The Ultimate Northern Lights Adventure

Few natural phenomena can match the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). These dancing curtains of colored light in the night sky have captivated humans for millennia, inspiring myths, legends, and a sense of wonder. Canada, with its vast northern territories, is one of the world's premier destinations for witnessing this spectacular light show.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are created when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions generate energy released as light, creating the colorful displays we see. Different colors appear depending on which atmospheric gas is struck and at what altitude:

• Green: The most common color, produced by oxygen molecules about 60 miles above Earth
• Red: Created by oxygen at higher altitudes (about 200 miles up)
• Blue and Purple: Caused by nitrogen
• Pink: A mix of light from nitrogen and oxygen

Best Locations in Canada for Northern Lights Viewing

1. Yukon Territory

The Yukon is a premier Northern Lights destination, offering spectacular viewing opportunities from August to April. Whitehorse, the territory's capital, provides the perfect base for aurora adventures, with many tour operators offering specialized viewing experiences.

Best Spot: Takhini Hot Springs, just 30 minutes from Whitehorse, where you can soak in natural hot springs while watching the sky dance with color.

2. Northwest Territories

Yellowknife, often called the "Aurora Capital of North America," offers some of the most reliable Northern Lights viewing on the planet. The city is situated directly beneath the auroral oval with minimal light pollution and clear skies.

Best Spot: Aurora Village, a purpose-built viewing facility with heated tepees and expert guides.

3. Northern Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba is not only famous for its polar bears but also for spectacular Northern Lights displays. The town experiences auroral activity up to 300 nights per year.

Best Spot: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre offers specialized aurora viewing programs throughout the winter.

4. Northern Alberta

Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada's largest national park, offers excellent dark sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution.

Best Spot: Jasper National Park, a designated Dark Sky Preserve, hosts the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

While the Northern Lights can be visible year-round in the far north, several factors influence optimal viewing conditions:

Season

Late August to mid-April offers the darkest skies and best visibility. Winter months (December through March) provide the longest nights and therefore more viewing opportunities, though temperatures can be extremely cold.

Time of Night

The prime viewing time is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM, though displays can occur earlier or later.

Solar Activity

The Northern Lights are more vibrant and frequent during periods of high solar activity. Solar cycles run approximately 11 years from peak to peak, with the next solar maximum expected around 2025, making the coming years excellent for aurora viewing.

Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

What to Pack

• Extreme cold weather gear (winter-rated parka, insulated pants, thermal layers)
• Insulated, waterproof boots
• Hand and foot warmers
• Camera with manual settings and tripod
• Extra batteries (cold temperatures drain them quickly)
• Headlamp with red light setting (to preserve night vision)

Photography Tips

Capturing the Northern Lights requires specific camera techniques:

• Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures
• Set your camera to manual mode
• Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
• Set ISO between 800-3200 depending on aurora brightness
• Use exposure times between 5-15 seconds
• Focus manually to infinity
• Bring spare batteries and keep them warm in an inside pocket

Our Northern Lights Tours

At Ostraya Seledka Tour Agency, we offer specialized Northern Lights expeditions that combine comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and optimal viewing conditions. Our tours include:

• Yukon Aurora Experience: 5 days of aurora viewing from Whitehorse with daytime dog sledding and ice fishing activities
• Yellowknife Northern Lights Adventure: 4-night package with specialized photography instruction
• Churchill Winter Wonders: Combined polar bear and Northern Lights expedition