Canada’s Best Spot to See the Northern Lights

If you want to see the beautiful northern lights, go to Canada. In some areas, they shine through the sky 300 days a year.

The best place to see the aurora borealis is in northern Canada since much of that area is below the auroral circle, which is the very active area around Earth’s magnetic poles.

When the sun’s electrically charged particles hit the atmosphere on a solar wind and crash into gases, they create tiny flashes of neon light that fill the sky. 

Canada’s best times to see them are from December to March, when it gets darker earlier and the nights are cold and clear, or from August to October when the midnight sun starts to fade, but the weather is still good for hikes and paddling outside.

In many places, tourists can combine seeing the northern lights with culture and outdoor activities to make their trip more interesting. 

Where in Canada can I see the Northern Lights?

When the conditions are right in Canada, you can see the Northern Lights in several places. For our list, we only included places known for seeing the Northern Lights often and easy for most visitors to get to. 

You don’t have to go on long hikes or deal with rough weather to get to these places. The Northern Light forecast helps our providers determine the best nights for trips. 

2024 will be a great year to see the Northern Lights in Canada. Here are the best spots to see them.

Churchill Canada 

This is the best place in Canada to see the Northern Lights. It is in Churchill, which is on Thunder Bay. Churchill is right under the auroral circle, making it one of the best places in the world to see this event. You also can enjoy Weather in Aurora, Ontario.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is in the winter, in January, February, and March. However, you can see them most of the year. 

Why does Churchill come in first? The Northern Lights often look better and stay in the sky longer because the nights are longer and it is colder there. 

There are also unique ways to see the lights, like a special dinner car built into a tundra buggy.

January, February, and March are the best months to visit.

Number of nights that can be seen: up to 300 per year

The Yukon

Yukon is in the northwest of Canada. There are several places there where you can see the Northern Lights. A part of the area is below the circle of the aurora. 

The best months to see the nature show are from November to March, but you can see them anytime from the end of August to the middle of April. 

Because Yukon is so far up in the north, it has the midnight sun during the summer. You can’t see the lights since it’s been sunny for so long.

Get away from the city’s lights to places where it is completely dark, and then look up to see the lights.

Between November and March is the best time to go.

Number of nights that can be seen: up to 240 a year

Northwest Territories  

One of the best places in Canada to see the Northern Lights is Yellowknife, the main city of the Northwest Territories. There are 400 km (248 miles) between the city and the Arctic Circle. The city is under the Aurora circle. 

In Yellowknife, the best time to see the Northern Lights is in the fall or winter, when the weather is dark, clear, and not too hot. Visit watching spots outside of the city to see the aurora more vividly because there is less light pollution there.

August through October and December through April are the best times to visit.

Number of nights that can be seen: up to 240 a year

Newfoundland and Labrador 

Another great place in Canada to see the Northern Lights is the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Many of the best places to see the Northern Lights are along the coast, but the best way to avoid light pollution is to go to rural areas. 

Like Churchill, Newfoundland is a great place to live because it is in the north, and the nights are cold. The weather can be dangerous because it can cloud the sky.

September through October and March through April are the best times to visit.

Number of nights that can be seen: up to 60 per year

The Canadian Rockies

Canada’s best places to see the Northern Lights are in the Canadian Rockies in Banff and Jasper National Parks. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Banff is from October to April, but if the conditions are right, you might see them at any time of the year. 

Since Jasper National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve, no light pollution exists. From September to May, you can see the best lights. You can plan your trip to fit in with the Jasper Dark Sky Festival if you go in October.

Between October and April is the best time to go.

Number of nights that can be seen: Up to 300 nights a year can be seen, but that depends on the amount of light pollution.

How to See the Northern Lights Like a Canadian Insider

Going on a tour with a guide is the best way to see the Northern Lights because the guides will take care of everything. You can still get ready in these ways: 

• Get ready to stay up late. 
• Around midnight is the best time to see the lights. This is a great reason to take a nap early in the day. 
• Get ready to go somewhere remote because light pollution makes it hard to see the Northern Lights. 
• The best tours are set up in unique ways, with fire pits and warm covers. 
• Wear layers and warm clothes: Canada’s winter nights are very cold, especially in the north. 
• A lot of our tour companies sell winter clothes.

FAQs About Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada

1. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is typically from late August to mid-April. However, the peak months are generally from December to March, when the nights are longer and darker.

2. Where is the best place in Canada to see the Northern Lights?

Churchill, located in Manitoba, is considered the best place in Canada to see the Northern Lights. It sits directly under the auroral circle, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Other notable places include the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Canadian Rockies.

3. How many nights per year can the Northern Lights be seen in Canada?

The number of nights varies depending on the location and conditions. In Churchill, for example, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights on up to 300 nights per year. In other areas like the Yukon and Northwest Territories, it ranges from 240 to 60 nights annually.

4. What are the best months to visit Canada to see the Northern Lights?

The prime months for viewing the Northern Lights in Canada are typically from January to March, when the nights are the longest and coldest, providing optimal conditions for aurora sightings. However, the aurora can also be observed from late August to mid-April in various regions.

5. How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Canada?

To enhance your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s recommended to visit during the peak months, stay in remote areas away from light pollution, and consider joining guided tours led by experienced local guides who know the best viewing spots.

6. What should I wear to see the Northern Lights in Canada?

Dress warmly in layers, as Canada’s winter nights can be extremely cold, especially in northern regions where the aurora is most visible. Tour companies often offer winter clothing for sale or rental to ensure visitors stay comfortable during their Northern Lights experience.