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13 Best Canada Northern Lights Tour and When to Go (2024)

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Looking for the best Canada Northern Lights tours? Then you’re in the right spot!

If you’re searching for an awe-inspiring natural spectacle, there’s nothing quite like the northern lights.

Canada is one of the best places in the world to see them, and with a little planning you can ensure that you have an unforgettable experience.

Some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada are the most remote – which is why a tour can drastically improve your chances of finding the Auroras without getting lost in the Arctic Circle!

Let’s dive into the best places, times, and tours so you can see the Northern Lights in Canada.

My Favourite: 4-Day Whitehorse Northern Lights Tour

Featuring dog sledding, snowshoeing, cabin stays, and more!

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display in the sky that typically appears in the high latitude regions around the Arctic. These are only in the northern hemisphere.

There’s another version in the southern hemisphere: the Aurora Australis.

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Aurora occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the upper atmosphere, causing the air to glow. The result is a beautiful light show that often appears as ribbons, curtains, or spirals in a range of colors like green, blue, yellow, pink, and purple.

The light show is ever-changing, which makes it all the more fascinating to watch.

The Northern Lights occur along the polar region of earth’s magnetic field, offering a unique experience not everyone gets to see.

To give you an idea of how special this is, Canada is actually one of only 8 countries where you can see the northern lights regularly!

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Canada

The best time to see Canada’s Northern Lights is during the winter months, from December to March. Even October to December can offer clear views of the Aurora if you are far north.

This is because you need dark, clear skies to see the Aurora – and in Canada, the further north you go, the longer the nights last.

You also want to be as close to the Arctic Circle as possible for higher chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Ideally, you want to find a spot that’s away from light pollution for optimal viewing conditions.

Solar storms sometimes make it possible to see the Northern Lights across Canada in the summer months – or even in southern cities like Toronto. (Well, outside of the city due to the light pollution.)

What month is best to see the Northern Lights in Canada?

The best month to see the Northern Lights in Canada is December, when the nights are longest and the Auroras are typically most active.

September and October are also good months to catch a glimpse of the Lights.

How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights in Canada?

It can cost of little as $0 to see the Northern Lights in Canada if you have access to a car. However, there’s no guarantee of sightings that way. I recommend a Canada Northern Lights Tour (starting at $80/person) to improve your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada?

The best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada is the Northwest Territories. Due to the high latitude and longer nights, the aurora is visible on average 240 nights a year! This is the most reliable place and offers some of the clearest skies for it.

Other places to view the lights include Churchill, Manitoba; Whitehorse, Yukon; Banff, Alberta; and northern parts of Newfoundland.

13 Best Canada Northern Lights Tours

1. Northern Lights and Huskies

🤩 5 out of 5 (12 Reviews)

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list adventure in Canada unto itself. But why not double the fun by adding in sled dogs?

This unique tour in Whitehorse is one of my favourites BOTH for dog sledding and for seeing the Northern Lights.

Your adventure begins when they pick you up from your hotel (or the airport) in Whitehorse to take you to their unique lodge. Once you’re settled into 1 of the 4 guest rooms, you’ll to meet the team of over 100 sled dogs on the grounds!

During the day, you’ll help exercise the sled dogs, even riding golf carts alongside them as they run at top speeds (you couldn’t keep up even if you tried!).

You can even cuddle up with them inside after a long day outside.

At night, the lodge is perfectly situated away from light pollution to offer epic views of the Northern Lights when they’re active.

This isn’t a guided tour of the Northern Lights. It’s a relaxed, more natural way to experience their brilliance in the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

“If you are looking for a Yukon Adventure and you love dogs, Muktuk is a must.” -Anonymous (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Whitehorse, Yukon
  • 3 days
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • Extra gear provided to keep you warm
  • All meals and beverages included, except alcohol
  • 8 people maximum
  • Sled dog experience
  • See the Northern Lights outside your Lodge

✅ Book the Northern Lights and Huskies Tour Today!

2. Yellowknife Northern Lights Tour Winter 3 Days 2 Nights Budget

🤩 5 out of 5 (1 Review)

The Yellowknife Northern Lights Tour Winter 3 Days 2 Nights Budget might not have a snappy name, but it does have the best all-round experience to view the Northern Lights in Canada.

