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Many people are familiar with the seemingly supernatural phenomenon called the aurora borealis (otherwise known as the northern lights), but don't understand what could be responsible for such a beautiful array of colorful light. Well, it happens when the sun throws particles from its volatile spots into the atmosphere.
While all this may go down pretty far out in space, it has a profound effect on our atmosphere, particularly at the Earth's poles. And what's close to the North Pole? Canada, of course. It has some of the best viewing spots in the whole world—all of which you can check out during your international locum tenens assignment. Here's where to go:
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Most nights in Yellowknife are clear, and the land is flat—that alone sets visitors up for a prime viewing experience. Combine it with the fact that the Northwest Territories are part of the Arctic Circle, and you have one of the best northern lights viewing spots ever.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Yukon is also an amazing place to see the northern lights, thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle.
Churchill, Manitoba
This city, also located in the Arctic Circle, sees more nights with the aurora borealis than without.
Moose Factory, Ontario
There are many reasons why this place is so great. It's quaint, it's beautiful and the northern lights are amazingly bold and bright.
There are quite a few other places in Canada to check out the aurora borealis, like Sask, Alberta, British Columbia and Nunavut. Thanks to its northern latitude and relatively unpolluted skies, Canada is a great spot for any nature lovers looking to spend their locum tenens opportunity among the northern lights.