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If you want to see the Northern Lights in Canada, you’re in luck. Depending on the area you visit, you can see the Aurora Borealis in Canada at just about any time of year if the weather conditions are good.
The first time we saw the Green Lady was during our trip through the Canadian Rockies. We were traveling in late May, which isn’t even during Aurora season in Canada, so we were excited to spot it!
Of course, if you want to visit Canada specifically to see this natural phenomenon, I recommend planning your travel itinerary accordingly. Don’t worry; in this guide, I’ll share the best time to visit Canada for the Northern Lights and the places you should go for the best chance of seeing a spectacular light show. I’ll also provide tips on where to stay and what tours you can take to make the most of your visit, so keep reading.
See the Northern Lights in Canada
You’ll find everything you need to know in this article, including where to watch the Northern Lights in Canada and tips to help you capture incredible photos. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- When to see the Northern Lights in Canada
- Where to see the Northern Lights in Canada
- Best Northern Lights tours in Canada
- Tips for seeing the Canadian Northern Lights
At the end of this guide, you’ll find a map with Northern Lights locations in Canada that you can use to plan your itinerary and route.
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada
While there are some parts of the country where it’s possible to see the aurora any time of year, the Northern Lights season in Canada runs from October to March, when the skies are darker for longer.
If you’re traveling outside the Northern Lights season, particularly in April, May, August, and September, there are a few hours of darkness in the southern provinces. So, if there is a good solar storm, you may be able to view the Canadian Northern Lights there.
However, there are only a couple of times a year when solar storms are high enough to reach the southern area. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and have your heart set on seeing the aurora in Canada, it’s best to change your plans. Move your trip to late September or March, during the equinoxes, when the solar activity that causes the Northern Lights is highest.
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Also, remember that the further north you travel, the more hours of darkness you’ll have in the winter (and the fewer hours of darkness you’ll have in the summer). In other words, you must plan your trip accurately to give yourself the best chance of spotting the aurora borealis in Canada.
It also helps to learn how to predict the Northern Lights. We use an app called My Aurora Forecast, which notifies us when solar activity suddenly increases. You should also keep an eye on the weather since no matter how intense the aurora is; it’ll be hard to see anything if it’s cloudy.
To sum up, these are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Canada:
- September – October: there is usually high solar activity, making it easy to see the aurora borealis in Canada.
- November – February: the days are short, and the nights are very dark, so that you can see the Northern Lights in Canada’s northern provinces.
- March – April: there is a lot of solar activity with the spring equinox, making it possible to see the Canadian Northern Lights.
I advise against traveling in the summer months, particularly in June and July. While some southern areas get a few hours of darkness, you’ll need high solar activity to see the aurora, so your chances are slim.
Where to see the Northern Lights in Canada
If you’re wondering where to see the Northern Lights in Canada, you should know that the northern provinces offer the best light shows, particularly from early fall to early spring. More specifically, these are the best places to see the aurora borealis in Canada:
- Whitehorse (Yukon), the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada
- Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), another place to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada
- Churchill (Manitoba), another good place to view the Northern Lights in Canada
- Banff & Jasper, two places to see the Northern Lights in the Canadian Rockies
- Iqaluit (Nunavut), a secluded place to enjoy the Northern Lights in Canada
- Kuujjuaq, a remote place to watch the Canadian Aurora in Quebec
Overall, Whitehorse is the best place to watch the aurora borealis in Canada. In addition to its ideal latitude, Whitehorse typically has many clear winter nights, which is why it’s the headquarters for many Canadian Northern Lights tour operators.
1. Whitehorse (Yukon), the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada
♦ Latitude 60°
The Yukon territory is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world thanks to its latitude and location. Ideally, you’ll stay in the Yukon capital of Whitehorse, as this city makes for a great base camp while you tour the rest of the area. Besides, some of the best Northern Lights hotels in Canada are here, such as the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, which has large glass windows so you can watch the aurora from inside.
