This small town in Manitoba was voted one of the best places in Canada and it looks so magical
While your best chance to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, you can actually start spotting them as early as late August and throughout the fall.
The twinkling lights become more noticeable as the days start to get shorter as the sky is darker for longer, letting the aurora glow shine.
Sometimes this natural phenomenon is visible in southern Canada when solar activity is intense, but you really should be in the north if you want to witness the brightest spectacle.
The closer you get to the auroral oval, an area that surrounds the north pole, the easier they are to spot.
The Canadian Space Agency has always recommended check the weather forecast before you go as the cloud cover might prevent you from seeing the Northern Lights.
It also allows you to get as far away from light pollution as possible.
If the Northern Lights are on your to-do list, consider heading to these breathtaking Canadian places!
Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill is in the auroral zone, so it is a prime vantage point for this spectacle of blue and green skies. In addition, the lights are visible up to 300 nights every year.
If you can’t make it to Churchill, Polar Bears International broadcasts the Northern Lights live, so you can watch the sky from the comfort of your sofa.
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
With its secluded location on Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island is a great place to view this sparkling natural phenomenon.
It’s hidden from big cities and the light pollution that accompanies those areas, making it much easier to spot what’s dancing in the sky.
Fort Nelson, BC
When trying to spot the Northern Lights in British Columbia, it’s not only important to get away from the city lights, but also to escape the classic cloudy weather of the coast.
Choosing a location both north and inland, like Fort Nelson, is a very good idea. The darker the sky, the better!
Whitehorse, Yukon
Your best chance to see the aurora is to go as far north as possible, and Canada’s territories are in the perfect area for sky-gazing.
Between fall and spring, the Northern Lights are a regular sight in Whitehorse, so this is the place to be for all aspiring astronomers.
Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador
In Nain, you will find the Torngat Mountains National Park, located in Inuit territory.
It’s a place only allowed here, but if you can secure the access it’s worth it due to the way the location is to the north. You will be seriously stunned when you see the aurora from here.
Dalvay by the sea, PEI
Prince Edward Island’s only national park is located at Dalvay by the Sea. Plus, it has a Dark Sky Reserve designation, so you’re almost guaranteed to get some spectacular views here.
You can lounge on the beach and watch the Northern Lights dance over the Atlantic Ocean, then see it all reflected in the water.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
In Yellowknife, the aurora is so bright because the landscape is mostly flat, offering some unusual views. Best of all, almost every night has a clear sky.
If that wasn’t enough, there is a Aurora Village in town too. This is an Aboriginal owned and operated tourism business that allows you to see the sights while surrounded by light-up teepees.
Sounds like a dream, eh?
Before you go, check out our Responsible Travel Guide to be informed, be safe, be smart and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
