating stunning, colorful displays in the night sky.
The lights can appear in various forms, including shimmering curtains, arcs, and spirals of green, red, pink, and purple hues. The Northern Lights are a truly awe-inspiring sight. That’s why it’s a must-see for anyone visiting or living in regions where it occurs.
If you are interested in this field, we recommend you read more facts about this fantastic phenomenon on Space.com.
Where to See Northern Lights in Canada?
The good news is that you can have the unforgettable experience of watching this magical beauty in Canada’s regions including:
1. Churchill, Manitoba
There is something special about this location; the northern lights are visible in this town most of the year. We can’t say how lucky its citizens are! That’s why Churchill is considered one of the best places to witness the northern lights, not only in Canada but worldwide.
The city is situated at a latitude of 58 degrees, providing excellent viewing conditions, particularly in the winter months of January, February, and March.
The longer nights and colder temperatures in Churchill enhance the brightness and duration of the auroras, making it a prime location for this natural spectacle.
Some of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis in Churchill Manitoba include
- Churchill Science Centre,
- Tundra Inn,
- Churchill Lodge,
- and Lake Split Lake.
Additionally, the Churchill Aurora Centre and The Polar Bears Inn are fascinating places to observe the Aurora, with clear skies away from light pollution.
2. Yukon
The northwest region of Canada, particularly the Yukon, boasts several destinations with a high likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights in Canada. The best time to witness this phenomenon in Yukon is between November and March. Sometime, this location has up to 240 nights per year offering visibility.
For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, head to dark areas and look upward.
The best places to see the aurora in Yukon include:
- Whitehorse,
- Yellowknife,
- Dawson City,
- the Yukon Wilderness Tourist Industry Association’s Aurora Viewing Tour,
- and the Nahanee Nukloosuti Territorial Heritage Centre.
Visit these locations during peak aurora activity, which is typically scheduled around midnight when the skies are darkest. It is also suggested to check weather conditions, as clouds can obscure the aurora.
3. Ontario
Although aurora in Canada is mostly visible in northern territories, you may still have a chance to see northern lights in Ontario. However, you should be out of town where the sky is completely clear, and there are no city lights.
Some places to watch northern lights in Ontario include:
- Algoma Country,
- Sunset Country,
- Manitoulin Island (one of the top islands in Canada),
- Point Farms Provincial Park near Goderich on Lake Huron.
Plan your trip around the fall and spring to increase your chances of seeing this celestial light show over Ontario.
4. Alberta
Let’s take a trip to Alberta, the fourth-largest province in Canada and one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Alberta is known for its dark and clear night sky, which allows you to see stars or even count them!
That’s why northern lights is so mesmerizing here. You don’t need to bother yourself to go out of town to find a clear sky to watch this spectacle. It’s there! You may be able to see it while watching the sky from the window of your room. That easy!
Although it rarely happens, you may be able to watch northern lights in Alberta during the summer months. However, there is no exact date for that it happens occasionally. So, if you happen to be awake at 2 or 3 am in the morning, look at the sky. You might be one of the few people who can see northern lights in summer.
5. Northwest Territories
Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories, is known as one of the best places in Canada to see the Northern Lights.
Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife offers great conditions for observing the aurora borealis, especially during the fall or winter seasons when there are dark, clear skies and low humidity.
Travelling to viewing sites outside the city allows for a more vibrant display due to reduced light pollution.
6. Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly along the coast, are another top location to witness the Aurora Borealis in Canada. The province’s northern location and colder nights make it ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. The best times to visit for this experience are from September to October and March to April, with up to 60 nights per year offering visibility.
These locations offer unique opportunities to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights in Canada. Each region, based on its geographical features and seasonal conditions, provides distinct advantages for aurora viewing.
When is the Best Time to See Northern Lights in Canada?
Want to watch Aurora in Canada? Here are the best times to see the northern lights in Canada:
- Winter (December to February). It considered the prime aurora viewing season across most of Canada due to the long nights and frequent cold, clear weather conditions.
- Spring (March-April). You will have a chance to view this colorful sky some nights, mostly in mid-April.
- Autumn (September-November) can also provide good opportunities, especially around the equinoxes when geomagnetic activity is higher.
- Summer (June-August). There are too much daylight to view the aurora in summer. However, it may be visible in the far northern areas that experience periods of darkness.
- The optimal viewing times are generally between 10 PM and 2 AM, with peak activity often occurring around midnight when the skies are at their darkest.
How to See Aurora in Canada?
Here are some tips that can make your aurora-watching experience more fantastic:
- Check aurora forecasts and cloud cover predictions to maximize chances of clear dark skies.
- Get away from light pollution by visiting remote areas with unobstructed views of the northern horizon.
- Dress very warmly as you may be outside for extended periods in cold temperatures.
- Be patient and keep watching, as auroras can flare up and fade over the course of a night.
- You can book a northern lights tour in Canada to get to the best locations to see northern lights near your location. Tours are safer and can guarantee a better experience for people who are traveling to see Aurora in Canada for the first time.
Bottom Line
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Canada is an experience like no other. From the vast wilderness of the Yukon to the remote landscapes of Nunavut, Canada offers some of the best viewing spots for this dazzling natural phenomenon.
Whether you are a seasoned aurora chaser or a first-time observer, the beauty and magic of the Northern Lights in Canada will leave you in awe.
So pack your bags, head north, and prepare to be mesmerized by the dancing colors of the Aurora Borealis in the Canadian night sky.
FAQs
1. When is the Aurora Borealis in Canada?
The peak season to see the northern lights in Canada is the winter when the nights are longer and clearer.
However, the specific timing and visibility of the Aurora Borealis can vary depending on factors such as solar activity, weather conditions, and the location within Canada.
Therefore, it is always recommended to check with local aurora forecast websites or tour operators for the most up-to-date information.
2. Can I See the Northern Lights in Montreal?
While Montreal is not typically known as a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights in Canada, the aurora borealis can occasionally be seen from the city under certain conditions.
However, due to light pollution and its southern location, the chances of witnessing a strong display of the Northern Lights in Montreal are relatively low compared to more northern regions of Canada.
3. Where to See Northern Lights Around Toronto?
The chances of witnessing a strong display of the Aurora Borealis in Toronto are lower in Toronto and around compared to northern regions of Canada. However, you may be able to see an obscure version of aurora in Toronto Islands, as the clear night sky over Lake Ontario makes them a decent option within the city for aurora spotting if conditions are right.
