How to See the Northern Lights in Ontario 2024: The Ultimate Guide

We get a lot of questions about the Northern Lights up here in Northern Ontario. 

• What are some tips on seeing the Northern Lights? 
• Where's the best place in Ontario to see the Northern Lights? 
• How do you take good pictures of the Northern Lights? 

Well, we've got the answers. Not only are we the best place in Canada to spot the lights, we're also the easiest to get to—just a few short hours from Southern Ontario and you're in aurora borealis paradise. We've even got a Northern Lights festival—Canada's longest-running annual festival! 

Catching a display of the shimmering green, purple, and yellow lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—unless you live in Northern Ontario, of course. 

We've rounded up our top stories about the Northern Lights into one handy guide. 

What's the Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights?

Fall and winter are the best times to spot the Northern Lights in Ontario.

What Kind of Weather is Best for Seeing the Northern Lights?

Basically, clear and cold. That's why Northern Ontario during the fall and winter is the perfect place to spot them! Check www.spaceweather.com for the best time to view the Northern Lights.

What Are Some Fun Facts About the Northern Lights?

Glad you asked. Here are ten interesting facts about the Aurora Borealis! Like, did you know you can smell them? It's true!

Where Can I See the Northern Lights in Ontario?

3 Northern Ontario Road Trips for Spotting Northern Lights 

You've heard of storm chasers? Chasing the Northern Lights is no different! Keep an eye on the space weather and get ready to hit the road on one of these 3 Northern Ontario road trips for Northern Lights lovers. Whether you're in your RV, car, or motorcycle, just keep looking up while you drive and once you've reached your destination—these are 3 spots where the lights are common sightings. 

4 Ways to Increase Your Odds of Seeing the Northern Lights

So you want to see the lights? Here are 4 tips to help your chances. Tip number one? Get out of town. 

How Can I Take Photos of the Northern Lights?

Top Tips for Taking Better Photos of the Northern Lights

Taking photos of the Northern Lights is notoriously difficult. Here are our two guides to taking better photos.

https://www.northernontario.travel/sunset-country/tips-for-taking-pictures-of-the-northern-lights

https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/dawn-of-the-north-tips-for-photographing-the-northern-lights

3 of the Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Sunset Country

Sunset Country in Northwestern Ontario is a vast place. It can be hard to know where to go for the best Northern Lights viewing. Here's an insider's guide to 3 of the best spots to catch the lights—take it from a local who knows. 

Tips for spotting the Northern Lights in Algoma Country

If you're trying to spot the lights from places like Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, or White River in Algoma Country, check out this guide for predicting the lights and photographing them—plus some great photos. "In Algoma, a KP level of 3 is enough to capture lights with your camera—the higher the number the stronger and more prevalent the lights are."

Celebrate the Northern Lights at Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury.

This annual festival turns 52 in 2024.

Why Catching a Glimpse of the Northern Lights is So Special

When you do spot the lights, it's often a moving experience. Depending on who you're with and where, it's something you'll remember for a lifetime. Here's one woman's story about why seeing the Northern Lights was one of the best nights of her life. 

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