If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, you may want to add Canada to the top of your travel bucket list. As one of the northernmost countries in the world, Canada is fertile ground for the Northern Lights, with some regions seeing them up to 240 times a year.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Northern Lights, are an atmospheric phenomenon in which high-energy particles emitted by the sun hit the Earth’s magnetic field and emit light. As the name suggests, the Northern Lights occur in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Lights (Southern Lights) occur in the Southern Hemisphere.
For the best chance to see this stunning natural light show, head to the Great White North. Here are all the tips you need to see the Northern Lights in Canada.
When to See the Northern Lights in Canada
Technically, the Northern Lights are active year-round, but you may not always be able to see them. The best time to travel to Canada to see the Northern Lights is from September to March, when there is enough darkness at night to see the Northern Lights. In the summer, some parts of Canada’s northernmost region have 24 hours of sunshine, so the surrounding auroras are drowned out by the sun. Solar activity usually peaks around the autumnal equinox in September and the vernal equinox in March, but these months have more hours of sunshine than in the middle of winter, thus reducing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. As for the time of day, aurora activity usually peaks between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., though you can certainly see the Northern Lights outside of those hours as long as it’s dark.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada
In general, the best place to see the Northern Lights is within the Arctic Circle – from 66°33′ north latitude to the North Pole. The circle passes through the northernmost tip of Canada, but it is not easy to get around the area as settlements are sparse and often not accessible by road.
As a result, most Northern Lights tourism in Canada takes place a little further south. With a strong tourism infrastructure and 62° north latitude, the town of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories is often considered the aurora viewing capital of the African continent. Whitehorse in the Yukon and Churchill in Manitoba (with extensive polar bear and beluga tourism) are also popular. The most important thing is to reach the destination as far north as possible, as far away from the city lights as possible – preferably with clear skies.
Northern Lights Viewing Tips
In addition to choosing the right time of year and traveling to the right destination, there are some tips to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Perhaps most importantly, you need to spend as much time in Canada as possible. Since the weather can last for a few days out of the ordinary, the longer you stay in Canada, the more likely it is that clear skies will be.
You’ll also need to look at the monthly calendar. The light of the full moon can diminish the view of the Northern Lights, so it’s best to watch them during the New Moon or New Moon. Finally, you should take a look at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center’s aurora forecast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues Northern Lights forecasts hours to days in advance based on solar activity.
Northern Lights Tour Canada
You don’t need to book an official tour to see the Northern Lights – you just need to drive north and look up at night. But tourism does simplify the logistics of a trip to Canada, as details such as transportation and accommodation may be the responsibility of the travel agent. Tours range in length from multiple days to a few hours, so you can easily find an itinerary that suits your needs.
One of our top picks is Natural Habitats Adventures’ Northern Lights and Arctic Discovery Tour, a seven-night trip to Churchill that includes accommodation at the company’s exclusive Aurora Pod with 360-degree sky views. Other good options include a one-night tour with Northern Lights Tours and a basic Northern Lights package in Northern Tales, which offers a two- to four-night wilderness tour of the Whitehorse countryside.