If you travel up to the Arctic north with its towering peaks and wide sky above, there lives a phenomenon steeped in myth. Some nights it starts slowly, way up at the edge of the sky, as a faint green hue. Or, sometimes, as a cloud of light that moves across the horizon. But slowly, very slowly, as if to reward only the most patient, it grows, illuminating the sky with an array of color. Pastel blues and pinks morph into vibrant splashes of green and purple, dancing in waves across the night. As the winter sleeps, the sky is alight, glittering with the mystical dance of the northern lights.
Why take a northern lights vacation?
The aurora borealis has long since been surrounded by tales of spirit and myth. And it’s not hard to see why — in winter, the black Arctic night comes alive with mysterious dancing ribbons of green, purple, and pink.
It’s no surprise, then, that bathing under the light of a sky come-alive is a bucket-list item for nearly every seasoned traveler. It’s not simple — the best viewing locations are remote, and the timing finicky — but with the right preparation and planning, witnessing the majesty of the northern lights will make for a truly unforgettable trip.
Standing below the northern lights in the Yukon, Canada
When to see the Northern Lights
The northern lights are as famously fickle as they are beautiful. The world-renowned sight is difficult to catch as it doesn’t manifest at human whim, depending instead on a (less magical) combination of solar-charged particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. While we can’t conjure the elusive spectacle ourselves, we do know our best chance at seeing it: it’s got to be clear, it’s got to be night, and it’s got to be dark.
So as we transition into the colder months, and as the nights draw in, the time couldn’t be more right. The long nights in the north present the ideal conditions for the aurora to be visible. There could be no way to more perfectly light up the winter skies, so long as they are clear.
The northern lights dancing above Manitoba
Where to see the Northern Lights
To see the northern lights you have to, unsurprisingly, head north. While the lights do occasionally show themselves further south, they are most common (and most dazzling) in the Auroral Zone — encompassing latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.
In heading to the Far North, you are guaranteed to see a world few others experience. As the lights are best viewed at night, your days are left free to make the most of the unique opportunities these remote regions have to offer.
We are passionate about designing your ideal itinerary. We want you to be sure that, regardless of how the clouds cooperate when the time comes, your aurora trip will be truly heavenly. So, as experts in all things Canada and Alaska (and having explored both, corner to corner), we have selected 3 of our favorite locations to see the stunning lights do their thing.
The aurora over the Yukon mountains
The Yukon, Canada
Feeling worn out by daily life? Stepping into the Yukon is like leaving the world as you know it behind.
In the north-west of Canada is the country’s largest best-kept secret. And, what it lacks in population, it makes up for in nature. From towering mountain ranges, to expansive lakes and rivers, to many, many moose (easily outnumbering people), in this vast territory you can have your pick of nature (and eat it too).
Dog sledding through the snow
To fully detach from human life, spend your days dashing through the awe-inspiring landscape on a dog sled or snowmobile, or recharge inside with a relaxing spa treatment. Whatever you choose, you can be sure it will be backed by some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery with none of the typical crowds.
The view of the northern lights from the glass chalet
But, of course, the majesty does not end at sundown. If you’re feeling adventurous, bundle up and head out on a guided aurora viewing. Want a quiet night in? Head to the Northern Lights Resort and Spa on the Winter at it's Best Aurora Glass Chalet package, and make the most of your stylish aurora glass chalet (fitted with floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows). You will end each day of adventure-filled exploration with a stunning view of the vast, Yukon sky from your bed as the aurora lights up the night.
Colorful auroras light up the Manitoba sky
Manitoba, Canada
Forget the aurora, visiting Churchill, Manitoba might make you want to keep your eyes squarely on the ground! And as autumn begins — when the polar bears gather along the Hudson Bay coast, waiting for the ice to form, and the aurora begins to light up the night — it is the ideal time to visit to experience the region’s best offerings in one amazing trip.
Polar bear getting friendly with a tour
Known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World,’ and home to approximately 900 bears through the summer months, Churchill is a hotspot for arctic wildlife. Aside from the bears, the town is also frequented by beluga whales, moose, caribou, red and arctic fox, ptarmigan birds and arctic hare. With an abundance of unique wildlife to see, you have to use your time wisely to see it all! Thankfully, there are a wide range of viewing opportunities like walking tours, all-terrain vehicles, and even your flights, proving the ideal opportunity for unforgettable encounters with creatures big and small.
View of the aurora from Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
If you want the darkest sky possible, fly out to the remote Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and take in the northern lights far away from the bustle of town. Located deep in Canada’s Boreal Forest, you can not only be guaranteed a sky free of light pollution, but unparalleled access to polar bears in their natural environment.
Polar bear lounging by the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
On the Hudson Bay Odyssey northern lights tour, spend your days nature trekking, participating in coastal ATV tours, and getting (safely) up close and personal with the many bears wandering by. Or perhaps simply keep warm inside your cozy lodge, and watch polar bears lazily stroll by your window, while waiting for the night to come alive. As the evening rolls in, enjoy the welcome comfort of Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge with a tundra-inspired meal prepared by on-site chefs. Retire to the cozy wood fire with a delicious hot drink and tell tales of the creatures you saw all while having the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the lights dancing above. Each night, you will sleep peacefully knowing you will be (gently) woken in the case of the aurora so that you don’t miss even a single glance.
Views of the aurora and the Sheldon Chalet
Alaska, USA
Looking to venture outside Canada? Want to really check one off your bucket list? Head up to Alaska for a truly life-changing view of the polar sky.
Sheldon Chalet surrounded by peaks
Experience the height of luxury at Sheldon Chalet. Perched atop a rugged nunatak (an isolated peak of rock) in the secluded heart of Denali National Park, this escape is only accessible by helicopter. Revel in the peace and solitude of the chalet, and the wonder of having a glacier entirely to yourself. With not another soul in sight, you are sure to have the clearest light-free nights — perfect conditions, from autumn through until spring, to let the auroras shine their brightest. And at an elevation of 6,000ft, you can almost reach up and touch them.
By day, decide between a wide range of excursions like glacier trekking, rock climbing, crevasse exploration, a hike to the historic Sheldon Mountain House, sledding, gourmet glacier picnics and more, all led by world-class guides and tailored to your liking.
Our very own Founder overlooking the Don Sheldon Amphitheater
By night, relax in the sauna, dine on a gourmet dinner curated to the tastes of each guest, and cozy up next to the outdoor fire (or retreat to the warmth of the chalet’s 5 guest rooms) to settle in for a night of dancing lights.
Sheldon Chalet at night
With the Sheldon Chalet Luxury Adventure package running through the winter months, you stand the best chance of seeing the elusive northern lights. And, with an uninhibited view of the sweeping glacier lined by magnificent peaks (the most of all being the neighboring Denali summit — just 10 miles away and the tallest peak in North America!), there is no better backdrop on Earth for the aurora’s glow.
Book Your Dream Aurora Experience with Canada by Design
However you choose to see them, even a small glimpse of the sky awash with color is sure to be a memorable experience.
Our expertly crafted packages ensure you get the most out of your journey with comfort, safety, and unforgettable experiences. Chat with one of our knowledgeable Travel Designers to start planning your custom aurora experience. Your dream adventure awaits in the wild heart of Canada!
Looking to learn more? Visit our Northern Lights Tours Canada page for inspiration and to browse our most popular packages. Prefer to simply stay in touch? Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date deals, trip ideas and more!