Other excellent options include Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast, which offers a viewing terrace and a location far from light pollution, and Triple B Bed n Breakfast, which is just outside Whitehorse and offers good value for money.
1. Whitehorse (Yukon), the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Regardless of where you stay, if you want to have the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Yukon, you should book a tour. This way, you’ll have the help of a knowledgeable guide who can take you to the best viewing spots and share tips. I like this excursion, but if you’re interested in a multi-day tour, check out this one.
In addition to seeing the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada, you can take advantage of Whitehorse’s location to visit other fascinating sites. For example, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve is home to various species like arctic foxes, elk, lynx, red foxes, and reindeer. The city is pretty cool, with institutes like the MacBride Museum and the bank of the Yukon River, where the Klondike gold rush occurred.
2. Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), another place to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada
♦ Latitude 62°
The Northwest Territories, specifically Yellowknife, is another perfect place to see the Canadian Northern Lights. The aurora shows up here so often that Yellowknife is known as the Northern Lights Capital of the World. In addition to the aurora borealis, you can take the opportunity to visit Great Slave Lake (one of the deepest lakes in North America) and the Cameron Falls Trail, which offers year-round hikes.
If you decide to watch the Northern Lights in Yellowknife, Canada, you’ll have many tours and accommodation options. One of the best hotels is the Super 8 by Wyndham Yellowknife, which boasts an excellent location and great rates. Another nice option is Tiga Bed and Breakfast, which has a terrace overlooking the city, making it a beautiful place to view the Dancing Lady.
2. Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), another place to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada
The chances of spotting the aurora borealis in Yellowknife, Canada, are very high, but if it’s your first time here and you traveled solely for the Northern Lights, it’s best to book a tour. This 4-hour excursion is a great short-term option, although there is also this 5-day tour.
If, for whatever reason, you decide not to go to Yellowknife, another city in the Northwest Territories to consider is Tuktoyaktuk. At a latitude of 69°, it offers good chances of seeing the aurora, but remember that it’s much more remote, with fewer hotels and services.
3. Churchill (Manitoba), another good place to view the Northern Lights in Canada
♦ Latitude 58°
Churchill is among the best places to see the Northern Lights in Manitoba, Canada. This city is known as the Polar Bear Capital, featuring a large population of these bears in October and November. There are other attractions in the area that are sure to please, such as the Itsanitaq Museum, Wapusk National Park, and the Prince of Wales Fort, which overlooks the ocean.
3. Churchill (Manitoba), another good place to view the Northern Lights in Canada
If you want to see the Northern Lights in Canada from Churchill, stay at the Churchill Hotel, a simple yet comfortable accommodation with an ideal location to see the aurora. Another option is the IceBerg Inn, a small hostel with basic amenities, affordable rates, and clean and comfortable facilities.
Of course, you’ll have the most luck seeing the aurora borealis in Canada if you book a tour. In this case, the best option is this 8-day excursion through Manitoba, an all-inclusive package that includes your hotel, Northern Lights night tour, and other iconic attractions in the region. Be aware that this excursion departs from Winnipeg but includes the flight to Churchill in the price.
4. Banff & Jasper, two places to see the Northern Lights in the Canadian Rockies
♦ Latitude 52°
When there is sufficient solar activity, the Canadian Rockies are a wonderful place to see the Green Lady despite being at a lower latitude. Within this mountain range, four national parks are scattered between Alberta and British Columbia: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, and Kootenay National Park.
I was in the Canadian Rockies when I first saw the Northern Lights, so it will always be a special place for me. One of the advantages of this region is that it still gets some hours of darkness even during months when the sun never sets in the northern areas. With a bit of luck, you can spot the aurora while enjoying this incredible natural environment.
4. Banff & Jasper, two places to see the Northern Lights in the Canadian Rockies
If you decide you want to see the Northern Lights in Jasper National Park, I recommend staying at the Jasper Inn & Suites by INNhotels, an excellent accommodation with a modern bar, terrace, pool, and sauna.
