Canada’s subarctic region of Churchill, Manitoba is not only recognised for polar bear viewing but also some of the best aurora viewing in the world due to the town’s perfect vantage point, ideally positioned directly under the auroral oval. Prime winter aurora viewing takes place in February and March, when clear skies and early nightfall lends itself to heart-stopping light displays.
Nights Under Lights
Embark on a Nights Under Lights adventure in the boreal forest directly under the auroral oval with Nanuk Operations. Snuggle up in a luxurious dome-ceiling yurt with a hot drink, and step outside with your camera when the incredible lightshow begins. Meet your Kiwi guide, Caleb, who arrived in Churchill 14 years ago and never left. He will take you on an unforgettable nighttime snowshoeing trek through the trees by flashlight to view the aurora.
Northern Lights and Winter Nights
Join a Northern Lights and Winter Nights adventure with Frontiers North Adventures, where you can take in this night-sky phenomenon from the comfort of a Tundra Buggy® amid a wintry Narnia-style landscape. Visit Dan’s Diner, a pop-up restaurant hidden in the remote wilderness where guests enjoy a multi-course, world-class meal inspired by the land and sea. Enjoy Indigenous cultural presentations and head outdoors to enjoy a nightcap at a glittering ice bar under the brilliant northern lights.
Igloos and glass domes
Visit the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, where you can learn about the Churchill Rocket Range and its ties to NASA, the science behind the northern lights and how to build an igloo.Take advantage of the 360-degree glass aurora dome and observation deck that offer ideal vantage points to marvel at the glowing ribbons of light as they cascade across the pitch-black sky.
Aurora Pod and Aurora Dome
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Natural Habitat Adventures for access to the cosy Aurora Pod®, specially designed for 360-degree views of the sky via innovative glass construction and cushioned seats. Retreat to the Aurora Domes, where you can unwind in the lounge or ascend to one of two Plexiglass-topped viewing domes to see the lights.
Dog-sledding and aurora adventures
You’ll hear Wapusk Adventures long before you see it thanks to the dozens of sled dogs who make their home at this idyllic sanctuary tucked away in the woodland near Churchill. Visit with these spirited canines, marvel at the lights and retreat from the cold inside a fire-warmed tipi.
For independent travellers
Discover Churchill offers small group and one-on-one photography tours, led by expert guide, Alex de Vries. A multi-night, guided tour with Discover Churchill takes you from deep in the boreal forest to the Miss Piggy plane wreck, for incredible opportunities to capture the northern lights in iconic locations. Alternatively, Beyond Boreal Expeditions is a female-owned, Indigenous tour company that takes guests around Churchill on night-only excursions to photograph the lights from owner Tiffany Spence’s favourite locations.
Winnipeg and Surrounds
For travellers staying in and around Winnipeg in southern Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park is known for its regular aurora activity in the depths of winter. Book a stay at a hotel in Wasagaming, Elkhorn Resort or a winterized Parks Canada oTENTik and watch the night sky light up.
GETTING THERE
Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, whilst flying six times per week from Brisbane, until 26 October when they will fly daily from Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Once in Vancouver, daily connecting flights are available from Vancouver to Winnipeg on Air Canada or Westjet. Westjet also flys direct from LAX to Winnipeg 2-4x/week depending on the season. For travellers with additional time the VIA Rail train service from Vancouver is an option.
For further information on visiting Manitoba contact your preferred travel agent or visit www.travelmanitoba.com
