Are you ready to witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights in Canada? As the night sky comes alive with vivid colors, Anderson Vacations invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey to the best Aurora viewing destinations in the Great White North. At Anderson Vacations, we consider ourselves your Canadian Travel Experts, so we've done the research for you! This blog post is our list of the 5 best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada. These destinations are thoughtfully ranked based on the likelihood of experiencing the Aurora Borealis, so you can confidently plan your adventure with us.
1. Yellowknife:
Nestled in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife claims its title as the prime Aurora viewing destination. Situated directly beneath the Aurora Oval, this northern gem offers an astounding 240 clear viewing nights annually, with a staggering 98% chance of Aurora sightings during a 3-night stay. At Anderson Vacations, we whisk you away on small group tours, carefully crafted to blend Aurora viewing with immersive cultural experiences. Choose a September tour to witness the lights reflecting off pristine lakes or opt for a winter adventure, complete with dog sledding, ice fishing, and a visit to the enchanting Snow Castle.
2. Churchill:
The remote outpost of Churchill, in Northern Manitoba, is another hotspot for Aurora enthusiasts. With approximately 300 active Aurora nights each year, the viewing depends on weather conditions, which means that clear nights abound during the peak seasons of early fall (August/September) and late winter/early spring (late January to April). Beyond the Northern Lights, Churchill is famous for its polar bear population, at its peak during October and November. To maximize your chances of experiencing both the Aurora Borealis and polar bears, consider visiting in September or October. Your Anderson Vacations travel advisor can curate a custom package for an unforgettable journey.
3. Yukon:
If you fancy independent travel, the Yukon offers Aurora viewing and many winter activities, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. The Yukon has fewer clear nights than other destinations, but your chances remain high during early fall and mid-late winter. For optimal conditions, it's advisable to avoid visiting in October through December. Craft your ideal Yukon adventure with Anderson Vacations, featuring flight-seeing, dog sledding, Indigenous encounters, hot springs, and more. Remember to add a scenic train journey to isolated Skagway, Alaska, for a truly unforgettable trip.
4. High Arctic:
To explore the Arctic region of Canada, embark on an expedition cruise. Anderson Vacations and our cruise partner offer a range of itineraries, allowing you to visit Labrador, Nunavut, the Northwest Passage, and the High Arctic. While these areas don't enjoy as many clear nights as our top choices, September and October cruises still offer favorable odds of witnessing the Northern Lights. As a bonus, you'll also encounter incredible wildlife and visit remote Indigenous villages along seldom-explored coastlines.
5. Jasper (Canadian Rockies):
While Alberta and the Canadian Rockies are located further from the Auroral oval than the other destinations we've mentioned, the lights are still quite often visible here, and the backdrop of the Rockies is absolutely stunning. Jasper National Park is the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the world, with the town of Jasper making a perfect base to explore the beautiful night skies without light pollution. There are plenty of daytime activities, and your advisor can put together the perfect custom itinerary for you with Anderson Vacations, including skiing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the incredible Maligne Canyon.
The Aurora Borealis remains an enchanting celestial spectacle that draws intrepid travelers to Canada's northern reaches. With Anderson Vacations as your guide, you can chase the Northern Lights in some of the world's most breathtaking settings. Whether you choose the serene wilderness of the Northwest Territories, the captivating wilderness of Churchill, the cultural experiences of the Yukon, the remote beauty of the High Arctic, or the stunning Rockies, the Aurora Borealis promises to be a highlight of your Canadian journey. Let the celestial dance begin, and may the night skies fill your heart with wonder. Plan your trip to these extraordinary destinations and unlock the secrets of the Northern Lights.
Ready to witness the Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife this winter? Explore our exclusive aurora viewing tours and start planning your unforgettable adventure today!
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Got questions or need more information? Contact our team at 1-866-282-0501 or email bookings@andersonvacations.ca to start planning your next great adventure. Happy travels!