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The Northern Lights in Canada: when can we see them?
Do you dream of seeing the Aurora Borealis? You will be able to contemplate them during your stay in Canada. This phenomenon results from the meeting of gases, the solar wind and the upper atmosphere. It is often observed between the 65th and the 75th parallel. Let's see more about this.
What do you need to know about the Northern Lights?
The celestial vault often flares up in northern Canada once night falls. This fact also occurs within the region encircling the Earth's poles. Mystical and mythical, the Northern Lights draw tourists to Canada every year. This is why travelers are embarking on the Far North.
You are certainly wondering where to go to see this magnificent spectacle. Beforehand, you must know the conditions to see an aurora borealis.
Under what conditions can you see the aurora borealis?
The Northern Lights are surrounded by a stunning aura. Moreover, science can explain their beautiful appearance which never ceases to attract the eye. It is actually a luminous phenomenon resulting from the collision between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles.
In addition, the Earth's poles attract the particles in question which will thus collide with the various atoms making up the atmosphere.
Know that you have a better chance of seeing the aurora borealis if you go near the magnetic pole to the north. Otherwise, they can also appear in other regions far from the North Pole. Still, it is not enough to be in the right place. Two conditions must still be met, including:
- Clear, pollution-free skies Total darkness (no moon) The Aurora Borealis is a sight you can watch for 20 minutes. However, some can last an entire hour. This aurora can disappear and come back a little later.

When to see the Canadian Northern Lights?
We are more likely to meet these conditions in winter. Indeed, the nights are much longer during the winter season. The sky is partly cloudy. This is why the aurora borealis is often associated with the cold. You will surely see several of them when you go to Canada for September and April.
There is no exact science as to the observation of these phenomena. You will have to wait a few hours before you can watch it. You will certainly see one if you persevere.
Trip to Canada: where to see the Northern Lights?
You can choose between different places to watch the Northern Lights in Canada:
- Yellowknife
The territories located in the Northwest are favorite places to observe the Northern Lights. In winter you will have 90% lucky to see one. To magnify the experience, do not hesitate to work with a tour operator. You can add a ride in sleds pulled by huskies to make the stay even more surprising.
- The Whitehorse to Yukon
Many tour operators working in this region offer activities related to the Northern Lights. You will be offered to spend several nights observing these splendid lights. Take the time to sit down to revel in this spectacle. You will not fail to be dazzled by this mixture of red, purple, blue and green colors.
- Inuvik
Inuvik is also located in the North and more precisely, at the top of the Arctic Circle. There are almost only nights in these places. Besides, you will see that the sun hardly ever rises in December. Here you will see the Northern Lights being born almost every day.
- La Ronge to Saskatchewan
You can also travel to Saskatchewan to see the Northern Lights. Located in the north of the province, La Ronde invites you to marvel at its sky that suddenly changes color. The lights will be reflected in the park to amaze you.
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Battle Harbor
Did you miss the Northern Lights in winter and are you going to see them in summer? The village of Battle Harbor is the location indicated. In addition to being a prime location, this place remains far from pollution. You will feel perfectly at ease there.
- Iquafuif, Nunavut
If you have come this far, it is certainly to enjoy a moment of tranquility while waiting for the aurora borealis. It is necessary to organize before the trip, because transport knows limits.
- Churchill, MB
Go to enjoy its polar environment and its beautiful aurora borealis. Don't miss this opportunity, as you can also see glaciers, polar bears and whales. You will certainly come across the phenomenon, because here it happens up to 300 times a year.
- Muncho Lake Provincial Park
You will contemplate magnificent landscapes here. The Northern Lights make them even more beautiful. You can go there in September or April for a better chance of watching the show from the tent.
- Athabasca County in Alberta
NASA has installed one of its stations in this locality in order to study the aurora borealis and their superb effects. Athabasca County is only a two hour drive (by car) from Edmonton. Alberta's capital is also a place where you can watch the Northern Lights in winter.
- The Kuujjuaq in Quebec
Kuujjuaq is also a pretty place where you can see the Northern Lights on your way to Canada. This place is not far from the airport. You can access it from all major cities.
Kuujjuak in Canada is a reference village that tourists like to visit, because it is a place to see the blazing northern lights.
Travelers and adventurers, you will find comfort and sublime panoramas here. The skies sport a beautiful fluorescent look, going from green to red and turning a few times to purple. The new dawn that is coming will seduce you and invite you to have a great day. In short, these are not the places that are missing in Canada if you want to see the Northern Lights.
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