Another option is the Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. Considered one of Canada’s best Northern Lights hotels, it features cozy wooden cabins and a breathtaking lakeside location. This was where I was fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights for the first time!
If you want to see the aurora in Banff, check out our guide on the best hotels in Banff. We also have a complete guide to where to stay in Jasper if you’d like more suggestions.
As for tours, I like this excursion that includes admission to the Planetarium Dome Theatre and this multi-day tour through the Canadian Rockies.
5. Iqaluit (Nunavut), a secluded place to enjoy the Northern Lights in Canada
♦ Latitude 63°
You can also see the Northern Lights on Baffin Island, the largest island in Canada. More specifically, the capital of Nunavut, in Iqaluit, is an excellent viewing location, given its remoteness and high latitude of 63°. Just be prepared for freezing weather!
5. Iqaluit (Nunavut), a secluded place to enjoy the Northern Lights in Canada
Being in such a remote place, there aren’t any guided tours available here, so if it’s your first time visiting Canada for the Northern Lights, it’s not the best place to go. As for accommodation, the only option is The Frobisher Inn hotel. It offers all the facilities of a standard hotel, including restaurants, a gym, and spacious rooms.
6. Kuujjuaq, a remote place to watch the Northern Lights in Quebec, Canada
♦ Latitude 58°
While it’s not impossible to see the Northern Lights in Quebec, Canada, you’ll have the best chances if you go to the northern part of this territory, such as to the town of Kuujjuaq. That said, this place is very remote, with practically no hotels or Northern Lights tour operators. So, I recommend checking out one of the other options in this guide before resorting to Quebec.
6. Kuujjuaq, a remote place to watch the Northern Lights in Quebec, Canada
People often ask us if it’s possible to see the aurora borealis in Montreal or Quebec City. The reality is that it’s extremely difficult, not only because of the light pollution but also because of the lower latitude. Again, it’s much better to go to other destinations I mentioned or, at the very least, to a northern town like Kuujjuaq.
Best Northern Lights tours in Canada
Aurora chasing is one of the most popular things to do in Canada, and this country is the best place in North America to see the Northern Lights.
To make the most of your trip to see the Northern Lights, I recommend traveling with an experienced guide who knows the best locations and can factor in solar activity and weather conditions. There are many organized tours, so let me help you decide which one suits your needs.
Below, you’ll find the best Canadian Northern Lights tours, including durations, prices (in Canadian Dollars), and what’s included.
Northern Lights tours in Whitehorse, Canada
If you’re in Whitehorse, you can take this tour to see the Northern lights in Yukon. The excursion includes a bus ride to the observation center, where you can watch for auroras in the sky. Plus, the center is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape, so that you can capture some fantastic photos.
Northern Lights tours in Whitehorse, Canada
If you have more time and want to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, consider this four-day excursion. It includes a day tour of Whitehorse’s popular attractions like the Old Log Church (the oldest building in the city), and the SS Klondike. At night, you’ll venture to the places with the highest likelihood of showcasing the aurora. This tour also includes transportation and accommodation.
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Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife, Canada
There are also tours to see the aurora borealis in Yellowknife, Canada. If you’re short on time or money, consider this tour that runs along the Ingraham Route, a spot that is known for experiencing the Northern Lights. The excursion includes transportation and hot drinks to keep you warm while you await the Green Lady. In addition, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide and a professional photographer who can help you capture the experience.
Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife, Canada
If you have more time, the best option is this multi-day excursion, which will give you several opportunities to see the aurora. During the day, you can discover the Yellowknife region and some of its main attractions, while at night, you’ll go aurora chasing.
The best thing about this tour is that you’ll be with an expert guide who will take you to the places where you’ll have a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights. With their insider tips, I’m sure you’ll see the aurora before the tour is over! Plus, this tour package includes your transportation and accommodation, including a night in a tipi cabin, which is quite a unique experience.
