THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN NORTH BAY!
As night falls in the north and communities grow quiet, often in out of the cold temperatures brought forth by fall and winter, a funny thing happens: the sky awakens. In Northern Ontario, we are graced every night with a sky full of stars and nighttime activity. Surrounded by dark sky preserves and big sky wilderness, when many are falling asleep, the show is often just only starting.
While the starry night can often put on displays of brilliance, they are occasionally joined by a special guest. If you’re lucky enough to bear witness, it will leave you mesmerized and craving more.
Northern Lights in North Bay
WHAT CAUSES THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
The Aurora Borealis, also know as the Northern Lights, is a jaw-dropping, eye-widening phenomenon of colourful lights in shades of green, red, purple and blue dancing across the sky. Caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gasses in the earth’s atmosphere, northern lights occur in the North Pole, when solar winds carry the particles into earth’s magnetic field. The dancing colours depend on the altitude of the collision, with the highest altitude causing red, and the lowest causing blue, with green and purple in between. Different gasses cause different colours when they are energised.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are a truly remarkable experience to witness, and surely won’t leave you regretting all that sleep you’ll miss out on! So, you may be asking, when and where can I see this display?
WHEN TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ONTARIO
The northern lights are best seen around the equinoxes, the two times per year when the sun crosses the equator. The equinoxes occur in March/April and September/October, and lead to increased magnetic storms. Since the northern lights occur in the North Pole, the best places to see them, include northern Canada, meaning right here, in North Bay. It is a beautiful 3.5hours journey north of Toronto and 4hrs west of Ottawa and sits of the shore lines of Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake and below the Laurentian Escarpment.
Unsure when they’ll appear? Not to worry! Astronomers and researchers provide an Aurora Forecast that can help you plan your search. So, on a clear night between 10PM and 2AM, grab your blankets and your cameras, and head out to one of these spots to watch the show.
The northern lights are best seen in optimal conditions, meaning clear skies and dark surroundings. This includes when the moon isn’t yet out or has set! In the wintertime, there is significantly more darkness, meaning your chances of seeing them rise! For these reasons, dark and clear fall and winter nights are optimal times to see the northern lights.
WHERE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ONTARIO?
Northeastern Ontario is a perfect spot to see the northern lights, and North Bay is a terrific option. Surrounded by wilderness, North Bay offers a wide variety of dark sky spots to set up your camera and your chair.
Nordic Ski Club
The North Bay Nordic Ski Club, located on Northshore Road, is a vast and beautiful network of trails and woodlands. Less than a 20-minute drive from North Bay proper, you can get away from the city lights and find open air to set your eyes to the north. In the fall, there is nothing quite like being immersed in the autumn foliage while gazing at the dancing lights above. In the winter, grab your snowshoes or your skis and choose a trail to head out and find your exclusive northern lights viewing spot.
Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area
The Laurentien Escarpment Conservation Area surrounds the City of North Bay and boasts some of the most beautiful views around. There are several well-maintained trails to head out on. Up above the city, light pollution is at a minimum. So, take advantage of the proximity of this prime viewing spot and bear witness to all the colours of the aurora borealis.
Northern Lights on Airport Hill – photo credit: @thedanverse
Laurier Woods Conservation Area
The Laurier Woods Conservation Area is located right in the heart of North Bay. This 250-acre area presents big sky with little light interference. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the lights without travelling too far, Laurier Woods may be the place for you!
La Vase Portage Conservation Area
La Vase Portages, along with its historical significance, is a terrific spot to view the lights. With big, open sky looking almost 360 degrees, you are sure to witness a remarkable display. Head out to Elks Lodge #25 Family Park Conservation Area to escape the light and find the open sky!
Northern Lights – photo credit: Brian Boudreau Photography
North Bay Waterfront
The North Bay Waterfront has become the flagship attraction of North Bay and rightly so! In a time when there is too much hustle and bustle in our lives, the Waterfront offers a break to thousands of people who frequent the area on a regular basis and is only a short stroll to Downtown North Bay as well. It is also a perfect location to view the Northern Lights close to downtown.
Northern Lights at the North Bay Waterfront – photo credit: @rakeebshake
Other options just outside of North Bay are:
Callander
Approximately ten minutes south of North Bay lies the town of Callander, resting on Callander Bay, a part of Lake Nipissing. With views to the northwest, and minimal light pollution, Callander Bay is an exquisite place to head out hunting for the northern lights. Sit by the lake and set up your camera, because the show is sure to be amazing.
Northern Lights in Callander – photo credit: Jash Chokhawala
Algonquin Park
Close to North Bay is the Northwest corner of Algonquin Park. Is viewing the northern lights on your bucket list? Check the forecast and come on to North Bay! Set up camp in the Gateway to the North and take a little excursion to Algonquin Park.
If you’re an aurora fan, and looking for other enthusiasts, the North Bay Astronomy Club offer regular organised northern lights related events and parties. There are plenty of resources available to track the northern lights activity. So check to see the northern lights forecast, book your accommodation and then head out to one of these spots for a viewing party you won’t soon forget.
