Imagine standing beneath the vast, starry expanse of the northern sky, where an ethereal dance of shimmering greens, purples, and blues begins to unfold – this is the Aurora Borealis! At Castaways Cottages and Campground, located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, this breathtaking natural spectacle is not just a possibility—it’s actually witnessed almost nightly from Fall to Spring. With minimal light pollution the stage is set for an unforgettable encounter with the aurora borealis. Whether you’re watching out a window in the warmth of your cabin or perched on the sandy beach, the northern lights offer a mesmerizing performance that captivates all who are fortunate enough to witness it.
The aurora oval is a ring-shaped region around the magnetic poles where auroras are most frequently observed. The auroral oval is significant because it determines the best places on Earth to view the auroras. Locations under or near the oval experience frequent auroral displays, especially during periods of heightened solar activity. This makes these regions popular destinations for tourists and photographers eager to capture the stunning light shows.
Yes – Hay River an ideal spot for those seeking to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon as it is positioned directly under the Auroral Oval. Visitors to Castaways Cottages and Campground can expect clear, dark skies, providing the perfect backdrop for the northern lights to paint the night sky with their dazzling display of colors.
Google Earth image with Castaways location and Auroral Oval marked.
Hay River Northwest Territories, located north of the 60th parallel, is among some of the best locations to see the Northern Lights in the world.
Visiting Castaways in the fall aurora season, means guests can enjoy the best of both worlds—mild temperatures by day and mesmerizing light shows by night.
Our long dark nights of Aurora observing begin in the autumn month of August. Visiting Castaways at this time of year will allow you the enjoyment of the last few weeks of warm summer heat, long sunsets, and all the beautiful colours that paint our boreal landscape.
The autumn foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the landscape, as vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold paint the surroundings. It’s a photographer’s dream, with the colorful leaves providing a stunning contrast to the shimmering greens and purples of the aurora.
During the day, Castaways guests can take advantage of the pleasant weather to explore the natural wonders around Great Slave Lake. Whether you’re hiking through the trails, paddling in the calm waters, or enjoying an ATV rental, there’s always plenty to see and do.
As evening falls, guests can gather around a campfire, or wander the beach area, and await the best show in town to start – the dancing aurora borealis.
In our Winter Aurora Season we experience up to 18 hours of darkness. This is when snow blankets the area, Great Slave Lake freezes over and the landscape transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
The clear, dark skies, and minimal light pollution, makes Castaways an ideal setting for capturing the aurora’s vibrant colors. Whether you’re using a professional camera or a smartphone, the opportunities for breathtaking shots are endless. (Plus, you will have hours to hone your skills).
Visiting Castaways Cottages & Campground in the winter months is not only for the Aurora chasers. During the day Castaways offers Sherp Tours, Ice Fishing Tours, Waterfall Tours, Snow Tubing and a wood-stove sauna rental.
There truly is something for everyone to enjoy!
Castaways offers 4-season cottages in a variety of sizes to fit your needs and budget. All of our cabins have electric heating, ample parking and are just steps from the beach.
For those that visit in the Fall Aurora Season, Castaways also has camping stalls available for rent.
Castaways Cottages and Campground on Great Slave Lake is a prime location for experiencing the aurora borealis. Located under the auroral oval near Hay River Northwest Territories, Castaways offers ideal conditions for aurora viewing.
In Autumn, guests can enjoy mild weather, vibrant foliage, and long sunsets, while engaging in activities like hiking, paddling, and ATV rentals. Winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland, perfect for capturing the aurora, with additional activities such as ice fishing, and snow tubing. Read more about a NWT Staycation at Castaways in Hay River here.
Castaways lake side accommodation options include 3-bedroom Cottages, 2-bedroom cottage, and cozy Tiny Cabins.
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