Vast, underpopulated, and occupying some of the globe’s highest latitudes, Canada is one of the best places to see that most astonishing ocular phenomenon, the northern lights. The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is known to make itself seen across almost the entire width and breadth of Canada.
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But seekers of polar light should keep a few things in mind. Though the auroras are known to make appearances year-round in Canada’s great southerly cities like Toronto and Vancouver, they’re more readily visible in places untouched by light pollution. It’s also a good idea to visit during the winter months because more hours of darkness translates to a greater chance of the northern lights making an appearance.
From the Pacific to the Atlantic, Canada is awash with picturesque towns, as isolated as they are gorgeous. At the end of the day, the aurora borealis is but one of the wondrous aspects of the northern stretches of this continent. Take it in, by all means, but do not neglect the mountains and lakes, the lush forests, and the eternal tundra that make Canada a land of beauty.
For the seekers out there, here is a list of nine Vrbo rentals in Canada for seeing the northern lights.
Cozy Cabin at Springhills$107.43/nightly avg
The Klondike Goldrush of the 1890s has long since passed, but there are still plenty of reasons to make your way to the Yukon. This cabin outside Whitehorse is a great way to experience frontier life and catch a glimpse of the auroras. The home is far from light pollution but right next to a glorious hot spring where you can keep warm all year round. The interiors are as comfortable as the exterior surroundings are grand. Take heed to not let the cell service and internet access get in the way of your wilderness experience.
Mökki Mountain Suite$156.20/nightly avg
The Canadian Rockies afford a multitude of opportunities to experience the pleasure of a jaw-dropping moment. This condo outside Banff is perhaps one of the best places to experience them all. There is much to be said about the mind-boggling vistas in Banff and around Banff National Park. They include waterfalls, frozen mountainsides, and much else.
In any case, you’ll have to discover them for yourself, and this Vrbo rental will allow you to do just that while hunting for the northern lights.
The space has been remodeled and has all the amenities of a resort, so experiencing this wild corner of the world need not entail sacrificing comfort. It has an accommodating king bedroom and room for two additional guests in a living room which is furnished with fine leather furniture and a fold-out sofa.
Cabin Between Massive Mountains And Infinite Sky$121.65/nightly avg
A tiny home in a colossal landscape, this cabin was made for adventurers keen to discover just how big the world is. Whether your intent is to brave the stomach-churning ski slopes at Shames Mountain or simply take in the astonishing terrain with your eyes, you will doubtless be filled with awe. It is a cozy home, as rife with wood as the surrounding mountainous slopes. The cabin sits in a cluster with several others on a plot of land 5 miles north of Terrace. The auroras, and a thousand other incredible sights, await.
Sunsite Estates$111.36/nightly avg
Though more easily accessed than others on this list, this waterfront home in the Sunsite Estates is nevertheless an excellent place to take in the northern wilds and the northern lights as well. Located on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, it is a great place to see the auroras during the fall. It sits on a slope overlooking the lake. Peace and privacy abound.
The home is a cottage with modern amenities and timeless views. Perks include the nearby cliffs, handmade furniture, and local golf courses. It has two bedrooms, plus a fold-out sofa.
Waterfront Cottage In The North$153.96/nightly avg
The stunning glory of the northern lights is merely a supplement to the other incredible amenities and experiences accessible at this wonderful home on the edge of a lake in northern British Columbia. Take to the quiet waters of West Lake on the provided kayak and leave the rest of the world and its worries behind you.
The home has a rustic feel but features comfortable furniture and modern amenities. High ceilings and a wall of windows allow guests to better take in the glorious sights that surround the property. Whether you’re planning to finish your novel or thank your spouse for a lifetime of love, you could hardly do better.
Viking Cabin On Lake Winnipeg$191.10/nightly avg
Get off the grid and experience a different pace of life at this otherworldly cabin on Lake Winnipeg. Settled by Icelanders in the 19th century, Riverton is a village reminiscent of times gone by. This cabin in particular is a record of the past. The facilities are primitive (including the bathroom), but that is a small price to pay for the pleasures afforded by its incredible location in northern Manitoba.
Let the days roll by as you walk along the lake, take in the sky, and wonder why you haven’t been here all along. Though ideal for couples who love seclusion or solo travelers ready for their next wilderness retreat, the cabin does have two beds and can accommodate up to four guests.
The Aurora Bayside Inn$216.65/nightly avg
Located in Yellowknife, capital of the Northwest Territories, the Aurora Bayside Inn allows guests to experience the Great White North in all its glory. Yellowknife (population 20,000) has all the amenities of a city without the excess people and pollution, making it an ideal place for aurora hunters. Moreover, this inn sits on the banks of the Great Slave Lake, North America’s deepest. Look in awe at its waters by day before turning your gaze upward when the auroras make their dance. This property is a modern two-bedroom suite. It sits above another room and has a deck where you can take in both the water and the sky.
Cedar Home On The Ocean$280.27/nightly avg
On the northern tip of a British Columbian island, this home could just as well be at the edge of the world. Newly built, it is exactly the kind of sturdy structure one would expect to find in such a place. From the cedar panels of the exterior to the stone countertops and antique furniture, it is a testament to all the forces (geological and historical) that have come together to bring a rugged kind of life to this land. It has two bathtubs with ocean views and new appliances which, though they almost feel amiss at this latitude, will doubtless be appreciated by guests from more forgiving climes.
Huge Log Cabin On Lake Winnipeg$525.41/nightly avg
A majestic display anywhere, the splendor of the northern lights takes on additional beauty when reflected upon still water. For that reason, lakefront properties like this large cabin in Manitoba are great options for those who want to see the lights in a wilderness setting.
Over 2,000 square feet in size, the cabin sits in a clearing just above the lake. The site is rustic and rugged but the cabin is comfortable and not without luxuries such as a hot tub, high-quality stonework, and gorgeous wooden fixtures. The deck and sunroom both have views of the lake. With three bedrooms, there’s room for a whole family of hikers, paddlers, and cyclists (and there are great opportunities to engage in all those activities in the surrounding wilderness).
To discover even more places to view the northern lights, check out:
