Northern Lights shine bright over Lake of the Woods

Gerry Cariou

10 Lodges in Northern Ontario Where You Can See the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis are a common sight in the dark skies over Northern Ontario. Here are ten lodges where you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

By Staff Writer, Northern Ontario Travel

December 3, 2024

Places Where You Can See the Northern Lights

So you want to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) but don't know where to go. In Northern Ontario, the dark skies and a northerly latitude make many lodges and resorts ideal locations to see the light show. Northern lights are never guaranteed, no matter where you go. Since they are created when electromagnetic energy from the sun hits the earth's outer atmosphere, they only show up when the sun is "active." It would be best if you also had clear, dark skies to see them at their best. Read this Canadian Space Agency article for more info on how and why Northern Lights form.

We'll start in the west and make our way east with a list of ten lodges in Northern Ontario where you can see the Northern Lights.

Ontario's Sunset Country

Starting at the Manitoba/Ontario border and east almost to Thunder Bay is a vast region of Ontario called Sunset Country. First and foremost, Sunset Country has dark skies and is known for its spectacular fishing, hunting and paddling opportunities. You can often see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the region.

Browns' Clearwater West Lodge - Atikokan

Northern lights shine bright over Clearwater West Lake — The Aurora shining bright over Clearwater West Lake. Image courtesy of Browns Clearwater Lodge.

Located near the Town of Atikokan on Clearwater West Lake, Browns' Clearwater West Lodge is open all year and offers fishing, camping and hunting trips. In winter, the lodge caters to ice anglers and snowmobilers. Browns' is close to the US/Canada border crossing at Fort Frances, Ontario, so it's not a long drive for Americans looking to see the lights. Website: brownsclearwaterlodge.com Phone: 1-800-900-4240

Yellowbird Lodge - Sioux Narrows

Yellowbird Lodge in Sioux Narrows, Ontario. Image courtesy of Totem Resorts.

Located on the eastern shore of Lake of the Woods, Yellowbird Lodge is part of the Totem Resorts group and is a five-star lodge open all year round. You can stay in a room in the lodge or rent a private cabin. They also offer Lake of the Woods Ice Castles an overnight option to ice fish in luxury. Guided lake tours are also available. Step outside the lodge or your cabin and look up; there is a good chance you'll see the Northern Lights if the sky is clear and the sun is active. Website: Totemresorts.com Phone: 1-800-66-TOTEM

Anishinabi Lodge - Vermilion Bay

Viewing the northern lights at Anishinabi Lodge in Northwestern Ontario. Very dark skies. — Friends creating great memories at Aninishinabi Lodge. Image credit Clark's Resorts and Outposts.

Located north of Vermilion Bay, Ontario, Anishinabi Lodge is a remote fishing and adventure lodge accessible by float planes in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. This area of Sunset Country has very dark skies. Anishinabi Lodge is one of the properties owned and operated by Clark's Resorts, which also has 27 remote outpost cabins, which are fantastic locations to view the Northern Lights. Website: clarksresorts.com Phone: 807-227-2154

Ontario's Superior Country

This region of Ontario covers the western half of Lake Superior and offers ideal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. You can stay at one of the lodges in the winter or in any one of the communities and drive outside of town for the best view. This region includes the City of Thunder Bay and many small communities on Lake Superior's North Shore.

Brace Lake Outfitters

Located in the Albany River Watershed near Nakina, Ontario, Brace Lake Outfitters is relatively far north, making it ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. They even offer a photography package, perfect for those looking to see the Aurora. This easily accessible fly-in lodge will provide cozy accommodations during your stay. Just drive to their base in Nakina, and they will take care of the rest. They even have an outpost location on the Albany River. Website: bracelakeoutfitters.com Phone: 807-853-1998.

Wilderness North

Wilderness North is a great place to go if you're looking for an adventure outdoors. Not only can you see the Northern Lights here, but families can enjoy a safe outdoor experience in comfort, letting you explore the wilderness, revitalize and make memories that will last a lifetime. Dark, clear skies make it an ideal destination for Aurora seekers. Website: wildernessnorth.com Phone: 1-888-465-3474

Algoma Country

Located in northcentral Ontario, with its international border crossing at Sault Ste Marie, the Algoma Country travel region is easily accessible for viewing the Northern Lights. You can stay at an assortment of lodges in the area, outside any city light pollution and enjoy the show as it appears in the dark skies above you.

Errington's Wilderness Island

Northern lights shine in a magical way at Errington's Wilderness Lodge. — Greens and reds in this Aurora over Errington's Wilderness Lodge.

Errington’s secluded location atop the ancient Canadian Shield, the world's oldest mountain range, offers an exceptional vantage point for viewing the Aurora Borealis. The elevated terrain, pristine air, and absence of light pollution create ideal conditions for breathtaking night skies. Prepare for a spectacular show if the Northern Lights shine and the sky is clear. Website: wildernessisland.com Phone: (705) 946-2010

Rock Island Lodge

Nestled along the rugged wilderness coast of Lake Superior near Wawa, Ontario, Rock Island Lodge offers boutique, bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families. With tranquil beaches ideal for intimate outdoor weddings and peaceful conference spaces for corporate retreats inspired by nature, the lodge provides a unique escape. It's also a fantastic location to see the Northern Lights. Website: rockislandlodge.ca Phone: (705) 856-2939

Forest The Canoe - Goulais River

While not a lodge per se, Forest the Canoe is an outdoor company offering guided nature tours and camping trips. A highlight for this article is their guided Astro Hike in Pancake Bay Provincial Park. Venture out with your guide and gaze at the dark Northern Ontario sky. You won't believe what you see and will be awestruck by the stars in the Milky Way. Website: forestthecanoe.ca Phone: (705) 730-3457

Northeastern Ontario

As the area closest to Southern Ontario, the Northeastern Ontario travel region is an easily accessible spot where you'll find dark skies and, hopefully, an active Aurora event. The cities of Sudbury, North Bay, and Timmins are in this region, and many people who live in the GTA fished up in this area during the summer. You may have already seen them on your fishing trip!

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Northern Lights on the French River. Credit Brian Moriarty — Just 3.5 hours north of Toronto is the French River - a great location to see the Northern Lights. Image Credit: Brian Moriarty

On a private island on the beautiful French River, Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge is a fishing and family-oriented lodge that offers a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Located just 3.5 hours north of Toronto, you can unwind, relax in a private cabin, and enjoy the incredible beauty of the natural surroundings. Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge offers destination vacation packages that will make your holiday unforgettable. Website: craneslochavenlodge.com Phone: (705) 898-2222

Killarney Mountain Lodge - Georgian Bay

Waterfront Cabins at Killarney Mountain Lodge

Located on the northern shore of Georgian Bay, Killarney Mountain Lodge is a multi-purpose lodge that caters to those who love the outdoors and larger, more formal events like weddings and business retreats. Experience nature on a guided hike and a tour of the local islands, and step out at night to see if the Northern Lights shine above. Every experience is crafted to seamlessly combine adventure and relaxation, offering a diverse and memorable journey that lingers long after your visit. Website: killarney.com Phone: 1-800-461-1117