The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most spectacular displays. Canada, with its northern location and large areas of low light pollution, offers some of the world's best viewing opportunities for this magical phenomenon. In this guide, we'll explore the top destinations across the country for witnessing the dancing lights in the sky.

What Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, creating colorful curtains of light that dance across the dark night sky. These lights are typically green, but can also appear in shades of pink, purple, blue, and red.

To view the Northern Lights, you need three key elements: dark skies (little to no light pollution), clear weather (no clouds), and high auroral activity. The best time to see them in Canada is between late August and early April, with peak viewing opportunities during the winter months when nights are longest.

1. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Yellowknife Northern Lights Aurora Borealis over Yellowknife

Often referred to as the "Aurora Capital of North America," Yellowknife sits directly beneath the aurora oval—the ring-shaped region around the North Pole where auroral activity is most concentrated. With clear skies on over 200 nights per year and minimal light pollution, Yellowknife offers a 90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you stay for three nights during winter.

  • Best Viewing Spots: Aurora Village, Prelude Lake Territorial Park, and the shores of Great Slave Lake
  • Best Time: Mid-November to early April
  • Pro Tip: Many local tour operators offer heated tepees and cabin viewing options, allowing you to enjoy the lights in comfort despite the frigid temperatures

2. Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon's high latitude and low population density create perfect conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Whitehorse offers the advantage of civilized comforts while providing easy access to prime viewing locations away from city lights.

  • Best Viewing Spots: Lake Laberge, Takhini Hot Springs, and Fish Lake
  • Best Time: September to April, with January and February offering the longest viewing opportunities
  • Pro Tip: Combine Northern Lights viewing with a soak in the Takhini Hot Springs for an unforgettable experience

3. Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill Northern Lights Northern Lights over the tundra near Churchill

Best known for polar bear viewing, Churchill also ranks among the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Located beneath the aurora oval, Churchill experiences auroral activity on over 300 nights per year. The flat tundra landscape provides an expansive viewing canvas with minimal obstructions.

  • Best Viewing Spots: Churchill Northern Studies Centre, the area around the Port of Churchill, and along the Hudson Bay coastline
  • Best Time: January to March (though bears are best seen in October and November)
  • Pro Tip: Book a specialized aurora viewing tour that includes heated tundra vehicles or viewing domes

4. Jasper National Park, Alberta

For those who prefer the majestic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park offers spectacular Northern Lights viewing opportunities. As the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper's minimal light pollution makes it an ideal location for stargazing and aurora watching.

  • Best Viewing Spots: Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, and Old Fort Point
  • Best Time: October to March
  • Pro Tip: Attend the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October to learn more about astronomy and the Northern Lights

5. Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

For the truly adventurous, this remote national park in northern Labrador offers pristine Northern Lights viewing away from any city lights. Located in traditional Inuit territory, the Torngat Mountains provide a unique cultural context for experiencing the aurora.

  • Best Viewing Spots: Throughout the park, particularly from the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station
  • Best Time: Late August to early September
  • Pro Tip: Access is challenging and expensive, but the combination of Northern Lights, stunning mountain scenery, and Inuit cultural experiences makes this a bucket-list destination

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

Camera photographing Northern Lights Setting up to photograph the aurora

Capturing the Northern Lights requires some preparation and specific camera settings. Here are some tips for photographing this magical phenomenon:

  • Bring the right gear: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, extra batteries (cold weather drains them quickly), and a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster)
  • Use the right settings: Set your camera to manual mode, use a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/4), ISO between 800-3200 (start lower and adjust as needed), and shutter speed between 5-15 seconds (longer for fainter auroras, shorter for bright, fast-moving ones)
  • Compose your shot: Include interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or lakes to add context and scale to your images
  • Focus properly: Set your focus to infinity during daylight, then tape your focus ring in place, or use live view to focus on a bright star
  • Keep warm: Dress in layers, bring hand warmers, and consider using remote shutter release so you can keep your gloves on

Planning Your Northern Lights Trip

When planning a Northern Lights viewing trip in Canada, keep these factors in mind:

  • Book in advance: Popular aurora viewing locations can sell out months ahead, especially during peak season
  • Plan for multiple nights: Weather can be unpredictable, so plan to stay at least 3-4 nights to increase your chances of clear skies
  • Check aurora forecasts: Websites and apps like Aurora Forecast and SpaceWeatherLive provide predictions for auroral activity
  • Prepare for cold weather: Winter temperatures in northern Canada can drop to -40°C, so proper arctic clothing is essential
  • Consider a guided tour: Local guides know the best viewing spots and can provide transportation, warm shelter, and photography tips

Conclusion

Witnessing the Northern Lights is a magical experience that tops many travelers' bucket lists, and Canada offers some of the world's best viewing opportunities. Whether you choose the accessible comforts of Yellowknife, the remote wilderness of the Torngat Mountains, or somewhere in between, seeing the dancing lights illuminate the night sky is an experience you'll never forget.

At Discover Canada, we can help you plan the perfect Northern Lights adventure, combining aurora viewing with other Canadian experiences like dog sledding, ice fishing, or exploring vibrant cities. Contact us today to start planning your Northern Lights journey.

Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Canada Winter Travel Photography