Whether you call it the Aurora Borealis, the ‘dawn of the north’, or the Northern Lights, the luminescent green glow over the northern sky is one of the most unforgettable nighttime displays.  The dancing lights of the aurora have been seen in various shades of green, pink, yellow, red, blue and violet, in winters throughout Canada.

But what exactly are they? When is the best time to see them? And most importantly, where do I have to go to catch a glimpse of this spectacle? 

History of the Lights

Aurora was the goddess of the dawn in Roman myths hence the naming, 'Aurora Borealis' meaning 'dawn of the north.' Throughout history, many cultural groups have had different legends pertaining to the lights. The most common belief being that the lights are the spirits of their people.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun, and the earth’s atmosphere. These collisions result in the stunning arcs, streamers, and curtain shaped ‘clouds’ that light up the sky with a somewhat eerie glow. The different colors of the aurora borealis are dependent upon how high oxygen molecules are in the sky.

The common greenish yellow tint is seen when the oxygen molecules are about 100 kilometers high, whereas the more rare red lights are visible when these molecules are as high as 320 kilometers.

When is the best time to see them?

The Aurora Borealis is very cyclic based on space weather. There tends to be a peak of visibility roughly every eleven years with the next peak period coming up within the next two years. 

Here in Canada, winter is the best time to see the lights. The longer periods of darkness and frequency of clear nights provide viewers with many opportunities to see these auroral displays. Usually, midnight on a clear night is the best time for viewing. 

Where can I see the Northern Lights?

Heading out into the wilderness of Canada to see the northern lights is simply unforgettable. There are many places that offer guided tours to optimal viewing locations, such as the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories.

Many of these trips bring a group out to a lodge travelling by snowmobile. These guided tours bring the guests to strategic locations far away from any man made light, providing optimal viewing conditions. 

With the peak season lasting through early April, there is still plenty of time left to make a trip this winter to see the Norhtern Lights for yourself.