There are two main reasons: 1) The first two weeks of July are high summer. But bring proper dress just in case. In my 33 years, I've seen them in St. John's once. With its arctic location and dark skies, Yellowknife is one of the most famous places in Canada to see the northern lights. (The city of Fairbanks itself can be a great choice for seeing northern lights without needing to go too far in the wilderness.). I saw them twice in Ontario, once in Manitoba, once in Saskatchewan, and once in Alberta. Change). I am heading back there for two weeks the end of September and early October for that very purpose! Box 28, Station C, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL, A0P1C0. Usually the best time of night (on clear nights) is midnight local time. Can you see the Milky Way in Newfoundland? This has other links to aurora prediction sites, https://newfoundsander.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/northern-lights-over-newfoundland/. Magnetic field strength is key, which means St. John's is about on par with Oslo, and New York. Thanks Josie, its nice to have a shared memory like that . Now wide awake, shewas very excited and wanted to see them too, but alas, the show was brief and already subsiding. Tap, Know & Go! Battle Harbour is a fantastic location for the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. Known for its archaeological sites and cultural heritage, you can also find pockets of the dark sky and good opportunities to view the northern lights. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the worlds best places to see the Northern Lights. Battle Harbour (Newfoundland & Labrador), 11. The time of night when the light appears varies depending on your region, but usually between 10 pm and 2 am is a good bet. I know there was a good one, just cant remember it. How many days do you need in Newfoundland? Sightings on the island of Newfoundland are exceedingly rare even in winter. All Rights Reserved. Located in northern British Columbia (closer to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory than Vancouver down south), Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a good stop-off if youre doing a big road trip through this part of the country. Why travel to see the spectacular northern lights when you can enjoy them in Newfoundland and Labrador? For something different, try one of the new Oasis accommodations at Malady Head campground. But because they are only typically visible in the aurora zone between 65 and 72 North, they are not visible from April through August when the aurora zone experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. Where can I see the Northern Lights in January 2021? Remember to keep an eye on the space weather websites, and travel as far north as you can when an outburst is predicted . Weather permitting, good northern lights displays could be visible directly overhead in most northern communities. Its also protected from the more dramatic ocean by barrier islands, salt marshes, and forests, making it a great spot for exploring the outdoors and seeing wildlife. It was a sacred moment for me that I will forever recall. While there are many things to do in Jasper, one of the best activities is catching incredible dark skies, which is perfect for viewing the northern lights! If you are going to Newfoundland to only see northern lights that is not a good idea. Box 28, Station C, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL, A0P1C0. How long is ferry from Newfoundland to Greenland? I wanted to see them, but alas it was overcast on both nights. Prices and availability subject to change. http://www.spectacularnwt.com/whattodo/aurora/aurorawatch. The lights also produce a strange sound for those close enough to hear, which is described as similar to the sound of applause. November to March is usually the best time to see the lights as the skies are at their darkest. British Colombia is Canadas most developed western province, with Vancouver nestled in its southwest corner. I am not sure if your trip is solely to see the northern lights or if you are looking for that as an added bonus to a Newfoundland trip? The total driving distance from Prince Edward Island to Newfoundland and Labrador is 679 miles or 1 093 kilometers. The next peak period is 2013. Of course, it would be much more expensive to plan it on your own. Ever been on an 8,759 star getaway? What month is best to see the Northern Lights in Canada? At lower latitudes, the best place to see Northern Lights in Canada would be British Columbia/Alberta and the Canadian Rockies in general. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the worlds best places to see the Northern Lights. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Small and densely populated, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is perhaps the least suited to a northern lights expedition. Part 1, Newfoundland and Labrador Bed and Breakfast, Newfoundland and Labrador Vacation Rentals, Newfoundland and Labrador Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador, Browse all 4,696 Newfoundland and Labrador topics , 12 days itinerary - St John's to Deer Lake, 3 or 4 base trip West to Central Newfoundland, Help finalizing a 2-week family itinerary in June/July. Here's a map of current auroral conditions from the NOAA. Great site and book. Unfortunately for those like me who delight in seeing the aurora borealis, it's simply not true. This community in eastern Alberta is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. It would be great to know which of these are relatively accessible from major international airport. I saw them in a village in north central Iceland. The most amazing of the five sightings were those I saw in Northern Ontario, Manitoba, west of Winnepeg along the Trans Canada, and Saskatchewan. Kouchibouguac National Park (New Brunswick), 9. Elk Island is much closer to Edmonton than Jasper, making it a great second stop on a northern lights road trip through the province. So it closes in early September. Here are a few spots to inspire you. Muncho Lake Provincial Park (British Columbia), 8. Growing daily. You may also ask the crew if they can help let you know if the aurora are expected to be visible. Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada? All colors of the spectrum dancing high in the sky on a crisp night. According to him, spots like Fairbanks in Alaska, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Churchill in Canada, and Iceland and northern Norway are all safe bets. view now, Start Booking your Newfoundland & Labrador Adventure. Located on the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is an area of protected forest, grassland, and prairie. Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) Photo credit: Joon Im via Flickr. How much does it cost to go to Newfoundland? The harvest moon was shining brightly fromthe south so I hardly needed a flashlight to find my way on the trail. Cape Spear Lighthouse (1836) is the most eastern lighthouse in North America and the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador. On top of the hill I put away my camera and called Marije, I had promised to wake her up and tell her all about the lights if and when I saw them. . In Nunavut, thats not the case: capital city Iqaluit is an ideal base for an aurora expedition in the region. The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are an atmospheric phenomenon, and very hard to predict. Here, where the continents of Africa and North America collided and exposed the richly colour ocean floor, the otherworldliness of the landscape is a perfect match for the spectacular stars and galaxies above. When is the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador to see the Northern Lights? Torngat Mountains. I have lived in Gros Morne for seven years now and have never seen the northern lights. A post shared by Newfoundland Labrador Tourism (@newfoundlandlabrador) on Mar 9, 2017 at 11:31am PST. These water-drop shaped treehouses sit on stilts, sleep 2 adults and 2 kids, and have a clear glass roof, so you can sleep in comfort with an unimpeded view of the galaxy. Is St. Anthony far enough north? So grab your bae, your friends or even do it solo. The perfect landscape for that photo you've been dreaming about. When you see this every day you'll never want to leave. We live in Pennsylvania and would like to see the northern light in eastern Canada.. Are there resorts in Eastern Canada that can offer Northern light viewing? At over 3.85millionsquare miles, Canada is not the kind of place you can see in a weekend. Where is the best country to see the Northern Lights? Here are some of the top spots to plan a stargazing trip to the province. Throughout the park, youll find good dark skies for stargazing and spotting the northern lights if theyre visible. It is on an island needing a boat to reach and now a Historic Site. During the day, take advantage of cycling, hiking, or canoe/kayaking opportunities in the national park. Aurora Borealis the northern lights in Lake Louise, Alberta. However there are countless more along almost any route if youre planning a Canadian road trip. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Saskatchewan), 25. The history dates back centuries and its easily one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. After that, around the time the CME is expected on earth, I check the Space Weather Prediction Centres30 Minute Aurora Forecastand the Planetary K-index. Looking for some suggestions and tips on viewing the northern lights in NF. I teach aurora tourists there every winter so I know the view very well! In 1953 I was stationed at McAndrew AFB, in Argentia and witnessed the Aurora Borealis. If northern lights is your goal, you might want to look into flying into one of the airports in Labrador. How did St Johns Newfoundland get its name? Aurora Borealis the northern lights in Lake Louise, Alberta. If you want to do it on your own, you can also spend the day hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even paragliding/hang gliding before camping in the national park. Go off the beaten path at ExplorersWanted.ca - link in bio. or to Iceland if you are from the east coast. September would be the season when you'd have the best chance. How many days do you need in Newfoundland? A private natural park established in 1991 on Manitoulin Island, Gordons Park is a surprising dark sky destination but its also a delightful option if you want to try and see the northern lights in Canada without trekking north to the Arctic. While a more northern location will be of some help in seeing them, there is never any guarantee. Grizzly Bears will stand their ground if you encounter them. Don't let the name scare you because the only thing that will be blown is your mind. Website here. A post shared by Cecil Johnson (@ceciljohnson) on Jul 5, 2016 at 2:42am PDT. How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights in Canada? Where is the best country to see the Northern Lights? In the 1970s Gastown in Vancouver was filled with coffee houses and busking was common. I don't think even the tour operators would guarantee you seeing whales on every trip out, I would say you have a 98% chance of seeing whales if you took a tour out on . The various northern lights destinations in Canada are often hours apart by car or plane. Extensive resource of Newfoundland & Labrador newspapers for information on local issues, politics, events, celebrations, people and business in Newfoundland, Canada. Thats right, enjoy the breathtaking sights of the aurora borealis up close and personal. Kejimkujik National Park (Nova Scotia), 17. For more information about Fort St. John visit www.fortstjohn.ca, Environment Canada Sort of, yes. Located in the far eastern part of Canada along the northern Atlantic coast, New Brunswick has even more of the pristine stargazing opportunities youll find along the Maine coast in the United States. In Canada, for example, there are Northern Lights vacations that are even cheaper, at a price of $130 per day. Stay at this 4-star eco-friendly hotel in Happy Valley - Goose Bay. No matter what time of night youre viewing the northern lights in Canada, you need to bundle up. This is aided by the lack of light pollution in Battle Harbour itself, as well as the distance from other development or urban city lights. Stop by here during a haunted walk or enjoy an afternoon tea with desserts and drinks in the Crypt Tea Room. You can see for miles during the day, and experience a whole galaxy at night. Planets Visible in the Night Sky in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Time/General Weather Time Zone DST Changes Sun & Moon Sun & Moon Today Sunrise & Sunset Moonrise & Moonset Moon Phases Eclipses Night Sky Night Time 12 hours, 51 minutes Thu, Mar 2 at 5:46 pm - Fri, Mar 3 at 6:37 am Visible tonight, Mar 2 - Mar 3, 2023 Bruce Peninsula National Park is open year-round for activities ranging from hiking and camping to skiing and snowshoeing. Given its remoteness, its obviously got fantastic dark skies. Sit back, relax, star gaze and be in awe of the aurora borealis above you. No one stays the winter and I do not know of anyone renting out their cottages. What time of year can you see the northern lights in Newfoundland? What time of year can you see the northern lights in Newfoundland? If you plan to go to Labrador, be very aware of the road situation: long stretches of unpaved highway past Red Bay. I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. What is the best month to visit Newfoundland? Read on to learn everything you need to know to try and spot the northern lights on your trip to Canada. One of the dark sky reserves in Canada, Kouchibouguac National Park is located on the central part of New Brunswicks coast, away from the city lights of Fredericton and Moncton. In this post, Ive broken down some of the most important things you need to know to see the northern lights in Canada. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. How long is the ferry ride from Halifax to Newfoundland? (LogOut/ As others have said, your best bet would be way up in Northern Labrador which would be adventurous, to say the least. By Taxi: Taxis are usually . LAnse aux Meadows National Historic Site. How far north do we need to go to see Northern Lights? Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve (Ontario), 21. You can also join local Inuit guides on an overnight trip into spectacular fjords where their ancestors camped and walked for centuries. A visit to this picturesque town is often combined with a drive along the coast Newfoundland Viking Trail. more, Newfoundland and Labrador Destination Experts. You can also join local Inuit guides on an overnight trip into spectacular fjords where their ancestors camped and walked for centuries. There are limited services along the highway, so plan ahead to ensure you have enough fuel and supplies and know where youll be stopping for the night. Get answers to your questions about Newfoundland and 2015 Trip Reports from other members? 3-Day Forecast (Mar 2 to Mar 4) The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels on Mar 3 (02 Mar), quiet levels on Mar 4 (03 Mar) and quiet to active levels on Mar 5 (04 Mar). Its no secret that Newfoundland is a charming province. The next peak period is 2013. Established in 2020, Northern Lights Newfoundlands specializes in quality black, brown, grey, and landseer Newfoundlands, both for companion and show homes. The most often times to see the Aurora is from September to October and from March to April. Not to mention complete solitude with no noise of a huge city. The weather is usually great in August. If you're on the hunt for that northern lights photograph then why not visit Port Au Port? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Research has shown that the auroral activity is cyclic, and peaks about every 11 years. Snyder was on a United Airlines flight heading to London, England and . http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast. Home Newfoundland Can you see the northern lights from St Johns Newfoundland? As you can see, this September evening, and tonight is typical, Bell Island and the Avalon region of Newfoundland have about as much chance of seeing an aurora as does Chicago: Zero. Just a 20-minute drive from St. John's, this lighthouse is a National Historic Site of Canada. Perhaps it's because there are so many places where light pollution and population density have made the joy of exploring the night sky difficult to experience. While its possible to view the northern lights from the city of Thunder Bay itself, there are many places nearby where you can catch even better aurora spectacles. John's International Airport (YYT) is just 3 hours of flying away from Toronto and only 4.5 hours away from London, England. Yellowknife, NWT, Canada Located on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, in Canadas Northwest Territories it is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights, better known as Aurora Borealis. Enjoy a round of golf in Happy Valley - Goose Bay at Amaruk Golf Club. The first light station in Newfoundland & Labrador was constructed in 1813 at Fort Amherst near "the narrows", the entrance to the St. John's Harbour. Dawson City generally draws crowds for the chance to experience Gold Rush history firsthand. Is St Johns Newfoundland a safe place to live? However, their last night is Sep 4 for this season.". Fairbanks, Alaska, is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The temperatures finally warm up and we all come out of hibernation. The Cabot Strait separates Newfoundland from Nova Scotia to the southwest and the Strait of Belle Isle separates the Island of Newfoundland from Labrador on the northwest. When to See the Northern Lights in Canada, The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Canada, 5. Dont leave. If you plan to go to Labrador, be very aware of the road situation: long stretches of unpaved highway past Red Bay. Ive seen the northern lights 5 times in Canada, and all were in late summer or early autmn. McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve (British Columbia), 6. This is a National Park is way up north with all those cute polar bears. All rights reserved. Vous allez tre redirig vers www.exploreTNL.ca. The best place appears to be Labrador but here is the most recent one where NL and other areas of Canada are discussed. A post shared by ALEXA CUDE // HALIFAX CANADA (@seriouslyalexa) on Apr 26, 2018 at 2:13pm PDT, Meanwhile, in a galaxy not so far, far away : @kontak_photography, L'anse Aux Meadows #ExploreNL #ExploreCanada, A post shared by Newfoundland Labrador Tourism (@newfoundlandlabrador) on Dec 15, 2017 at 12:01pm PST. Spaceweather.com is a website thatI checkevery dayto see if theres any newson clues1, 2 and 3. After some research I was able to confirmthat even though auroras are more frequent in the North, the show couldcertainly be seenas far South as I was, at my latitude just above St. Johns. Youre going to need them all. Bundle up and catch a flight to Labrador totake in the views. or contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com.