The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is one of nature's most spectacular displays. Canada, particularly the Yukon and Northwest Territories, offers some of the best viewing opportunities in the world. As someone who has spent countless nights under these dancing lights, I'm excited to share everything you need to know about experiencing this magical phenomenon in Canada's northern reaches.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a natural light display caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gas atoms in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions emit light of varying colors, predominantly green but also blue, pink, purple, and red. The result is a celestial dance of colors that has captivated humans for millennia.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Canada
The prime viewing season in Canada runs from late August to mid-April, with peak activity typically occurring in the darkest months (December to February). However, the shoulder seasons of September-October and March-April often provide the best combination of reasonable temperatures and good aurora activity.
For optimal viewing, you'll want:
- Clear, dark skies (away from light pollution)
- High solar activity (which follows an 11-year cycle)
- Patience - the lights can appear suddenly and last minutes or hours
Top Viewing Locations in Canada
Whitehorse, Yukon
The capital of Yukon offers excellent aurora viewing opportunities just outside the city. Many tour operators provide trips to purpose-built viewing areas away from city lights. The combination of accessible wilderness and modern amenities makes Whitehorse a perfect base for northern lights hunters.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Often called the "Aurora Capital of North America," Yellowknife sits directly under the aurora oval, giving it one of the highest probabilities of aurora sightings. The city boasts a 90% chance of seeing the lights if you stay for three nights during winter.
Churchill, Manitoba
Better known for polar bears, Churchill also offers spectacular northern lights viewing. The flat landscape provides unobstructed views of the horizon, perfect for watching the lights dance across the sky.
My Yukon Aurora Adventure
My personal journey to see the northern lights took me to Whitehorse in late September. After arriving, I spent two days exploring the city and preparing for my aurora excursion. I booked a specialized tour that took our small group about 30 minutes outside the city to a heated yurt where we could warm up between viewing sessions.
For three nights, we waited patiently. The first night offered only a faint glow on the horizon. The second night was cloudy with no visibility. But on the third night, nature put on a spectacular show that I'll never forget.
Around 11 PM, faint green wisps appeared in the northern sky. Over the next hour, they intensified into bright ribbons of green and purple light, dancing and swirling overhead. The experience was utterly silent yet somehow felt loud—a visual symphony that filled the entire sky. The lights pulsated and shifted, forming curtains and spirals that seemed to reach down toward us.
Tips for Aurora Photographers
Capturing the northern lights requires some specialized knowledge and equipment:
- Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures
- Opt for a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower)
- Set your camera to manual mode with ISO 1600-3200, aperture wide open, and shutter speed between 5-15 seconds
- Use manual focus set to infinity (autofocus struggles in the dark)
- Bring extra batteries—cold temperatures drain them quickly
- Consider a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake
What to Pack for Your Aurora Adventure
Proper preparation is essential for comfortable aurora viewing in Canada's north:
- Multiple layers of warm clothing (thermal base layers, mid-layers, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell)
- Insulated winter boots rated for extremely cold temperatures
- Hand and foot warmers
- Balaclava or face mask
- Warm hat that covers your ears
- Insulated gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer, but gloves offer better dexterity for camera operation)
- Thermos with hot beverages
- Snacks for energy
Beyond the Lights: Other Activities
While the northern lights are the main attraction, Canada's northern regions offer numerous other activities to enjoy during your visit:
- Dog sledding through snow-covered forests
- Ice fishing on frozen lakes
- Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
- Visiting indigenous cultural centers to learn about traditional knowledge of the aurora
- Relaxing in hot springs under the stars (available near Whitehorse)
Final Thoughts
Witnessing the northern lights is a profound experience that connects you to the cosmos in a deeply personal way. There's something humbling about standing beneath these celestial lights that have inspired myths and legends across northern cultures for thousands of years.
While there's never a guarantee you'll see the aurora (they are a natural phenomenon, after all), Canada's northern territories offer some of the best odds in the world. With proper planning and a bit of luck, you'll be rewarded with a display that no photograph or video can truly capture—you simply have to experience it for yourself.
Ready to plan your own northern lights adventure? Contact Canada Tourism for specialized aurora packages that include expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and the best chance to witness nature's greatest light show.