This small-group tour of just 6 people includes 3 days packed full of adventure.

On day 1, you’ll explore the city of Yellowknife of a guided tour. You’ll even get to drive on top of a frozen lake and see an ice castle!

That night, you’ll head out to the Aurora Viewing Aboriginal Village experience in Dettah. Here you’ll get to toboggan behind a skidoo, explore the frozen shore of Great Slave Lake, and learn the local Dene (Indigenous tribe)’s way of life through history, drum circles, and singing traditional songs.

On day 2, you get a free day exploring Yellowknife – which you’ll know plenty about from day 1 of the tour. At night, the tour takes you on a cozy bus journey in search of Auroras along the Ingraham Trail. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outside and see the majestic lights, but you don’t have to freeze for hours to do it!

On the third day, you’ll get private transport to the airport or more free time in Yellowknife.

I love that this tour is so inclusive of a full Yellowknife holiday. You don’t just go into the boreal forest for the night sky and spend the day waiting around. Instead, you get to do a little bit of everything that makes northern Canada so amazing!

“Amit is the best guide, friendly, patient, and very passionate! He took unlimited photos for us even he was freezing in the -40 cold night!” -Anonymous (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 3 days
  • Hotel pickup offered (or airport)
  • Includes 2 nights at a hotel
  • Cozy bus
  • Snacks + drinks included
  • Maximum 6 people
  • Includes Yellowknife city tour
  • Unlimited photos

✅ Book Your Yellowknife Northern Lights Tour (3 Days 2 Nights) Now!

3. Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

🤩 5 out of 5 (85 Reviews)

Get the ultimate Northern Lights viewing experience in a rustic cabin with wood carvings and no light pollution.

From the cozy cabin, you’ll be able to clearly see the Northern Lights on a good night. And even if you don’t manage it, the host is such a lovely person you’ll have an incredible time learning more about Yellowknife and the history of the area. She even offers personal recommendations for other things to do and places to eat!

You can dress up in traditional Indigenous clothing for photoshoots, but you’ll need your own gear to brave the icey cold of night when you step outside to watch the beautiful blues and greens in the sky.

“Great food and fun times with new friends as we watched the most amazing display of the Northern Lights.” -Denise (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 4 hours
  • Costumes for photoshoots in the old-timey cabin
  • Hotel pickup and drop off offered
  • Snacks of bannock and creamy chowder
  • Tea and coffee
  • Private tour for your group only

✅ Book Your Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Experience Today!

4. Aurora Tour

🤩 5 out of 5 (116 Reviews)

The Aurora Tour is a 5 hour nighttime excursion along the Ingraham Trail from Yellowknife. This route is known for it’s excellent scenic spots to take in the Northern Lights.

It’s far away from city so it’s a great place to see the lights uninterupted by light pollution.

The expert tour operators at Aurora Tour will take you to the 3 best photo op spots, and offer professional photography services so you don’t have to worry about not getting a good picture.

Unlike some tours that rush you through photos, Aurora Tour allows you to capture your unforgettable experience to your satisfaction.

But be sure to bundle up! Summer months and winter months are both pretty cold this far north, and the tour doesn’t offer winter gear.

“Best Aurora tourism ever in north arctic. They know where to find best view of the northern lights.” -Guangli (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 5 hours
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • 3 photo op spots with a professional photographer
  • Unlimited photos
  • Cookies and hot beverages
  • 16 people max

✅ Book Your Aurora Tour Today!

5. Aurora Hunting Tours

🤩 5 out of 5 (147 Reviews)

This Aurora Hunting Tour is amazing for many reasons.

Firstly it only allows 5 people maximum, ensuring a near-private viewing experience. So you aren’t crowded on a bus with hundreds of people vying for photos.

Secondly, it’s Indigenous owned and run. I’m a big fan of Indigenous tour companies, as they offer amazing experiences, better history lessons than other tours, and it allows you to support the local community.

This 4 hour tour explores the best spots in the wilderness of the Yellowknife River Territorial Park, actively hunting for the undiscovered parts of the park where you can get the best views.

“Breathtaking experience!!! Period!! ” -Rahul (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Canada
  • 4 hours
  • Hotel pick up offered
  • Indigenous owned tour company
  • Snacks and hot drinks
  • 5 people max

✅ Book Your Aurora Hunting Tour Today!

6. Half-Day Northern Lights Guided Tour from Yellowknife

🤩 4.5 out of 5 (33 Reviews)

View the Northern Lights on this epic Canadian tour, just 400km south of the Arctic Circle!

It’s dangerous to venture into the forests of Northern Canada alone. So this small-group tour is perfect to help you get away from the city lights so you can enjoy the true majesty of the Aurora Borealis.

This tour includes a photography expert who can help you get your camera settings just right to capture the Northern Lights (cause really it didn’t happen unless you’ve got a picture, right?). If you don’t have a camera and tripod, you can rent one from the tour company.

You’ll even get snacks and a warm beverage to ensure you don’t feel totally frozen in the near-Arctic.

This is a one-night tour, so if you don’t want to spend a ton of time in Yellowknife, you can see the epic lights then head off for other adventures in Canada.

They call it an Aurora hunt partially because you do have to go looking for them – kind of like looking for whales. On this tour, the guide diligently takes you to the best spots – even if it means going to a couple different areas to get the best views!

“We could see the amazing aurora lights filled up the sky and dancing beautifully. Thanks for the wonderful memories.” -Evelyn (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 4 hours
  • Private driver and guide
  • Hotel pick up offered
  • Extra winter gear and photography equipment is an extra charge
  • Photography tips
  • 40 people max, minimum 2 required to book

✅ Book Your Half-Day Northern Lights Tour Now!

7. Yellowknife Northern Lights Viewing Tour Including 3-Nights Accommodation

🤩 4 out of 5 (14 Reviews)

Run by the same company as the Half-Day Yellowknife Tour, this 3-night adventure is a longer foray into the Canadian north.

Since it’s not guaranteed that the Northern Lights will be out on any given night, this tour offers a better chance of glimpsing the natural phenomenon.

You’ll sleep in a heated tee-pee each night, with lit up interiors so the darker night skies aren’t completely isolating. They even offer romantic dinner packages for you and your loved one.

During the day, you’ll have the chance to experience the Northwest Territories’ outdoor experiences, like dog-sledding and fishing.

Then at night, your guide will take you further from the brightly lit tee-pees to see the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis.

While you’ll visit the Aurora Village, it’s harder to see the lights there thanks to the plethora of city lights.

“The team was very helpful and courteous. The sky lit up for us every night.” -Ruth (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 4 days
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • Included hotel stay, 2 Aurora hunting tours, and complimentary snacks
  • Dinner and winter gear can be added on for an extra fee

✅ Book Your 3-Night Aurora Viewing Tour Today!

8. Yellowknife 2 Nights Aurora Viewing and Hunting Experience

🤩 5 out of 5 (3 Reviews)

This 2 night Aurora viewing experience is the perfect blend of actively hunting down the Auroras, and getting to stay in a cozy cabin.

The first night, you’ll be a true Northern Lights hunter looking for the dancing lights. The second, you’ll be able to spot them from your stay at a traditional log cabin.

My favourite part of the tour is the option to add-on a traditional meal of bannock and fish chowder. I’m a big fan of Indigenous Canadian food, and the fish in the Territories is incredibly fresh!

Since the tour only allows up to 15 people, you’re better able to interact with your guide as you learn about the reason we have the Northern Lights and more about the Northwest Territories.

My favourite feature is the included 2 photos of you beneath the Northern Lights! For people like me who … let’s say aren’t photographically gifted, this is a great way to ensure you don’t just get photos of your thumb on the screen or a completely dark sky by accident.

“Tracy was absolutely wonderful.” -John (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 2 days
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • 2 free photos
  • Snacks + hot beverages
  • Winter clothing rentals for extra fee
  • Stay overnight in a wood cabin

✅ Book Your 2-Night Aurora Tour Now!

9. 4-Day Whitehorse Northern Lights Tour (Round Trip from Vancouver)

🤩 5 out of 5 (1 Review)

Getting to the Territories in Canada can be very difficult. Skip the hassle by booking this tour in Whitehorse that includes airfare to and from Vancouver!

With 3 nights to see the Northern Lights, you’re sure to the spot the Aurora!

You may ask, “what is there to do for 4 days in Whitehorse??” So much!

This tour includes a one-day tour around Whitehorse, including a 2-hour Klondike steamboat tour of the Yukon River, part of the original gold rush. You’ll also get to tour the city and nearby geological features.

On day 2 and 3, there are optional excursions to go dog sledding, snowshoeing, or ice fishing for an additional charge. Or just cuddle up at your hotel with a good book if it’s too cold to face.

Each night you’ll have the opportunity to see the Aurora from either a cabin or a walled tent, if you don’t want to stand in the cold. The clear skies provide amazing views that will take your breath away!

“Very nice place to view Northern Lights with the clear skies!” -Anonymous (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Whitehorse, Yukon (but runs from Vancouver)
  • 4 days
  • Flights to and from Vancouver
  • 2 hour Klondike steamboat tour of the Yukon River
  • 3 nights hotels
  • Sightseeing tour of Whitehorse and Miles Canyon
  • Airport transfer
  • Multiple chances to see the Northern Lights
  • Max 20 people

✅ Book Your Northern Lights Tour From Vancouver Now!

10. Yukon Aurora Viewing Package | 4 Days

🤩 5 out of 5 (18 Reviews)

If you’re looking for an amazing Canada northern lights tour, look no further! This 4-day Whitehorse tour includes everything you need to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

With 3 nights of viewing and a variety of activities available, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

These details may sound familiar: that’s because this tour is the same as the Vancouver round-trip, but starts and ends in Whitehorse rather than Vancouver.

Day 1: Upon arrival in Whitehorse, enjoy a one-day tour around the city. Highlights include a 2-hour Klondike steamboat tour and a visit to some geological features.

Day 2 and 3: Optional excursions are available for those who want to go dog sledding, snowshoeing, or ice fishing. Or just relax at your hotel if it’s too cold outside.

Day 4: Depart Whitehorse with private transfer to another hotel or to the airport.

Each night you have the ability to see the Aurora from a cabin or walled tent, or outdoors for an unrestricted view.

“Even the cold didnt take from the excitement of seeing the lights!” -Maria (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Whitehorse, Yukon (but runs from Vancouver)
  • 4 days
  • 2 hour Klondike steamboat tour of the Yukon River
  • 3 nights at hotels
  • Sightseeing tour of Whitehorse and Miles Canyon
  • Airport transfer
  • Multiple chances to see the Northern Lights
  • Max 20 people

✅ Book This Yukon 4 Day Tour Today!

11. Deluxe Coach Aurora Viewing Tour

🤩 5 out of 5 (22 Reviews)

One of the best ways to view the Aurora is over the frozen lakes in northern Canada.

With the right conditions, the lakes offer large, empty areas to see the majesty of the Northern Lights.

Since a lot of uninhabited area around the north has forest, this ensures you get an uninterupted view of the lights.

The Deluxe Coach tour takes you on a comfy coach bus to 3 lakes: Prelude Lake Territorial Park, Prosperous Lake Territorial Park, and Yellowknife River Territorial Park.

As this is a night tour, expect to be up late! The pick up is around 10:30PM and you won’t get dropped off at your hotel until 2AM – but that’s the best time to see the Northern Lights!

Luckily they provide coffee and tea to help keep you awake.

“A great experience!” – Kathy (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
  • 4 hours
  • Hotel pick up offered
  • Hot drinks and snacks
  • Tour guide helps takes photos
  • Guide on how to take night photos

✅ Book the Deluxe Coach Aurora Viewing Tour Today!

12. Banff Sunset & Stars Walking Tour

🤩 4.5 out of 5 (24 Reviews)

Banff National Park is one of the best places to see the northern skies at night. While the Northern Lights don’t always show through, this walking tour of the constellations and the sunset are stunning every night!

You can call ahead to ask about the best time of year to visit to potentially see the Northern Lights, which do tend to show up in Banff in winter.

Do expect a hike with this tour! It’s about 5km of walking and exploring the Canadian Rockies’ trails of Banff in the evening.

It is cold in Banff in winter! I recommend this tour one night, and the next day a visit to the local hot springs to warm up and relax.

