CHECKING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST

INCREDIBLE AURORA TOURS

It’s a natural phenomenon that tops many people’s travel wish lists: Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. Though it isn’t quite as easy as stepping outside and looking up, there are many ways to increase your odds of success.

Do You Have to Freeze? Not Always!

With hopes of catching sight of the incredible night display, folks often brave cold temps however, it doesn’t always have to be bitterly cold to see the lights – it truly depends on the time of year and where you happen to be (don’t worry, we have a few suggestions).

What Exactly Are the Northern Lights?

Only visible from the Northern Hemisphere, Aurora Borealis occur in high latitudes over both poles and the phenomenon of Aurora Australis can also be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s well known that the Arctic, or as close as you can be to the North Pole, is the best place to see the Northern Lights but it is certainly not the only place. You can easily see them in southern parts of Canada, for example.

Northern Lights - Bears & Aurora Arctic Adventure

Aurora - Bears & Aurora Arctic Adventure

The Catch? Darkness is Key

Fun fact: Northern Lights are actually always there. The key to spotting Aurora Borealis is that it just needs to be dark – really dark. Sky conditions and light pollution, play a role too.

Spring and winter tend to be less cloudy, but really anytime from fall through to early spring (October-March) is a safe bet. Midnight is when the auroral oval is at its peak; however, the lights can appear a few hours after sunset and prior to sunrise.

What Colours Can You Expect? So, let’s get to the viewing. I mentioned the darkness. Northern lights are best viewed in places that have very little light pollution. For example, I’ve been able to see them consistently in Saskatchewan even during the summer months.

Where to See the Northern Lights

To get the best view, head somewhere with minimal light pollution. For example, I’ve been lucky to see them many times here in Saskatchewan, even during the summer months!

Some of Canada’s best spots to view them when active are Dark Sky Preserves. With 13 Dark Sky Preserves spanning the country, you can take your pick of where to go! I highly recommend a visit to Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan as it’s the darkest preserve in Canada. Other safe bets include Alberta’s Elk Island Park National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserve found in the Northwest Territories/Northern Alberta. Jasper National Park and Kluane National Park and Reserve, feature Dark Sky Festivals where you can learn about and enjoy the lights alongside other enthusiasts.

Other known hot spots include the northwestern parts of Canada, particularly, the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Additionally, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Siberia are also great options for viewing. Ready to chase the lights? Let’s make It happen!

If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, we can help you make it a reality. Whether you want a custom Northern Lights tour or a pre-planned adventure, we’ve got options for your Aurora adventure!

📌 Upcoming Tours:

Iceland to Greenland Cruise (July 2025) – A chance to see the lights at sea!
Norway Winter Explorer Adventure – Experience the magic of winter and the aurora.
Bears & Belugas Tour or Polar Bears & Aurora– Churchill, Manitoba is one of Canada’s top aurora hotspots.

Or we can design or plan a tour like one of these:

Yukon Northern Lights Tour – A classic viewing location.
Canadian Arctic Adventure to Tuktoyaktuk OR Antarctica – Both bucket-list-worthy destinations!

Stargazing Tips for the Best Aurora Experience

To maximize your chances of seeing the lights, keep these tips in mind:

If you are taking a camera, bring a tripod to prevent shaking and capture longer exposures. If possible, also pack a wide-angle lens and cable release.

Check the weather, look up the daily aurora forecast and pay attention to cloud conditions.

Pack extra heat packs and dress accordingly. Sometimes it’s hard to peel yourself away from the lights, so you will want to ensure you stay warm. Layers, layers, layers!

This is a handy resource for checking the position of the aurora oval in real time!

Charge your batteries carrying extra if you can if you can. Keep them warm as the cold weather will kill them. Store your phone and camera in a warm bag (or inside your coat) when not using them.