Experience the northern lights in Canada
Once you've decided to take in the awe-inspiring splendor of the northern lights in Canada, all that's left to do is choose your ideal viewing experience and plan your trip. And with more ways to see the northern lights than anywhere else, Canada certainly has no shortage of options. From dogsledding and snowshoeing expeditions to cozy cabins, relaxing resorts, and traditional Teepee Villages, there's a northern lights experience for to suit every traveller's appetite for exploring.
Experience the northern lights in Canada
Once you've decided to take in the awe-inspiring splendor of the northern lights in Canada, all that's left to do is choose your ideal viewing experience and plan your trip. And with more ways to see the northern lights than anywhere else, Canada certainly has no shortage of options. From dogsledding and snowshoeing expeditions to cozy cabins, relaxing resorts, and traditional Teepee Villages, there's a northern lights experience for to suit every traveller's appetite for exploring.
Where to see the northern lights in Canada
Click on the map to discover all that the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Churchill, Manitoba have to offer and find the northern lights experience that's right for you.
Why Canada?
Auroral oval
The auroral oval is a ring-shaped zone around Earth’s magnetic poles where northern lights activity is most concentrated. Places such as the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Churchill, Manitoba sit beneath this zone, giving them a front-row seat to the aurora.
Dark skies
The darker the sky, the easier it is to see the northern lights. Clear nights with little artificial light let the aurora stand out in all its color, which is why getting away from city lights can make for an even better view.
Long viewing season
Northern lights season lasts much longer than you might think. In the Yukon, viewing season runs from late August to early April, while the Northwest Territories has distinct fall and winter viewing seasons and up to 240 nights of aurora activity a year. In Churchill, the lights can be visible up to 300 nights a year, with January, February and March offering some of the best viewing conditions.
Why Canada?
Auroral oval
The auroral oval is a ring-shaped zone around Earth’s magnetic poles where northern lights activity is most concentrated. Places such as the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Churchill, Manitoba sit beneath this zone, giving them a front-row seat to the aurora.
Dark skies
The darker the sky, the easier it is to see the northern lights. Clear nights with little artificial light let the aurora stand out in all its color, which is why getting away from city lights can make for an even better view.
Long viewing season
Northern lights season lasts much longer than you might think. In the Yukon, viewing season runs from late August to early April, while the Northwest Territories has distinct fall and winter viewing seasons and up to 240 nights of aurora activity a year. In Churchill, the lights can be visible up to 300 nights a year, with January, February and March offering some of the best viewing conditions.
Your month-by-month guide to northern lights viewing in Canada
Learn how, when, and where to best experience the aurora in Canada’s north.
Your month-by-month guide to northern lights viewing in Canada
Learn how, when, and where to best experience the aurora in Canada’s north.
Best Times to View the Northern Lights
Northwest Territories (Fall): mid-August to mid-October
Northwest Territories (Winter): November to April
Manitoba: February and March
Yukon (Summer): mid-August to mid-October
Yukon (Winter): November to mid-April
Why These Months?
Clear Skies & Long Nights:
The best conditions for northern lights viewing.
Viewing Tips:
Follow Local Expert Guides:
Connect with local tour operators who know the best spots and times for viewing based on current conditions.
Escape City Lights:
Find remote spots for the best views.
Dress Warmly:
Stay comfortable during Canada’s cool nights.
FAQs: About the northern lights
It can be easy to get wrapped up in planning a trip to witness the northern lights, so here's some FAQ's to help make your trip easier.
Lights, camera, action
Gaze up at the truly life-changing experience of seeing the northern lights intricately dance across the night skies in the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Churchill, Manitoba.
FAQs: Prepare for your northern lights trip
Still have questions?
We get it - it's a lot to be excited for! To find out more information or to explore each destination, visit their websites for even more travel inspiration: Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Churchill, Manitoba.