Because it’s so far north, it’s also one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Located on the shores of Lac La Ronge, you can peer out over the water toward rugged islands and see the stars or aurora reflected back. Elana Shepert / Vancouver Is Awesome. That was 40+ years ago! You can view the lights from the outskirts of town, or opt to fly further north to smaller communities if you’re really looking to get away from city lights. Your chances at seeing the northern lights will increase the later in the fall you visit, as you’ll have more darkness to work with, especially in November. Alberta is one of the best provinces in Canada for seeing the northern lights because vast stretches of land are protected as national parks. Northern Lights Restaurant, Port McNeill: 3 Bewertungen - bei Tripadvisor auf Platz 8 von 9 von 9 Port McNeill Restaurants; mit 3,5/5 von Reisenden bewertet. At over 3.85 million square miles, Canada is not the kind of place you can see in a weekend. If you’re hoping to see the auroras during the shoulder seasons, Whitehorse is a great option! Anyways, Im looking to get some info on travel to an area to see this. It’s also the most popular northern lights destination in North America. Do I need a passport ? Still a chance to see the Northern Lights across parts of Canada tonight Scott Sutherland. With one of the largest areas and smallest populations, it’s easy to escape the crowds and light pollution that come with them. You’ll need to plan ahead for a multi-day and night trip to Mount Carleton, as services are pretty limited in the surrounding region. Additionally, Canada is divided into 10 provinces and three territories. This massive area encompasses huge swaths of tundra and arctic landscapes, and as you’d expect, is virtually free of all light pollution. Then we detail almost 30 spots to see the northern lights in Canada in every province and territory so you can see them wherever you’re visiting. This massive swath of protected prairie is home to huge land mammals like the buffalo. Every time I camp under clear dark skies, I try to identify constellations and the Milky Way, but I have only had the good fortune to see the northern lights once. In fact, the highway officially ends north of town, so you’re about as far from the rapid pace of development as it’s possible to be! Still a chance to see the Northern Lights across parts of Canada tonight Scott Sutherland. You can't see the Northern Lights from Vancouver Island. We like our truckcamper, it offers a lot of comfort. Ideally you'll want to get to the Yukon or the Northwest Territories if you really want to guarantee seeing the Northern Lights. Northern lights in comox!Last night, I went out to take some photos of the clear sky with half moon as it was a very clear night. Answer 11 of 17: Hi, I will be in LA in Jan 2013. Im going to BC after visiting Alberta to see the whales. Get answers to your questions about Vancouver Island. You can see the northern lights in Canada in the spring, but the chances of seeing them decrease as the summer approaches. Tuktoyaktuk is one of the Inuvialuit communities in the far northern mainland part of Northwest Territories and is connected to mainland Canada by road – though you may want to fly into the small regional airport to save time. Whitehorse is also one of the places in Canada that has the longest season for viewing the northern lights, spanning from mid-August to mid-April. While it’s less common to see the northern lights this far south in Canada, it is possible if the atmospheric activity is strong enough, and this is your best bet for a dark sky site near Vancouver. It’s not easy to get to NT, but it’s worth it if you’re trying to escape everyone and all the light that you can. Being a city dweller, I was not expecting this beautiful and ghostly apparition. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different seasons in Canada and your chances of seeing the northern during each. Happy that we have a four season unit. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you want to do it on your own, you can also spend the day hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even paragliding/hang gliding before camping in the national park. Once you’re set up, be patient and keep shooting. More or less the “centermost” province or territory in Canada, Saskatchewan is often overlooked. It’s also far from light pollution, making it a good stargazing or aurora viewing spot. On average, the sun revolves on its axis once every 27-28 days as seen from earth. While it’s not the best season to visit Canada to see the northern lights, you can start to see them as early as September in some parts of Canada. AuroraWatch widget for your website. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10548417', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car and drive to wear the Aurora viewing is>>. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Now you know the basics, so it’s time to start planning a trip to see the northern lights in Canada for yourself. Use these spots and the map below as a guide to planning your own northern lights itinerary in Canada. You can pair your pursuit of the auroras with a trip to see the polar bears, or simply visit to chase the northern lights. On the northern tip of Bruce Peninsula where it sticks out between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, Bruce Peninsula National Park is an outdoor-lover’s wonderland. A photo essay of Saturna, Pender, Galiano, Vancouver Island and Newcastle Island. :D. You'd have to drive 3 days north of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Great site and book. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10544921', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Terrace BC about 1400 km north of Vancouver. more, Chemainus, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Cowichan Bay, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Duncan, Cowichan Valley Regional District. Often overlooked for its more picturesque and popular neighbor (Jasper National Park, detailed below), Elk Island is one of two Dark Sky Preserves in Alberta. The beautiful weekend weather in Vancouver gave way to a dazzling and rare northern lights display over the region that many social media users were able to capture. Would you like to have Aurora predications right on your website for FREE!? Far from the modern conveniences of cell coverage or even power lines, Battle Harbour is home to some of the most pristine dark skies in Canada. Anywhere you can pull off the road with a good northerly view will be your best bet to try and see the northern lights. Best places in Metro Vancouver to spot the Northern Lights. Where in Alberta are you going? Another of Ontario’s Dark Sky Preserves, Torrance Barrens is named for its location and geologic features: you’ll find large open sky views and barren rocks upon which to set up your camera for a good astrophotography session. In Thunder Bay, Ontario, it’s possible to see the northern lights over Lake Superior in the winter. Aurora Prediction and Northern Lights Forecast 27-Day Aurora Forecast. Within the park is the highest point between the Canadian Rockies and the Labrador Peninsula, at Head of the Mountain (4,816ft in elevation). While it’s possible to view the northern lights from the city of Thunder Bay itself, there are many places nearby where you can catch even better aurora spectacles. A TK-hour drive from TK, Gordon’s Park has plenty of outdoor adventures during the day and great stargazing at night (even if the aurora doesn’t show!). Once the aurora light up, you’ll have a chance to shoot some amazing dancing lights in the sky. Ideally you'll want to get to the Yukon or the Northwest Territories if you really want to guarantee seeing the Northern Lights. We also cover the details of which months are best for visiting if you want to ensure the best chance possible to see the northern lights. Electricity runs through the light fixture to excite the neon gas inside, and when the neon is excited, it gives off a brilliant light. On Saskatchewan’s southern border with U.S. state Montana, you’ll find Grasslands National Park. Starting east of Dawson City, the Dempster Highway heads northeast out of the Yukon toward Northwest Territories. It’s also the second-largest town in the Yukon (after Whitehorse), so it’s the best base to set out and explore northern Yukon and see the northern lights in the area. You might be able to see the northern lights over Lower Mainland, Island. Have other questions about seeing the northern lights in Canada? You’ll need to catch a ferry to reach Battle Harbour, and its rustic offerings aren’t for everyone… but avid aurora chasers will find the sacrifices well worth it if the skies are clear and the northern lights are visible. Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point in Canada, but it’s still far enough north to see the northern lights under the right conditions. It’s not easy to explore the Yukon due to its size, but it’s well worth it when you find that perfect patch of dark sky and see the northern lights dancing above. So far from the forums, it looks like tofina, and we would (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I teach aurora tourists there every winter so I know the view very well! Kay Rodriguez is the explorer-in-chief behind Jetfarer, a travel blog dedicated to helping intrepid full-time professionals plan outdoor adventures around the world with limited vacation days. Well maybe from the north Island if you're lucky but typically the Island is too far south for this. I know there was a good one, just can’t remember it. Despite this, there are great stargazing spots and dark sky preserves in the territory. Jasper National Park (and its largest town, Banff) host a dark sky festival each October where people travel from around the world to view the dark skies, learn astronomy, and listen to live music while the northern lights dance overhead. Much like the United States, this means that you’ll plan a trip to 1-3 of these and should focus your astrotourism plans in that area. The Rockies in neighboring Alberta draw the crowds, as do the polar bears and belugas that frequent parts of Manitoba in the east. We bought this combination new in May 2015. This is a very helpful tool for predicting auroras. Try our AuroraWatch widget.. After dark, you can camp in the park to enjoy the stars above and the northern lights if the conditions are right. Nevertheless, this is a benefit for Saskatchewan, which has among the lowest population density – despite being one of the largest. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10544697', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vancouver Island and cross your fingers it's not cloudy, rainy, and that you can see the Northern Lights that far south. Known for its archaeological sites and cultural heritage, you can also find pockets of the dark sky and good opportunities to view the northern lights. Staying in a cabin on northern Vancouver Island, it took me a few seconds to realize what I was seeing. One of the dark sky reserves in Canada, Kouchibouguac National Park is located on the central part of New Brunswick’s coast, away from the city lights of Fredericton and Moncton. During fall, it sometimes pays to check the aurora forecast, as sometimes the activity of the northern lights can be so high that it reaches as far as Northern Vancouver Island in BC, Canada. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Located inland, Mount Carleton Provincial Park is another dark sky preserve that takes advantage of the open space in New Brunswick. During the winter months, you’ll want to explore the coast of Georgian Bay along the Bruce Trail, where a good northern view offers the opportunity to see the northern lights when the sky is clear. Related: What are the most popular tours in Vancouver Island? First, we explain the phenomena of the aurora – so you know what you’re seeing. During fall, it sometimes pays to check the aurora forecast, as sometimes the activity of the northern lights can be so high that it reaches as far as Northern Vancouver Island in BC, Canada. Before you book a ticket, it’s important to understand when you can visit and actually see the aurora borealis in Canada. You might be able to see the northern lights over Metro Vancouver Friday A solar storm could spark northern lights over Metro Vancouver this week Dec 10, 2020 11:26 AM By: Elana Shepert Here are ideas for things to do in Banff during the day, if you need them. Alberta features over 600 lakes, Rocky Mountains, and vast prairies. Located in northern Labrador on the eastern coast of Canada, Torngat Mountains National Park can only be reached by plane or ferry, but once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous places to view the northern lights dancing above these untouched valleys and mountains. (They’re called the “southern lights” or aurora australis when they occur in the southern hemisphere.). If you want to change the aurora as far north as possible, consider planning a trip to Tuktoyaktuk, or “Tuk” to those who know the place. That was taken in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Located just an hour outside of Vancouver, it’s surprising to find a dark sky preserve so close to a major city. And thanks for using some of my photos (Jasper, the star party scene, and New Mexico) in the book. Iqaluit is a small community of fewer than 10,000 people and offers primarily rustic accommodations and tours, but at 63°N latitude, it’s well placed to see the northern lights – and dark enough that they’ll be easy to spot if they’re visible. During the day, outdoor adventures including hiking, paddling, and fishing are popular ways to pass the time. Small-Group Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver, Seaplane Flight to Victoria with Ground Transport and Butchart Gardens Admission, Private Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria, Planning an 8 day trip to Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, 12 nights at Vancouver island with small kids, Vancouver Island - 10 days itinerary help, Best Camping on Vancouver Island - with Dog, The Beach Club Resort - Bellstar Hotels & Resorts. You'd basically want to get as far north as possible on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Officially named a Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park is one of Canada’s most picturesque locations and is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot. A private natural park established in 1991 on Manitoulin Island, Gordon’s Park is a surprising dark sky destination – but it’s also a delightful option if you want to try and see the northern lights in Canada without trekking north to the Arctic. Hey you! Head to the sand for a perfect spot to soak in the Northern Lights. In Nunavut, that’s not the case: capital city Iqaluit is an ideal base for an aurora expedition in the region. Kejimkijik National Park and Historic Site is one of Canada’s Dark Sky Preserves – the only one in Nova Scotia – so you can expect dark skies and a good chance to see the northern lights when they are active. This is especially true in the non-Arctic areas like the Canadian Rockies. Im going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Located in Telegraph Cove on the east coast of Vancouver Island, BC, North Island Kayak has been providing customers with the opportunity to go kayaking with killer whales