Canada boasts approximately 85% of land covered under the Auroral Oval, a zone known for it’s magnet of activity that circles the North Pole. We experience an onslaught of dazzling Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights – displays due to our northern latitude and low light pollution which creates the perfect atmosphere.
The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights – is created when charged particles from the sun collide with the molecules and atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere near magnetic poles. The colour of the Aurora depends on the type of gas in the particles and how high up in the atmosphere the collision takes place. The result is a send off of vibrant purple, green, red and/or yellow wisps into the dark skies, 80 – 640km above the Earth. Canadian Inuit mythology claims the flickering and curtain-like misty flares of light are spirits of deceased ancestors playing ball with a walrus skull.
The best months to nab your chance of viewing the northern lights in Canada are between October to March because there is an extended period of darkness in the days. Also, the Canadian Space Agency recommends checking the weather forecast prior to venturing out to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis as to avoid cloudy skies – this will prevent you from experiencing this rare and memorable atmospheric phenomenon.
Canada is a staggering 3.85 million square miles and we’ve combed through provinces from coast to coast for the most popular cities and towns to see the Northern lights.
01. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
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One of the greatest Aurora Borealis viewing spots in North America, Yellowknife is located directly under the Auroral Oval and is mostly flat, allowing unobstructed views of the northern lights above. They have tiny lighthouse-like structures that alert residents and visitors when there’s a potential light show. It’s been said there is a 90% chance of catching them due to the city’s latitude, their abundance of clear nights and very little exposure to precipitation. The Aurora Borealis appears straight overhead as opposed to just slightly above the horizon and is visible 240 nights a year on average. One of Yellowknife’s most popular viewing areas is along the shores of Great Slave Lake between mid-November to April.
Take your viewing experience to the next level by doing it while hot tubbing, dog sledding, or on a hill in heated lounge chairs or teepees.
02. Melfort, Saskatchewan
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No surprise that Saskatchewan is known as the “land of the living skies” – it’s geographically far enough north to experience the natural wonder and beauty of the Aurora Borealis. At the north-eastern corner of Saskatchewan and 280km north of Regina, Melfort, “the city of the northern lights,” has a population of just under 6000. Spruce Haven Park is the area’s most sought after hot spot. Or to view while camping, head 2 hours northwest to Prince Albert National Park which occupies 3.874 square kms. Visit Christopher Lake, Emma Lake or Waskesiu Lake for fantastic reflective photo opportunities. There are even tours available such as dog sledding, wilderness adventures, snowmobiling trips and fly-in ice fishing where you can catch the northern lights while simultaneously participating in other fun activities. The rest of the province has eleven provincial parks that offer additional and alternative viewing options.
03. Manitoulin Island, Ontario
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Ontario may be located on the country’s south-eastern side however, Manitoulin has the darkest and inkiest skies in the province and a 360-degree horizon-to-horizon Aurora Borealis viewpoint vantage. Manitoulin is 2,766 square kms, far off the beaten path, slow-paced and rich in authentic aboriginal culture. The largest freshwater island in the world, there are over 1000 inland lakes on Manitoulin. The Aurora Borealis reflects off of the water in this northern part of Lake Huron.
Visit Gordon’s Park, Canada’s first commercial Dark Sky Preserve with minimal artificial light pollution – they’ve been organizing Aurora Borealis themed weekends and astronomy nights for quite awhile now. Confirmed a strict ‘no white light’ zone, red filters are required for all light sources especially when it comes to designated campsites. A local myth states the island is home to Gitche Manitou, therefore, when the northern lights are on display, it means the Great Spirit is home.
04. Churchill, Manitoba
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Not only the infamous home to many of Canada’s polar bears, but every inch of Churchill experiences the Aurora Borealis phenomenon at least 300 nights per year. This part of Manitoba brings in nature and astronomy enthusiasts from around the world due to being geographically located directly beneath the Auroral Oval in the Northern Hemisphere. And when the lights are out in full-force, they can even be casually seen in the middle of town.
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre provides ideal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis from a heated dome at the top of their outdoor observation deck. Alternatively, you can enjoy the brilliant light show from a Tundra Buggy with Frontiers North or from Churchill Hotel’s Aurora Domes. There are also photography outings based in a yurt deep in the boreal forest arranged by Nanuk Operations. September is an optimal month to observe the northern lights before the Hudson’s Bay reaches sub-arctic temperatures.
05. Nunavik, Quebec
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Quebec secretly harbours an amazing Aurora Borealis view point. There is a northern region of Quebec home to Kuujjuaq, an inuit village on the west shore of the Koksoak River. Famous for sea-run trout fishing and caribou hunting, this place is deserted enough to provide outstanding views of the glowing Aurora Borealis in the dark night sky.
The largest village in the area with a small population of around 2,800, they are situated entirely under the Auroral Oval. You can observe the northern lights while spending a night in an igloo, or by taking a trip on the Hudson River with magical flashes of magnificent colour dancing above your head. Inuit Adventures, a tourism company, offers Aurora-viewing tours which includes airfare from Montreal, Inuit culture experiences, archaeological site visits, and opportunities to observe wildlife.
