If you wish to see the prominent Northern Lights in Canada, you’re in a favorable situation. Depending on the area you visit, you can see the Aurora Borealis in Canada at practically any time of year if atmospheric conditions are suitable.
The first time we witnessed the Green Lady was during our excursion through the Canadian Rockies. We traveled in late May, which isn’t even amidst Aurora season in Canada, so we were delighted to spot it!
Of course, if witnessing this magical natural event is the goal of travel to Canada, planning the itinerary with this in mind is wise. Fear not; in this guide, I`ll discuss the optimal time to visitCanada to see the Northern Lights and the locations offering the best chances of a spectacular light show. I`ll also provide suggestions on lodging and tours to make the most of the trip, so keep reading.
Table of Contents
See the Northern Lights in Canada
This article contains all the details needed, including where to view the Northern Lights inCanada and tips to assist in capturing stunning photographs. Here is an overview of what will be covered:
- When to view the Northern Lights in Canada
- Top Northern Lights excursions in Canada
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At the conclusion of this guide, you’ll find a visual representation with Northern Lights areas in Canada that you can reference to arrange your itinerary and route .
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada
While some parts of the country allow the potential to see the aurora at any time of year, the Northern Lights season in Canada runs from October to March, when the nights are darker for longer periods.
If you’re traveling outside the Northern Lights period, particularly in April, May, August, and September, there are a few hours of darkness in the southern regions. So, if there is a significant solar storm, you may be able to view the Canadian Northern Lights there.
However, there are only a small set of periods throughout the year where solar storms are sufficiently strong to be visible in the southern region. If you have flexibility with your travel dates and your heart is set on seeing the Northern Lightsin Canada, it is best to alter your plans. Move your trip to late September or March, throughout the equinoxes, when the solar activity responsible forgenerating the Aurora Borealis achieves peak levels.
Also, keep in mind that the further north you travel, the more hours of darkness you will have during the winter season (and the fewer hours of darkness you will have during the summer). In other terms, you must strategically plan your journey to give yourself the optimal chances of witnessing the aurora borealis in Canada.
It also helps to comprehend how to foresee the Northern Lights. We use an application named My Aurora Forecast, which alerts us when solar activity suddenly heightens. You should also keep an eye on the weather since regardless of how intense the aurora is; it’ll be hard to see anything if it’s overcast.
To concisely summarize, these are the very best times to witness the Northern Lights in Canada:
- September – October: normally there exists high solar activity during this time period, making observation of the northern lights in Canada straightforward.
- November – February: the days are brief, and the nights are very dark, so that youcan view theNorthern Lights in Canada’s northern provinces.
- March – April: a substantial level of solar activity accompanies the spring equinox, potentially allowing sight of the Canadian Northern Illumination.
I suggest not traveling during the summer months, especially June and July. While some southern areas receive a few hours of darkness, you`ll need strong solar activity to see the aurora, so your chances are slim .
Where to see the Northern Lights in Canada
If you’re wondering where to witness the Northern Lights in Canada, you should know that the northern provinces offer the best light displays, particularly from early fall to early spring. More specifically, these are the prime locations to see the aurora borealis in Canada:
- Whitehorse (Yukon), the best location to observe the Northern Lights in Canada
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- Churchill (Manitoba), another good place to view the Northern Lights in Canada
- Banff & Jasper, two places to see the Northern Lights in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
- Iqaluit (Nunavut), a secluded location to enjoy the Northern Lights in Canada
- Kuujjuaq, a remote locale in Quebec ideal for watching the Canadian Northern Lights phenomenon
Generally, Whitehorse presents the optimal location to view the northern lights in Canada. In addition to its appropriate latitude, Whitehorse commonly has many clear winter evenings, which explains why it serves as headquarters for numerous Canadian Northern Lights tour operators.
1. Whitehorse (Yukon), the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada
♦ Latitude 60°
The Yukon territory is considered one of the prime spots worldwide to witness the Northern Lights owing to its latitude and location. Idealy, lodging will be secured in the Yukon capital of Whitehorse, as this city functions as a great base while touring the remainder of the region. Furthermore, some of the premier Northern Lights accommodations in Canada are situated here, such as the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, where expansive glass windows allow observation of the aurora from inside.
