This week, Canadians from coast to coast have a rare chance to witness the northern lights, thanks to powerful geomagnetic storms.
From urban hubs like Toronto and Vancouver to northern gems like Yellowknife, the aurora borealis is set to illuminate the night sky on June 24 and 25, 2025.
Some regions may even experience a more vibrant display, making this a must-see celestial event.
Here’s your ultimate guide to catching the northern lights across Canada, including top viewing spots, expert tips, and what to expect.
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Why the Northern Lights Are Lighting Up Canada This Week
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), geomagnetic storms triggered by solar activity will amplify the aurora borealis, pushing it visible further south than usual.
These storms create ideal conditions for the northern lights, allowing them to shimmer across a broader swath of Canada.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24 and 25, 2025, the aurora is expected to dazzle skies from British Columbia to the Maritimes, offering a breathtaking spectacle for skywatchers.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada
The aurora’s visibility depends on your location, with northern and central regions likely to see a more intense display.
Here’s a breakdown of where to catch the northern lights across Canada:
Western Canada: British Columbia and Alberta
Vancouver and Victoria: Coastal cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo are within NOAA’s aurora view line, offering a chance to see a fainter but still stunning display.
Head to dark-sky locations like Pacific Rim National Park or Mount Doug Park in Victoria for the best views.
Kelowna and Banff: In the interior, Kelowna and Banff are prime spots for aurora viewing.
Banff National Park’s remote areas, such as Lake Minnewanka, provide minimal light pollution for clearer sightings.
Jasper and Edmonton: These Alberta cities are forecast to experience a more intense aurora.
Jasper National Park, a designated Dark Sky Preserve, is one of the best places in Canada to witness the northern lights.
Elk Island National Park near Edmonton is another top choice.
Prairies: Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Saskatoon and Regina: Saskatchewan’s wide-open prairies make it ideal for aurora chasing.
Saskatoon’s Beaver Creek Conservation Area and Regina’s Wascana Park offer dark skies close to the city.
Winnipeg and Churchill: Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, and the polar bear capital, Churchill, are both in the aurora’s path.
Churchill, located under the auroral oval, is world-renowned for its vivid northern lights displays, especially at this time of year.
Northern Territories: Yukon and Northwest Territories
Whitehorse and Yellowknife: These northern hubs are aurora hotspots, with Yellowknife often called the “Aurora Capital of North America.”
Expect a vibrant, dancing display in these regions, visible even from city outskirts.
Whitehorse’s Fish Lake or Grey Mountain are excellent viewing spots.
Central Canada: Ontario and Quebec
Toronto and the GTA: Yes, even Canada’s largest city is in on the action!
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) fall within NOAA’s view line, meaning the aurora may be visible low on the northern horizon.
Escape city lights by heading to places like Forks of the Credit Provincial Park or the Bruce Peninsula.
Ottawa and Montreal: Canada’s capital and Quebec’s cultural hub are also within the view line.
Gatineau Park near Ottawa and Mont-Tremblant near Montreal offer darker skies for better aurora sightings.
Quebec City and Saguenay: Further north, Quebec City and Saguenay may see a slightly brighter display.
Try Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier near Quebec City for a serene viewing experience.
Atlantic Canada: Maritimes
Fredericton, Moncton, and Charlottetown: The Maritimes are at the southern edge of the aurora’s visibility, but clear skies could reveal a faint glow.
Fundy National Park in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island’s Greenwich National Park are ideal for minimizing light pollution.
How Intense Will the Northern Lights Be?
The aurora’s intensity varies by region.
Central and northern areas like Bella Coola, Prince George, Edmonton, Jasper, Saskatoon, Churchill, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse are expected to see a “more intense” display, with vivid green, purple, and pink hues dancing across the sky.
Southern cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal may experience a fainter aurora, visible as a soft glow or shimmering curtain near the northern horizon.
Check NOAA’s aurora forecast for real-time updates on intensity and visibility.
When to Watch the Northern Lights
Timing is critical for aurora hunting.
The Canadian Space Agency recommends viewing a few hours after sunset, with peak intensity often occurring around midnight when skies are darkest.
On June 24 and 25, 2025, aim to head out between 10 PM and 2 AM for the best chance of catching the display.
Check local sunset times and plan to stay out for at least an hour, as the aurora can ebb and flow.
Top Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
To maximize your aurora experience, follow these expert tips from the Canadian Space Agency and seasoned aurora chasers:
Find a Dark-Sky Location: Light pollution from cities can obscure the aurora, especially in southern regions.
Seek out rural areas, national parks, or Dark Sky Preserves.
Use apps like Dark Sky Finder to locate low-light-pollution zones near you.
Look North in Southern Cities: If you’re in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, or other southern cities within NOAA’s view line, focus on the northern horizon, where the aurora will appear.
Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for aurora visibility.
Monitor local weather forecasts and choose a night with minimal cloud cover.
Be Patient: The northern lights can be unpredictable, appearing in bursts or fading temporarily.
Stay out for at least an hour to increase your chances of a sighting.
Dress Warmly: June nights can be chilly, especially in northern Canada.
Layer up and bring a blanket or chair for comfort during long viewing sessions.
No Equipment Needed: The aurora is visible to the naked eye, so leave the telescope at home.
However, a camera with a long-exposure setting can capture vivid colors invisible to the human eye.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Want to capture the aurora’s magic?
Here’s a quick guide to photographing the northern lights:
Use a Tripod: Stabilize your camera or smartphone to avoid blurry shots.
Set a Long Exposure: Use a shutter speed of 5–30 seconds to capture the aurora’s colors.
Adjust ISO: Set your camera’s ISO to 800–3200 for low-light conditions.
Manual Focus: Focus on a distant object, like a star, to keep the aurora sharp.
Smartphone Tips: Many modern smartphones have night mode or long-exposure settings. Apps like NightCap or ProCamera can enhance your aurora shots.
Why the Northern Lights Are So Special
The northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating glowing displays of green, purple, red, and blue.
These celestial shows are most common near the Arctic Circle, but geomagnetic storms can extend their reach southward, as is happening this week.
For many, witnessing the aurora is a bucket-list experience, blending science, beauty, and a touch of cosmic wonder.
Where to Stay Updated on Aurora Forecasts
To stay in the loop on aurora activity, bookmark these resources:
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: Offers detailed aurora forecasts and view line maps.
Canadian Space Agency: Provides aurora viewing tips and educational content.
Aurora Apps: Apps like Aurora Alerts, My Aurora Forecast, and SpaceWeatherLive send real-time notifications.
Don’t Miss This Celestial Show
The northern lights are set to transform Canada’s night skies on June 24 and 25, 2025, offering a rare chance to witness nature’s most dazzling light show.
Whether you’re in Toronto’s suburbs, Vancouver’s coastal parks, or Yellowknife’s auroral oval, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Grab your camera, find a dark-sky spot, and look north for a glimpse of the aurora borealis.
Stay updated with CTC News.