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Northern Lights tours in Churchill, Canada
If you plan to look for the Northern Lights in Manitoba, Canada, then I recommend booking this 8-day excursion.
This is a very comprehensive tour, beginning with some time in the city of Winnipeg, where you’ll visit the Manitoba Museum and other attractions. Then, you’ll fly to Churchill, where you’ll go aurora hunting every night. In the mornings, you can take advantage of nearby sites like the Polar Bears International House and the Itsanitaq Museum.
Northern Lights tours in Churchill, Canada
This is an awesome excursion for those who want to explore one of the best places to see the aurora borealis in Canada without worrying about all the details. The tour includes transportation, flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, accommodation, meals, your tour guide, and entrance fees to museums and attractions.
- Departs from: Inn at the Forks hotel, Winnipeg
- Price from: C$ 6846
- Duration: 8 days
- Highlights: Eight-day trip through Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba; daytime activities and sightseeing; night excursions to see the Northern Lights. Accommodation, transportation (including flights between Winnipeg and Churchill), tour guide, and meals included
Northern Lights tours in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are one of my favorite places on the planet since this is where I first saw the Northern Lights. If you’d like to experience the magic of this region, book this multi-day tour.
Northern Lights tours in the Canadian Rockies
These mountains contain four national parks: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, and Kootenay National Park. If you book the tour I mentioned, you’ll visit Banff and Jasper, where you’ll see some of the most impressive landscapes in the country.
During the day, you can spot bears, coyotes, moose, and other wild animals, while at night, you can see the aurora in Canada if there is strong solar activity. Without a doubt, this is one of the best tour packages for those who are passionate about nature. The excursion includes your guide, transportation, accommodation, and meals, so you can just focus on enjoying the trip.
- Departs from: Edmonton, Canada
- Price from: C$ 5193
- Duration: 11 days
- Highlights: 11-day trip through the Canadian Rockies; visits to Banff and Jasper National Parks; guided excursions to see the Northern Lights (solar activity permitting). Accommodation, transportation, and meals included
Northern Lights tours from Vancouver
Due to its lower latitude, seeing the Northern Lights in Vancouver, BC, is extremely difficult. That said, some tours depart from the city, specifically this four-day excursion.
This tour includes your flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada. There, you’ll be able to visit some beautiful sites like Marsh Lake and participate in activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing. At night, you’ll venture out in search of the aurora borealis.
Northern Lights tours from Vancouver
This excursion is the best option if you want to see the aurora borealis in Vancouver, Canada. Depending on how much time you have, it’s also worth going whale-watching in Vancouver; it’s one of my favorite things to do here.
- Departs from: Vancouver
- Price from: C$ 2296
- Duration: 4 days
- Highlights: Four-day Whitehorse trip from Vancouver; daytime activities and sightseeing; night excursion to see the Northern Lights. Accommodation, tour guide, meals, and round-trip flights from Vancouver included
See the Northern Lights on your own or with a guided excursion
By now, you may be wondering whether it’s best to see the Canadian Northern Lights on your own or with a tour group.
If you already have experience chasing auroras, and you’re going to have a vehicle that will let you get to more remote places, then going out alone shouldn’t be an issue.
See the Northern Lights in Canada on your own or with a guided excursion
However, if this is your first trip to Canada to see the aurora, and you haven’t seen the Northern Lights before, I highly recommend booking a tour. This way, you’ll be accompanied by someone who understands the aurora season in Canada and the locations with the highest likelihood of witnessing this natural phenomenon. In addition, most organized tours include transportation, so you won’t have to worry about driving at night.
Also, remember that there are some places in Canada where it’s pretty tricky to drive at night, so if you aren’t familiar with the road or the area, it’s better to have a guide.
