On Nights where data suggests The Aurora Borealis can be seen in Ontario, Red Bay Lodge opens up for dedicated chasers to visit The Bruce Peninsula.
We provide a guided Northern Lights viewing opportunity, photo capturing tips & a casual group atmosphere that allows you to chase the Northern Lights with an experienced guide or go off on your own adventure!
Seeing the Northern Lights in Ontario on the Bruce Peninsula is not just luck.
There are three main reasons why The Bruce Peninsula is the best spot in Southern Ontario to see the Aurora Borealis
Photo: A group of Red Bay Lodge guests chase & capture the historic solar storm producing dazzling Northern Lights in Red Bay, May 10th 2024
1. Lack of Light Pollution - We don't got it! The lack of ambient light from buildings & cities lets you see literally millions more stars. Less light around gives you significantly better chances of the northern lights shining through! Red Bay is nestled in the middle of an extremely dark area. We have 3 Internationally recognized Dark Sky Preserves on the Bruce Peninsula!
2. Northern Location - Half Way Between The Centre of the Earth & The North Pole (The Equator, not Toronto!). We are 219km north of YYZ Airport. The drive up to Red Bay brings you right up to the 45th parallel. Santa's Rest Stop! The more north, the better your chances!
3. Incredible Views - The twisting and turning peninsula is filled with thousands of clearings, lakes & lookouts - find a northern view over Lake Huron, traverse to the tip of Tobermory, or avoid clouds by driving to the new opportunities on the east coast over Georgian Bay
Photo: Chasers attending our lodge's guided viewing opportunity in Red Bay pose with the Northern Lights behind them, May 12th, 2024
The Bruce Peninsula is an incredible trip, regardless of capturing Aurora.
We don't have TVs in our authentic & updated cabins in the woods but we have mother nature's prime time show.
The Northern Lights are vividly on display less than 1% of nights, so you shouldn't expect to see them on your trip to Red Bay Lodge.
The night sky up here is a show in itself, with millions of stars & even galaxies visible to the eye.
Photo: The Milky Way Galaxy Shines over the Dark Skies of Red Bay in May 2024
With planning & monitoring space weather your chance of seeing The Northern Lights near Toronto can go to the moon!
FEB 27
MAR 13
MAR 14
MAR 23
MAY 7
AUG 5
SEPT 18
SEPT 24
NOV 12
MAY 2
MAY 10
MAY 12
The conditions on The Bruce Peninsula offer an incredible opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis. Our location at the 45th parallel offers a northern vantage point graced by the Northern Lights between 5 and 25 times per year.
The entire peninsula offers extreme darkness, with many areas among the darkest within driving distance of Toronto, Ontario.
This allows visible Aurora on more nights than areas with light pollution, giving The Bruce Peninsula one of the best views in Southern Ontario!
