November to March is usually the best time to see the lights as the skies are at their darkest. Planning on driving? If youre hoping to see the auroras during the shoulder seasons, Whitehorse is a great option! Located in the far eastern part of Canada along the northern Atlantic coast, New Brunswick has even more of the pristine stargazing opportunities youll find along the Maine coast in the United States. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. Anyone used this website before? The harvest moon was shining brightly fromthe south so I hardly needed a flashlight to find my way on the trail. With a clear sky, a big enough solar storm and the right camera you're in business. Of course, it would be much more expensive to plan it on your own. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the worlds best places to see the Northern Lights. Location does not matter in this natural wonder as they can be seen from Whitehorse, Yukon to St. Johns, Newfoundland and everywhere else in-between. As though it never happened. White nights = no aurora. From the west coast of Newfoundland, to the east coast, throughout Labrador and the Torngat mountains. What month is best to see the Northern Lights in Canada? Discover the northern light views while you're in the area. Grasslands National Park (Saskatchewan), 11 Things You Need to Know to See the Northern Lights in 2023, The 15 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in Tasmania This Winter, The 6 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Greenland. Sort of, yes. Small and densely populated, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is perhaps the least suited to a northern lights expedition. Or Pegasus, Andromeda, Canis Major or Minor, or even Sagittarius. A place like this gives you more than history and perspective. We are planning to travel to Newfoundland first two weeks of July. Newfoundland and Labrador is not one of those places. I have become obsessed with the sky ? What was the population of Newfoundland in 1845? Ive seen the northern lights 5 times in Canada, and all were in late summer or early autmn. If you plan to go to Labrador, be very aware of the road situation: long stretches of unpaved highway past Red Bay. Bonne lecture! Just a 20-minute drive from St. John's, this lighthouse is a National Historic Site of Canada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. You can see for miles during the day, and experience a whole galaxy at night. It is located along the popular East Coast Trail and is home to the most easterly point of land in North America. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the worlds best places to see the Northern Lights. The various northern lights destinations in Canada are often hours apart by car or plane. There are several clues that help youpredict a show of the Northern Lights, and they often line up like this: Sometimes a CME impact isnt even required to seethe Northern Lights, in those casesthey show up as the result of incoming solar wind. Did you know? $146. While there are many things to do in Jasper, one of the best activities is catching incredible dark skies, which is perfect for viewing the northern lights! How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights in Canada? I live in Montreal, Hi! This is a National Park is way up north with all those cute polar bears. Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Its also far from light pollution, making it a good stargazing or aurora viewing spot. Since Jasper is largely covered in forests, you need to find a spot with a wide clearing to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights. A little closer to home is Ferryland. Not only will you be blown away by Mother Nature, but the handy work of a few architects. The Northern Lights are actually active all year round. This has other links to aurora prediction sites, https://newfoundsander.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/northern-lights-over-newfoundland/. In fact, McDonald Park is a favorite spot for the Fraser Valley Astronomers society. There are two main reasons: 1) The first two weeks of July are high summer. I also cover the details of which months are best for visiting if you want to ensure the best chance possible to see the northern lights. Never having seen this before, I thought to myself, will I be seeing angels next. Aurora Borealis the northern lights in Lake Louise, Alberta. I also have a few tour and aurora photography tips too. They dance through dark skies near the North Pole, permeating stories, myths, legends and art. (Dan Arsenault/CBC) Last week, a man took matters into his own hands by trying, but failing, to reposition the lights. Can you see the northern lights in Fogo Island? Our Traveller's Guide can help you with both. Part 2, 2015 Trip Reports from other members? The bright dancing lights, best seen around midnight during the winter, are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earths atmosphere and are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. During the day, outdoor adventures including hiking, paddling, and fishing are popular ways to pass the time. This link for northern lights in Newfoundland was from this past July, http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/chance-northern-lights-across-canada-1.4205988. Torngat Mountains. To see an aurora, except under rare conditions, you need to get beyond 60 degrees North. Notice that southern Labrador has about as much chance of seeing an aurora tonight as southern Ontario does, and then only if it's dark. Those areas show up more on the forecasts and it is easy to get away from the towns lights although I am not sure the lights will really be bothersome. All rights reserved. The ancient architecture and windy streets truly make it stand out from the rest of Canada. http://www.spectacularnwt.com/whattodo/aurora/aurorawatch. Its known for its colourful houses and colourful personalities. Thank you all for your replies, you've made this decision way easier:) I think we'll go with Labrador city, Yukon is a bit far. view now, Start Booking your Newfoundland & Labrador Adventure. In the 1970s Gastown in Vancouver was filled with coffee houses and busking was common. Below, weve picked some of the most popular and best places to see the northern lights in Canada. Iqaluit is a small community of fewer than 10,000 people and offers primarily rustic accommodations and tours, but at 63N latitude, its well placed to see the northern lights and dark enough that theyll be easy to spot if theyre visible. (LogOut/ Read on to learn everything you need to know to try and spot the northern lights on your trip to Canada. This community in eastern Alberta is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. Youre going to need them all. That's right, enjoy the breathtaking sights of the aurora borealis up close and personal. Remember to keep an eye on the space weather websites, and travel as far north as you can when an outburst is predicted . this is my dream I am coming in St Johns for 8 month and I really hope to see Aurora during my trip I hope I will have such a beautiful show in front of me . Alternatively, you may use, Newfoundland and Labrador Hotels and Places to Stay, http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast, http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/NorthAmerica, Newfoundland and Labrador Vacation Rentals, Newfoundland and Labrador Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador. Eight months! Research has shown that the auroral activity is cyclic, and peaks about every 11 years. 250-785-3033 or 1-877-785-6037. On top of the hill I put away my camera and called Marije, I had promised to wake her up and tell her all about the lights if and when I saw them. I have done my research and I'm keeping an eye on forecasts (both the weather one and the ab one) but what I really want to know is where to go to get the best view? The best time to visit is from mid-June to early September when temperatures usually range from 11C to 21 C. 1. Much like the United States, this means that youll plan a trip to 1-3 of these and should focus your astrotourism plans in that area. St Anthony Newfoundland sits near the very tip of western Newfoundland. Go off the beaten path at ExplorersWanted.ca - link in bio. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Additionally, Canada is divided into 10 provinces and three territories. The aurora borealis is also called the northern lights since it is only visible in the North sky from the Northern Hemisphere. Our guests praise the breakfast and the "Beautiful hotel, very clean, great staff", 382 Hamilton River Rd, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL, A0P 1C0. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154962-i754-k10815398-Northen_Lights_in_Newfoundland-Newfoundland_and_Labrador.html. (LogOut/ 12 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Newfoundland And. Situated on the coast and unencumbered by contemporary afflictions like wi-fi or roads, make sure to bring your telescope and your childlike wonder to see the whole sky the way it is intended to be seen. Here, where the continents of Africa and North America collided and exposed the richly colour ocean floor, the otherworldliness of the landscape is a perfect match for the spectacular stars and galaxies above. Yellowknife, NWT, Canada Located on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, in Canadas Northwest Territories it is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights, better known as Aurora Borealis. Complete your bucket list by visiting Bay of Islands. Can you see the northern lights in Newfoundland? What are the best places to see the Northern Lights? Here is a link to a virtual section by section information page of Quebec highway 389 between Baie Comeau and Labrador City. During the winter months, youll want to explore the coast of Georgian Bay along the Bruce Trail, where a good northern view offers the opportunity to see the northern lights when the sky is clear. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In Canada, for example, there are Northern Lights vacations that are even cheaper, at a price of $130 per day. Before you book a ticket, its important to understand when you can visit and actually see the aurora borealis in Canada. As you can see, this September evening, and tonight is typical, Bell Island and the Avalon region of Newfoundland have about as much chance of seeing an aurora as does Chicago: Zero. 1-800-689-9025 | www.env.gov.ca/bcparks, Spring/Summer (May - August) How far north can you see the Northern Lights? This means waterways for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing; hiking trails of every difficulty and distance; and camping opportunities where the night sky reveals its wonders. The best of St. John's walking tour Walking Tours from $178.58 per adult (price varies by group size) 2022 Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise 425 Recommended from $75.12 per adult St. John's Scavenger Hunt: Uphill Beauty Self-guided Tours from $12.31 per adult Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac and Tow N Go Kayak with 2-Nights Accomm. A travel blogger's images of the Northern Lights over Newfoundland and Labrador have gone viral. St. Johns is also recognized for its vibrant arts and cultural community. Expedia, Inc. is not responsible for content on external Web sites. The article goes on to say, these activities wax and wane on a fairly predictable 11-year cycle known as the solar maximum (Canadian Geographic January/February 2013 issue). Newfoundland does not have the American Brown bear (Grizzly Bear). Normally, the farther north you go, the better your chances. In case youre a little fuzzy on the geography,Canada is huge. The chance of seeing the Northern Lights anywhere in NL really depends if there is a massive Geomagnetic storm. As if Gros Morne isn't beautiful enough, lets just throw in an amazing solar show. When viewing Canada on a map, most people are astonished by the massive body of islands that sprawls out into the Arctic Ocean. Kejimkijik National Park and Historic Site is one of Canada's Dark Sky Preserves - the only one in Nova Scotia - so you can expect dark skies and a good chance to see the northern lights when they are active. While a more northern location will be of some help in seeing them, there is never any guarantee. Have other questions about seeing the northern lights in Canada? One clear night in the early nineties I was putting my son to bed in Corner Brook and noticed strange lighting in the sky. If I was to try to see them on the island, I would aim for St. Anthony or one of the towns you pass through on the way to L'Anse aux Meadows, or maybe Fogo Island. Can you see northern lights from Newfoundland? You can also join local Inuit guides on an overnight trip into spectacular fjords where their ancestors camped and walked for centuries. Can you see the northern lights from St Johns Newfoundland? Bundle up and catch a flight to Labrador totake in the views. Its no secret that Newfoundland is a charming province. I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. In my 33 years, I've seen them in St. John's once. Kouchibouguac National Park (New Brunswick), 9. While its less common to see the northern lights this far south in Canada, it is possible if the atmospheric activity is strong enough, and this is your best bet for a dark sky site near Vancouver. The west coast seems to have all the hot spots. more, Newfoundland and Labrador Destination Experts. Many hotels in Canada will offer an aurora wake-up service. Jasper National Park (and its largest town, Jasper) host a dark sky festival each October where people travel from around the world to view the dark skies, learn astronomy, and listen to live music while the northern lights dance overhead. Tuktoyaktuk is one of the Inuvialuit communities in the far northern mainland part of Northwest Territories and is connected to mainland Canada by road though you may want to fly into the small regional airport to save time. Ever been on an 8,759 star getaway? A nice shot of the Big Dipper Included on you first photo. If you visit during the wrong time of year, you wont even be able to see them at all! Anywhere you can pull off the road with a good northerly view will be your best bet to try and see the northern lights. Woody Point is a small community just outside the park. While far-eastern Canada tends to be cloudy, the shore of the Hudson Bay, the northern Canadian towns of Yellowknife or Whitehouse, or the west coast of Alaska are usually good bets. There are still some amazing dark sky destinations where you can see the aurora borealis under the right conditions. We were very surprised to say the least. Let me know in the comments. Stop by here during a haunted walk or enjoy an afternoon tea with desserts and drinks in the Crypt Tea Room.