Best time to travel to Quebec

Northern Lights in Quebec

The northern parts of Quebec feature aurora borealis during the cold period

Best time: October–March

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights spectacle is a rare and memorable experience, specifically since this outstanding light display can only be seen from a select few places on our planet. Québec is famous for giving us some of the most jaw-dropping polar lights in the world!

Kuujjuaq

Not many people know that Quebec has a great northern lights watching spot. The Nunavik region and its biggest village Kuujjuaq can be a perfect weekend getaway for those who want to see the aurora oval in all its glory. The region is deserted enough to provide an unbelievable view of the night sky. Once you are there, try local specialties like trout fishing and check out caribou in their natural habitat. Spending a night in an igloo, or taking a night trip on the Hudson River can be also a thrilling experience!

Mont Mégantic National Park

If you are looking for aurora borealis spots closer to Montreal and Quebec City, try Mont Mégantic National Park. Due to low light pollution, it's an excellent place for stargazing with the observatory sitting on top of Mégantic mountain. You can try some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing while waiting for the nightfall and once its dark, you can get a chance to appreciate the amazing spectacles in the skies.

Eeyou Istchee Baie-James

Another good location to chase evasive Northern Lights is the remote wilderness of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James in Northern Quebec. This territory is governed by the Cree, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America. The Quebec government signed an accord with the Cree in 2012.

Practical info

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Quebec?

The peak season to see the Northern Lights in Quebec is between October and March. The Nunavik and Kuujjuaq regions provide the best viewing experience whilst it is usually visible in the evenings. Between October and March, the skies are much clearer so the breathtaking Northern Lights can be seen in all their glory, making this the optimal time to visit Quebec for this natural phenomenon. Show more

Where can I find a great spot to watch the aurora borealis in Quebec?

You can watch the aurora borealis at Nunavik and Kuujjuaq, Mont Mégantic National Park and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James in Quebec. Nunavik and Kuujjuaq offer an unparalleled view of the sky, whilst Mont Mégantic National Park has low light pollution that's perfect for stargazing. Eeyou Istchee Baie-James is the perfect location to see the Northern Lights from remote and wild Canadian wilderness. Show more

Can I see the Northern Lights in Quebec City or Montreal?

It's impossible to view the Northern Lights in Quebec City or Montreal since its location is in southern Quebec, and the Northern Lights can only be witnessed in the North. Nunavik and Kuujjuaq, as well as Mont Mégantic National Park, are the preferred locations for having a chance of viewing the Northern Lights in their full magnificence. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin