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Is that Aurora?: The 10 Best Spots to See the Northern Lights in Ontario
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the Aurora Borealis! This time, we’re not hoping for a caped superhero to grace the skies because, frankly, destruction follows them everywhere.
Instead, we’re waiting for the most spectacular display of colours that grace the Ontario night sky. It does appear occasionally, and we have to chase it often, far away from all the city lights.
But that’s where the fun starts. You can only see the Aurora Borealis in selected places in Ontario where the skies are the darkest. It’s like a mystery game; will it show up this night or the next?
So, we’re taking you on a fun adventure to capture the most magnificent display of colours in the dark sky. We’ve got the best places where you can see the northern lights in Ontario, with occasional meteor shower sightings!
Manitoulin Island
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Location: Manitoulin Eco Park, 18777 ON-6, Tehkummah
Contact: (705) 859-2470
Hours: 24/7
Located on Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin Eco Park is a Dark Sky Preserve in Ontario, a prime destination for hunting the Aurora Borealis, as well as Perseid meteor showers.
The best months to see the Northern Lights here are August, September, and October. You can also join the DarkSky events at the park for a better chance at seeing the dancing lights.
Visitors are allowed to stay the night at this forest campground—in fact, there are plenty of accommodations for people who want to watch the Northern Lights. You can stay in a cabin, campsite, tipi site, or a forest bunkie.
To get here, drive on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 400) to Little Current to Manitoulin Island. You can also reach it by the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry on South Baymouth, taking approximately 15 minutes.
Pro Tip:
Since this is a Dark Sky Preserve, you must remember there’s a no white light rule. You can use red lights or cover your lights in red plastic.
Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area
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Location: 7980 Lennox and Addington County Rd 41, Erinsville
Contact: (613) 453-1010, [email protected]
Hours: 24/7
To experience a magnificent display of the Northern Lights, go to the Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. Located 37 km north of Napanee, you’ll find clear views of the dark sky without the disturbance of light pollution.
This spot is the perfect place to experience what the skies used to look like over a hundred years ago, and it also provides sharp views of Aurora Borealis. You can join fellow stargazers at the viewing area, especially during special events.
Visit from April to October, when most stargazing events are held. These are the perfect times to see the magnificent dark skies, not only for the Northern Lights but also for views of the Milky Way.
Pro Tips:
Make sure you have your GPS because the Dark Sky Viewing Area is pretty far. Check these directions for a more accurate drive.
Sometimes, the sky doesn’t cooperate. When that happens, you need to have a place to sleep before driving back again. Here’s a list of places you can stay at.
North Frontenac Astronomy Park
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Location: 5816 Road 506, Plevna
Contact: (613) 479-2231
Hours: 24/7
Admission: Free
Located south of Plevna and 30 minutes from Bon Echo Park, North Frontenac Astronomy Park is the first municipality in Canada to become a Dark Sky Preserve. Because of its naturally dark skies, you can see the Northern Lights in all its glory.
Many people come here for the meteor showers since this is popular for stargazing, but don’t be surprised if they get upstaged by the spectacular, dancing lights. It boasts one of South Ontarios darkest skies, which means the Northern Lights will be on full display.
Join the stargazing events at the astronomy park (there are many) if you want a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights, but new moon nights are usually the best. You can check the new moon status here.
Pro Tip:
Check the Local Amenities Map to find the closest accommodation if you want to hunt for the Northern Lights. Camping at the astronomy park isn’t allowed, so better plan your trip ahead.
Point Pelee National Park
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Location: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington
Contact: (519) 322-2365, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 am – 8:30 pm
Situated in Essex County, Point Pelee National Park is only an hour’s drive from Windsor and three hours from Hamilton. Every minute on the road is worth it because this place is a Dark Sky Preserve, making it a premier spot for viewing the night sky.
The best time to go here is around the new moon when the skies are the darkest. It’s recommended to check the star chart to get the best viewing experience (the park provides seasonal star charts at the gate).
You can camp at the park, where oTENTik sites (a mix of a tent and cabin with beds) are available for a comfortable stay. There are 24 sites available year-round, so you can stay there during the darkest skies.
Pro Tip:
During dark skies, the park is open until midnight. It’s strongly recommended you check the dark sky nights to have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Emily Provincial Park
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Location: 797 Emily Park Rd, Omemee
Contact: (705) 799-5170
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 10 pm
Emily Provincial Park is a place in Ontario where you can camp and stargaze at the same time. It’s situated in the Kawarthas and only a 30-minute drive from Peterborough.
This family-friendly park is the perfect place to bring the kids for some Northern Light hunting adventure. Visit when the skies are the darkest any time of the year—check for the best stargazing days for a higher chance of catching the Northern Lights.
The park has many tall trees, so finding a good spot may be tricky. Go somewhere near the beach for open areas and avoid campsites where there’s a lot of light pollution.
