More people are trading in Disney World vacations and Caribbean cruises for a chance to see the dancing green and purple skies in some of Canada’s most remote communities.
Driving the news: Northern lights hot spots like the Yukon and Manitoba are seeing a spike in interest this year, Jason Sarracini, CEO of Canadian travel company Landsby, told The Peak. In the past year, he’s seen a ~25% jump in bookings just for northern lights tours.
- He says that demand, particularly among Canadians, has ballooned as the solar cycle approaches an 11-year peak, offering the highest quality views.
By the numbers: Last year, the country’s top viewing destination and polar bear hub, Churchill, Manitoba, saw a 173% jump in hotel searches compared to 2022. Whitehorse saw 31% more international visitors in the first quarter this year compared to last year.
- The aurora borealis is now one of the most sought-after attractions in the world, with more than half of U.S. travellers listing it as a top activity for a Canadian vacation.
Why it matters: Northern lights tourism has become a major economic engine for these communities. Sarracini says that bringing in more visitors creates a domino effect on the growth of businesses, from Indigenous tourism operators to hotels and restaurants.—LA