Despite March’s temperatures remaining around the -20°C mark, Arctic Canada still offers many lures for travellers wishing to explore the cold north at this time.

With its clear skies, March can be one of the best times of year to experience the spectacular natural phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). This scene occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with atoms in the upper atmosphere, creating a green iridescent glow. Rainfall is fairly low during this month which increases your chances of having a clear night to view the Northern Lights. 

Perhaps the principal reason people choose to travel to Arctic Canada in March is the opportunity to spot newborn polar bear cubs and their mothers venturing out of their dens after the winter hibernation. The moment you first see the cubs fumbling out onto the snow will be such a rewarding experience. Have your cameras at the ready because you could be just 100m from these adorable cubs.

The popular Aurora Winterfest, as the name suggests, is a celebration of activities under the skies of the Aurora Borealis. The festival lasts around two weeks in March and serves up a mixture of events from snow carving to hockey tournaments and dog races to talent shows suitable for all the family.

Another experience not to be missed in March is the Hudson Bay Quest Dog Sled Race. Bringing together some of the finest Inuit mushers, this annual wilderness race starts in Gillam and heads over 340 kilometres north towards Churchill taking place over one weekend in March.