Other excellent options include going to Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast, which offers a viewing terrace and a location far from bright lights, and Triple B Bed n Breakfast, which is just outside Whitehorse and offers good prices for what is provided.
Regardless of where you reside, if you want to have the best chances of observing the Northern Lights in Yukon, you should book a guided tour. This way, you’ll receive assistance from a knowledgeable guide who can take you to the optimal viewing spots and share recommendations. I like this expedition, but if you’re interested in a multi-day tour, check out this alternative.
In addition to seeing the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada, one can take advantage of Whitehorse’s location to visit other intriguing sites. For instance, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve is home to various species like arctic foxes, elk, lynx, red foxes, and reindeer. The city offers interesting places, with institutes such as the MacBride Museum and the bank of the Yukon River, where the Klondike gold rush happened .
2. Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), another place to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada
♦ Latitude 62°
The region of Northwest Territories, specifically the city of Yellowknife, offers another prime locale to witness the spectacular CanadianNorthern Lights. The aurora borealis is visible so commonly there that Yellowknife has earned the moniker as the Northern Lights Capital of the entire World. Additionally, you can take the chance to tour Great SlaveLake (one of the deepest lakes in all of North America) and hike along the trails of the Cameron Falls, available year-round.
Travellers can visit the viewpoint known as Mirador de San Nicolás (see here on Google Maps), which tends to be busier, or the nearby overlook called Mirador de la Vereda de Enmedio (see here on Google Maps), where fewer people were present as the stunning light illuminated the Alhambra in the evening hours.
The likelihood of spotting the polar lights in Yellowknife, Canada is very high, yet if it’s your initial time here and you travelled exclusively for the Northern Illumination, it’s best to book an excursion. This 4-hour escapade is a exceptional short-term choice, although there is also this 5-day tour.
If, for whatever reason, you decide not to travel to Yellowknife, another city located in the Northwest Territories worth considering is Tuktoyaktuk. At a latitude of 69° north, it offers good chances of viewing the northern lights, but it is significantly more remote with fewer hotel and service options available .
3. Churchill (Manitoba), another good place to view the Northern Lights in Canada
♦ Latitude 58°
Churchill is among the finest places to see the Northern Lights in Manitoba, Canada. This city is known for its large population of polar bears in October and November, which has earned it the name Polar Bear Capital. There are other attractions in the area that are certain to please visitors, such as the Itsanitaq Museum,Wapusk National Park, and the Prince of Wales Fort, which overlooks the ocean and provides scenic views.
If your aim is to behold the Aurora Borealis in Canada from Churchill, remaining at the Churchill Hotel, a straightforward yet relaxed lodging with an ideal location to view the northern lights, is advised. Another choice is the IceBerg Inn, a small hostel supplying basic amenities, affordable rates, and clean, restful facilities.
Certainly, you’ll have the most success seeing the northern lights in Canada if you book a guided trip. In this scenario, the best choice is this 8-day excursion through Manitoba, an all-inclusive package that incorporates your lodging, Aurora Borealis night tour, and other iconic attractions in the area. Be aware that this expedition leaves from Winnipeg but subsumes the flight to Churchill in the cost .
4. Banff & Jasper, two places to see the Northern Lights in the Canadian Rockies
♦ Latitude fifty-two degrees
When the sun is very active, the Canadian Rockies offer a good chance to see the Green Lady even though it is at a lower latitude. Within this mountain chain, four national parks are scattered between Alberta and British Columbia: Banff National Park,Jasper National Park,Yoho National Park, and KootenayNationalPark.
I found myself in the Canadian Rockies when I first witnessed the Northern Lights, so it will constantly be a unique place for me. One of the advantages of this area is that it still receives some hours of darkness even during months when the sun never sets in the more northern regions. With a bit of fortune, you can spot the aurora while enjoying this incredible natural surroundings.
If viewing the mystical Northern Lights in Jasper National Park intrigues you, I suggest lodging at the Jasper Inn & Suites by INNhotels, featuring a modern pub, terrace, pool and sauna for relaxation.
Another possibility is the Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. Considered one of Canada’s finest Northern Lights motels, it features cozy wooden cabins and a breathtaking lakeside location. This was where I was fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights for the first time!
If you wish to view the aurora borealis in Banff, ensure to check out our guide on the best lodging options in Banff. You`ll also find a complete guide to places to stay in Jasper if you need additional recommendations.
In regards to excursions, I appreciate this experience that incorporates admission to the Planetarium Dome Theatre and this multi-day trip through the Canadian Rockies.
5. Iqaluit (Nunavut), a secluded place to enjoy the Northern Lights in Canada
♦ Latitude sixty-three degrees
You can also witness the Northern Lights on Baffin Island, the largest island in Canada. More specifically, the capital of Nunavut,Iqaluit, is an excellent observation spot, given its isolation and high latitude of 63°. Just be prepared for frigid conditions!
Being located so far away from population centers, no guided sightseeing excursions are offered here for spotting Northern Lights in Canada, thus it is not the ideal place for initial visits. The only lodging choice is the Frobisher Inn hotel, which provides all regular amenities like eateries, a fitness facility, and spacious accommodations .
6. Kuujjuaq, a remote place to watch the Northern Lights in Quebec, Canada
♦ Latitude 58°
While viewing the Northern Lights in Quebec, Canada is not fully out of the question, an individual`s chances improve when visiting northern parts of this territory including the town of Kuujjuaq. That stated, this location is highly remote with nearly no hotels or Northern Lights tour operators available. As such, I suggest examining one of the other possibilities in this guide before relying on Quebec alone.
Individuals regularly ask us if it’s possible to see the aurora borealis in Montreal or Quebec City. The reality is that it’s extremely difficult, not only because of the light pollution but also because of the lower latitude. Again, it’s much better to go to other destinations I mentioned or, at the very least, to a northern town like Kuujjuaq .
Best Northern Lights tours in Canada
Viewing the Northern Lights is one of the most popular activities in Canada, and this nation presents some of the best chances in North America to see the aurora borealis.
To make the most effective use of your journey to witness the Northern Lights, I advise traveling with an experienced guide who understands the optimum locales and can factor in solar activity and weather conditions. There are numerous organized excursions available, so allow me to assist you in deciding which one suits your needs best.
Below, you’ll find the top Canadian Northern Lights tours, such as duration, price (in Canadian dollars), and what’s included.
Northern Lights tours in Whitehorse, Canada
If you’re in Whitehorse, you can join this expedition to view the Aurora Borealis in Yukon. The outing involves a bus ride to the observation center, where you can watch for auroras in the sky. Additionally, the center is surrounded by a lovely natural landscape, so that you can capture some excellent pictures.
If more time is available and the goal is to boost chances of seeing the Northern Lights, consider this four-day excursion. The trip incorporates a day tour of popular Whitehorse spots like the Old Log Church (the oldest building in the city) and the SS Klondike. At night, locations with the highest probability of showcasing the aurora will be visited. Transportation and accommodation are incorporated into this tour.
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Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife, Canada
Visitors to Yellowknife, Canada may also partake in tours hoping to view the northern lights. If time or funds are limited, one could consider this particular excursion along the famed Ingraham Route, a place renowned for observing the phenomenon. The trip covers transportation and warm beverages while awaiting the fabled Green Lady. Additionally, an expert guide and professional photographer will be available to help immortalize the spectacle.
If you have additional time available, the best choice is this multicentre journey, which will offer numerous chances to perceive the auroral spectacle. During the daylight hours, you can explore the area surrounding Yellowknife and some of its primary points of interest, while at nightfall, you’ll go on the hunt for auroras.
The prime benefit of this excursion is that you’ll be with an expert guide who will take you to sites where you’ll have a high probability of seeing the Northern Lights. With their insider recommendations, I’m sure you’ll view the aurora before the tour concludes! Additionally, this tour package covers your transportation and lodging, like an evening in a tipi cabin, which is quite a distinctive experience.
