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    • Northern Lights
    Witness one of the world’s great natural wonders

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    Northern Lights

    See the northern lights up to 300 nights a year in Manitoba.

    EN / ZH-CN

    Inuit mythology says the northern lights are the spirits of their ancestors playing ball with a walrus skull.


    Elevate Your Journey with Churchill

    Experience the northern lights like never before in Churchill, Manitoba. With its unrivaled viewing opportunities and a spectacle that graces the skies almost year-round, the town guarantees an unforgettable encounter with the splendor of the Aurora Borealis. Join us as we delve into the heart of winter's brilliance and embark on an exploration that will forever illuminate your travel memories.

    Your northern lights adventure starts here. Choose Churchill. Choose wonder.

    See an amazing phenomenon of the natural world
    Aurora Season: August – April
    Peak Season: January – March
    Best Time: 8 PM - 2 AM

    Marvel at the northern lights on a winter adventure
    Check Upcoming Forecast

    Explore our northern lights packages
    Book your bucket-list trip today

    What You Need To Know

    Person on a frozen lake with arms stretched to the sky under the purple and green northern lights.

    Where, When and How to See Northern Lights in Churchill, Manitoba

    Few experiences stir the heart quite like watching the northern lights dance across the subarctic sky. As ribbons of green and violet shimmer overhead, time seems to pause. Many visitors describe it as humbling and awe-inspiring — a moment where you feel...

    Bright green northern lights dance across the sky above a tipi near Churchill, Manitoba

    Chasing the Northern Lights in Churchill

    Chasing the northern lights is a lot like going on a fishing trip; there are no guarantees that you’re going catch the 'big one.' Predicting when this natural phenomenon that depends on super-heated gasses travelling millions of kilometers across the...

    Northern lights over pine trees

    10 fascinating facts about the northern lights

    The northern lights are one of nature’s most spectacular phenomenons–and lucky for us, Manitoba is one of the best places in the world to view them.

    Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Canada?

    Canada is one of the best places on earth to see the aurora borealis, thanks to its northern location and wide open skies. Churchill, Manitoba is one of the most reliable places for aurora viewing, with cold, clear nights, ideal positioning under the auroral oval and a number of tours available.

    When and where can I see the northern lights in Manitoba?

    The best locations include Churchill, known for aurora viewing lodges and specialized tours, Other locations include provincial parks or other northern cities like Flin Flon and Thompson, where minimal light pollution enhances visibility. In Churchill, the Northern Lights are visible 300 nights a year in Churchill, with peak viewing from January to March.

    What should I pack for a winter trip to Churchill to see the northern lights?

    Be prepared for snow and cold conditions. Several layers of clothing, including an insulated parka, insulated snow boots (rated to a temperature of -45˚ C (-25˚ F), ski pants, balaclava, thick mitts or gloves, toque (woolen hat) and long underwear are recommended.

    Can I drive to Churchill?

    There are no roads to Churchill. Churchill is a remote community that sits on Hudson Bay and the only way to reach the town is by train or plane!

    Can I see polar bears, beluga whales and northern lights all on the same trip?

    It is possible, but timing and prioritization is key.

    • Summer (July to August): This is the prime season for prioritizing beluga whale watching in Churchill. While polar bears are not as concentrated as in the fall, it’s sometimes possible to spot bears along the coast or on summer tundra tours. The northern lights can also appear during the summer.
    • Fall (October to early November): This is the best time to prioritize seeing polar bears as they gather along Hudson Bay. The nights are long and dark enough for northern lights viewing but fall weather and cloud cover often make seeing them a rare treat. The beluga whales will have also migrated out by this time.
    • Winter (January to March): This is the best time to prioritize northern lights, but polar bears are out on the ice hunting and belugas are not present.

    Northern Lights Packages

    Northern Lights Travel Deals

    Book your bucket-list trip today

    Browse our packages & deals to find savings on your next northern getaway!

    Featured Experiences

    Frontiers North Adventures

    Witness the Northern Lights

    Experience the magic of Churchill where the aurora borealis lights up the night sky.

    Great White Bear Tours Inc

    Northern Lights and Arctic Exploration

    Come experience the northern lights with us while exploring all of the beauty that Churchill has to offer. We provide different viewing locations and a one-of-a-kind Snow Coach ride to our Creek Cabin.

    Nanuk Operations

    Aurora Snowshoe Adventure

    Join us for an evening adventure this winter and snowshoe through the boreal forest under the Aurora, then spend the rest of the evening at our award winning Nights Under Lights spot with refreshments and comfort!

    Ways to Experience the Northern Lights

    Aurora Domes

    Northern Lights

    Aurora Domes

    Hearne Ave, Division No. 23
    CHURCHILL, MB R0B 0E0

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    Alex de Vries

    Northern Lights Travel Deals

    Browse these iconic experiences and book your bucket list northern lights getaway today!

    Manitoba Explorer App

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    What else is there to do in Churchill

    Red Fox at Churchill

    The Polar Bear Capital of the World

    One thousand kilometres north of Winnipeg is a place that feels like another world. At first glance, Churchill is a northern town like any other. But take another look and you’ll see that Churchill is a one-of-a-kind destination.

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    Lying along the migration path of polar bears and beluga whales, Churchill draws wildlife enthusiasts from all over the globe.