Northern Lights in British Columbia 2024-2025

Photographers spend hours adjusting their camera settings through the coldest of nights in hopes of catching lights in hues of fuschia and green blazing across the starry night sky in the background. Time stops while the nature of British Columbia demonstrates its skills.

Best time to view northern lights

The best time to see the northern lights in British Columbia and Canada, in general, is between August and April. These months offer the longest hours of darkness throughout the year. The essential requirements for successfully marveling at polar lights are clear skies and total darkness.

Where to see northern lights

The further north you go, the greater your chance to spot elusive aurora borealis. Northeastern British Columbia, close to the border with the Yukon and the US, is the best area for chasing northern lights. You can fly to Prince George from Vancouver and take a ride on Highway 16 or Alaska Highway, where northern lights are spotted on a regular basis.

Alaska Highway

Located at the southern tip of the Alaska Highway, Dawson Creek is often called the Mile 0 City. The city has many historic landmarks as well as restaurants and cafes, which makes it a perfect base for northern lights hunt. You can travel to nearby Fort St. John, which hosts the High on Ice Winter Festival in February, or even go all the way up north to Fort Nelson in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

Hudson’s Hope

The shores of the Peace River near Hudson’s Hope usually offer a picturesque backdrop. The banks are often laden in a trees covered in frost and swirling mist. This effect is created by a river that doesn't freeze even at -30ºC. Hudson's Hope makes an amazing and non-trivial place to witness the dancing lights display.

Muncho Lake Provincial Park

One of the best northern lights watching spots in BC, the Muncho Lake Provincial Park is also located along Alaska Highway. The park's remote location, low light pollution, and stunning natural landscapes attract many nature photographers. Rumor has it that you can admire the aurora borealis here year-round. As a bonus, you get views of spectacular mountains, abundant wildlife, and emerald-green Muncho Lake.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

In Southern BC, you can enjoy northern lights at Porteau Cove Provincial Park, within just a 45-minute drive from Vancouver. Situated not far from Sea To Sky Highway in Squamish, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a remote beach area, perfect for viewing aurora. Porteau Cove Provincial Park offers camping from March through October.

Sakinaw Lake

On the shores of Sakinaw Lake, 25 mi (40 km) north of Sechelt, you can capture magnificent illuminated skies from the polar lights. Surrounded by the majestic Coast Mountains and hidden among forests of towering Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, Sakinaw Lake makes for a great place to admire the night sky.

Tips for watching northern lights

For a successful aurora-chasing, you need to be patient. No matter where you are heading, seeing northern light is always a lottery. Always check aurora forecasts and subscribe to aurora alerts. Usually, a good time is just around or before midnight. Find a vantage point out in the open with good visibility of the horizon, and have your phone or SLR camera at hand for those stunning shots of the colorful skies.