Have you ever seen the spectacular Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky? If not, you’re missing out on one of the greatest natural wonders. Luckily, you live in Ontario, which offers prime viewing locations to witness the stunning Northern Lights. From secluded parks to scenic beaches, the province is filled with spots perfect for Aurora hunting. This article will highlight the top 10 places to see the Northern Lights in Ontario and explain why each location offers ideal conditions to view the colorful display. You’ll learn interesting facts about the science behind the Auroras and get tips for the best times to view them and how to capture them on camera. By the end, you’ll be an Aurora-viewing Pro ready to venture out under the stars for an unforgettable experience. The dazzling show Mother Nature puts on is waiting for you - now get out there and see it!
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
Update: Hey there, we've added 10 free videos from our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course to this post. In the videos, we explain the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis in simple terms for beginners. You'll learn things like what the Northern Lights really look like and how long the show lasts. Also covered are common shapes, Aurora forecasting, tips for finding the best viewing spot, and more. We made the videos short and right to the point. Enjoy learning new things about one of nature's most incredible light shows.
How Aurora really looks like? (video from Northern Lights Online Course)
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural light show in the sky. They are caused by solar particles entering the Earth's magnetic field and colliding with gasses such as oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. The lights often appear as colorful, shimmering curtains of light.
Ontario is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in the world due to its northern latitude, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. You can see the Auroras dancing and flickering across the sky, displaying shades of green, red, and blue. It's a dazzling sight you'll never forget!
Some interesting facts about the Northern Lights:
• They are more active around the equinoxes in March and September.
• The lights are always present, but only visible when Solar activity increases.
• They can appear for just a few minutes or last for hours.
• The Northern Lights tend to be more active between 10 pm and 3 am.
• They are often very faint and hard to spot. Using a camera on a tripod helps capture them.
The most common questions are: When and where can I see the Northern Lights in Ontario? The best locations are rural areas away from city lights, especially along the Canadian Shield. Some top spots are Lake Superior Provincial Park, Algonquin Park, and Muskoka. For the best chance of spotting the Auroras, check the geomagnetic activity forecasts and head out on a clear night between 10 pm and 3 am.
With scenic vistas, dark skies, and nature all around, Ontario offers an unparalleled Aurora viewing experience. So bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready for a magical night under the Northern Lights!
When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights in Ontario, location and knowing when to head out is everything.
Check our article on how to easily find the best place for Ontario Northern Lights viewing in 4 easy steps: Where Can I See the Northern Lights
An easy way to find the darkest place ideal for Aurora viewing is to use the light pollution map: Light Pollution Maps for Aurora Hunters
The Northern Lights Ontario forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast and Aurora activity in real-time here: Boreal Webcams
Before going out on your hunt for Northern Lights in Ontario it's a smart move to take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
Ontario is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in the world. With long, dark winter nights and latitudes north of many major cities, the province offers prime Aurora viewing. Here are the top 10 spots to catch the show:
1. Lake Superior Provincial Park
This park on the northern shore of Lake Superior is one of the darkest places in southern Ontario, making it perfect for Northern Lights viewing and photography. Find an isolated beach or hiking trail and watch the sky come alive.
2. Pukaskwa National Park
Another epic location along Lake Superior with minimal light pollution. Hike through boreal forest by day and watch the Aurora dance at night. Camp under a blanket of stars and you might just catch the Northern Lights reflecting off White River.
3. Moosonee and Moose Factory
Near the northern end of James Bay, these secluded communities offer front-row seats to spectacular displays. Charter a flight or take the Polar Bear Express train for a real adventure.
4. Cochrane and Kapuskasing
Tucked beneath the Auroral Oval, these northern towns are ideal for catching the Lights. Find a quiet road or trail and watch ribbons of color sway to their own celestial rhythm.
5. Elliot Lake
Once a booming mining town, Elliot Lake now attracts visitors seeking wilderness and night skies. Nearby Mississagi and Spanish Rivers provide reflections to double the show.
The Aurora, or Northern Lights, are a natural wonder and seeing them should be on everyone's bucket list. Now you know the best places in Ontario to make that dream a reality. So bundle up, bring your camera, and experience the thrill of chasing the Lights.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are a spectacular sight in the night sky over Ontario. The best time to see the Auroras is between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. For the strongest shows, aim for the equinoxes in March and September and the solstices in June and December. Check the geomagnetic activity forecast to see the likelihood of visible Auroras. When the forecast shows a Kp index of 4 or higher, that indicates a strong chance of spotting the northern lights that night!
Ontario is a haven for nature enthusiasts and avid stargazers alike, offering a multitude of breathtaking locations to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Five more incredible spots that promise an unforgettable Aurora Borealis experience.
6. Algonquin Provincial Park
Nestled amidst the enchanting wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park, you'll discover a prime location for Northern Lights viewing. With its vast expanse of untouched forests and pristine lakes, this park provides an idyllic setting to witness the dancing lights in the night sky. Set up camp or embark on a serene hike to immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural spectacle.
7. Manitoulin Island
Situated in Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island boasts remarkable dark skies, making it an optimal destination for Aurora hunters. Explore the island's charming communities during the day, and as nightfall blankets the land, gaze up at the celestial kaleidoscope above. The Northern Lights here weave their magic, casting vibrant hues across the horizon and creating an ethereal atmosphere.
