Many people put seeing northern lights on their bucket lists of life experiences. And that's normal! A dance of lights, enchants and makes you feel as if you are witnessing a miracle.
Best time to see northern lights
British Columbia offers plenty of places to see the Northern Lights during the winter months, from December to March. Even Metro Vancouver area witnesses the natural phenomenon a few times per year despite light pollution and a relatively southern location. The odds of seeing the northern lights in Vancouver are not that high. But if you spend a winter there and keep track of aurora alerts, your chances of seeing the lights are a bit stronger. Sometimes the lights are not visible by a naked eye, thus, a good quality photo equipment would be a nice idea.
Best places to witness northern lights
When you expect aurora borealis to hit the skies, it's better to get out of the city. Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a beach area without light pollution not far from Vancouver, near the Sea to Sky Highway in Squamish. It is a good spot for viewing the northern nights. If you can drive a couple of hours, Sakinaw Lake off the Sunshine Coast is another good place to observe illuminated skies.
Naturally, your chances of successful northern lights viewing will grow if you travel further north. Northern BC has many places where residents observe aurora borealis year round. Muncho Lake Provincial Park near Fort Nelson along Alaska Highway is a great place to watch nature's show.
Practical info
What months are the best to see the Northern Lights in Vancouver?
The Northern Lights in Vancouver are visible from December to March. Although seeing the lights is not guaranteed, there are several spots in British Columbia, including Vancouver, where chances of witnessing aurora borealis are available. Show more
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Vancouver despite light pollution?
Porteau Cove Provincial Park, located along the Sea to Sky highway in Squamish, offers a chance to see the Northern Lights without any light pollution. While Metro Vancouver is relatively south and light pollution makes it less likely to see the Northern Lights, keeping track of aurora alerts can help. Traveling further north into Northern BC, where there's minimal light pollution, will provide a better chance to witness Northern Lights. Show more
Where is Porteau Cove Provincial Park and why is it a good spot for viewing the Northern Lights?
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is one of the Northern Lights' best spots, located in Squamish along the Sea to Sky highway. The natural beach location without any light pollution makes it easier to observe the phenomenon. It's also near Vancouver, providing a great opportunity for people who don't have time to travel to Northern BC to see the Northern Lights. Show more
What is the best location to observe aurora borealis in Northern BC?
Muncho Lake Provincial Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Northern BC. The light pollution is minimal, providing an ideal environment for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Visitors to the park can enjoy the light reflecting off the lake surface, adding to the area's beauty. Show more
