There are lots of compelling reasons to visit Canada, from its breathtaking natural landscapes to its welcoming, multi-cultural cities. But one of its most popular attractions is truly out of this world – the Northern Lights.
After Nordic countries such as Norway, Greenland and Iceland, Canada is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. But this dazzling natural light show doesn’t always show up on schedule, so it’s important to time your visit to give yourself the best chance of striking lucky.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a few pointers on when is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada. And of course, where to see them.
Visit in winter when the skies are darkest
The phenomenon of the Northern Lights happens year-round, but it’s not always possible to see them in all seasons. It’s all to do with how bright or dark the skies are, which affects the visibility of the lights.
This is why wintertime will always be the best time to plan a trip to Canada if seeing the lights is a dream of yours. Aim for between November and March, and remember to wrap up very warm!
You’ll need to stay up late
As for the best time of the night to see the lights, it depends on where in the country you are. The time of night when the aurora makes an appearance can vary from region to region. But it’s likely to be late, between around 10pm and 2am. So, make yourself a coffee before you head out and you’ll be alert and ready when that thrilling moment happens.
Head for the north
As you might expect, northern Canada is a hotspot for Aurora Borealis sightings. Your best bet is the Northern Territories, but you can also try:
• Churchill in northern Manitoba
• Newfoundland
• Labrador
• Yukon
• Nunavut
You may even be very lucky and see the lights in somewhere like Alberta in autumn. People have reported seeing them on trips to Banff National Park.
Take a tour
If you’re in the right place at the right time, it’s perfectly possible to see the Northern Lights just by looking up. However, you may stand a better chance (and save yourself from long evenings shivering in the cold) if you go on a specialist Northern Lights tour.
These are led by experts who know exactly the right places and times where the lights appear. They can even travel through regions, giving you a chance to see more of Canada while also increasing the likelihood of spotting the lights.
If the Northern Lights is at the top of your must-see list for your trip to Canada, we can help. Put your Canadian adventure in the hands of your own personal Blank Canvas travel expert.
We’ll build a personalised itinerary just for you, including Northern Lights excursions, winter sports trips, whale watching and whatever else you’re dreaming of doing. Get in touch and let’s start planning!