Seeing aurora borealis is one of the most incredible and mesmerizing experiences you can have in life. Canadian wilderness makes just the perfect setting for watching mother nature's light show. The lights are more likely to appear when the sky is very dark when the weather is cold and dry. Consequently, winter is the perfect time to see northern lights, which is why it best to venture up north during late September and late March.
More importantly, keep in mind that it will more than likely be REALLY cold, so be sure to be prepared for low temperatures. This means bundle up! You will be experiencing almost freezing conditions. And finally, if you wish to increase your chances to see the aurora borealis, visit your preferred location for anywhere from 5 to 8 days.
This amount of time will be enough to chase aurora borealis' perfect sky conditions, while also giving you possibility to explore much of the tours and attractions of the surrounding area in which you are staying.
 | Aurora borealis in Canada |
Here's a list of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is one of the best places to visit in Canada, and it offers a plethora of fun activities, as well as the opportunity to see the Northern Lights phenomenon. There's an abundance of secluded spots where you can watch the show, from remote mountaintops to shimmering lakes. Some travelers might even see them from the town itself.
Even though the lights can be seen here all year round, the best time to visit is during the winter, when the nights are long, and your experience can be truly spectacular.
2. Iqaluit, Nunavut
Only brave travelers seeking unique adventures venture to the remote and cold Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut and visit Iqaluit, which is the capital of the territory. Even though little to no tourist infrastructure exists, this is an excellent place for watching aurora borealis. The best months for this adventure are October to April. However, you'll have the best opportunity to see them in December, when some days have only 4 hours of daylight.
3. Muncho Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia
Muncho Lake Provincial Park offers some of the most picturesque backdrops for catching a glimpse of the natural light show. The Northern Lights reflect off the calm waters of Muncho Lake throughout the year. If you're lucky to catch a clear sky, you'll have an incredible, breathtaking view. You can gaze at shades of green, pink, and yellow and make unforgettable photos and memories for a lifetime.
To complete your experience in British Columbia, you can combine the trip to see the aurora with a visit to one of the most popular skiing resorts in Canada, as many of them are located in this area.
4. Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada, and viewing locations are scattered throughout the area. The city is surrounded by wilderness, and depending on your interests, you can watch the show in a variety of ways, such as:
- From a well-equipped luxury rental lodge or a glass chalet
- While enjoying the comfort of an outdoor hot tub
- From a remote backcountry cabin
- From the middle of a dog sledding tour, etc.
You can typically catch the lights here from the middle of August until the middle of April.
5. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
If you want to see this spectacular light show from Canada's eastern coast, you can do it from Gros Morne National Park, which has some excellent viewing spots. The aurora can be seen almost everywhere in this park. If you like camping, you can bring a tent, find a secluded spot, and spend the night here watching amazing phenomena in a wonderful setting. The otherworldliness of this landscape is just ideal for stargazing!
6. Torngat Mountains, Newfoundland, and Labrador
The Torngat Mountains are located in a national park with the same name. This area is the traditional home of the Inuit people, so you'll be able to see some of their significant spiritual and cultural sites. It's also one of the best places to see Northern Lights in Canada because you can gaze at them from one of the igloo dome base camps as a part of a professionally guided tour.
If you decide to visit this place, you'll have the chance to see animals such as deer, polar bears, and seals enjoying their natural habitat. You can also admire natural wonders such as fjords and some of the oldest rocks in the world.
7. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park's area is one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world, one of the greatest places for fishing in Canada as well as a base for many other outdoor activities. Since the artificial light pollution is restricted here, it's possible to see the magnificent beauty of the night sky.
You can come here to watch the light in mid-October if you want to experience the Jasper Dark Sky Festival as well - a celebration organized for connecting visitors with the universe and beyond.
8. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
This is a low populated province where you get a big chance of seeing the Northern Lights phenomenon during late autumn and the winter months. Even though temperatures here can be freezing, that doesn't stop true adventurers and aurora borealis seekers. There are many tours which you can book, and it's possible to find one that suits everybody's taste and budget.
The light show will be the best if experienced from outside the city limits where you'll find stunning landscapes as well. The nights here are just perfect - clear, crisp, and dry. In Yellowknife you are almost guaranteed to see northern lights if the skies are clear. See the show in the front row on weekends from December to March.
9. Edmonton, Alberta
The capital city of Alberta province, Edmonton has a wonderful network of forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and river valleys. Professional Movers Canada witnesses a great number of people moving to Edmonton each year driven by beautiful natural areas. This city also offers one of the country's best opportunities to see the splendor of the aurora borealis.
The views are even more legendary from the outskirts of the city. Keep in mind that the lights are brightest shortly before and after midnight. You can find many Dark Sky Preserves near Edmonton and have a truly unique experience.
10. Churchill, Manitoba
Another jewel of Canada where you can enjoy the Northern Lights at its best all year round is Churchill, Manitoba. If there are no clouds or rain, no matter the season, you can expect to witness a once in a lifetime show. There are many unique ways to view the lights here. However, the most popular way is from special heated glass domes with 360-degree panoramic views. In addition to aurora, you can also see polar bears, belugas, and arctic foxes here.
Northern Canada has so many wonders, and the Northern Lights are just a part of what you can expect to see often if you decide to call this region home. If you plan to come here from far away, you can be in harmony with nature all year round. Reliable long-distance movers can help relocate North hassle-free while you take your time exploring everything it has to offer.
Conclusion
Whichever of these top places to see the Northern Lights in Canada you choose to visit, you won't make a mistake. Each of them offers truly amazing and unique experiences.