Northern Lights in Saskatchewan. (Submitted Photo/Tim Yaworski)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Aurora Borealis

Tourism Saskatchewan looking to change northern lights from niche market to popular attraction

Jun 23, 2023 | 5:01 PM

The province is hoping to entice more people to visit by promoting opportunities to see the aurora borealis.

More commonly known as the northern lights, Tourism Saskatchewan considers it a niche market; however, they believe there’s an opportunity to expand it.

“The interest has really grown from travelers, it’s really a bucket list experience for many people,” said Amy McInnis, the Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for Tourism Saskatchewan.

The organization is currently researching the idea by seeing just how many people would actually consider coming to the province to see the northern lights. McInnis added they’re also trying to find out just how many have already done this.

“It’s a really neat experience at many of our northern fishing and wilderness lodges, we got some lodges that really market themselves as aurora destinations,” she said.

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This includes Lloyd Lake Lodge, near the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, and Milton Lake Lodge, near the Saskatchewan-Northwest Territories border.

McInnis mentioned it’s too early to share exactly how they would promote the northern lights as they want to wait until they’re done with their research.

Meanwhile, Tim Yaworski, a national member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, believes this is a great idea for the province.

“Anything that can promote the beauty of a dark sky, to me, is a step forward,” he said. “The more that people can be aware of the beauty of the night sky… it’s like a Christmas present.”

The province is in a great spot to see the lights when compared to other areas like British Columbia. This is because of the auroral oval, which encompasses areas from Hudson Bay to the Yukon. Yaworski explained that since much of the province is just under it, there’s a much better chance to see the lights on a more regular basis.

In his mind, better promoting Astro-tourism is a win for everybody involved. Those taking part get a chance to see a breathtaking view while also getting to experience the Saskatchewan wilderness, while the province could potentially see a real economic boost.

“People are paying exorbitant amounts of money to come from places like Japan to go to places like Yellowknife or Whitehorse for a chance to see the northern lights.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow