Few natural phenomena capture the imagination quite like the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. This celestial light show—dancing waves of green, pink, and purple illuminating the night sky—draws travelers from around the world to Canada's northern regions. During my recent expedition to the Yukon Territory, I had the privilege of witnessing this magical display firsthand, and I'm excited to share everything I learned about how you can experience it too.
Understanding the Northern Lights
Before planning your aurora-chasing adventure, it helps to understand what causes this remarkable phenomenon. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions produce energy released as colorful light. The most common color is green (from oxygen molecules about 60 miles up), but during intense solar activity, you might see rare red and purple hues (from oxygen at higher altitudes and nitrogen).
The intensity and frequency of the aurora depend on the solar cycle—an 11-year period of solar activity. The good news? We're currently approaching a solar maximum (expected around 2024-2025), making the next few years an exceptional time for aurora viewing.
Best Time to Visit
While the Northern Lights are technically present year-round, they're only visible in dark, clear skies. Here's when to plan your trip:
- Prime Season: Late August to mid-April provides the darkest skies.
- Peak Months: September/October and February/March typically offer the best combination of clear weather and darkness.
- Time of Night: 10 PM to 2 AM usually offers the highest chance of sightings, though displays can occur any time during dark hours.
I visited in late September and was rewarded with three consecutive nights of spectacular displays, each beginning around 11 PM and lasting for several hours.
Top Locations for Aurora Viewing in Canada
1. Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Located just below the auroral oval—the ring around the magnetic pole where aurora activity is most concentrated—Whitehorse offers reliable viewing with the amenities of a small city. From here, I took a 20-minute drive to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where minimal light pollution and open vistas provided spectacular viewing conditions.
2. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Often called the "Aurora Capital of North America," Yellowknife sits directly beneath the auroral oval. With 240 potential viewing nights per year and exceptionally clear skies, it's perhaps the most reliable destination for aurora hunters. Local operators offer specialized tours that combine viewing with comfortable heated tepees or glass-roofed cabins.
3. Churchill, Manitoba
Best known for polar bears, Churchill also offers fantastic Northern Lights viewing. Its location beneath the auroral oval and lack of light pollution create ideal conditions. Winter visitors can combine aurora viewing with unique polar bear expeditions—a truly unforgettable northern experience.
4. Jasper National Park, Alberta
For those who prefer the accessibility of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper's Dark Sky Preserve status ensures minimal light pollution. While aurora activity is less frequent than in the territories, when displays do occur, the mountains provide a dramatic foreground for photography.
Tips for a Successful Aurora Expedition
Check Aurora Forecasts
During my trip, I religiously checked these resources:
- SpaceWeatherLive.com - Offers current solar activity and aurora forecasts
- University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute - Provides aurora forecasts specific to North America
- Mobile apps like "Aurora" or "My Aurora Forecast" - Send alerts when conditions are favorable
Dress Appropriately
Northern nights are cold, even in early autumn. Temperatures during my September visit dropped to -5°C (23°F) after dark. Layer strategically:
- Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic thermal underwear
- Mid layer: Fleece or down for insulation
- Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants
- Extremities: Insulated gloves, wool socks, warm hat, and neck gaiter
- Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots
Bring the Right Gear
- Headlamp with red light mode: Preserves night vision while allowing you to see your surroundings
- Thermos with hot beverages: Staying warm from the inside made lengthy viewing sessions much more comfortable
- Portable chair: After hours of looking up, your neck will thank you
- Hand and foot warmers: These chemical heat packs were lifesavers during lengthy viewing sessions
Photography Tips
Capturing the aurora requires specialized techniques:
- Essential equipment: DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens (14-24mm), sturdy tripod, remote shutter release, extra batteries (cold depletes them quickly)
- Camera settings: Manual mode, ISO 1600-3200, aperture f/2.8 or wider, shutter speed 5-15 seconds (shorter for active displays, longer for faint ones)
- Composition: Include interesting foreground elements like trees, cabins, or mountains
- Focus: Set to infinity during daylight, then tape the focus ring in place
Cultural Significance
While in Whitehorse, I was fortunate to meet with Edna Manitok, an Inuit elder who shared the rich cultural meaning of the Northern Lights among Indigenous peoples. In many Inuit traditions, the aurora represents the spirits of ancestors playing a celestial ball game with a walrus skull. Among the Cree, the lights are believed to be the spirits of loved ones trying to communicate with those still on Earth.
Learning these perspectives added profound meaning to the experience, reminding me that this natural wonder has inspired human awe and storytelling for countless generations.
Guided Tours vs. Independent Viewing
For my adventure, I chose a guided tour for the first night and independent viewing for subsequent nights. Both approaches have merits:
Guided Tours
- Pros: Expert knowledge, transportation to optimal viewing spots, equipment provided, cultural context and stories
- Cons: Higher cost, set schedules, potential for crowded viewing
- Recommended for: First-time aurora viewers, solo travelers, photographers wanting location guidance
Independent Viewing
- Pros: Flexibility with timing and location, privacy, lower cost
- Cons: Requires research and planning, need for transportation, safety considerations in remote areas
- Recommended for: Experienced travelers, those with a rental vehicle, longer-term visitors with flexibility
In Whitehorse, I can recommend Northern Tales Tours, whose knowledgeable guides combined scientific explanation with Indigenous perspectives for a holistic experience.
Where to Stay
Aurora viewing often requires late nights, so comfortable accommodations are essential. Consider these options:
Whitehorse
- Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Purpose-built for aurora viewing with floor-to-ceiling windows and dedicated viewing decks
- Inn on the Lake: Charming lakeside property with minimal light pollution
Yellowknife
- Aurora Village: Heated tepees under the stars
- Blachford Lake Lodge: Fly-in wilderness lodge with spectacular viewing
For budget travelers, the Beez Kneez Bakpakers in Whitehorse organizes informal aurora viewing groups, allowing you to split transportation costs with fellow travelers.
Final Thoughts
Standing beneath the swirling, dancing lights of the aurora borealis was genuinely one of the most profound travel experiences of my life. There's something humbling about witnessing this cosmic dance—a reminder of our place in the vast universe and the extraordinary beauty of our planet's natural phenomena.
As I watched ribbons of green and purple unfurl across the Yukon sky, I felt a connection not only to the natural world but to countless generations of humans who have gazed upward in wonder. This is more than just a bucket-list item; it's a transformative experience that stays with you long after you've returned home.
The Canadian North offers some of the world's most accessible and spectacular aurora viewing opportunities. Whether you choose the purpose-built facilities of Yellowknife, the mountain backdrops of Jasper, or the cultural richness of the Yukon, the Northern Lights await—silent, majestic, and utterly unforgettable.