Why travel to see the spectacular northern lights when you can enjoy them in Newfoundland and Labrador? It's most unlikely you'll see any northern lights on this trip. 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). Research has shown that the auroral activity is cyclic, and peaks about every 11 years. Or Pegasus, Andromeda, Canis Major or Minor, or even Sagittarius. 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. per night. (LogOut/ Often overlooked for its more picturesque and popular neighbor (Jasper National Park, detailed below), Elk Island is one of two Dark Sky Preserves in Alberta. On my way there, I saw streams of light shooting up from the vague green band: Aurora Borealis, dancing through the night sky Biscan Cove Path. When you find a special place to look upon the heavens, take a pic share it with us using #ExploreNL. If you haven't been to northern Labrador then you're missing out big time. Magnetic field strength is key, which means St. John's is about on par with Oslo, and New York. A few years ago there was a photograph taken here in the park - of northern lights in August,, but the locals suspected it was photo-shopped. Aurora Borealis on the horizon Biscan Cove Path. Sit back, relax, star gaze and be in awe of the aurora borealis above you. The most amazing of the five sightings were those I saw in Northern Ontario, Manitoba, west of Winnepeg along the Trans Canada, and Saskatchewan. After dark, you can camp in the park to enjoy the stars above and the northern lights if the conditions are right. Do the Northern Lights happen every night? Explore these seldom, Torngat mountains: Let the spirit move you, 15 Reasons You Should Visit The Torngat Mountains, Unplug From It All In Beautiful Battle Harbour, The 8 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Canada, A Far-flung Destination off the Coast of Labrador, If Can content is your thing, then you must head, Western Newfoundland: A Lighthouse Picnic & Hiking, A Hike to the Summit of Gros Morne Mountain in Newfoundland, Natural beauty, rich culture in Newfoundlands Gros, Go Here: Gros Morne National Park In Winter, Find The 4 Architecturally Stunning Artist Studios, Fogo Island Inn offers taste of life as an islander. However, three conditions must be met: 20C av and Dry. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. However, their last night is Sep 4 for this season. Battle Harbour is a fantastic location for the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. There is no official season since the Northern Lights are almost always present, day and night. But it's hard to know if you'd get lucky enough to see them. Affectionately called Keji by Nova Scotians, Kejimkijik National Park and Historic Site is a perfect place to get away from it all and experience the great outdoors. It was 1 and only sighting of the northern lights. After the call I continued down to the main viewpoint overlooking the cove, and the horizon lit up onelast time: Aurora Borealis over Cape St. Francis Biscan Cove Path. Change). Great article, very helpful! Let me know in the comments. These are just a few of the top places to stargaze around Newfoundland and Labrador, but there are many more. The next peak period is 2013. All three are far removed from any population centres, offer varying amenity levels, and will give you a true night sky free from the light pollution that hampers stargazing in the city. L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, Expedition 51: Travelling the Qubec-Labrador Highway, Smartphone Photography 101 with Dru Kennedy, Wild and Free: A Guide to Wildlife in Terra Nova, The 5 UNESCO designated cultural and natural wonders, A Guide To Newfoundland's Magical Gros Morne National, Hiking Through the Remote, Northern Torngat Mountains, 10 Unique Rainy Day Adventures in Gros Morne National. 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. However, their last night is Sep 4 for this season. How many days do you need in Newfoundland? Grasslands National Park (Saskatchewan), 11 Things You Need to Know to See the Northern Lights in 2023, The 15 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in Tasmania This Winter, The 6 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Greenland. Welcome to St. John's, Newfoundland (39) A private, first time tour to all the scenic beauty and history. At over 3.85millionsquare miles, Canada is not the kind of place you can see in a weekend. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Additional terms may apply. This Is the Most Remote and Magical Hotel on Earth, Gwyneth Paltrow finds heaven on Newfoundlands, I went to one of the four corners of the world, A post shared by Nicolas Lachance (@nic_lachance), A post shared by Dave Brosha (@davebrosha), A post shared by ALEXA CUDE // HALIFAX CANADA (@seriouslyalexa), A post shared by Tom Cochrane (@tomcochrane), A post shared by Cecil Johnson (@ceciljohnson), A post shared by Newfoundland Labrador Tourism (@newfoundlandlabrador). A post shared by Dave Brosha (@davebrosha) on Aug 14, 2017 at 9:59am PDT. Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Happy Valley - Goose Bay. You can also join local Inuit guides on an overnight trip into spectacular fjords where their ancestors camped and walked for centuries. Unlike other provinces or territories where you might be able to see the aurora any night the sky is clear, be sure to check the forecast before trying to see the northern lights from Prince Edward Island. 250-562-0432 | www.drivebc.ca, BC Parks On Fogo Island you can eat a delicious meal, sip on some deadly coffee and see the aurora borealis all in the one spot. The next peak period is 2024. Watch them just about anywhere in the park. A good display may last for no longer than 15-30 minutes at a time, although if youre really lucky, it could extend to a couple of hours or longer. Before you book a ticket, its important to understand when you can visit and actually see the aurora borealis in Canada. Where can I see the Northern Lights in January 2021? I know there was a good one, just cant remember it. The weather is usually great in August. A travel blogger's images of the Northern Lights over Newfoundland and Labrador have gone viral. Research has shown that the auroral activity is cyclic, and peaks about every 11 years. Labrador, even the northern tip, doesn't fare any better, although you might get lucky in Iqaluit, on Baffin Island. In Nunavut, thats not the case: capital city Iqaluit is an ideal base for an aurora expedition in the region. There have been previous threads here on TA about the Northern Lights in NL. Share this to help others enjoy the night sky! You can view the lights from the outskirts of town, or opt to fly further north to smaller communities if youre really looking to get away from city lights. Its no secret that Newfoundland is a charming province. Getting Here Car & Ferry. Youll need to check the forecast once youre on the ship. Can you see the northern lights from St John's Newfoundland? You will get clearer and more predictable weather the farther you are away from the coast. One of thebest place to fill up your camera with beautiful photos. My understanding is that in Canada, Labrador, Yukon and Northwest Terriitories are all great places to see them. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. When is the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador to see the Northern Lights? 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. The most often times to see the Aurora is from September to Octoberand from March to April. 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. Bruce Peninsula National Park is open year-round for activities ranging from hiking and camping to skiing and snowshoeing. Our Traveller's Guide can help you with both. Dawson City generally draws crowds for the chance to experience Gold Rush history firsthand. (Dan Arsenault/CBC) Last week, a man took matters into his own hands by trying, but failing, to reposition the lights. There are several clues that help youpredict a show of the Northern Lights, and they often line up like this: Sometimes a CME impact isnt even required to seethe Northern Lights, in those casesthey show up as the result of incoming solar wind. If it were dark, and you're under the yellowed region, you'd see an aurora. Aurora Borealis the northern lights in Lake Louise, Alberta. As though it never happened. There are two main reasons: 1) The first two weeks of July are high summer. In most Canadian provinces and territories, the capital city is not a good place to try and see the northern lights due to city lights and urban development. 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? The site is a National Historic Site of Canada. Just to point out that the image used for Nunavut on this Canada page is actually of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Churchill, Manitoba. This means waterways for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing; hiking trails of every difficulty and distance; and camping opportunities where the night sky reveals its wonders. Lighthouses of Canada: Southeastern Newfoundland - ibiblio Those areas show up more on the forecasts and it is easy to get away from the towns lights although I am not sure the lights will really be bothersome. The territory in Canadas northwest corner, the Yukon is massive and massively empty. Notable Lighthouses in Newfoundland and Labrador The best time to visit is from mid-June to early September when temperatures usually range from 11C to 21 C. 1. It's 8 pages long and you will be able to see in advance which sections are paved and which are gravel/unpaved. She found her love of stargazing while her father was working on the ALMA radio telescope array in the Atacama Desert, Chile. if your goal is to see northern lights heading to Alaska and the Yukon between January and March will get you a much better chance of seeing something but it is never guaranteed. Northern Lights - Tap, Know & GoTap, Know & Go From the west coast of Newfoundland, to the east coast, throughout Labrador and the Torngat mountains. Another major national park in Alberta, Wood Buffalo is widely considered a great aurora destination but its a long ways from everywhere. With a clear sky, a big enough solar storm and the right camera you're in business. NL, like Ontario has the Black Bears. This massive area encompasses huge swaths of tundra and arctic landscapes, and as youd expect, is virtually free of all light pollution. Where can you experience all of these things? A post shared by Tom Cochrane (@tomcochrane) on Oct 24, 2016 at 4:37pm PDT. Eight months! Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) Photo credit: Joon Im via Flickr. But bring proper dress just in case. Overlooking Bonne Bay you can see the spectacular view of the northern lights. Here are some of the top spots to plan a stargazing trip to the province. Monday - Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm Can you see Northern Lights in Newfoundland in July? Do they close up the town or switch off the lights on Sept 5th ? Ive searched on line to determine the exact date and cannot find it. The lights also produce a strange sound for those close enough to hear, which is described as similar to the sound of applause. Cape Spear Lighthouse (1836) is the most eastern lighthouse in North America and the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador. The perfect spot to pitch a tent, pack a overnight bag and star gaze until you fall asleep. You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Lawrence O'Brien Arts Centre during your trip to Happy Valley - Goose Bay. 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. Grizzly Bears will stand their ground if you encounter them. Fairbanks, Alaska, is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Anglican Cathedral. You know you want to see the northern lights but do you understand what they are? August visit - northern lights? - St. John's Forum - Tripadvisor Can you see the Milky Way in Newfoundland? Research has shown that the auroral activity is cyclic, and peaks about every 11 years. Northern Lights - Newfoundland and Labrador Forum - Tripadvisor Travel Blogger's Images of Northern Lights in NL Goes Viral The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are an atmospheric phenomenon, and very hard to predict. Expedia, Inc. is not responsible for content on external Web sites. The most often times to see the Aurora is from September to October and from March to April. Take your time and perhaps an extra spare tire: http://www.tlhwy.com/central/virtualtour/hwy389/hwy38901.html. Battle Harbour is a fantastic location for the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. Tourism Fort St. John. I wanted to see them, but alas it was overcast on both nights. A place like this gives you more than history and perspective. That helps ensure almost no light pollution though, which is obviously perfect for viewing the aurora! A short drive from Gros Morne National Park is Cow Head. Located about 2.5 hours drive from both Qubec City and Montreal, Mont-Mgantic National Park is an ideal astrotourism destination. You can see for miles during the day, and experience a whole galaxy at night. Remember to keep an eye on the space weather websites, and travel as far north as you can when an outburst is predicted . As you can imagine it helps to be as far north as possible: MiddleCove is better than St. Johns, Twillingate is better than Bonavista, and LAnse aux Meadowsbeats allother places on the island. I recommend researching the specific parts of Canada you want to visit to find travel resources. But this doesn't work in July, where the farther north you go, the brighter the night sky! The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are an atmospheric phenomenon, and very hard to predict. 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. As others have said, your best bet would be way up in Northern Labrador which would be adventurous, to say the least. Don't let the name scare you because the only thing that will be blown is your mind. Weather permitting, good northern lights displays could be visible directly overhead in most northern communities. A spot erupts, causing a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection). Northern Labrador is one of the best places to see the northern lights, and you can explore it at Torngat Mountains National Park. This is a National Park is way up north with all those cute polar bears. One clear night in the early nineties I was putting my son to bed in Corner Brook and noticed strange lighting in the sky. Talk about the best weekend getaway ever. Battle Harbour is a fantastic location for the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. Aurora borealis in the north and Aurora australis in the south or known to many as The Northern Lights are one more of natures amazing attributes! Located on the shores of Lac La Ronge, you can peer out over the water toward rugged islands and see the stars or aurora reflected back. (LogOut/ Fantastic article! Three years ago tonight, there was a clear sky forecast during astrong geomagnetic storm (Kp=7), so I drove out to Cape St. Francis and hiked to theBiscan Cove viewpointto get a nice and dark view. Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve (Ontario), 21. Our guests praise the breakfast and the "Beautiful hotel, very clean, great staff", 382 Hamilton River Rd, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL, A0P 1C0. Here is the link for NOAA and its map of tonight's (September 19) aurora activity. Tromso, Norway. With so much space, you might wonder: how and where can I see the northern lights in Canada? I plan to go at the end of September/beginning of October. Complete your bucket list by visiting Bay of Islands. northern lights - Newfoundland and Labrador Forum - Tripadvisor The best places to watch the lights in North America are in the north western parts of Canada, and in particular, right here around Fort St. John! With all that activity, it's amazing that some people have never looked toward the heavens and really seen Orion. What you see is a bright glow observed in the night sky, usually. Whitehorse is one of the main viewing destinations for the northern lights in Canada. If you want to spend time seeing and doing things along the way, visit cities and National Parks, allow 2 to 3 months to make the trip. After days of hiking, wildlife viewing, or gazing at dinosaur bones, you can camp in the park and enjoy the northern lights overhead if the skies are clear. It's gonna be hard to take a bad one when the view is this mind blowing. It is not really a town, although it used to be! Newfoundland does not have the American Brown bear (Grizzly Bear). 9324 96 Street(Inside Pomeroy Sport Centre) This light is what we call the northern lights, when they occur in the northern hemisphere. Did Christopher Columbus discover Newfoundland? In fact, McDonald Park is a favorite spot for the Fraser Valley Astronomers society. Its known for its colourful houses and colourful personalities. Related: Did you know Nunavut is home to one of the coolest impact craters on earth? But if you do have your heart set on visiting PEI for its daytime experiences as well as those at night, heres where to go. There are two main reasons: 1) The first two weeks of July are high summer. This post was originally published in May 2019, and was updated most recently in September 2022 for the coming winter. The Northern Lights have always fascinated me. During breeding season, St. Mary's hosts about 24,000 Northern gannet, 20,000 common murre, 20,000 black-legged kittiwake, 2,000 thick-billed murre, and less rarely sighted birds such as 100 . Home Newfoundland Can you see the northern lights from St Johns Newfoundland? Not to mention complete solitude with no noise of a huge city. Northern Lights - Newfoundland and Labrador Forum - Tripadvisor Solar forecasters are seeing upticks in active regions as well as in the coronal mass ejections of charged particles that are key to lighting up the northern lights. Gordons Park has plenty of outdoor adventures during the day and great stargazing at night (even if the aurora doesnt show!). These particles cause atoms in our own atmosphere to react, getting excited and releasing energy and light. Research has shown that the auroral activity is cyclic, and peaks about every 11 years. Campsites at Malady Head and Southwest Arm are secluded spots near the ocean, and if you are looking for a place more remote, try Dunphys Island in the freshwater Dunphys Pond. It would be great to know which of these are relatively accessible from major international airport. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador | Adventures.com Since Jasper is largely covered in forests, you need to find a spot with a wide clearing to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights. Located in the far east of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is both part of the Canadian mainland (Labrador) and a massive island in the North Atlantic (Newfoundland). Learn how your comment data is processed. Located on the island of Newfoundland in the Atlantic Ocean, the city of St. John's is the most easterly city in Canada. Newfoundland & Labrador Newspapers Some people claim the aurora comes out when temperatures are colder. Enjoy a round of golf in Happy Valley - Goose Bay at Amaruk Golf Club. Central location for touring Avalon Peninsula. What was the population of Newfoundland in 1845? Basically if you can see the Aurora here, every Canadian City and most of the eastern seaboard down to the central US can see them too. John's International Airport (YYT) is just 3 hours of flying away from Toronto and only 4.5 hours away from London, England. How long is the ferry ride from Halifax to Newfoundland? Woody Point is a small community just outside the park. Some may say they are surprised you can catch the northern lights this close to home but it's not impossible! Thats a nice long time to enjoy Newfoundland, I hope the weather is cooperative and gives you plenty of clear night skies to go looking for stars and auroras. Kouchibouguac National Park (New Brunswick), 9. Seeing the Northern Lights? : newfoundland - reddit Stunning Scotland Undeniably the best place to view the Northern Lights in the UK, Scotland boasts the perfect conditions to catch one of the greatest shows on earth. Whytravel to see the spectacular northern lightswhen you can enjoy them in Newfoundland and Labrador? If northern lights is your goal, you might want to look into flying into one of the airports in Labrador. Of course, it would be much more expensive to plan it on your own. Your best bet to view the aurora is in the NWT or Yukon. 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. The perfect landscape for that photo you've been dreaming about. In this post, Ive broken down some of the most important things you need to know to see the northern lights in Canada. Small and densely populated, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is perhaps the least suited to a northern lights expedition. White nights = no aurora. Signal Hill Located in the westernmost part of Canada, the views here will be comparable to many northern lights destinations in Alaska. Visit Northern Lights Building in Newfoundland and Labrador | Expedia As you can imagine it helps to be as far north as possible: Middle Cove is better than St. John's, Twillingate is better than Bonavista, and L'Anse aux Meadows beats all other places on the island. Manitoba is best known for polar bears, the Hudson Bay, and the northern lights in winter. Ive seen the northern lights 5 times in Canada, and all were in late summer or early autmn. Northern Lights Local Trails Trails Beyond the City Hiking Trails in NEBC Mountain Bike Trails ATV & Snowmobile Trails, Clubs & Rentals City Parks Bird Watching Boating, Fishing & Hunting "Aurora borealis" in the north and "Aurora australis" in the south or known to many as - The Northern Lights - are one more of nature's amazing attributes! Box 28, Station C, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL, A0P1C0. However, their last night is Sep 4 for this season. 2) Even southern Labrador is not especially far north in aurora terms. Now wide awake, shewas very excited and wanted to see them too, but alas, the show was brief and already subsiding. +the long dark night in the winter increase your chances.