Is seeing the cosmic wonder of northern lights on your travel bucket list? Moreover, do you wish to take shots of phenomenal photos of the Aurora Borealis? If yes, then Churchill is your go-to place! But before you go to witness the area of the world where these colorful displays are standard, it is best to research in order to maximize your chances of watching the beautiful, natural spectacle.  Well, there’s always a chance to witness Northern Lights/ aurora borealis as you visit the world’s northernmost regions since solar eruptions can occur anytime. These stellar events cause spectacular, vibrant light shows that can be challenging for tourists to catch due to their unpredictable nature. 

This blog takes you through what northern lights are, the best time to see them, and much more! So, make sure you read this blog till the end! 

 

What Are Northern Lights? 

Northern lights are the most extraordinary phenomena that nature offers. These lights result from geomagnetic storms that cause solar wind to move towards the earth. 

In addition, the earth’s magnetic field protects the planet, thus causing a collision of molecules and atoms into the atmosphere. These tiny/ small twinkling lights make up the aurora that can be witnessed even through the naked eye in the Auroral Oval zone, wherein Churchill is located. 

 

Best Time To See Aurora: January Through March 

The best time for witnessing Northern Lights is during the longest & darkest nights of the year, i.e., January to March. In addition, to see these amazing spectacles, it is best to visit Churchill, Manitoba. 

This small town is home to polar bears in autumn and belugas in summer. Moreover, it also has one of the highest concentrations of auroral activity on the planet. These northern lights have swirling green as well as yellow ribbons. In addition, they are so bright that they are visible during every moon phase. 

However, the biggest challenge apart from witnessing northern lights is to bear the cold. The aurora borealis/ northern lights will likely appear between 9 pm & 3 am. This is when temperatures drop to frigid levels!  

 

How To View The Northern Lights In Churchill? 

 

There are some ways to witness the northern lights. Here they are: 

  • In Churchill Northern Studies Centre 

It is an operational research station that provides an affordable, full-guided alternative for tourists & travelers desiring to see the northern lights. Moreover, being 30 minutes outside Churchill, it also offers ideal conditions to witness the night sky.

When the northern lights begin to occur, the lights in the center are shut to prevent any light pollution. In addition, there are a few locations to view aurora borealis in the center as well! Photographers might prefer to shoot from the ground level to get foreground subjects in their photographs. 

 

  • By Tundra Buggy With Frontiers North 

Frontiers North Adventures offers numerous packages for witnessing Northern Lights. The package includes departure from Winnipeg, wherein most northern lights are viewed. In addition, travelers seeking food can go on to Dan’s Dinner, a pop-up Tundra Buggy dining hall hidden in the wilderness. Herein, you can enjoy a multi-course, world-class meal prepared by Canadian chefs. 

Moreover, you can round out your days with guided snowshoeing adventures & tours at some of the museums & interpretive centers in the town. 

 

  • From Aurora Pod & Aurora Dome

Book your Northern Lights trip with Natural Habitat Adventures & get exclusive access to warm & comfortable aurora pods. It has been mainly designed for witnessing northern lights with 360-degree sky views via innovative glass construction & cushion seats. 

In addition, this wholly guided trip also brings you to the Aurora Domes. Herein you can stay the night relaxing in the lounge or head up to the Plexiglass-topped viewing domes to see the lights.  Natural Habitat will also take you aboard a custom-built snow coach deep into the woods to a scheduled cabin for witnessing.

 

  • For Independent Tourists 

Discover Churchill offers numerous formats for witnessing northern lights with an emphasis on small group sizes & one-on-one learning about photography. In addition, Discover Churchill offers a multi-night, guided tour that will take you to various locations to shoot and snap the aurora. 

It is best suited for DIY travelers. Moreover, all guests get a clear view of the lights from the yurt’s large, wrap-around deck, & can go indoors to warm up near the fire with a nightcap. 

Wrapping Up! 

Witnessing northern lights is an amazing experience for anyone visiting Churchill, Manitoba. 

Journey to this small town is the top place in the world to witness the northern lights. The trip features a culinary adventure under the stars, interpretive tours, & guided winter expeditions.  Thus, if you wish to see the Aurora Borealis, don’t forget to visit Canada – the heaven for people seeking northern lights!