8. Thunder Bay Lookout
For a truly awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Northern Lights, head to Thunder Bay Lookout. Perched high atop a cliff in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, this vantage point offers a captivating sight. As the Auroras illuminate the heavens, casting an ethereal glow upon the vast Lake Superior, you'll be left breathless by the sheer magnificence of this natural spectacle.
9. Killarney Provincial Park
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Killarney Provincial Park, where the Northern Lights grace the night sky with their celestial dance. Traverse the park's pristine trails, surrounded by ancient forests and crystal-clear lakes, and find the perfect spot to witness this breathtaking phenomenon unfold before your eyes.
10. Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Located in the heart of Georgian Bay, this national park offers an exquisite backdrop for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Traverse the network of picturesque islands during the day, and as darkness falls, marvel at the celestial display above. Capture the beauty through your lens or simply revel in the tranquillity of this remarkable setting.
With these additional spots, your Northern Lights expedition in Ontario is sure to be extraordinary. Remember to plan your visit during the optimal viewing times and keep an eye on the geomagnetic activity forecast. Where else to go?
Muskoka: This popular cottage country destination offers dark skies away from city lights. Head to a secluded lake or hiking trail and look north.
Temagami: Deep in the Canadian Shield, Temagami's old-growth forests and over 2,000 lakes provide a picturesque setting for the Northern Lights.
For the best photos, use a DSLR camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens and high ISO. A tripod is essential to capture the Auroras without blur. Experiment with different exposure lengths, apertures and ISOs. Include foreground objects like trees, lakes or landscapes for added interest.
The Ontario Northern Lights are an awe-inspiring sight. By heading north, choosing a clear and moonless night, and arriving prepared, you'll have the opportunity to witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena in the skies.
To capture the magic of the Northern Lights on camera, here are some tips to get you started:
Use a DSLR camera
A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera will give you the most flexibility and control over your shots. You’ll want a camera that can capture wide, long exposures and high ISO speeds. A wide-angle lens, like a 14mm or 16mm, works well for capturing the expanse of the night sky.
Use a high ISO
Using a higher ISO, like 800 or 1600, will make the camera more sensitive to light so it can capture the Northern Lights even in low light. However, higher ISO speeds can produce grainy images, so do some test shots to find the right balance.
Use a longer exposure
Longer exposures, 10-30 seconds, will allow more light to reach the camera sensor and capture the movement of the Northern Lights. Use a remote shutter release or your camera’s timer to trigger the shot to avoid camera shake.
Turn off autofocus
Switch your lens to manual focus and set the focus to infinity. Since it will be dark, autofocus will struggle. Manual focus ensures your shots remain sharp.
Consider using a tripod
A tripod keeps your camera steady during long exposures and helps you frame the perfect shot. If you don’t have a tripod, try setting your camera on a stable surface like the ground or the roof of your car.
Experiment with settings
Don’t be afraid to play around with different ISO speeds, aperture openings, and shutter speeds to get different effects. Every night shooting the Northern Lights will be different, so find what works for you.
Dress warmly and bring extras
Photographing Ontario Northern Lights often means standing outside at night for long periods. Dress in insulated layers, wear a hat, insulated gloves, and thick socks. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, a flashlight, and hand warmers.
Be patient
The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so finding them requires patience. Once you spot them, take your time to set up your shots and make adjustments to get the perfect photo. The effort will be well worth it!
You probably have a lot of questions about the Northern Lights and the best places to see them in Ontario. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your adventure.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Ontario?
The Aurora Borealis is most active during the equinoxes in March and September. The longer nights mean more time for the lights to dance across the sky. The winter months, especially January and February, also offer many clear nights to spot the Lights.
Where should I go to get the best view?
Head north to get away from light pollution. Some of the top spots are:
Algonquin Provincial Park: This massive park offers many secluded lakes and trails to set up your camera.
Temagami: A rugged wilderness with old-growth forests and minimal development.
Manitoulin Island: The largest freshwater island in the world has dark skies and Lake Huron vistas.
Moosonee: This far north town on James Bay is one of the best places for vivid displays.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Aurora Borealis is caused by charged particles from the Sun entering the earth's atmosphere. When the particles collide with gasses like oxygen and nitrogen, the energy is released as light. The colors you see depend on which gasses are interacting with the solar particles.
How can I photograph the Northern Lights?
Use a camera with manual controls so you can adjust the settings. Set a long exposure, like 10-30 seconds. Increase the ISO, around 1600 to 6400. A wide-angle lens works well to capture the expanse of the Lights. Use a tripod to keep the camera steady. Focus to infinity and set the aperture between f/2.8 and f/4. With some patience, you'll get photos of a lifetime!
Are the Northern Lights predictable?
The Aurora Borealis is notoriously difficult to predict. While Solar activity that causes the Lights can be tracked, atmospheric conditions also have to be right for them to be visible. Local weather, especially cloud cover, can impact visibility. The Lights often appear suddenly and without warning, so your best bet is to frequently check the sky if you're in an optimal viewing area.
The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.
Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.
So now you know - Ontario has some amazing spots for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights show. Bundle up, charge your camera batteries and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Don't forget to check the geomagnetic activity forecasts to increase your chances. Once you witness the colorful, dancing lights in the night sky, you'll be hooked. The memories of the Aurora Borealis in Ontario's pristine landscapes will stay with you for life. Who knows, you may even become an Aurora Chaser and make it your goal to photograph Auroras around the world. But for now, start with the stunning shows in your own backyard - the wilds of Ontario. The Northern Lights are waiting for you!
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