Best Places To See Northern Lights In Canada For First-Time Travelers

One of the most magnificent and interesting natural events on the Earth are Northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, as it is commonly called. The view is amazing and should be the one to be seen by each traveler at least once in a lifetime. Canada is ranked as one of the most favourable locations globally to watch the Northern lights due to its isolated destinations, clear sky and imposing natural terrains. If you are a first-time traveler looking to experience this natural wonder, this article provides some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada.

Top 7 Unique Places To See Northern Lights In Canada 

The Northern Lights is an amazing phenomenon of the lights in the sky that is brought about by the collision of electrically charged the sun particles that penetrate into the atmosphere of the earth. Visitors get to see the Northern Lights in Canada, and numerous locations in the country provide fantastic shows all year round. Here are the top 7 unique places to see Northern Lights in Canada that will attract travelers looking for an unforgettable experience.

Whitehorse, Yukon: A Unique Experience

Whitehorse in the Yukon can be a great alternative travel destination to those who want to experience a special Northern Lights adventure. The city is the capital of Yukon, and this particular city is placed in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. This region is known for its amazing natural scenery, and many consider it the best place in Canada to see Northern Lights.   

Travelers have an opportunity to watch the Northern Lights in a comfortable and warm cabin in the company of local and international tourists in Whitehorse. There are numerous cabins in the region that are exactly constructed to benefit viewing of the Aurora, having huge windows and the floor heating that allows the marvellous display of lights to be viewed in the best position possible.

The hot springs that occur in Whitehorse are also a tourist attraction to other travelers who walk around with the aim of relaxing after hours of Aurora watching. The city of Whitehorse is home to the natural hot springs of Takhini Hot Springs just outside of Whitehorse, containing both indoor and outdoor pools that allow a soothing and warm soak done under the starry night.

Northern Lights in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: The Ultimate Northern Lights Destination

Yellowknife is the best place to watch the Northern Lights in Canada in winter, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. It is a small city on the Great Slave Lake in Northwest Territories that provides one with some of the clearest skies and the most unique events of the Aurora in the world. It is easy to find accommodation in different conditions since there are many different options, including comfy cabins and luxurious hotels, among others.

One of the most effective things to do in experiencing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife involves participating in an organized tour. The tour operators around also provide various Northern Lights activities such as snowshoeing or ice fishing that introduces an extra dimension of fun to your adventure. Visit to some remote locations outside the city can also be taken by using snowmobile tour to see the Aurora Borealis in full glory.

Amazing northern lights dance over the tepees at Aurora Village in Yellowknife

Churchill, Manitoba: A Northern Lights Adventure

Churchill, a city in North Manitoba in Canada is one of the best places to see Northern Lights in Canada that makes the tour time a fascinating and thrilling experience. Churchill sits on the shores of Hudson Bay and it offers an opportunity to enjoy the Northern Lights through a heated Tundra Buggy. Such specific cars are aimed to help experience the arctic tundra, and the view of the Aurora is exceptionally unique and comfortable. Visitors have an opportunity to engage in guided tours during which they are allowed to experience the Northern Lights as they get to know more about the specific ecosystem and animals that exist in the region.

Banff National Park, Alberta: A Northern Lights Escape

Banff National Park is a national park in Alberta and is famous due to its natural beauty and is the place which outdoor enthusiasts visit. However, many visitors are unaware that it is also where to see the Northern Lights in Canada.

The park is located far north, to the extent that it is found in the Aurora Belt, but it is also distant enough in locations, so it has clear and unpolluted night skies. This is why it is a great place to be in order to experience the Aurora Borealis.

There are so many places within the Banff National Park that one can view the Northern Lights well. Lake Louise is a top destination because of the beautiful nature that offers a beautiful background to see Aurora. Alternative spots that are advisable are the Bow Valley Parkway and the Icefields Parkway.

Northern Lights in Banff National Park Canada

Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories: A Northern Lights Experience Over the Ocean

Tuktoyaktuk falls right in the center of the Aurora Belt implying that it is among the Canada best places to see Northern Lights. To the beginner travelers, they will find this destination to be a serene getaway as night skies are clear and there is less light pollution. The travelers can have a pleasant and memorable trip as there are comfortable accommodations offered.

Iqaluit, Nunavut: A Northern Lights Dream

Iqaluit is a city in Canada and the capital of Nunavut, their northern territory. one of the best places to see Northern Lights in Canada, Iqaluit is found on the Baffin Island. Although there is outdoor activity, travelers could do snowshoeing and ice fishing, when the Aurora Borealis occurs, they get to experience the beauty of the Arctic land.

Iqaluit is one of the remotest places to see Northern Lights in Canada

Prince Edward Island: A Hidden Northern Lights Gem

Though less famous than certain other locations on this list, Prince Edward Island too treats its visitors with the picturesque amount of Aurora Borealis with the appropriate circumstances. 

Northern lights in Prince Edward Island are best viewed during high activity of the sun which usually happens in winter and fall times. The visitors will need to look at clear and black skies free of light pollution, which can be observed in some of the less preferred places of the island. The other attractions that a traveler may enjoy by visiting this beautiful Island include fresh seafood, spectacular beaches and welcoming residents.

Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Canada  

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is from October to March, when the nights are long and dark. By checking out our best place to see northern lights in Canada and keeping an eye on the weather forecast, visitors can increase their chances of witnessing this stunning natural display in the night sky.

The best time to view the Northern Lights are normally during 10 PM to 2 AM hours, though this may fluctuate with regard to the location, weather conditions as well as the solar activity.

Provided that you have flexibility of travel dates we would recommend booking your Canadian Aurora visit to be in the last part of September or March as this is the time when the solar activity that form the Northern Lights is at its peak and at its closest point during fall and spring equinoxes.

Nevertheless, to enhance the likelihood of Northern Lights, you should pick a place with low amounts of light pollution and open sky with darkness. Northern lights are formed in the regions where there is little light pollution like a national park or the wilderness.

Canada offers some of the best opportunities for Northern Lights viewing in the world, with these 7 destinations providing travelers with an amazing experience. Whether you're seeking a Northern Lights adventure or a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty, these destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression.

To make the most of your Northern Lights experience, it's important to choose the right time of year and location, as well as to plan ahead and secure a Canada visa if needed. You can check Canada's visa requirements here.

At Canada Immigration Services, you can apply for a Canada ETA with just a smart device and a strong internet connection. Visa processing is quick and does not require any paper documents. So what are you waiting for? Contact us now and start planning your Northern Lights trip to Canada today!