Best Northern Lights Stays in Newmarket, Ontario
Newmarket, Ontario, while not a primary destination for aurora borealis viewing due to its light pollution and southern latitude, offers practical lodging for those exploring the wider region. Travelers often use Newmarket as a base for day trips further north, where darker skies might present a better opportunity to witness the northern lights during peak seasons. The Comfort Inn Newmarket - Aurora provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast, ensuring guests are well-rested before venturing out. Its location near Highway 404 facilitates easy access to less populated areas. While direct aurora viewing from the hotel is unlikely, it serves as a strategic point for regional exploration.
Newmarket presents a blend of suburban comfort and access to Ontario's natural landscapes. Its personality is defined by its community-focused atmosphere and its role as a regional hub, rather than a wilderness retreat. The town is well-equipped with urban conveniences, including shopping centers and dining options, providing a comfortable base. While it lacks the remote, dark skies typically associated with prime northern lights viewing, its infrastructure supports travelers looking to explore beyond the immediate urban sprawl. Newmarket is a practical, well-connected town, ideal for those who prioritize convenience and accessibility while planning their wider Ontario adventures.
Where to stay
Stays in Newmarket
For travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, Newmarket serves as a convenient gateway to more remote areas of Ontario. The town itself, with its urban lighting, is not ideal for direct viewing. However, its strategic location north of Toronto, coupled with accessible accommodations like the Comfort Inn Newmarket - Aurora, makes it a practical starting point. This hotel offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a full hot breakfast, and rooms equipped with microwaves and refrigerators, which are beneficial for guests planning early morning departures or late-night returns from aurora hunting expeditions. The proximity to Highway 404 significantly reduces travel time to darker sky locations further north.
While direct northern lights viewing from Newmarket is challenging due to urban light pollution, the Comfort Inn Newmarket - Aurora provides a strategic lodging option for those willing to drive north. Located just off Highway 404, the hotel offers quick access to routes leading towards less populated areas where sky conditions improve. Guests benefit from a full hot breakfast, essential for early departures, and in-room amenities like a microwave and refrigerator, useful for packing snacks and drinks for extended night excursions. The hotel's focus on comfort and convenience supports travelers using it as a launchpad for aurora-chasing adventures in more remote parts of Ontario.
The Comfort Inn Newmarket - Aurora ensures a restful stay with its smoke-free environment and modernly decorated rooms. Each room features a 32-inch cable satellite TV, a coffee maker, and free toiletries, providing a comfortable retreat after a night spent under potentially clear, dark skies further afield. Some rooms even offer direct patio access, which can be a pleasant feature for relaxing during the day. The hotel's business services and free Wi-Fi are also valuable for planning routes, checking weather forecasts, and monitoring aurora activity reports before heading out.
Choosing Newmarket as a base allows travelers to combine potential aurora viewing with other regional activities. The Comfort Inn Newmarket - Aurora is within a 10-minute drive of shopping at Upper Canada Mall and golfing at Cardinal Golf Club, offering daytime diversions. This balance of urban amenities and proximity to major highways makes it a versatile choice. While the hotel itself does not offer specific northern lights tours or viewing platforms, its practical location and comfortable facilities make it a sensible option for those embarking on a broader Ontario exploration, with aurora viewing as a potential highlight.
A traveler's takeStaying at the Comfort Inn Newmarket - Aurora, I found it to be a practical base for exploring the region. The free hot breakfast was a great start to my day, especially when planning to drive north for potential aurora viewing. Its location right off Highway 404 made navigating out of town incredibly easy, saving precious time. While I knew I wouldn't see the lights from my room, the comfortable bed and in-room coffee maker were perfect for late-night returns and early morning starts.
Local tips
- 1Drive north of Newmarket: To increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, plan to drive at least an hour north of Newmarket to areas with minimal light pollution.
- 2Check aurora forecasts: Consult reliable aurora forecast websites or apps before heading out to determine the best nights for viewing based on solar activity.
- 3Dress warmly: Even in late spring or early fall, nights in Ontario can be cold, especially in open, dark areas. Layer your clothing to stay comfortable.
- 4Pack essentials: Bring a thermos with hot drinks, snacks, a fully charged phone, and a flashlight with a red light filter to preserve night vision.
- 5Consider a tripod: If you plan to photograph the aurora, a sturdy tripod is essential for long-exposure shots, even with a smartphone.