The magic of the Northern Lights in the heart of the Canadian winter

What are the Northern Lights and where to see them during the coldest season in Canada? Some answers in this article.

It seems that winter is the best season to observe the Northern Lights in Canada. In fact, it is once the sun has set that we can see them and the nights are longer during this season. A minimum of preparation and good timing are also essential to be able to witness this phenomenon. But what is an aurora borealis anyway? And how can you observe them in Canada in winter? We tell you more.

What is the Northern Lights?

These light phenomena are among the most astonishing spectacles offered by nature. The polar aurora appears near the magnetic poles, both in the north and south of the planet. We are talking about the Northern Lights in the northern hemisphere.

They manifest through the formation of colorful and ethereal veils. The polar or borealis lights are caused by a natural light phenomenon. During solar flares, high-energy charged particles are ejected by the sun. They are sometimes captured by the Earth's magnetic field and they collide with gases present in the upper atmosphere. These solar particles then release their energy and emit bursts of light which then form the northern lights. Their color varies depending on the type of gas with which they interact, which depends entirely on the altitude at which the collisions take place.

The Northern Lights appear a few hours after sunset, intensifying around midnight.

The probability of the Northern Lights forming is proportional to the intensity of the Earth's magnetic activity and that of solar activity. During large solar flares in the past, polar auroras have been seen as far away as Singapore, Honolulu, North America and Europe.

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights also occurs on other planets in our solar system.

How to observe the Northern Lights in winter in Canada?

To give yourself the best chance of seeing them in winter in Canada (December to February), choose a location with little or no light pollution. We therefore move away from the cities, ideally to be in the heart of nature. We consult the forecasts of the Northern Lights in the chosen region, as well as the position of the auroral oval to give ourselves the best chance of seeing them.

Remember to dress warmly as temperatures are very low in winter, especially at night. You will not need any specific equipment to take photos of them. Just arm yourself with patience. Finally, it is advisable to plan a stay of several days in case of unfavorable weather conditions.

The best places to see the Northern Lights in winter in Canada

During winter, the likelihood of the Northern Lights forming in the Canadian Rockies and other non-Arctic regions of the country is high. It is often the off-the-beaten-track destinations that are most suitable for this.

In Quebec

Mont Mégantic National Park is equipped with an observatory at the top of the mountain of the same name. It is an astrotourism attraction site, not only for stargazing, but also for the Northern Lights. In addition, the site is 2.5 hours by car from Montreal or Quebec.

Kuujjuaq in the north of the province is also ideal for observing this phenomenon. The Northern Lights are visible from the city gates, but it is best to move further away to see them better.

In Alberta

This is one of the best provinces for viewing the Northern Lights in winter. The two Dark Sky Preserves in the province of Alberta are unmissable spots. These are Elk Island and Jasper National Park. For the latter, we recommend Maligne Lake, Pyramide Lake or Icefield Parkways as observation points. You can also go to the east of the province, to Fort McMurray.

Wood Buffalo is an isolated and remote national park. The darkness is deep there once the sun sets. It is therefore an ideal spot to see the Northern Lights during the winter.

In British Columbia:

The most developed of the western provinces of Canada contains some essential spots for winter observation of the Northern Lights. There is the Dark Sky Preserve of McDonald Park, an hour's drive from the city of Vancouver, or the Muncho Lake Provincial Park to the north.

In the Northwest Territories

Yellowknife is ideally located in the center of the auroral oval. There is little light pollution and the terrain is relatively flat. Small “lighthouses” are installed in the city to inform the public of the probability of the appearance of the Northern Lights. Aurora Village, not far from Yellowknife, is a place owned and run by Aboriginal tribes. Visitors settle into tepees set up around a frozen lake while waiting for the Northern Lights to form.

If you prefer to go further north in the province, Tuk (Tuktoyaktuk) is another spot known for this activity. To save time, it is best to get there by plane.

In Manitoba

Churchill lies just below the auroral oval. It is an essential spot for observing polar bears, because it is located in the Arctic zone. When the Northern Lights are at their peak, they can be seen from this city, even right in the city center. When they occur, residents then have the habit of turning off the lights to reduce light pollution.

You can also head to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, 30 minutes outside of town, for more darkness. The city also offers the tundra buggy, a special bus to the tundra. This relatively expensive alternative is preferred if you also plan to go on a safari there.

In Ontario

Despite its southern location, the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve is a place where it is possible to see northern Lights nights of intense solar activity. As it is far from most cities, night skies are particularly dark.

THE National Park of Point Pelee, that of Bruce Peninsula and the Dark Sky Preserve of Gordon's Park sometimes offer good conditions for observing them.

The Northern Lights are visible in other provinces of Canada, such as the Yukon (Dempster Highway, Dawson City or Whitehorse), in Saskatchewan (La Ronge, Grassland National Park, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park) or even in Nunavut ( Iqaluit).

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