North America · Aurora guide
Northern lights
in Canada.
Follow the auroral oval across Canada’s vast northern skies. Start with this continental view, then open Yellowknife to explore one of the Northwest Territories’ best-known aurora destinations.
Coming soon for iPhone and Android
Activity model · not a sighting guarantee
The same NOAA aurora model used in the Aurora Signal app. Readings refresh every five minutes.
Take the next step with Aurora Signal
Make the most of
your Canada nights.
The map shows aurora activity. The app brings your local outlook and favorite places together, so you can decide when to look up.
- Find a time worth considering.Explore activity, clouds, and darkness together in your Premium outlook.
- Keep your skies close.Save Canada and the other places you care about for your next visit.
- Look beyond one location.Explore the aurora map and surrounding skies from your phone.
The app is getting ready for launch. Some planning features require Premium. Aurora sightings are never guaranteed.
Follow your curiosity north
Keep exploring.
Explore nearby skies and other aurora destinations.
A little sky knowledge
The northern lights
in Canada.
Canada spans many time zones and a wide range of latitudes. The same model timestamp can describe very different parts of the local day across the country. Pay attention to where the band is located rather than treating a national map as one local forecast.
There is no single Canadian viewing season that fits every destination. Northern summer nights can be too bright, while winter and shoulder-season darkness create different opportunities across the country.
Destination reference: Northwest Territories Tourism
Model and forecast explanation: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
Does northern lights activity in Canada mean it is visible in Toronto?
No. Activity over the Northwest Territories does not imply a display in southern Ontario. Move the map to your region and inspect how far south the modeled oval extends.
When is the northern lights season in Canada?
Varies by latitude and region. This is a guide to the darker part of the year, not a prediction for a particular night. Aurora activity changes throughout the year.
How far ahead does the map forecast?
NOAA’s OVATION product provides a short-term outlook, typically around 30–90 minutes depending on solar wind conditions. It is not a forecast for the whole night. Check the forecast timestamp and return for a fresh reading.