Tips for seeing the Canadian Northern Lights
Now that you have all the information about where, how, and when to see the Northern Lights in Canada, here are some tips to help you make your trip even more enjoyable:
- Carefully choose your viewing location to see the Northern Lights in Canada. If you’re not sure where to go, I suggest booking an excursion that includes a knowledgeable tour guide, transportation, and accommodation. You can’t go wrong with one of the tours in Whitehorse or Yellowknife.
- Choose the best time to visit Canada for the Northern Lights, ideally between October and March. Avoid the summer months.
- Download an app that can predict the Northern Lights forecast in Canada. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Always move away from big cities, towns, and areas with light pollution. The darker, the better!
- Wear the appropriate clothing and footwear. Temperatures drop at night, so it’s important to dress warmly, especially since you’ll probably end up waiting for the aurora to appear.
- Be patient and wait. The Northern Lights usually take a while to appear, and you may not see anything your first night. Wait it out, and don’t give up because witnessing Canada’s aurora borealis is totally worth it.
- Don’t forget to charge your camera before heading out!
- If you’re passionate about photography, consider joining us on one of our photography tours. We organize photography trips around Iceland and photography tours through the Lofoten Islands to enjoy the Northern Lights. In my experience, it’s easier to spot the aurora in these locations.
Finally, make sure you savor the moment and enjoy the entire experience. Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada is something you’ll never forget.
Map of best locations to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Throughout this article, I’ve mentioned several places where you can watch the Northern Lights in Canada, so here is a map highlighting those locations:
Use this map to plan your ideal trip, and remember that the best places to view the Northern Lights in Canada are remote and dark.
Best images of the Northern Lights in Canada
If you want to capture the best photos of the Northern Lights in Canada, I recommend reading our specific guides:
You can also look at our Canada gallery to see our best images of the aurora borealis in Canada.
FAQs – Northern Lights in Canada
In case you have any other doubts about the Canadian Northern Lights, here are the answers to some common questions:
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is from October to March.
Where can you see the Northern Lights in Canada?
The best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada are Whitehorse (Yukon), Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), and the Canadian Rockies. It’s also possible to see the aurora in Churchill (Manitoba), Iqaluit (Nunavut), and Kuujjuaq (Quebec).
Can you see the Northern Lights from anywhere in Canada?
You can view the Northern Lights in Canada practically anywhere, provided there is minimal light pollution. That said, the northern part of the country is the best place to see the Canadian aurora borealis, particularly between early fall and early spring.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Vancouver, BC?
Seeing the Northern Lights in Vancouver, BC, is quite difficult because of all the light pollution. Also, Vancouver is typically too far south, so you’ll need extremely high solar activity to spot the aurora.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Toronto?
No, seeing the aurora in Toronto, Canada, is rare due to the light pollution. If you’re in Toronto, you can try getting away from the city center, but you’ll need extremely high solar activity to see the Northern Lights.
Do you need to go to a remote area to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada?
Yes, the darker and further away you are from urban areas and light pollution, the better!
What should I wear to see the Canadian Northern Lights in winter?
If you plan to view the Northern Lights in Canada in winter, wear comfortable and light layers. Ideally, you’ll have an inner thermal layer and outerwear to withstand the freezing night temperatures. Also, don’t forget to pack gloves, a hat, a scarf, and any other items that will help you stay warm.
Do you need to book a tour to see the Northern Lights in Canada?
You don’t need to book a tour to see the Canadian Northern Lights, but it will increase your chances, especially if it’s your first time aurora hunting.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Canada without a guide?
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Canada without a guide, although joining a tour will improve your chances of spotting the aurora.
That’s everything you should know about the Aurora Borealis in Canada. If you have any other questions or you’d like to share your experience watching the Northern Lights from Canada, please leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
Stay safe and enjoy the Canadian Northern Lights!
Hello
I want to book a customised tour to Canada. I want to see northern lights, niagra fall, and banff there.
Plz help me out for the same
Hi Archana,
Banff National Park is definitely worth a visit, and it’s a great place to see the Northern Lights in Canada. However, it’s very far from Niagara Falls.
I would suggest dedicating some time to Banff, then travelling to Niagara Falls (or vice versa). I hope this helps!
Hello,
I will be visiting Toronto for Christmas near Mississauga where can I see northern lights there?
Hi Helen,
It’s very difficult to see the aurora near Toronto because of all the light pollution. You can try getting away from the city center, but you’ll need extremely high solar activity to see the Northern Lights.
Hi I’m booked to go to Yellowknife over Christmas this year. I am hoping to see the Northern Lights at that time.
I wish you the best. Yellowknife is one of the best places to see Northern Lights in Canada!
Ascen
Hello.
Which places would you suggest to experience the Northern Lights Near Saguenay ?
Thanks
Hi Victor,
We don’t have much experience seeing the Northern Lights in Eastern Canada, so I can’t help much about Saguenay.
The latitude and light pollution look great to see the lights 😉
Hi. I am in Ottawa ontario Canada what’s the best place in Canada to see the northern lights in January2023 ?? Should I travel to Yellowknife, white horse or Churchill. Waiting to hear from you before I book
Sushma,
Any of those three locations are great places to see the Aurora in Canada! No one can predict how it’ll be the weather/cloud forecast so far in advance 😉
Hi..
Thanks for writing such an informational article. I am planning a trip for Northern Lights in month of December. What place do you suggest Canada or Iceland. If Canada then what place?
Thanks a lot in advance.
If Canada, I recommend Yellowknife or Whitehorse. Said that, Iceland is my favorite country to see Northern Lights.
Ascen
Hello,
When is the best time in September to see the northern lights?
Also, which could be the nearest place to Mississauga?
Hi Damini, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is in late September and during the new moon.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Ascen
Hi, Thanks for the useful information.
I’m planning to go with my mother to Yukon to fulfil her dream about seeing the northern lights. I’ve done lots of research about the best time for increasing the chance of seeing the Aurora. Between February or March which month you suggest?
I don’t want to disappoint her.
Thanks
I’d highly recommend beginning to mid March since the solar activity is usually higher during that period to see the Northern Lights in Canada or any other part of the world 😉
I’m saving up for a trip to either Alaska or Iceland in 2025/26 during the next peak. My plan is to stay for about a month to ensure I get to see the lights. If you had a choice between any location at any time of year what would you choose for highest probability of seeing them? Is there any way to determine the areas with least cloud cover? I’d prefer not to freeze my toes off but if I need to go in February so be it. I just really want to ensure I don’t miss them.
Thank you! this is a terrific site.
Lauren,
I’d opt for Iceland since it’s much easier to move around. September and March are usually great months in terms of solar activity, but there’s no way to predict the cloud forecast in places like Iceland or Alaska 😉
Hi, is there any place where I can go see the lights between christmas and new year? Thanks!
Hi Silvina,
You can check here the best trips to see the Northern Lights. Let me know if you have any questions,
Ascen
Hello
I am currently in Ontario and Northern Lights are in my bucket list i and curious where should i go where to stay, if anyone can help me through this it would me helpful for me
Hey Harsh,
Ontario is not the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada. The best areas are very remote in the North of the Province. My advice is to visit Churchill, where you’ll have greater chances once the Aurora season kicks off.
All the best in your Aurora chasing experience!
Dan
Hello. I really loved the article. Can you please suggest any places in Ontario for northern lights in October or November? What is usually the best time to view the northern lights in Ontario?
Hello Mansi,
The best areas to see the Northern Lights in Ontario are located in the North of the Province close to the Hudson Bay, which is a very remote area with no facilities. My recommendation in November and October is to visit Churchill, Manitoba, where you can enjoy the Aurora and other activities like Polar bear watching 😉
Best,
Dan
Hello I’d love to see the northern lights I’m near to Vancouver any chance to find in this period of the month (june) thanks
Hi Yassir,
You will need a very high KP index (higher than kp 7), and since this year is a solar minimum year (as we explain on this article on how to predict the Northern Lights) is going to be very difficult for you to see them from Vancouver in June.
