Aurora viewing tips

You don't need any special equipment to see auroras, just a healthy dose of enthusiasm!

Viewing the northern lights

The closer you are to the North Magnetic Pole, the better your chances of being able to admire the northern lights. That said, they can also be seen in more southerly parts of Canada during periods of intense solar activity.

Generally, the aurora appears a few hours after sunset, when the sky is clear, and tends to become more intense around midnight. If you are lucky enough to get to see the aurora up north, here's how to get the most out of your observation night.

Location

• Choose a location free of light pollution. The bright city lights that light up the sky make low-intensity auroras invisible.

Viewing conditions

• Check the aurora forecast to find out whether the northern lights will be visible in the sky near you.
• Visit Space Weather Canada for Canada's forecast of geomagnetic activity, which is responsible for the aurora borealis.
• Check the local weather forecast before leaving. Clouds, precipitation and the full Moon make it difficult to see the aurora.
• Look all around you, not only north: auroras may appear anywhere in the sky.
• Check the position of the auroral oval in real time. Be sure to bundle up—it gets cold at night!
• Remember to bring your camera if you want to try to photograph the aurora.

Explore further

• What are the northern lights?
• Photographing the aurora
• The colours of the northern lights