Best Place to see Northern Lights in Canada

One of the best places in Canada to see the northern lights is Churchill, Manitoba. This nighttime display of phosphorescent green, yellow and pink lights shimmering like stardust across northern skies has entranced travelers for centuries. Canada has several of the world’s top places to see them, with optimal viewing in the Winter between November and March.

The travel experts at Fresh Tracks Canada love helping visitors to Canada plan their vacation. Our Aurora Borealis tours take you to the best places to see the northern lights in Canada, such as Manitoba, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. They also include winter adventures to keep you busy once the sun rises, from dogsledding and snowshoeing to experiencing local culinary delights. The team at Fresh Tracks can help you customize your Canadian northern lights Tour package.

Where to see the northern lights in Canada?

The northern lights are visible, during the right conditions, in several places in Canada. For our list, we only chose the locations known for the regular appearances of the northern lights that are easy to get to by most travellers. These places don't require extreme hikes or enduring rough conditions. Our suppliers use the Northern Light forecast to determine the best nights for outings. It is predicted that 2023 will be a great year for spotting the Canadian Aurora Borealis. Here are the best places to see the northern lights in Canada.

Churchill, Manitoba

Found along the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill is the best place in Canada to see the northern lights. Located directly under the auroral oval, Churchill is even considered one of the top places in the world for this experience. The winter months of January, February, and March offer the best experience, though you have the chance to see the northern lights most of the year. Why is Churchill a top spot? Its longer nights and colder conditions mean the northern lights often appear brighter and remain in the sky longer. Plus, there are unique opportunities to take in the lights, such as a special diner car located in a tundra buggy.

Northern lights of Churchill

On this one-week adventure, you'll journey to Churchill, Manitoba - one of the top three places in the world to see the northern lights. View the mystical Aurora from a cozy Tundra Buggy in the deep dark of an arctic winter. Enjoy a culinary adventure under the stars, interpretive tours, and guided winter activities.

Experience this trip

Yukon

In the northwest of Canada, Yukon boasts several destinations with a high chance of seeing the northern lights. Part of the region lies underneath the auroral oval. The prime time for seeing the natural spectacle is between November and March, although you may spot the lights anytime between the end of August and the middle of April. Due to its remote northern location, Yukon experiences the midnight sun during the summer months. The long hours of sunshine make it impossible to see the lights.

Venture away from the city lights to areas of total darkness and turn your gaze skywards while trying to see the lights.

Northwest Territories

Canada's Northwest Territories is a prime destination for those hoping to witness the unforgettable magic of the northern lights. Its capital, Yellowknife, is located approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles) south of the Arctic Circle. This northern city experiences high levels of geomagnetic activity, which can make for colourful northern lights. During the winter, Yellowknife's remoteness and lack of light pollution makes for perfect aurora viewing.

Canadian Insider Tips to Experience Aurora Borealis

The best way to see the northern lights is on a guided tour, where your guides will take care of all the details. There are still ways you can prepare:

• Be ready to stay up late: The best time of night to see the lights is around midnight. It's a great excuse to take a nap earlier in the day.
• Prepare to head to a remote location: light pollution affects the ability to see the Aurora Borealis. The best tours have special set-ups with fire-pits and cozy shelters.
• Dress warmly and in layers: Winter nights in Canada are very cold, especially in the North. Many of our tour operators supply winter clothing.

Don't miss your chance to witness these life-changing lights and book your northern lights package in Canada. To discover more of Northern Canada, learn more about our tours or get in touch with one of our agents.