Seeing the northern lights for the first time in Canada was one of the most magical experiences in my life. From the first time when I saw the sky’s green lights, I was hooked. I was so mesmerized that I forgot to take any memories of that day with me. If you want to catch the lady Aurora, you need to be prepared. As an Aurora chaser for the last two years, I want to share some tips and tricks in this blog so that your chasing will be memorable. So let’s start!
Tip 1: Choose the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to spotting the Northern Lights, and Canada’s vast expanse offers some of the best views in the world. From my experience, the best months to catch the aurora are between October and March, when the nights are longest. Specifically, November to February offers the highest chances as the nights are dark, clear, and long.
The aurora occurs year-round, but in the summer, daylight lasts almost 24 hours in the far north, making it impossible to see. My advice? Plan your trip for mid-winter, when you’re almost guaranteed long nights and the crisp air adds to the experience. Checking the weather forecast is key, too—cloudy skies can easily ruin a great aurora show.
Tip 2: Head North
The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. In Canada, the best places to visit are Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern Manitoba. I made my way to Yellowknife, a popular destination known as one of the best places in the world for aurora viewing. It’s located directly under the “Auroral Oval,” a ring-shaped zone where auroras are most frequent.
From personal experience, staying in or around a remote area can enhance your chances, away from the lights of the city. If you’re not able to travel too far north, places like Jasper National Park in Alberta or Churchill, Manitoba, are also great spots, but the further you head north, the better your chances of seeing the lights.
Tip 3: Check the Aurora Forecast
I learned early on that checking the aurora forecast is essential if you want to maximize your chances. Before heading out, I would check apps like Aurora Forecast and My Aurora Forecast. These apps use KP Index (a scale from 0 to 9 that measures geomagnetic activity) to predict the intensity of the aurora. The higher the number, the more visible the Northern Lights will be.
A KP of 2-3 is ideal in northern Canada, while a higher KP (around 5-6) is needed if you’re trying to see them from southern Canada. From my experience, watching the forecast a few days in advance builds excitement and helps you plan accordingly
Tip 4: Be Prepared for the Cold
Canada’s northern winters are no joke. I experienced temperatures as low as -30°C during my trip, so dressing for the weather is essential. I wore thermal underwear, wool socks, and heavy-duty winter boots, topped off with an insulated parka. Even with all of this, it’s easy to get cold when standing still for hours, so it’s crucial to have a plan for staying warm.
From my experience, I also recommend bringing hand and foot warmers, which can be lifesavers. You don’t want the cold to cut your night short, so make sure you’re bundled up well enough to withstand the frigid temperatures.
Tip 5: Stay Up Late or Wake Up Early
The aurora usually makes its appearance between 10 PM and 2 AM, although this can vary depending on conditions. I found myself staying up late into the night and even setting alarms to wake up during peak viewing hours.
The aurora can show up suddenly and disappear just as fast, so patience is key. I spent a few nights waiting hours for the lights to appear, and the anticipation was part of the thrill. When they finally did, it was worth every minute of waiting.
Tip 6: Avoid Light Pollution
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to see the Northern Lights is staying too close to city lights. I made sure to find a spot far away from any artificial light. Dark Sky Preserves, like Jasper National Park or Wood Buffalo National Park, are excellent options. These areas are protected from light pollution and offer some of the best chances to see the aurora.
During my trip, I avoided using bright flashlights or leaving the lights on in my cabin. Even small amounts of light pollution can wash out the aurora, so it’s essential to embrace the darkness.
Tip 7: Bring a Good Camera and Tripod
If you want to capture the Northern Lights, a smartphone won’t do the job. I brought along a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod. The key to getting great aurora photos is a long exposure, which allows the camera to capture more light.
I recommend experimenting with different settings, but I usually set my ISO between 800 and 3200, my aperture as low as possible (f/2.8 or lower), and a shutter speed of about 10-15 seconds. From my experience, using a remote shutter release also helps prevent camera shake.
Tip 8: Be Ready for the Unpredictable
One thing I quickly learned is that the Northern Lights are incredibly unpredictable. Even on nights with high KP indices and clear skies, there’s no guarantee that the aurora will appear. It’s important to set your expectations accordingly and enjoy the other aspects of your trip.
Whether it was the solitude of the wilderness, the snow-covered landscapes, or the incredible stars overhead, I found that there was always something to appreciate—even on nights when the lights didn’t show.
Tip 9: Book an Aurora Tour
If you’re new to aurora hunting, I recommend booking a tour. I went on a guided tour in Yellowknife, where locals drove us to remote locations, shared knowledge about the Northern Lights, and even set up heated shelters for us. Many tours also provide photography assistance, helping you capture the best shots.
This was a great way to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. The guides are experts at finding the best viewing spots, and they often know about areas that are less crowded.
Tip 10: Don’t Forget to Look Up!
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to photograph the Northern Lights, but don’t forget to just look up and appreciate the moment. For me, one of the best parts of the experience was standing outside, camera off, simply watching the sky dance above me.
The lights flicker, twist, and pulse in ways that photos can’t capture. If you’re lucky enough to see them, take a moment to soak it in—it’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Conclusion
Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but with the right preparation, you can maximize your chances. From choosing the right time and place to gearing up for the cold and staying patient, these tips helped me enjoy every moment of my aurora adventure. Wherever your Northern Lights journey takes you, remember that it’s about more than just seeing the lights—it’s about embracing the magic of the night sky.