Ascen
Any way, Van
Where is the best place to see northern lights in New Brunswick or the maritimes in general?
Hi Krystal,
It’s an area I don’t personally know. However, I’ve seen some nice Aurora images from Prince Edward Islands.
Wish you all the best in your Aurora chasing experience! 😉
Hi, great information thank you! How cloudy is in march? I was planning a trip to either Whitehorse or Yellowknife from March 22-25 but found that is very cloudy basically daily on several weather sites. What are the chances to see the auroras if its indeed that cloudy? what other places have more clear skies? thank you in advance!
Hi Juan,
You need clear skies to see the Northern Lights. It’s a matter of having good luck. However, if you want to increase your chances, I would go to Iceland where you have at least a clear sky per week during the winter.
Ascen.
Hi there!
Thanks for such an informative blog. Which place would you recommend visiting for the northern lights in September? I want to do a birthday trip with family so a less freezing location would be a great boon on the list.
Thanks,
Yukti
September is very early for the northern locations, so I would try in the Canadian Rockies. However, bear in mind you will need a high KP, something that only happens from time to time.
Ascen
Hi from Australia!!
I have booked a six week holiday in Canada from May 3 until June 16. I’ll be mostly focusing on the west half of Canada, so mostly BC, Alberta and possibly north of here too. I’ll be travelling by Campervan. I am a semi-professional photographer and I have never seen the Northern lights. I know its not the best time of the year to see them, but what locations are going to give me the best chance to see the Northern lights?
Thankyou in advance!!
David
Hi David,
Anywhere at the Canadian Rockies. At that time of the year, you will need at least a KP. All the pictures you see at this post were taken at the end of May with a KP of 7.6 🙂
Download the app Aurora and wait for the best.
Ascen
We are looking for a great honeymoon destination to see the Northern lights February 2-8th do you have suggestions?
If it’s in Canada, I’d definitely plan it for either Whitehorse or Yellowknife.
Wish you all the best in your Northern Lights chasing experience 😉
Where can i go to see the northern lights in October in Canada
Hi Remy,
You got many good places like Whitehorsem Yellowknife, Churchill…do your own research to see which place looks better for you and you’ll be ready to chase the Northern Lights!
Wish you all the best during your Aurora experience,
Dan
Hi Remy,
You got many good places like Whitehorse Yellowknife, Churchill…do your own research to see which place looks better for you and you’ll be ready to chase the Northern Lights!
Wish you all the best during your Aurora experience,
Dan
Is there anywhere in Canada that would offer the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in mid-May?
Thanks so much!
Hi Cassondra,
I saw them in mid-may from the Canadian Rockies. That latitude is probably the only one from where you can see the lights at that time of the year.
On the other hand, chances are very low, since you need a huge display of Aurora to see the Northern Lights at that latitude. It’s rare but not impossible 😉
Cheers,
Dan
Hi there,
My friends and I are thinking about making a trip to see the Northern Lights in Canada sometime in 2020. Where and when do you suggest is the best time to see the Northern Lights? Also, please include inns or hotels to stay in, and tours to see the Northern Lights. Your suggestions and advise is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Kim
Hi Kim,
I would go to Whitehorse from October to March, avoiding December and January. I recommend you to stay at Northern Lights Resorts & Spa, one of the best Northern Lights hotels in Canada.
Regarding the tours, I would book this one to increase your chances of seeing this amazing phenomena.
Let me know if you have any other question.
Ascen.
Hello! Thank you for such a detailed and informative article! Is there a place in Ontario where the Northern Lights can be seen during January-March? Thanks very much!
Hi Shubba,
For seeing the Northern Lights in Ontario you will need a strong solar storm, something fairly unusual. If you want to see the Northern Lights in Canada, the closest place to Ontario having reasonable chances is Churchill, Manitoba.
