If you hope to see the Northern Lights, consider putting Canada at the top of your travel list. As one of the northernmost countries in the world, Canada is fertile ground for the Northern Lights, which can be seen 240 times a year in some areas.
The Aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is an atmospheric phenomenon in which charged particles emitted by the sun hit the Earth’s magnetic field and glow. As the name suggests, the Northern lights appear in the Northern Hemisphere, while the southern lights (aurora australis) appear in the south Hemisphere.
Head to the Great White North for the best chance of seeing this amazing natural light show. Here are all the tips for seeing the Northern Lights in Canada.
When can I see the Northern Lights in Canada?
Technically, the Northern Lights are active all year round, but you may only sometimes be able to see them. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is from September to March when there is enough darkness at night to see the Northern Lights. In the summer, some of the northernmost parts of Canada have 24 hours of daylight, so any floating aurora is drowned out by the sun. Solar activity usually peaks around the autumn equinox in September and the spring equinox in March, but these months have more daylight than during the middle of winter, which reduces your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. As for the specific time of day, aurora activity usually peaks between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., though you can see the Northern lights outside of those times, as long as it’s dark outside.
Where can I see the Northern Lights in Canada?
The best place to see the Northern lights is inside the Arctic Circle – from 66°33 ‘north to the North Pole. The circle crosses the northernmost tip of Canada, but getting to this area is not easy, as settlements are few and often inaccessible by road.
As a result, most Northern Lights tourism in Canada occurs a bit further south. Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, with its robust tourism infrastructure and 62 degrees north latitude, is often considered the auroral viewing capital of the North American continent. Whitehorse, Yukon, and Churchill, Manitoba (with extensive polar bear and beluga whale tourism) are also popular. The most important thing is to go to a destination as far north as possible and away from city lights – preferably with clear skies.
Northern Lights viewing tips
In addition to choosing the right time and traveling to the correct destination, there are a few tips to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to spend as many days in Canada as possible. Because the weather may not cooperate for a few days, the longer you stay in Canada, the more likely you will see clear skies.
You’ll also want to look at the calendar. The light from a full moon can diminish the view of the northern lights, so you’re best off watching them during the new or crescent phase. Finally, you should check out the aurora forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issues Northern Lights forecasts based on solar activity hours to days in advance.
Northern Lights Tour in Canada
You don’t need to book an official Northern Lights tour—you can just walk north at night and look up. But package Tours do ease the logistical burden of traveling to Canada, as details such as transportation and accommodation may be taken care of by the travel agent. They can range from a few days to a few hours, so it’s easy to find one that meets your needs.
Our top recommendation is Natural Habitat Expeditions’ Northern Lights and Arctic Expeditions Tour, a seven-night trip to Churchill with a stay in the company’s proprietary Aurora Pod for 360-degree sky views. Other good options include Yellowknife’s one-night Northern Lights Tour and Northern Tales’ basic Northern Lights package, which offers two – to four-night wilderness Tours outside Whitehorse.