and other wildlife in this spectacular, remote part of British Columbia since 1991. Northern lights happen when the so-called solar winds reach the Earth and get affected by it George, the places we recommend are already linked in this post. How far would I have to travel from the Tofino area to reach a place where I can see the aurora? La Ronge is a community in central Saskatchewan, but it’s far enough north that you can easily see the northern lights on a good, clear night. During this time of the year, you’ll have plenty of darkness for viewing the northern lights. I recommend researching the specific parts of Canada you want to visit to find travel resources. The Northern Lights are visible in some of the more secluded areas of the Metro Vancouver region, away from the light pollution of dense urban areas. Being a city dweller, I was not expecting this beautiful and ghostly apparition. Thanks to recent government protection, some of the remaining wilderness, such as Brooks Peninsula, a stubby 14 km long projection on the northwest coast of the island, has been preserved. Roar off into the wilderness on a snowmobile and try your hand at ice fishing with a guide. In fact, McDonald Park is a favorite spot for the Fraser Valley Astronomers society. In fact, Yellowknife locals love the aurora borealis so much that they have “tiny lighthouses” which alert residents and visitors when there’s a likely showing of the northern lights that night. Affectionately called “Keji” by Nova Scotians, Kejimkijik National Park and Historic Site is a perfect place to get away from it all and experience the great outdoors. At its core, Mont-Mégantic Observatory sits atop the mountain of its same name, a good spot for organized stargazing or trying to see the northern lights. I seem to recall learning about northern lights, visibility, location etc. This light is what we call the “northern lights,” when they occur in the northern hemisphere. Since Jasper is largely covered in forests, you need to find a spot with a wide clearing to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights. During the day, take advantage of cycling, hiking, or canoe/kayaking opportunities in the national park. I came back to Vancouver and realized, I actually could've done this in my own backyard. The Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights in Canada, The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Canada, Popular Tours & Day Trips to See the Northern Lights in Canada. Here are some of the top spots to plan a stargazing trip to the province. This indigenous community is the largest and northernmost in the province. 2020-12-10. Would I need to get a 4x4 for this terrain? There are still some amazing dark sky destinations where you can see the aurora borealis under the right conditions. Here are some of the best places. Read on to learn everything you need to know to try and spot the northern lights on your trip to Canada. Winter is the best time to see the northern lights in Canada. A 10 minute video of a visit to Vancouver Island, Howard Johnson Hotels in Vancouver Island, Relais & Châteaux Hotels in Vancouver Island, Travelodge Hotels Ltd in Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island Hotels with Free Parking, Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island All Inclusive Spa Resorts, Hotels near Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hotels near Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada, Browse all 9,933 Vancouver Island topics ». In fact, McDonald Park is a favorite spot for the Fraser Valley Astronomers society. There are limited services along the highway, so plan ahead to ensure you have enough fuel and supplies – and know where you’ll be stopping for the night. It’s also protected from the more dramatic ocean by barrier islands, salt marshes, and forests, making it a great spot for exploring the outdoors and seeing wildlife. Much of Vancouver Island once looked as the north still does today. Stay in a unique Ranch located on a 16-acre property with nightly aurora viewing straight from your private terrace with the picturesque coastal mountains as your companion. Lol. In the summer, you basically have zero chance of seeing the northern lights. ... Day 6 » Northern Lights Resort & Spa Spend the day on an excursion, donning snowshoes for a wintry hike or taking the reins of a dogsled – the ultimate Yukon experience. And is the terrain difficult to get there or just a basic straight highway? There’s no feeling like seeing the northern lights dancing over a lake, their reflection glimmering in the dark waters. The northern lights are suddenly appearing more active than they've been in over a decade, leading to some spectacular photos. This is aided by the lack of light pollution in Battle Harbour itself, as well as the distance from other development or urban city lights. ( Ian Terris Photography‎ ) ( Ian Terris Photography‎ ) Keep an eye on the night sky this weekend, no matter where you are across Vancouver Island or Canada for that matter, because there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to see the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights.