Here’s Your Go-To Guide To Spotting The Northern Lights This Winter

By Britanny Burr on November 1, 2024.

There’s something downright magical about stepping outside on a crisp night, wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, sipping on a hot drink, and watching the sky dance with brilliant shades of green, purple, and pink. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a bucket list item that every northerner (and visitor!) should experience at least once in their lifetime. The best part? You don’t have to travel far at all.

Alberta has some incredible spots to catch this cosmic show. Don’t worry, we won’t leave you to fend for yourself in the dark. We’re bringing you the low-down on planning your adventure, along with tips on what to bring, where to go, and why this phenomenon is worth seeing with your own two eyes. Grab your favourite people, pack up the car, and get ready for an unforgettable night of watching a rainbow of light dance in Alberta’s dark skies.

What Makes the Northern Lights so Special?

Alberta’s northern lights are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that light up the sky on clear, crisp, long nights while most of us are sleeping. It’s a night show that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. The aurora borealis occurs when solar wind is high and charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating colourful displays of light that you won’t believe is natural. But it’s not just the science that makes them so incredible. It’s the sheer beauty that leaves you feeling like you’re witnessing something otherworldly. It’s a gentle reminder of how vast, mysterious, and beautiful our universe truly is.

Top Spots to Catch a Glimpse

Alberta is blessed with several incredible locations where you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights. And while the northern lights can often be seen year-round, the best time to catch them is during Alberta’s long, dark winter months. The period between late September to early April is prime time when the nights are the longest, and the skies are clearest. Be patient! If you’re lucky, you can even view them from your own backyard. But if you’re up for adventure, here are some of the best locations across the province to set up for a night of chasing the lights.

Elk Island National Park: Located approximately 45 minutes from Edmonton, this park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Its lack of artificial light and wide-open skies makes it one of the most accessible places for aurora chasing.

Wood Buffalo National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Alberta is also the world’s largest dark sky preserve. It’s a bit of a trek, but the remoteness makes it ideal for vibrant auroras.

Lesser Slave Lake: This vast, northern lake offers unobstructed views and is far enough from major towns to avoid light pollution. Bring a blanket, set up along the shoreline, and wait for the show to begin.

Cold Lake: Sitting on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, Cold Lake offers crystal clear skies and a secluded experience for your chance at a glimpse.

Waterton Lakes: Waterton Lakes National Park is incredible year-round, but the night sky offers the perfect location to view the northern lights in the fall and winter. Local outfitters like Dark Sky Guides offer educational tours where guests can use and learn how to use high-quality telescopes and other equipment to make the most out of the stargazing experience.

Cypress Hills: As Alberta’s first designated Dark Sky Preserve, Cypress Hills offers a wide variety of camping options to gaze at the starlight sky. If the weather conditions are just right, the northern lights here are spectacular.

Dome Tents & Glamping Options: If you want a truly unique experience, book a stay in one of Alberta’s dome tents or cozy cabins designed for Aurora viewing. These accommodations often feature large, clear roofs and are located in prime spots to watch the northern lights in comfort!

Aurora Chasing Tips

To get the best view of the northern lights, a clear night is key. Here are a few tips to ensure a memorable night.

Get out of the city! Escape from the light pollution and hit the road; you don’t have to travel far.

Be prepared for the weather: Pack a blanket, dress in layers, and make sure you have hats, gloves, and warm boots. Don’t forget some snacks, your favourite hot drink, and maybe some bear spray and a flashlight if you want to keep it safe.

Watch the forecast: Cool, clear nights are the most ideal conditions for a show unlike any other.

Check social media: There are plenty of northern light chasers who post regularly, share real-time information, and have created a map of great spots. Most importantly, be patient and don’t forget your camera.

The northern lights are a spectacular phenomenon that deserve to be seen at least once in your lifetime. Bundle up, hit the road, and head out on your chase to witness the sky as it paints a masterpiece above you. It’s an experience like no other and well worth the wait. Look up. It’s amazing what you may see.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.