A Practical Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights
Everything you need to know before you go: from weather and packing to viewing styles, activities, and family-friendly planning.
Inside the Guide:
Scroll down to read all the content, or choose which section you'd like to read below:
Ways to See the Northern Lights
Packing Guide: What to Bring for Each Season
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Planning Other Activities: Balancing Daytime Adventures with Late Nights
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights – or Aurora Borealis – occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, producing shifting colours across the night sky. These displays happen year-round, but visibility depends on darkness, clear skies, and solar activity.
You can see the aurora across the northern half of Canada and you don't need any special equipment to do it. However, the most reliable viewing happens in areas removed from city lights and we always recommend that you visit places with the infrastructure to handle tourism.
Our recommendations:
Credit: Nicky Richards | NWT Tourism
Credit: Nicky Richards | NWT Tourism
Northwest Territories
Yellowknife and remote wilderness lodges offer some of Canada’s most sought-after aurora viewing. Choose a stay close to the capital or travel farther into the wilderness for dark skies and a more secluded experience.
Credit: Stefan Wackerhagen
Credit: Stefan Wackerhagen
Yukon
From Whitehorse to the Kluane region and Dawson City, the Yukon pairs aurora viewing with mountain landscapes. Stay near the city or venture farther out for quiet nights beneath expansive northern skies.
Credit: Travel Manitoba
Credit: Travel Manitoba
Manitoba
Churchill sits beneath the auroral oval, making the northern Manitoba town an excellent base for watching the night sky come alive. Its remote Hudson Bay setting adds a distinctly subarctic backdrop to the experience.
Best Time to See the Aurora
Auroras can appear any time of year, but the most dependable viewing happens when nights are dark and long. Cloud cover, moonlight, and local weather patterns all affect visibility.
Credit: James Galasinao | NWTT
Credit: James Galasinao | NWTT
Ways to See the
Northern Lights
1. City-Based Viewing with Nightly Tours
Travellers stay in cities like Yellowknife and Whitehorse and take guided tours to dedicated viewing sites with heated tents, yurts, or cabins.
What to expect:
2. City-Based Aurora-Hunting Tours (Mobile Viewing)
Guides monitor cloud cover and solar activity, driving to multiple vantage points to find clear skies.
What to expect:
3. Lodge & Cabin Stays Outside the City
Staying outside the city provides dark skies and the freedom to step outside the moment the aurora appears.
What to expect:
4. Fly-In Wilderness Lodges
Remote subarctic lodges offer unparalleled darkness and multi-night aurora opportunities.
5. Self-Guided Viewing
Self-guided aurora viewing can be a rewarding option for travellers who prefer independence and flexibility. With the right preparation – and reliable local guidance – it allows you to explore dark sky areas at your own pace and choose viewing spots based on real-time conditions.
Aurora Viewing for Families
Not all aurora experiences are kid-friendly. The key factor is flexibility.
Best Option: Lodge or Cabin Stay
This is the most practical way for families to enjoy the aurora.
Why it works:
● Children can stay warm indoors until the lights appear
● Viewing is steps from your door
● No late-night transportation
● Wake-up alerts reduce disruption
What to Avoid With Younger Kids
● City-based tours: Often return at 2–3 a.m., with long periods outdoors
● Aurora-hunting tours: Too much time in vehicles, unpredictable schedules
Aurora Family Travel Checklist
Before You Book
□ Choose a lodge with on-site viewing
□ Confirm wake-up alerts
□ Plan for 3+ nights
□ Check temperature ranges
□ Ensure age-appropriate daytime activities
Packing Essentials
□ Thermal layers
□ Insulated parka & snow pants
□ Subarctic-rated boots
□ Wool socks
□ Mitts + liners
□ Headlamp with red light
□ Hand warmers
Night Viewing Essentials
□ Short viewing intervals (5–10 minutes)
□ Safe, clear pathway to the viewing spot
□ Indoor warm-up space
□ Cabins with balconies so parents can be outdoors while children sleep inside
Packing Guide:
What to Bring for Each Season
Fall & Spring Shoulder Seasons
□ Fleece and windproof/waterproof jacket
□ Hat and gloves
□ Hiking shoes or insulated boots
Late Summer (Aug-Sept in the Far North)
□ Light layers and waterproof jacket or windbreaker
□ Comfortable walking shoes
□ Bug protection
Winter (Late Oct-April)
□ Thermal base layers
□ Mid-layer fleece or wool
□ Heavy insulated parka
□ Subarctic boots (–40°C rating)
□ Snow pants
□ Wool socks
□ Toque, neck gaiter, mitts
Winter nights in northern Canada can bring temperatures below –30°C, especially in January and February. Staying warm is essential not only for comfort but for safety — and the right clothing can make or break an aurora experience. Most travellers from milder climates don’t own this level of gear, and standard urban winter wear isn’t warm enough for long nights outdoors. Instead of purchasing new, renting high-quality gear locally is strongly recommended for several reasons:
1. It’s Warmer and Higher Quality
Local rental shops stock clothing tested for extreme northern conditions. Their parkas and boots are typically far warmer and more durable than general retail brands.
2. It’s More Sustainable
Renting reduces overall consumption and keeps high-performance gear in circulation — especially meaningful in regions where waste and shipping have a substantial environmental footprint.
3. It Supports the Local Economy
Rental programs are often run by northern outfitters, Indigenous-owned businesses, or small local shops. Choosing rentals directs money back into the community you’re visiting.
4. It Reduces Baggage and Travel Hassle
Extreme-winter clothing is bulky. Renting means:
● No overweight luggage fees
● Less packing space required
● No storing specialized gear you may only use once
5. It Ensures You’re Properly Equipped
Staff can help you fit boots and parkas correctly, advise on layering, and tailor recommendations to expected temperatures — something you can’t do easily when packing from home.
Credit: Travel Manitoba
Credit: Travel Manitoba
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
You don’t need professional camera gear to come home with a great aurora photo. A newer smartphone or camera with night mode can do much of the work — but a few simple tricks can make a noticeable difference.
- Keep your camera steady. Use a tripod or rest your phone or camera on a stable surface, and use a timer or remote shutter if possible.
- Turn off the flash. If you can adjust your settings manually, start with an ISO around 800–1600 and an exposure of 5–15 seconds. Brighter, faster-moving aurora generally calls for a shorter exposure.
- Use night mode on your phone. If manual controls aren't available, night mode will automatically compensate for the dark sky.
- Give the sky some context. Trees, a cabin, or a person in the foreground can add scale and make the photograph feel more connected to the place.
- Protect your batteries from the cold. Bring a spare and keep it somewhere warm when you aren't using it.
- Keep your lens clean. Even a little frost can affect the final image.
- Don't forget to look up. Spend some time watching how quickly the aurora is moving before you start shooting — and put the camera down occasionally to fully enjoy it.
Want more advice for capturing the aurora, including tips on focus and composition? Read the full guide to photographing the Northern Lights.
Planning Other Activities:
Balancing Daytime Adventures with Late Nights
An aurora trip is about more than the lights. Most travellers build in daytime experiences to deepen their connection to the place — and to make the trip rewarding even if clouds interfere with viewing. But aurora viewing often means late, late nights, and that has a direct impact on what you can realistically enjoy during the day.
Why You Need Daytime Activities
● Weather can change quickly; some nights will be cloudy.
● Seeing aurora is never guaranteed.
● Cultural, culinary, and nature-based experiences add depth and meaning to the trip.
A great aurora itinerary feels worthwhile even before the lights appear.
But Don’t Overbook
When aurora shows up at midnight — or 2 a.m. — you may not get to sleep until very late. Stacking early-morning tours or back-to-back full-day excursions usually leads to exhaustion.
Tips for Smart Planning
● Choose flexible or low-key daytime activities: Short walks, museum visits, community tours, local markets, craft workshops, wildlife viewing, Indigenous cultural experiences.
● Avoid early start times. Anything before 10 a.m. will feel punishing after a night of aurora.
● Prioritize quality over quantity. Pick 1–2 standout activities per day rather than filling every hour.
● Look for activities tied to local culture.
Examples:
○ Dogsledding
○ Snowshoe or fat-bike tours
○ Ice fishing
○ Northern cooking classes
○ Storytelling experiences
○ Photography workshops
These experiences help you understand the place — and give structure to the day without draining your energy.
● Leave room for rest. Build in time to nap, relax, or simply enjoy the landscape.
The Goal
A well-planned aurora trip balances wonder and rest. You want uplifting experiences during the day and enough energy to step outside when the sky finally glows.