All the best,
Dan
Hi,
I want to start planning a trip for me and family to Seattle-Vancouver area, I just recently was told about chance to watch aurora borealis lights and definitely would like to include in my plan.
Please let me know of nearest place from Vancouver you recommend for this and also best time to go, but trying to get a not so cold weather because of childs.
Thanks.
Hi Jaime,
Even though there are chances of seeing the Aurora in Seattle and Vancouver, the chances are extremely low since you need a very high solar storm (which is a very rare event). If you want to see the Northern lights in Canada, the closest place to go having a realistic chance is either Whitehorse or Yellowknife.
In any case, I suggest downloading an Aurora Forecast app in case there is a big solar storm and you have the opportunity of seeing it when you visit the Seattle-Vancouver area.
All the best during your trip and hope you can see the green lights!
We will be going to Yellowknife the beginning of November, what are our chances of seeing the Lights?
Hi!
You have chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife in November. All depends on the solar activity and clouds forecast.
All the best in your Aurora chasing experience ;)!!
Please send me some info on prices
Hi Sandra, at the moment we don’t offer any tour to see the Northern Lights in Canada yet.
However, we offer other tours for photographing the Aurora in Iceland and Norway. You can find more info here.
Best,
Dan
Such a great read, so much information.
I will be looking at going to Canada over the Christmas new year period, i will be ticking off many bucket list items. Go to Canada, have a white Christmas, hopefully go on the Rocky mountaineer, and see the northern lights.
If I do go on the rocky mountaineer – where would you suggest to see the northern lights
See the Northern Lights in the Rocky mountains is a matter of luck. You will need a KP over 6.5 at least and this doesn’t happen every year.
We were very very lucky. If you are too, I will suggest you to go to Peyto Lake or Emerald Lake.
Good Luck!
Ascen
Hi, thank you for this wonderful guide. I noticed that there is no listing for May. I will be visiting Yukon in May 2020, is there a possibility to see the Northern lights there? Thank you.
Hi Roselle,
There is too much light at such latitude to see the Northern lights in Yukon in May.
You’d better travel by as late as mid-April to see the Aurora in Canada in that region.
Best,
Dan
Hello,
We’ll be visiting Whistler in late September. Do you think we’ll be able to see the northern lights there?
Hi,
Chances are very low as Whistler is not located at very high latitude.
In any case, September is usually a very active month in terms of Northern Lights so I’d recommend to download the App Aurora and check it daily in case there is a big solar storm that could trigger a Northern Lights display there.
All the best during your trip!
Dan
Hey!!!! I’m Crazy in love for this Guide!! You’re amazing!!
I’m from Brazil, and september 2020 i’m going to study english in toron, after that, I want spend 5 days hunting north lights…I was Reading a lot about, but now I’m delighted for you site!! So in the end of september, are you recommend me Canadian Rockies? I’d like camping there…It would be possible? Thanks a lot!!
Hi Camila,
Camping in September at the Canadian Rockies is amazing. I would do it for sure. However, if you want to assure seeing the Northern Lights, I would go north (Yellowknife or Whitehorse).
Whatever you choose, I am sure you are going to love it!
Ascen.
Hi. We will be visiting Canada in early September this year for 2 weeks and would love to see the Northern Lights if possible, what would be the best places to visit to potentially view them? We will be travelling from Vancouver to Toronto.
Hi Craig,
I am afraid it is not the best time to see the Northern Lights but I would try in the Canadian Rockies for sure.
Let me know if you need something else,
Ascen.
We’ll be in Ontario the first 3 weeks of September and we’d like to have our Mom and Dad get (in Mom’s bucket list) to see and experience the amazing NORTHERN LIGHTS. Mom and Dad are in their 70s. We’d also love to experience that with them. We were told YUKON would be a great site to go this SEPT. Please advise including inns or hotels to stay in. Thank you
Hi Aldric,
I have sent you an email with more information 🙂
Have a nice day,
Ascen