At Royal Brock Retirement, our adventures don’t require suitcases or passports—just curiosity, imagination, and a comfy seat. This month, our Armchair Travel program took us to one of the most magical places on Earth: the Arctic Circle, where shimmering curtains of colour dance across the night sky.

Our journey began with the breathtaking work of Yuchi Takasaka, a renowned time-lapse astrophotographer. Through his lens, we travelled from Vancouver, up through the rugged beauty of the Yukon, and all the way to the Arctic Circle in search of the elusive Northern Lights. His films made us feel as though we were right there beside him—bundled up under blankets of stars, waiting for the sky to come alive.

To heighten the experience, we transformed our movie theatre into a cozy Arctic hideaway. Residents sipped on gourmet hot chocolate and nibbled on chocolate hazelnut pirouette cookies, the perfect treats for a chilly northern adventure. The room glowed with anticipation as ribbons of green and purple light danced across the screen.

Many residents brought their own stories to the journey. We shared personal photos and memories of times we had seen the Northern Lights ourselves—each story adding another layer of wonder. Laughter and awe blended together as we exchanged experiences.

And of course, no Armchair Travel session would be complete without a few fun facts.
Did you know that French scientist Pierre Gassendi gave the Northern Lights their scientific name, Aurora Borealis, in 1621? “Aurora” refers to the Roman goddess of the dawn, while “Boreas” is the Greek god of the North—together meaning “northern dawn.” A perfect description for such a celestial spectacle.

This Arctic adventure is just one example of the many enriching experiences we enjoy here at Royal Brock Retirement. Whether we’re circling the globe from the comfort of home or exploring hobbies, history, and culture, our community is always ready for the next journey.

Until our next adventure—may your days be warm and your imagination wide open!