Credit: Taylor Burk Photography INC.
Credit: Taylor Burk Photography INC.
Credit: Travel Manitoba
Credit: Travel Manitoba
Credit: Dan Barham
Credit: Dan Barham
Activities for Every Traveller Type
Family-Friendly
● Dogsledding (short rides)
● Cultural workshops
● Wildlife centres
● Snowshoeing on gentle trails
● Indoor craft programs
Active Traveller
● Extended dogsledding
● Backcountry snowshoeing
● Fat biking
● Flightseeing
● Snowmobiling
● Winter hiking
● Ice fishing
Low-Impact / Low-Mobility
● Aurora viewing from lodge decks or windows
● Accessible cultural tours
● Scenic daytime drives
● Community museums
● Craft workshops
Suggested Landsby Itineraries
Credit: Lenora Barrett/NWTT
Credit: Lenora Barrett/NWTT
City + Aurora-Hunting
(3-5 Days)
Northern Lights viewing with experienced local guides, cultural context, and flexible stays in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Credit: Robin Steudel
Credit: Robin Steudel
City + Aurora Tour
(3-4 Days)
Experience Whitehorse by day and watch the Northern Lights by night. Starts and ends in Whitehorse for a seamless, easy winter escape.
Credit: Northern Flavours Aurora Getaway
Credit: Northern Flavours Aurora Getaway
Lodge-Based Aurora Stay
(3-5 Days)
With the aurora dancing overhead and Yukon’s snow-capped mountains in the distance, you’ll be mesmerized by the spectacular scenery on this winter getaway.
Fly-In Wilderness Retreat
(6-7 Days)
Far from roads or city lights, this comfortable backcountry lodge is the perfect setting to enjoy pristine wilderness and watch the aurora.
Immersive Churchill Group
Itinerary
Experience Manitoba’s northern frontier through aurora-filled skies, cultural storytelling, and guided winter adventure on an immersive getaway.
Family Aurora
Viewing
Make the northern lights part of a family adventure, with a cozy lodge as your home base. Spend days exploring the snowy landscape, then head outside after dark to watch for the aurora.
Northern Lights FAQs
Q. Where can I see the northern lights in Canada?
The most reliable viewing is in the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife + remote lodges), Yukon (Whitehorse, Kluane, Dawson), and northern Manitoba (Churchill). Southern Canada sees aurora only during rare strong solar events.
Q. When is the best time to go?
Peak season runs late October to April, with darker nights giving the most dependable viewing. Late-summer viewing (August–September) is possible in far-northern regions. The most active hours are 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Q. Is this a good year to see the aurora?
Yes. We are currently in a solar maximum, the most active phase of the sun’s 11-year cycle — meaning more frequent and intense aurora displays.
Q. Do I need special equipment?
No special equipment is required. Darkness, clear skies, and warm clothing are essential. A tripod can help with photography, but it’s optional.
Q. What is the best way to view the Northern Lights?
There are several styles:
– City-based viewing with nightly tours (comfortable, structured)
– Aurora-hunting tours (drive to clear skies for best odds)
– Lodge/cabin stays (view from your doorstep)
– Fly-in wilderness lodges (ultra-dark, immersive)
– Self-guided viewing (for experienced winter drivers)
Q. Is aurora viewing family-friendly?
Yes — lodge or cabin stays are ideal. Kids can stay warm indoors until the lights appear. City-based tours are often too late and too cold for younger children.
Q. How many nights should I plan?
We recommend 3+ nights, as weather and cloud cover vary.
Q. How cold does it get?
Winter nights can drop below –30°C in the North. Proper insulation is essential.
Q. Should I rent winter clothing?
Yes. Local rental gear is warmer, more sustainable, supports local businesses, and avoids baggage hassle. Most travellers from milder climates do not own appropriate subarctic gear.
Q. Do I need a rental car?
Not necessarily. City-based travellers can rely on shuttles and tour pick-ups. Many lodges include transfers. Rental cars are useful for self-guided viewing or independent daytime exploration.
Q. What daytime activities can I add?
Popular low-key daytime options include dogsledding, cultural workshops, ice fishing, wildlife centres, snowshoeing, photography walks, and local markets. Avoid early morning tours after late aurora nights.
Q. Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No. Aurora is a natural phenomenon. However, visiting a northern region, planning multiple nights, and choosing the right viewing style significantly increases your chances.