Quebec, Canada
Why now: NOAA recently predicted that the current solar cycle, which began in 2019 and will continue until 2030, will likely peak by October. What does this mean for those of us who travel to witness the wonders of the night sky? More chances to see a brilliant Aurora Borealis.
The latitude of the Gyrfalcon Islands in northern Quebec falls within the auroral oval, a ring above the geomagnetic poles where more activity occurs, making it a good area for observations, says Shawn Dahl , from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. An Indigenous-led expedition that combines sky and wildlife viewing is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in these remote areas, while two small towns along the St. Lawrence River offer new opportunities to explore the province's underwater world. external parameters of the radar.
Adventure information: In 2022, James May and Jonathan Grenier, Inuit guides from Kuujjuaq, a small town in northern Nunavik, began Ungava polar ecotours. In August and September (the best months for the Northern Lights, according to Dahl), they offer a half-dozen seven-day adventures on six-mile-long Tiercel Island in the Gyrfalcon Archipelago, just in below the Arctic Circle. You'll explore on foot, by big bike, by mountain bike, and by boat, the latter requiring experience in this corner of Ungava Bay, where tidal ranges can reach 63 feet. Bird and seal sightings are guaranteed, but there are also walruses, a variety of whales (minke, humpback, beluga and orca), wolves, foxes and polar bears. Guests are housed in insulated fiberglass domes that can withstand the shocks of a disgruntled beast and winds of up to 155 miles per hour. May and Grenier harvest caribou, muskoxen, arctic char, Canada geese and berries throughout the year and send their reward to famous Quebec chef Kim Côté, who prepares traditional Inuit meals for guests. If you can't make it to the wilderness of northern Quebec, two destinations along the St. Lawrence offer dark skies, stunning scenery, and attractions with affordable accommodations. Nordic Attitudea year-round adventure park in Baie-Comeau, has a new zip line and suspension bridge, as well as kayaking, rock climbing and canoeing, plus beachfront accommodations and campsites. On the south bank of the river, in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, contemplate the sky from one of the seven Panoramic Beachfront pods, each with a hot tub and terrace. The property is just 27 miles from Gaspésie National Park, known for its hiking and abundance of moose and caribou.
Local advice: When the Northern Lights, known as the aqsarniit by the Inuit — appears, Grenier recommends whistling. “In our culture, we are taught that when we whistle the lights, they move even more,” he says. “It brings a happy vibe.” —Stephanie Pearson
