Northern lights in Ontario are occasional: this far south they need a geomagnetic storm of Kp 5 or more. Of the 15 locations AuroraMe tracks in Ontario, Thunder Bay has the best chance; others need up to Kp 7.
Cities Covered
15
Magnetic Latitude Range
51.5°–57.5° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 5.0–7.0
Unlikely
Best chance in Ontario tonight: Thunder Bay
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Thunder Bay
57.5° MLAT
Kp 5.0+ Horizon
Kp 6.0+ Optimal
Kp 7.0+ Bright
Sault Ste. Marie
55.6° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Sudbury
55.4° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Ottawa
53.7° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Barrie
53.2° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Peterborough
53.0° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Thunder Bay
Lake Superior port with northern lights reflecting on Great Lakes
Unlikely
Sault Ste. Marie
Border city with aurora viewing over St. Marys River
Unlikely
Sudbury
Mining city in Canadian Shield with dark skies for aurora photography
Unlikely
Ottawa
National capital with Rideau Canal aurora viewing and Gatineau Hills access
Unlikely
Barrie
Simcoe County city with Georgian Bay aurora displays
Unlikely
Peterborough
Kawartha Lakes region with cottage country aurora viewing
Unlikely
Kingston
Thousand Islands city with St. Lawrence River aurora photography
Unlikely
Oshawa
Durham Region city with Lake Ontario aurora photography opportunities
Unlikely
Brampton
Major city with 655K population
Unlikely
Toronto
Canada's largest city with rare northern lights during major storms
Unlikely
Guelph
Royal City with southern Ontario aurora viewing during major storms
Unlikely
Mississauga
Major city with 720K population
Unlikely
Showing top 12 cities by current aurora activity and magnetic latitude. Ontario has 15 total aurora viewing locations.
View all 15 cities
Best Viewing Season in Ontario
Geographic Advantages
Mean astronomical darkness at Thunder Bay, Dec–Feb 10.2–11.8 hours
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Thunder Bay
October 0.63 clear nights, 72.9% cloud
September 0.61 clear nights, 65% cloud
February 0.55 clear nights, 67% cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Thunder Bay (MLAT 57.5°) can see aurora at Kp 5.0+, while southern locations need Kp 7.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
