The northern lights are one of nature’s most spectacular displays, but you don’t need to venture far to witness them. Just three hours from Toronto, the Haliburton Highlands offer several areas to spot this special atmospheric phenomenon. Plan your trip to Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa from October through March, and you may just be lucky enough to see the northern lights for yourself. But, doing so requires careful planning. Read on to learn more about where and how to see the northern lights near our Haliburton resort!
How to See the Northern Lights in Ontario
Seeing the northern lights in Ontario can be tricky, but the right forecast tools and planning increase your chances:
- What are the Northern Lights? The northern lights or Aurora Borealis are caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. This creates a spectacular phenomenon of colors across the sky.
- When is the Best Time to See this Event? Fall and winter, on clear and cloudless nights. Anytime after sunset can produce this phenomenon, but the hours between 11 pm and 3 am offer some of the best viewing opportunities.
- When Do Northern Lights Occur? Predicting when the northern lights happen can be a shot in the dark. Use forecast tools like Aurora Forecast and Space Weather Canada to increase your odds. Or join the local Ontario Aurora Chasers Facebook group and get insider tips from locals!
Where to See the Northern Lights in Southern Ontario
We cannot guarantee you will see the northern lights at any of these locations, but all of these destinations have reported the phenomenon in the past. Even if you don’t see the lights, you will be in a prime location for stargazing!
Haliburton Forest
Haliburton Forest is the closest place to Sir Sam’s Inn to see the northern lights. This park offers a prime viewing spot on 100,000 acres of undeveloped land and is void of light pollution. Check the sky chart before your visit to see the current conditions.
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
If you are traveling from the Toronto area, the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve is a great destination to check out on the way to our resort. As the world’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the night sky from anywhere in the park. Check the clear sky chart to see what the conditions are like during your visit.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Located approximately one hour from our resort, Algonquin Provincial Park is another great spot to see the northern lights in Southern Ontario if you are up for a bit of a road trip. This park features 7,635 square kilometres of forests, bogs, and rivers far away from light pollution. Make sure to check the clear sky chart before your visit.
Book Your Stay at Our Haliburton Winter Resort
Plan your trip to Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa this winter and enjoy all the seasonal amenities of our Haliburton resort. From unwinding in front of the fireplace in your hotel room to delicious meals at our on-site restaurant and healing treatments at our spa, we offer the perfect winter escape. Book with us today and experience the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation!