The northern lights are sporadic and fleeting. Witnessing the Northern Lights is the dream of many outdoor enthusiasts. There are several places in Ontario where this magnificent view can be seen. The best time to see the Northern Lights is on cold, clear nights, usually in late January and February.
Killarney Provincial Park
The Park is not far from Manitoulin Island. Undoubtedly, it is another ideal place for stargazing and northern lights. The best time for stargazing and northern lights is from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am. You can spend the night in a winter camp or a yurt.
The Park features an observatory, interpretive astronomy classes and a rental telescope.
Where to stay? There are many places to choose from. One of the high ratings sites is Lang Lake Resort, many types of accommodation are available. For example, Suite #2 features a large open-concept unit including a double bed, double pullout couch, satellite television and a fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with a full-size fridge and stove, and microwave. Each night costs $200. Check the website https://www.langlakeresort.com/rooms/suite-2.html for more details.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Another designated dark sky reserve, the Park is a stunning location for viewing the Northern Lights with its beautiful coastline. The Park is home to some of the best spots to photograph the Northern Lights, with 1,000-meter-high cliffs framing the dark waters at Old Woman Bay. During the coldest months, spectacular ice caves may be found.
Where to stay? Check out Rock Island Lodge. Rock Island is a private peninsula between Lake Superior and the Michipicoten River. Rock Island Lodge features four rooms, each with two beds and an en suite bath. Check the website https://www.rockislandlodge.ca/accommodations/ for more details.
Manitoulin Eco Park
Sitting on the north shore of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island has some of the darkest skies in Ontario, making for impeccable viewing of the Northern Lights.
While most of the island has excellent vantage points, Manitoulin Eco Park is the most popular spot for night sky photographers and stargazers, whose unpolluted air combines with the windy skies of Lake Huron to create the clearest Sky.
Where to stay? The Park offers Forest Bunkies, and each site includes a double bed, twin bunk beds, picnic table, cooking table, campfire pit, solar light & a broom & pan. Bring your bedding with sleeping bags & such. Rental starts from $100/night. Check the website https://www.manitoulinecopark.com/camping for more details.
Quetico Provincial Park
The Park, bordering Minnesota west of Lake Superior, is known for its rugged beauty, towering cliffs, waterfalls, pine and spruce forests, rivers and lakes. It is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
In February 2021, Quetico Park was rated as an “International Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark Sky Association, becoming the third certified government park in Ontario.
Where to stay? There are several places, such as Camp Quetico, Niobe Lake Lodge, Crystal Beach Resort, and Saprwe Motel. The closest one to the Provincial Park is Camp Quetico. At Camp Quetico, all cottages include four-piece baths, satellite TV and WiFi, air conditioning, propane barbeques, and much more. The current rate for 2 days/3 nights is $450 per person. Check the website https://campquetico.ca/waterfront-cabin-rentals/ for more details.
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve
It is located northwest of Gravenhurst and is the closest place to Toronto to watch the Northern Lights. The Dark Sky Reserve Park covers an area of nearly 2023 hectares, surrounded by undeveloped land, free from light pollution from nearby cities. It was named the world’s first permanently designated dark sky reserve.
Where to stay? Black Lake Cabins could be a good choice. They have one Studio Cabin, three Bedroom Cabins and four Two Bedroom Cabins available for short-term rentals with a three nights minimum. Check the website https://www.blacklakecabinsmuskoka.com/cabins-and-rates for more details.