Can’t quite swing that dream trip to Churchill but still want to witness Manitoba’s breathtaking northern lights? Don’t worry, the Interlake has you covered.
You don’t need to pull over on the side of the highway to get a good view either. The region is full of free & safe, family-friendly spots with wide-open skies and minimal light pollution, perfect for watching the aurora dance.
And the best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly for Winnipeggers. The Interlake is packed with great rest stops, scenic trails, and well-maintained parks (even some of the province’s best ATV routes) all just a short 20- to 30-minute drive from the Perimeter Highway.
So grab a friend, pack a thermos, and set out on a spontaneous adventure to strike aurora gold, right in Winnipeg’s own backyard.
When to Go
Keep an eye on aurora forecast apps like AuroraWatch or My Aurora Forecast. They’ll give you alerts when geomagnetic activity is high, your cue to bundle up, grab a thermos, and hit the road.
Aurora Chasing Checklist
Warm layers: Dress for standing still, even mild nights get cold fast.
Winter boots or waterproof shoes: You’ll likely be on gravel or snow.
Blanket or folding chairs: Comfort goes a long way when you’re sky-watching.
Hot drinks & Snacks: Cocoa, coffee, or tea to keep hands warm. Trail mix, cookies, or something easy to eat in the dark.
Flashlight or headlamp (red filter preferred): Helps you see without ruining night vision.
Tripod with Camera or smartphone: To capture those dancing lights.
Extra batteries / power bank: Cold drains them faster than you’d think.
Reusable mug or tumbler: Stay sustainable, it’s the Interlake way.
Hand warmers or heated packs: Small luxury, big comfort.
Map or GPS app: Reception can fade in rural areas. Unlikely only a few minutes from Winnipeg, but you never know…
Patience:Aurora’s fade in and out between 9pm-3am. If the forecast looks good, bring your patience to wait it out.
Just 20 minutes north of Winnipeg, this hidden gem near the Stony Mountain Quarry Trail offers dramatic limestone ridges and open skies. Locals sometimes call it the Fossil Ridge Amphitheatre, a natural bowl of rock that frames the night perfectly. Scout it in daylight first, then return when the aurora forecast lights up. Bring flashlights, blankets, and a sense of adventure, the ridges provide an unforgettable vantage point for northern lights on a budget.
A favourite among photographers and birders, this area doubles as one of the Interlake’s best aurora viewing spots. The flat horizon, wide-open prairie sky, and short drive from Winnipeg make it ideal for families and first-time viewers.
This historic site gives you an easy, comfortable place to watch the sky without leaving town. There’s parking, trails, and open rock faces that reflect a bit of that northern glow.
Filled with natural hills you’ll be able to find a spot within Quarry Park free of street lights.
If you’ve got a few more minutes in the car, keep driving north to the Narcisse Snake Dens. In spring it’s famous for its writhing masses of garter snakes, but in fall and winter the dens are quiet, leaving you with wide-open skies and barely a light in sight.
There’s a small parking area, well-marked trails, and flat ground that’s perfect for setting up a chair or tripod. On a clear night, the aurora often sweeps right over the open fields here, with a level of darkness you’ll never get near the city.
Bring extra layers thought as it’s usually a few degrees colder this far north and enjoy one of the most peaceful aurora-viewing spots in the Interlake.
The Art of Patience
Catching the aurora isn’t about instant gratification, it’s about waiting, watching, and letting the sky take its time. Sometimes the lights burst into colour the moment you arrive; other nights, they tease you for hours before revealing even a faint green shimmer.
That’s part of the magic. In the quiet of the Interlake night (breath visible, stars bright, a thermos steaming by your side) you remember that not every show runs on schedule. The northern lights reward those who linger, who listen, and who let the night unfold on its own terms.
So pack your patience, keep your eyes on the sky, and when the moment finally comes… just look up and let it move you.
