‘Unreal. What a night. What a show’: Dazzling northern lights display over Canada leave viewers awestruck

Canadians were in for a cosmic treat Monday evening as a magnificent northern lights display painted skies from British Columbia to Ontario in dazzling hues of greens, blues and pinks.

The impact of an X-class solar flare over the weekend led to a ‘severe’ geomagnetic storm warning over Monday, with weather agencies issuing notice that the flare’s aftermath was powerful enough to lead to stunning aurora displays from coast-to-coast Monday night.

Despite the full moon, Canadians were not disappointed, with the first social media users reporting shimmering auroras shortly after 10:30 p.m. EST. We collected some of the most noteworthy posts shared from residents across B.C. to Ontario.

British Columbia

A B.C. photographer shared his perspective of the Northern Lights as he headed down the Sea To Sky highway.

Vancouver residents were also treated to an extremely rare glimpse of the cosmic display.

Another social media user from North Vancouver detailed that he waited out until 1:30 a.m., but stated “It was worth it.”

Alberta

The aurora display over Canada’s western Prairie province did not disappoint, with one severe weather journalist capturing this jaw-dropping shot.

Another X user from central Alberta shared some stunning shot of waves of purples, greens and whites directly overhead.

This user shared their views from Sylvan Lake, located in central Alberta.

Saskatchewan

Auroras dazzled over the Saskatchewan skies Monday, with one driver stating they “had to stop and soak in the beauty” while out for a nighttime drive.

Another social media user shared their view, and were determined to soak it in, despite chilly temperatures.

This X user captured the shimmering display on their iPhone, despite the light from Monday night’s full moon.

Manitoba

The arrival of the X4.5 solar flare lit up the skies over Manitoba for a “short but sweet colourful show.”

“Glad the clouds heard my wishes,” stated this northern Manitoba social media user, posting several videos of his vantage point of the Aurora Borealis show.

Prairie province viewers were treated to a shimmering display located nearly directly overhead.

Ontario

With the auroral bands stretching as far south as New Mexico, residents near the U.S. border in Ontario were also able to take in the heavenly light show.

Yahoo News Canada editor Corné van Hoepen captured this shot of auroral pillars behind his home in eastern Ontario at 11:25 p.m. EST.

“Southern Ontario got it going,” stated this social media user, sharing his views from Grand Bend, Ont.

This X user put it simply: “Coolest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Another Ontario resident shared the northern lights dancing above the Lake Ontario waters.