“I would highly recommend! We even saw two moose!” -Teresa (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Banff, Alberta
  • 2 hours
  • Certified guide
  • Ice cleats provided, when required
  • Headlamps and lanterns included
  • 15 people max

✅ Book Your Banff Sunset & Stars Tour Now!

13. Northern Lights Winter Nights Adventure in Churchill

🤩 5 out of 5 (1 Review)

Churchill, Manitoba is the polar bear capital of the world.

But it’s not just known for polar bears! It’s also an amazing place to view the Northern Lights in Canada.

This 6-day Northern Lights Winter Nights Adventure is led by a photo specialist who will help you capture the best views of the Aurora Borealis.

On top of viewing the aurora through multiple nights, with secluded stays so you don’t have to risk light pollution ruining the view, you’ll also get excellent day time adventures!

From dog mushing in a boreal forest to touring the Itsanitaq Museum to snowshoeing to an exclusive dinner on the frozen banks of the Churchill River – this tour covers all the best things to do in northern Manitoba.

While this tour isn’t about beluga whales or polar bears, you may get a chance to spot some on your journey by adding on one of Frontier’s other tours. And of course, you can visit polar bears at the Polar Bear Jail in Churchill city.

“This trip is much more than just the lights.. which we saw every night.” -Pookthepooch (Read more reviews)

Important Info:

  • Churchill, Manitoba
  • 6 Days
  • 20 people max
  • All meals, except alcohol, included
  • Dog sledding, snowshoeing, museum and history tours, and more!

✅ Book Your Churchill Northern Lights Tour Today!

Are Northern Lights tours worth it?

Yes, Northern Lights Tours are definitely worth it – especially if you want to see the Aurora in some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes like Banff or Churchill. Not only will you get to see the Aurora Borealis, but you’ll also get an amazing Canadian adventure out of it too!

Without a tour, you’re likely to either drive around aimlessly, sit outside a random hotel with too much light pollution, or look in entirely the wrong place!

There’s nothing worse than finding out the lights were out in full force, but you were too deep in a forest to see them or drove west instead of east.

Plus, with the Aurora being out so late at night, you’ll have a driver who can ensure your safe journey through the night.

Which Northern Lights tour is best?

The best Northern Lights tour is the Aurora Tour, for a traditional Northern Lights viewing.

However, my favourite tour is the 4-Day Whitehorse Tour with dog sledding, snowshoeing, and more!

My Favourite: 4-Day Whitehorse Northern Lights Tour

Featuring dog sledding, snowshoeing, cabin stays, and more!

Tips for Northern Lights Tours

  • Dress very warmly. You will be spending a lot of time standing outside in the cold (something down to -40C). Bring double the layers you think.
  • Layers help!!
  • Bring your camera, some extra snacks (especially if, like me, cookies make you too jittery from the sugar), hand and feet warmers, and your sense of adventure! You don’t need a ton of stuff, so don’t weigh yourself down for nightly viewings.
  • Viewing is not guaranteed on any tour. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. The guides cannot control the weather or the clouds – just like a whale watching tour can’t control whether the whales are out from one day to the next.
  • You will be staying up late so take a nap the day before and don’t plan a ton of things to do the day after if you don’t do well on limited sleep.
  • These are remote locations, so they’re challenging to get to solo. Except that there will be some driving required to get away from the light pollution.
  • The Northern Lights show up better on camera than they do to the naked eye. Bring your camera and set the shutter speed as fast as possible, balance it on a tripod, and use a fast lens.

FAQs:

What part of Canada is best to see the Northern Lights?

The best part of Canada to the see the Northern Lights is the northern Territories and northern parts of the provinces. The Northwest Territories offers over 240 days of Aurora viewing. Yukon, Manitoba, and northern Alberta are also good places.

What time do the Northern Lights come out in Canada?

The Northern Lights are visible from September to April. They are best seen in the dark skies of winter, away from city lights. The peak time is from 11pm to 2am on clear nights.
If there has been a solar storm, southern provinces may also see the Northern Lights.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Canada in July?

Not usually. The Northern Lights typically are visible during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.
However, if you are very very lucky, you might see the Northern Lights in Canada in July or August if there has been a solar storm or if you are northern enough.

