Tips to Explore Churchill Manitoba Northern Lights Tour

The shimmering, colorful northern lights (aurora borealis) display in Churchill, Manitoba can be an incredible sight. Undertaking Churchill Manitoba Northern Lights Tour with Via Rail gives you comfortable access while surrounded by the beauty of the place. If exploring this unique rail tour is on your bucket list, keep these 5 tips in mind:

• Pack Warm Clothes Even in Summer

Even during July and August when Churchill experiences its peak tourism season, temperatures can drastically plummet once the sun dips below the horizon. Packing adequate insulation like wool sweaters, thick socks, mittens, and a winter hat is crucial even on summer nights. When venturing out into the pre-dawn stillness to glimpse scintillating aurora colors undulating across the night sky, those extra layers will make all the difference in keeping you comfortable enough to fully take in the dazzling sight rather than battling the bitter cold the entire time. Prepare properly so the cold doesn’t compete for your attention with nature’s sensational light show!

• Try to Book an Observation Car Seat  

Via Rail’s service to Churchill includes high-end Panorama and Economy Plus cars with large windows, as well as Economy Class. Aim for a ticket in one of the cars closer to the locomotive, which have partial glass ceilings and open Observational Platforms on the ends. These premium viewing areas maximize northern vistas and create prime aurora-spotting experiences.

• Research Peak Northern Lights Seasons

The dancing lights occur year-round but viewing conditions and activity levels vary by season. According to Churchill experts at Frontiers North, the fall and winter months of September through November tend to have the most brilliant and frequent displays. Booking during peak times can improve your odds of witnessing an unforgettable show of green, pink and purple waving across the Arctic terrain.

• Master the Art of Patience

Seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed due to their natural unpredictability. Some nights the lights will be active for hours and other nights they seem to take a break. To allow for the best chance of sighting – while onboard the train or stopped at viewing points – be prepared to wait and scan the night sky. Use the stargazing time to relish the fresh subarctic air and take in constellations overhead.

• Capture Memories with Care

If lucky enough to view the mystical lights dancing overhead, soak up the splendor in a mindful manner. While photos are definitely worthwhile mementos, be careful not to diminish the experience by viewing it only through a camera lens. The indigenous Inuit people have cultural traditions involving not pointing or beckoning to the Aurora, as interaction was believed to diminish their energies. Appreciate the glow in a respectful way.

Conclusion

The Via Rail excursion through the epic subarctic landscapes of Manitoba’s Hudson Bay gives you front row access for witnessing one of nature’s most spellbinding wonders – the northern lights. By packing properly for Canadian Rail Tours, booking optimal seating, understanding peak seasons, exercising patience, and capturing memories carefully, you’ll be well on your way to checking this bucket list item in a magical way. As the train winds through the darkness and tundra unfurls outside, keep gazing heavenward for a glimpse of the galaxy’s glow.