5 Breathtaking Places To See The Northern Lights In Ontario
One of the many great things about Canada is that it's an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights.
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The lights are actually a product of the sun's solar cycles, which can last from 11 to 15 years at a time. At some point in each cycle, the sun will reach a solar maximum, which is the point when its surface temperature is at its highest. During a solar maximum, sunspots form on the sun and cause explosions that send energized particles towards the earth. The interaction of these particles with the Earth's atmosphere is what creates the characteristic light pattern of the Northern Lights.
The current solar cycle began peaking in 2013, and the solar maximum for this cycle might end sometime this year. So, you should definitely make a trip to one of these 5 locations in Ontario so you don't have to wait another 11 years for the next light show:
Photo cred - tricia.regino
Gordon’s Park Eco Reserve
Gordon's Park Eco Reserve is located on the northern part of Manitoulin Island. It's a great spot to view the Northern Lights because of it's dark skies and pollution-free air.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior's dark skies offers a beautiful viewing experience of the Northern Lights. A drive along the north shore on Highway 17 between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste Marie is a great way to catch the light show.
Cree Village Ecolodge
Cree Village Ecolodge is a reserve in Moose Factory, Ontario that receives stunning displays of the Northern Lights. Sit by the docks on Moose River on a cloudless night and you'll catch a good glimpse of them.
Torrance Barrens Night Sky Reserve
Torrance Barrens is the closest dark sky reserve to Toronto. It often experiences nights of strong geomagnetic activity, which makes the Northern Lights even more gorgeous.
Chapleau
Chapleau is a hotspot for viewing the Northern Lights. On a clear night, you'll likely be able to see them dancing across the skies over the lake.
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