If you’re a person who appreciates beauty (and if you’re visiting this site it’s safe to assume you are) then seeing the Northern Lights should definitely be on your bucket list. Also referred to as Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are a naturally occurring phenomenon that can only be described as, well… Magical.
If you live in Canada you should consider yourself very lucky because the opportunity to see this phenomenon is probably not that far away. There’s a chance of seeing them almost anywhere in the country as long as you’re in a remote area with little to no light pollution, but as the name implies, the further North you go the better the chance.
We’ve asked around and combed through Instagram to find some of the best places in Canada for seeing this natural wonder.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Time and time again people cite Whitehorse as being the best place in Canada to see the Northern Lights. From what we hear the sky literally lights up and starts dancing. What we wouldn’t give to have this view… Visit Yukon Info for suggestions on where to stay.
Iqaluit, Nunavut
If you’re willing to brave the cold, Iqaluit might be the right place. Due to its remote location there’s virtually no light pollution, meaning that the chance of seeing the sky light up is pretty strong. It’s also great for learning more about Canada’s Northern culture. The good folks at Travel Nunavut can help you out with more info.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZSixJNBmNs/?tagged=northernlightscanada
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Yellowknife claims to be the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights. And based on the photos we’ve found, it’s not hard to believe. If you’re planning a trip we would suggest visiting Lonely Planet‘s Yellowknife section for ideas.
Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill is an arctic destination spot for a lot of reasons. Most people go for the polar bear sightings, but second to that, people go for the Northern Lights. Depending on what you want to see, the best times to go can vary, so check out Everything Churchill for information.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm3pUK1BuyW/?hl=en&taken-by=discover_churchill
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay isn’t often included on lists of the best viewing spots in Canada, but we’ve heard from multiple folks who have lived there and visited frequently that the views are spectacular. So get out of the city and away from the lights and you might just be rewarded with a sight like this.
All of these places are frequently suggested by travel experts, but getting there isn’t always easy or cheap. If you’re based closer to the American border and don’t want to trek so far North don’t fret, there are still plenty of chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Countless people have reported seeing them on crisp clear nights in Algonquin Park, while others claim Collingwood can a decent spot.
Do your research before planning your trip to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance to see them. Nature being what it is makes it impossible to predict, but there are some services that try to help. Try consulting an Aurora forecast site like Service Aurora, or if you’re heading to the far North check out Astronomy North’s forecast.
If anyone has specific suggestions on where to stay, or tour groups they’ve had good experiences with please let us know!
Feature photo by Sam Ekpil