Pro Tip:
If you’re camping, go to a campsite with an open area to avoid trees from blocking your views. The group campsites have large, open areas.
Point Farms Provincial Park
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Location: 82491 Bluewater Hwy, Goderich
Contact: (519) 524-7124
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 10 pm
The dark skies over Lake Huron provide spectacular views of the Northern Lights at Point Farm Provincial Park. The coastline offers uninterrupted, panoramic views, perfect for photo opportunities.
It’s located two and a half hours away from Toronto and just seven minutes outside Goderich. If you’re staying with your family, there are amenities, like comfort stations and a play area, that will make your stay convenient.
You can go anytime between May and October (it’s when the park is open). The park is close to neighbourhoods and doesn’t have the darkest skies, but visit around the time of the new moon for a higher chance to see the Northern Lights.
Pro Tip:
Go to the open areas near the lake for uninterrupted viewing locations. If you stay in the campsites, there’s a chance you might not see the Northern Lights because the areas are full of trees.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
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Location: Hwy 17, Algoma
Contact: (705) 856-2284
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 4 pm
Lake Superior Provincial Park, tucked away in northeastern Ontario, is a top-tier destination for colourful night sky viewing. It actually has one of the darkest skies in the Dark Sky Preserves in Canada because it’s located far from light pollution.
Driving is the best way to get to Lake Superior Provincial Park. It’ll take you over five
hours on the road from Greater Sudbury.
Go anytime around May to October, but stick to late nights, particularly after midnight. Avoid the rainy season because it can hinder the viewing experience and the clouds will block the Northern Lights.
You’re also free to camp if you want to wait for the Northern Lights (since not all nights fare well). The Agawa Bay Campground, located on the shores of Lake Superior, is ideal for its open skies (but this is a busy campground, so avoid peak days).
Pro Tip:
Make sure to fill up your vehicle because you won’t find gas stations on the long stretch to the provincial park. The majority of the drive will be pretty boring, so avoid driving there at night.
Algonquin Provincial Park
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Location: Hwy 60
Contact: (705) 633-5572
Hours: Year-round, click here for the full schedule
Algonquin Provincial Park is a massive park covering 7,630 sq km. You can enter the park from different access points, including west of Whitney and east of Dwight.
It’s a two-hour and 40-minute drive from Ottawa, and you can access it via Highway 60. Every minute on the road is worth it because, once you get there, you will enjoy incredible views of the Northern Lights due to the dark skies.
Peak visibility is during dark skies around midnight (you can sometimes catch it around 10 pm to 11 pm). Go near the shores for the best viewing spots so you can capture its beauty with the silhouettes of the trees or mountains.
Due to the clear skies (and the absence of high-rise buildings), you can even catch the Milky Way here. On really good nights, you can see the Northern Lights with glimpses of the Milky Way (like stars shimmering in the colourful dark sky).
Pro Tip:
Bring a DSLR camera to get the best photos. Sometimes, when the Northern Lights aren’t clearly visible, your phone’s camera may not capture it clearly.
Killarney Provincial Park
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Location: 958 ON-637, Killarney
Contact: (705) 287-2900
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Dark Sky Preserves are the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Ontario. Thankfully, we have Killarney Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve, which gives us magnificent views of the celestial expanse (besides the Northern Lights, you’ll also see the Milky Way).
Killarney now has an observatory, which includes a 16″ fully automated telescope with an attached 5″ refractor for the most incredible shots of the night sky. This also allows visitors to see more of the deep, dark sky, like star clusters and meteor showers.
Go here around August and during the darkest nights (don’t forget to check stargazing apps for more accurate times). Winter season (or close to winter) gives you better chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
To get here, you can ride the Parkbus from Toronto to Killarney (it can also take you to other popular parks). You can also drive a little over four hours from Toronto.
Pro Tip:
If you’re taking the Parkbus, the pick-up locations are at 34 Asquith and the MTO carpool parking lot. Remember to book your ticket early before the seats get full (mostly during peak season).
Moosonee
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Location: Town of Moosonee
Contact: (705) 336-2993
Look for the little town of Moosonee in northern Ontario to find a unique experience viewing the Northern Lights. It’s five hours from Cochrane, which is seven hours and a half from Toronto.
The town is far from light pollution, so it’s an ideal place to see the beautiful Aurora Borealis while also taking a little vacation. You can actually stay in town if you want more chances of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in the winter.
Getting here is a bit tricky, though, since it’s pretty far away. Take the Polar Bear Express from Cochrane to Moosonee, which is available in the winter (also the best time for the Northern Lights!
Pro Tips:
If you’re driving and using the Polar Bear Express, you can check out the Auto Carrier Reservations to ship your vehicle from Cochrane to Moosonee.
Plan your schedule accordingly because the Polar Bear Express only operates four days a week from October to June.