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Northern Lights tours in Churchill, Canada
If viewing the Northern Lights in Manitoba, Canada is your plan, I suggest reserving this 8-day expedition.
This is a highly comprehensive tour, starting with some time in the city of Winnipeg, where you’ll visit the Manitoba Museum and other attractions. Then, you’ll fly to Churchill, where you’ll go aurora searching every night. In the mornings, you can make the most of nearby sites like the Polar Bears International House and the Itsanitaq Museum.
This is an amazing excursion for those seeking to explore one of the top places to view the aurora borealis in Canada without worrying about all the specifics. The tour includes transportation, flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, lodging, meals, your tour guide, and entrance fees to museums and attractions.
- Departs from: Inn at the Forks hotel, Winnipeg
- Price from: C$ 6846
- Duration: 8 days
- Highlights: Eight-day trip through Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba; daytime activities and sightseeing; night excursions to witness the Northern Lights. Accommodation, transportation (including flights between Winnipeg and Churchill), tour guide, and meals included
Northern Lights tours in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are one of my favorite places on the planet since this is where I first saw the Northern Lights. Experiencing the magic of this region is possible by booking this multi-day tour.
These mountain ranges contain four national parks: Banff National Park,Jasper National Park,Yoho National Park, and Kootenay National Park. If you sign up for the tour mentioned, you will visit Banff and Jasper, where you will see some of the country`s most impressive scenery.
Throughout the daytime hours, observant visitors may spot various wild animals indigenous to the region including bears, coyotes, and moose going about their daily activities, while nights presenting strong solar emissions permit sightings of the aurora dancing across the dark skies. Undoubtedly, this tour offers an superb opportunity for those passionate about natural surroundings to experience the best of what the environment has to offer in an arrangement covering transportation, lodging, meals and guided excursions to focal points, removing the demands of independent arrangement.
- Originates from: Edmonton, Canada
- Price from: C$ 5193
- Duration: 11 days
- Highlights: 11-day trip through the Canadian Rockies; visits to Banff and Jasper National Parks; guided tours to view the Northern Lights (given solar activity). Accommodation, transportation, and meals included
Northern Lights tours from Vancouver
Due to its lower latitude, seeing the Northern Lights in Vancouver, BC, is extremely difficult. That said, some tours leave from the city, specifically this four-day excursion.
This trip involves flying from Vancouver to Whitehorse, one of the best spots for seeing the Northern Lights in Canada. There, you’ll be able to visit places like Marsh Lake and participate in activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing. At night, you’ll venture out searching for the aurora borealis.
This excursion is the best choice if you want to see the aurora borealis in Vancouver, Canada. Depending on how much time you have available, it’s also worth going whale-watching in Vancouver; it’s one of my favorite activities here.
- Departs from: Vancouver
- Price from: C$ 2296
- Duration: 4 days
- Highlights: Four day trip from Vancouver to Whitehorse; daytime activities and sightseeing; evening expedition to view the Northern Lights. Accommodation, tour guide, meals, and roundtrip flights from Vancouver included
See the Northern Lights on your own or with a guided excursion
By now, you may be wondering whether it’s best to see the Canadian Northern Lights on your own or with an organized tour group.
If you already have experience chasing auroras, and you’re going to have a vehicle that will let you get to more remote places, then going out alone shouldn’t be an issue.
However, if this is your initial trip to Canada to see the aurora, and you haven’t seen the Northern Lights beforehand, I extremely suggest booking a tour. This way, you’ll be accompanied by someone who understands the season of the northern lights in Canada and the places with the highest probability of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Additionally, most organized tours include transportation, so you won’t have to worry about driving at night.
Also, remember that there are some places in Canada where it’s pretty challenging to drive at night, so if you aren’t acquainted with the road or the area, it’s better to have a guide .
Tips for seeing the Canadian Northern Lights
Now that you have all the details about where, how, and when to see the Northern Lights inCanada, below are some suggestions to help make your trip even more pleasurable:
- Thoughtfully select your viewing spot to see the Northern Lights in Canada. If you’re unsure where to go, I suggest reserving an excursion that incorporates a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and lodging. You can’t go wrong with one of the tours in Whitehorse or Yellowknife.
- Choosing the ideal time to visit Canada for viewing the Northern Lights, between October and March preferably. Avoiding the summer months.
- Download an app that can predict the Northern Lights forecast in Canada. Always check the weather prediction before heading out.
- Always move away from large cities, towns, and areas with light pollution. Darker areas are better!
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear since temperatures drop at night, so it’s important to dress warmly especially as you’ll likely end up waiting for the aurora to appear.
- Be patient and wait. The Northern Lights usually require some time to appear, and you may not see anything your first night. Wait it out, and don’t give up because witnessing Canada’s aurora borealis is totally worthwhile.
- Be sure to charge your camera fully before going out!
- If photography intrigues you, think about joining us on one of our photography trips. We arrange photo excursions around Iceland and photography tours through the Lofoten Islands to experience the Northern Lights. Based on my experience, it’s simpler to spot the aurora in these places.
Lastly, be certain to savor the moment and enjoy the whole experience. Witnessing the Northern Lights in Canada is something you`ll never forget.
Map of best locations to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Throughout this article, various areas of Canada have been referenced as potential spots for viewing the Northern Lights, thus here is a map highlighting those noted locations:
Use this map to plan your ideal trip, and remember that the premier places to view the Northern Lights in Canada are remote and dark.
Best images of the Northern Lights in Canada
If aiming to capture the optimal photos of the Northern Lights in Canada, I recommend examining our precise guides:
You can also preview our Canada photo collection to view our finest shots of the luminous aurora borealis across Canada.
FAQs – Northern Lights in Canada
In case you have any other doubts about the Canadian Northern Lights, here are the answers to some common questions:
What is the ideal time to witness the Northern Lights in Canada?
The best timeframe to view the Northern Lights in Canada is from October to March.
In which locations of Canada is the Northern Lights visible?
The places experiencing the Northern Lights in Canada that are finest are Whitehorse (Yukon), Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), and the Canadian Rockies. It’s also achievable to see the aurora in Churchill (Manitoba), Iqaluit (Nunavut), and Kuujjuaq (Quebec).
Can the Northern Lights sometimes be seen from locations in Canada?
Observers can glimpse the Northern Lights in Canada nearly anywhere given minimal artificial light, though the northern portion of the country is generally considered the optimal place to view the natural phenomena known as the aurora borealis, most commonly between early autumn and early spring.
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Vancouver, BC?
Spotting the Northern Lights in Vancouver, British Columbia, is quite troublesome because of all the artificial light. Also, Vancouver is usually too far south, so you’ll need very high solar activity to view the aurora.
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights from Toronto under certain conditions?
No, seeing the Northern Lights in Toronto, Canada is a rare sight due to the large amount of artificial lights. If you’re in Toronto, you can try moving further away from the city center, but you’ll need an unusually high level of solar activity to view the aurora borealis.
Is it necessary to go to a remote area to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada?
Yes, the darker and further away you are from populated regions and artificial lightening, the better!
What type of clothing should I wear to view the Canadian Northern Lights in winter?
If you plan to view the Northern Illumination in Canada during winter, wear relaxed and lightweight layers. Ideally, you’ll have an inner thermic layer and outer covering to withstand the freezing nighttime temperatures. Also, don’t neglect to package gloves, a hat, a scarf, and any other goods that will help you remain warm.
Is a special driver`s license needed to rent an RV in Las Vegas?
You don’t necessarily need to reserve a conducted excursion to view the celestial Canadian Northern Lights, but doing so will elevate your chances of success, particularly if you are new to searching for the phenomenon.
Is viewing the Northern Lights achievable in Canada without specialized guidance?
Yes, viewing the Northern Lights in Canada`s skies is possible without hiring a guide, though joining a tour increases your chances of observing the aurora.
Everything covered about observing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, when visiting Canada. If there are any other questions or experiences seeing the lights from Canada to discuss, please share comments. Feedback would be appreciated.
Stay protected and enjoy the Northern Lights of Canada!
