Canada is one of the top destinations in the world to experience the magical northern lights. As one of the most northern hemispheric countries on the globe, Canada houses several regions with visibility of the lights 240 times a year on average. Here is everything you need to know to go and watch spectacular views of the lights in Canada.
When to See
Technically, the northern lights stay active all year round but aren’t always visible. The best time of the year to see them in Canada is from September to March. Within this period, you’ll get maximum darkness at night for the clearest views. As for the specific time of day, auroral activity generally peaks between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. But certainly, you can see the Canadian lights outside of these precise hours, as long as it’s dark outside.
Where to See
The ‘auroral zone’ is the best region to see the lights. That’s pretty much any place at 66o33′ north of the North Pole, known as the Arctic Circle. This circle cuts through the northernmost areas of Canada. But as the region is very sparse and difficult to reach, most Canadian northern lights tourism takes place a bit farther south. Northwest Territories like Yukon, Whitehorse, and spots like Yellowknife, Manitoba, and Churchill are popular among northern lights watchers. Manitoba is also a popular spot for beluga whale and polar bear tourism.
Viewing Tips
To maximize your chances of experiencing the northern lights, you’ll need to stay as many days as possible in Canada. Because the more days you spend, the better your odds of getting favorable weather and clear skies. Also, it’s not prudent to choose the day of the new moon or early crescent phases, as bright moonlight can diminish the view of the northern lights. Finally, to get accurate northern lights predictions, take a look at the aurora forecasts by the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
Northern Lights Tours
Tours ease the logistics of a trip to Canada, covering transportation and accommodations. Ranging from just a few hours to multiple days, it’s not hard to find one according to your needs. Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration by Nat Hab is a seven-night trip to Churchill, including a stay in the company’s Aurora Pods to enjoy 360o night views of the sky. The Northern Lights Hunting in Yellowknife tour by Adventures.com is for just four hours. The Basic Aurora Borealis Package of Northern Tales offers two to foour night escapes to the wilderness outside Whitehorse.
Asunción Restaurant Puts Twists on Tradition in Paraguayan Flavor
Traditional Paraguayan cuisine goes gourmet in Pakuri. Located in Asunción, this upscale restaurant has put the traditional Paraguayan cuisine on the international culinary map, by combining classic and contemporary in its dishes. The restaurant has an angular, contemporary structure made from converted shipping containers, with up-and-coming Paraguayan artistic décor and a wonderfully large, lush tropical garden.
First Course
The first thing they serve is a complimentary dish – mandioca balls with a side serving of tomato. This is followed by sourdough bread that is crusty and made of round chickpea flour. This is accompanied by ‘miel de caña,’ which is a type of sugarcane honey. Butter is singed carefully on the bread the right amount in order to give it a smoky and caramelized flavor. They bake the bread in a giant Paraguayan traditional wooden oven, which is sphere-shaped and is better known as ‘tatakua’.
Classic Meets Contemporary
One of the most popular foods of Paraguay, ‘sopa paraguaya’ is also prepared in the tatakua. This baked solid soup is the country’s favorite dish. At Pakuri it comes with a deviating creamy-smooth texture with a crispy all-around crust on top. For something lighter, there is handmade gluten-free pasta stuffed with greens and plated with a serving of beetroot sauce that is lightly smoked and has a fruity aroma.
Sweet Finish
In classic dessert, they serve candied papaya that is syrupy along with tiny cubes of local soft cheese, mature cheese ice cream, and tofu.
Raising a Glass
Pakuri adds a twist on the country’s favorite drinks too. ‘Cocido Ka’ure’ is a popular local drink. This yerba mate drink generally is made by putting a burnt mixture of sugar and mate on hot coals. These ingredients are then boiled with water. This creates a type of caramel-flavored, hot tea. At Pakuri, it is reduced to a syrup and is then served with caña (a local herb mixed Paraguayan sugar cane spirit), and grapefruit, and gin. Pakuri undoubtedly serves a never-had-ever culinary experience, giving a modern makeover to time-honored local dishes and hearty family favorites of Paraguay.