Canada Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Yukon Northern Lights adventures are located in a wilderness environment surrounded by mountains, glaciers, rivers and wildlife. It is one of the most popular destinations for viewing. [ Link ]

NWT Northern Lights adventures are located in a wilderness environment at the doorway to the Arctic Circle. The NWT is another one of the more popular destinations to view the lights. [ Link ]

Alberta Northern Lights adventures are located in a western Canadian prairie province near the northern regions of the province near the Boreal Forest and Canadian Shield. [ Link ]

Saskatchewan Northern Lights adventures are enjoyed in the central prairie province throughout the northern regions of the province surrounded by thousands of lakes. [ Link ]

Canada Northern Lights, also known as the Canadian Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon attracting travelers to the northern regions of Canada in anticipation of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights which illuminate the northern skies in a rainbow of colors.

Canada's Northern Lights can be viewed on many nights of the year, however, weather conditions may impact viewing visibility. When nights are longer, between October and March, the viewing conditions and colors are at their best.

It is during the winter and early spring months that the colors in the skies are floating like ocean waves in the sky. The colors vary as per the conditions. At times the skies are covered in waves of green, yellow, blue or red. Green being the most common.

The Canadian Northern Lights are a result of a chemical reaction between the sun and our atmosphere. The sun beams down electromagnetic radiation. The beams of light interact with the gases in the earth's atmosphere. The end result is the Northern Lights.

Throughout the northern regions of many of our provinces and all of our territories are lodges and tour companies catering to the crowds who arrive every season to experience the Aurora Borealis.

Companies showcasing the Northern Lights vary in what services they provide. Services may include accommodations, meals and transportation to and from the viewing grounds.

Accommodations could be a lodge, teepee, resort or cabin. Transportation to the site could be in the form of cross country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snow cats or bush plane.

Some Canada Northern Lights Tips

- research lodges and resorts for Northern Light packages.
- bring liquids and snacks.
- in the north dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable.
- view lights away from urban areas. The darker the better.
- check the local weather forecasts for clear skies for best viewing.
- pack a video and camera.
- to take a picture set your digital camera with an ISO setting of 1600.
- arrive early as lights can last for a few minutes or hours.