Climate & Environment
Understanding the Northern Lights: Best Spots in Canada
What causes the stunning Aurora Borealis, and where are the absolute best places in Canada to view them this season?
Admin
WeatherCA Staff Writer
Published
·
4 min read
·
96 views
Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a bucket-list experience.
The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating glowing curtains of green, purple, and red light. Canada's northern territories offer some of the best viewing conditions in the world.
Where to Go
Whitehorse in the Yukon and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories are world-famous aurora viewing hubs. Their high latitude and relatively low cloud cover during winter make them ideal.
Tips for the Best View
Monitor solar activity forecasts and wait for clear, dark nights away from city light pollution. The best viewing hours are typically between 10 PM and 2 AM.