Can you see the northern lights in Montreal Canada?

No, it is too bright in Montreal due to light pollution for you to see the Northern Lights.
Outside of Montreal, you may see the Northern Lights if there is a geomagnetic storm or solar flares on rare occasions. You’ll have better chances in northern Quebec.

Can you see the northern lights in Ontario Canada?

Yes, sometimes you can see the Northern Lights in Ontario. The best places to see the Aurora in Ontario are around the Great Lakes, in Muskoka, or in Thunder Bay around Hudson’s Bay.
On rare occasions when there has been a geostorm, you can even see them from Algonquin Park!

Can you see the northern lights in Whitehorse Canada?

Yes, Whitehorse is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada. After Yellowknife, this is the best city in Canada to see the lights. But it’s best if you go slightly beyond the city to a cabin or a provincial park to get a view unmarred by light pollution.

Where in Canada can you see the northern lights in the summer?

The Northern Lights are harder to find in Canada in the summer. The best regions tend to be in Alberta in Banff and Jasper. However, chances are slimmer due to fewer hours of darkness. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is during winter.

Can you see Northern Lights in Banff Canada?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Banff, Canada. Banff National Park is a stunning place to witness the Northern Lights during winter or after a solar storm.

How far south can you see the Northern Lights in Canada?

It is possible to see the Northern Lights in southern Canada, but it’s rare. Places as far south as Lake Erie has had reported sightings after a solar storm. But on average, the southernmost point that gets semi-regular views of the Northern Lights is northern Ontario.

What are the Northern Lights called in Canada?

Canadians call the Northern Lights just that: the Northern Lights.
We also refer to them as the Aurora Borealis, the Latin name.

When can you see the northern lights in Jasper Canada?

You can see the Northern Lights in Jasper Canada from September to April. They are best seen in the dark skies of winter, away from city lights. The peak time is from 11pm to 2am on clear nights.

What months can you see the Northern Lights in Canada?

The best months to see the Northern Lights in Canada is typically from September to April.
However, you can sometimes see them as early as August and as late as May depending on where you are in Canada. In rare cases, you can see the Northern Lights in the summer, too.

When can you see the northern lights in Churchill Canada?

Churchill Canada is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. They are typically visible from October to November and again from February to March.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Canada in June?

It is possible to see the Northern Lights in Canada in June, but it is very rare. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is typically from September to April.
However, if there has been a recent solar storm, you may be able to see them as early as August or as late as May depending on where you are in Canada. The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights will be.

Can you see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta Canada?

Yes, you can see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta Canada. The best time to see them is typically from September to April.
Banff and Jasper National Parks are two of the best places in Alberta to see the Aurora.

When can you see the aurora borealis in Canada?

The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are typically visible in Canada from September to April. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is typically from December to February.
You will need to stay up until around 2 am to get the best views!

How far in advance can Northern Lights be predicted?

The Northern Lights are notoriously hard to predict. They can’t accurately be said to appear until about 2 hours before they happen.
Many clickbait sites try to promise them even days in advance, but there are no guarantees.
There is no real control over whether or not they’ll appear. They require a certain KP-index to determine the latitude, where the Auroral oval zone is will determine a 500 mile radius of the lights’ appearance and intensity, and the solar rotation will determine how many solar particles are being thrown towards earth.
The best way to improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is to go on a winter tour in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories where they get on average 240 night of the Aurora a year.

Wrap Up: Best Canada Northern Lights Tours

When planning a bucket list trip to Canada, don’t forget to add seeing the Northern Lights to your list!

Canada is one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. You’ll need a guide to help you find the best places to see the lights without getting lost in the wilderness or falling through the ice of a frozen lake!

With a knowledgeable guide and photography expert, your Northern Lights adventure will be truly a lifelong memory.

Ultimately, the best tour to see the Northern Lights is the one that isn’t JUST relying on the Aurora – it’s the one that incorporates dog sledding and local tours to help you make the most of your days as well as your nights!

Editor’s Pick: 4-Day Whitehorse Northern Lights Tour

Featuring dog sledding, snowshoeing, cabin stays, and more!


Related posts:

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! â€” Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes â€” In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes â€” Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe â€” Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not â€” US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.