Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Banff

Home / Canada / Banff

Banff, a breathtaking gem nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. If you’re dreaming of witnessing the enchanting Northern Lights, you’re in for a treat. Banff National Park offers a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains, pristine lakes and starry skies, making it one of the best places in the world to experience the Aurora Borealis.

The park’s dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks and glacial lakes, provide a breathtaking setting for viewing the Northern Lights. It is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, minimizing light pollution and enhancing your chances of seeing the auroras.

Popular spots for aurora watching include Lake Minnewanka, Tunnel Mountain and Bow Valley, where you can set up for a night of stargazing and aurora chasing. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as elk and deer, which can often be spotted in the park.

The best time to visit is during the winter months from October to May when the combination of clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution ideal viewing conditions to witness the aurora.

Visiting Banff to see the Northern Lights is a magical experience that combines the beauty of nature with outdoor adventure. Are you ready to embark on this incredible journey to the Rockies?

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Banff. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Banff area (forecast for 12 April 2026 at 1:29am UTC)

HPI 11 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Density 1.68 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 562.8 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 40%

Sunrise 6:55am

Sunset 8:30pm

Moonrise 4:57am

Moonset 1:26pm

Weather Forecast for Banff

Rain

9°C Feels like 7°C

High
11°C
Low
-1°C

  • Chance of precipitation 39%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • South-Westerly winds 3 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Banff

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Banff.

  • Likely to sell out

    Banff Gondola Ride Admission

    4.6 (2727)

    1 - 4 hours From £40.43

    Enjoy stunning panoramas of six mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town & Canada’s first national park. Walk along the ridge line at your leisure, take photos, or visit a national historic site while enjoying the alpine scenery. Seasonal Experiences Included Bloom & Brunch April 4 to May 31, 2026 Enjoy a buffet brunch, spritz bar, live entertainment, floral photo opportunities and more. It’s a festive way to enjoy the season and your favourite weekend meal. Brunch plus gondola admissions packages bookable directly on our official website only. Sunset Festival June 19 to September 7, 2026 Enjoy live music, small bites and mountain views nightly with your Banff Gondola ticket. Mountaintop Christmas November 21 to December 31, 2026 Santa is coming to the Banff Gondola! Celebrate in vintage style atop Sulphur Mountain with timeless holiday activities, classic movies and festive surprises.

  • Free cancellation

    Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff

    4.9 (2921)

    8 - 10 hours From £54.45

    Explore Banff National Park with this "Award Winning" Tour. This tour won "One of the TOP 20 Experiences in CANADA" for 2024 and 20225 as voted by real guests like you on Viator/Tripadvisor. Here is why: •Small group guaranteed! Feel the personalized experience and great Canadian hospitality. It will NOT be 50 people in a big bus like a traditional tour. •Local experienced guides. We are all local and love hosting people from all around the world. You are our dear guests. Let us take care of you. We take nice pictures too :) •"Off the beaten path" itinerary. This itinerary is the perfect blend of must-visit places and hidden gems of Banff National Park all in one day. •Comfortable trip. You will be in a comfortable, spacious, air conditioned vehicle with big windows. Perfect for viewing the beauty of Banff National Park. •This tour starts from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. NOTE: Moraine Lake is only open from January 1st to October 13th. Please read the itinerary.

  • Free cancellation

    8 Iconic Stops. 12 Comfy Seats. See Banff's Best in First Class.

    5.0 (337)

    10 - 12 hours From £109.45

    Experience the Best of Banff and the Canadian Rockies! Discover Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway on a stunning group tour. With limited group sizes, top attractions, and expert guides, this is your ultimate adventure in the Rockies. Book now for an unforgettable journey! Moraine Lake (seasonal) In winter, this stop is replaced with the serene Emerald Lake and the stunning Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Join our expertly crafted tour to discover the most iconic and breathtaking sights in the Canadian Rockies. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and exploration, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their day without the stress of planning or navigating. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups looking to explore the Rockies’ must-see spots. Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure—book your spot today and let us take you on a journey through Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes!

  • Free cancellation

    Banff Town ,Lake Louise, Moraine , Emerald & Johnston Canyon Tour

    4.9 (294)

    10 hours From £82.50

    It sounds like you're ready for an epic adventure! Those spots are absolutely gorgeous, and you’re right, each one has its own kind of magic. Emerald Lake with its deep green water looks almost unreal, and hiking through Johnston Canyon with the waterfalls has that perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. Are you more into exploring on your own, or do you prefer the structure of a tour where everything’s mapped out for you? Both have their perks, but if you’re a bit of a photographer or like to take your time at each spot, solo exploration can be pretty freeing. What kind of vibes are you hoping to get out of the trip? Are you all about the scenic views, or do you also want to get into some hiking or activities?

  • Free cancellation

    Lake Louise Moraine Lake Day Trip from Banff Calgary Canmore

    4.8 (686)

    8 - 10 hours From £43.45

    Experience the very best of the Canadian Rockies on this full-day adventure through Banff and Yoho National Parks.Departing from Calgary,Canmore or Banff,relax as dramatic mountain scenery unfolds: glacier-fed rivers, towering peaks, and postcard views at every turn. Cruise past the iconic Castle Mountain, explore the rugged beauty of Kootenay National Park, and walk through the striking limestone walls of Marble Canyon during winter season. Spend unhurried time at the world-famous Lake Louise and you can choose to upgrade your visit with unforgettable experiences like Bigfoot snowshoeing or afternoon tea at the Fairmont as seasonal activites. Continue into Yoho National Park, passing the historic Spiral Tunnels, then stop at the powerful Natural Bridge and the jewel-toned waters of Emerald Lake. If Moraine Lake is closed, Marble Canyon steps in as a stunning alternative. This tour blends iconic sights, hidden gems, and effortless travel just mountain magic, minus the planning stress.

  • Free cancellation

    Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure

    4.7 (738)

    3 hours From £68.75

    Explore with Banff's top-rated tour operator down backroads teeming with wildlife, plus our selection of Banff’s best viewpoints and secret spots. Along the journey, you’ll be wowed by local tales and the fascinating history of Banff’s indigenous and European past as well as fun facts about our local wildlife, as we explore Banff’s backroads travelling through forests, mountain passes and wildlife corridors that bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, lynx, cougars, coyotes, foxes, deer and more call home. Thanks to our small group and tour vehicle size, the access to areas of Banff that we have and our expert local guides insider knowledge, we see wildlife on 95% of our daily summer departures.

Places to check out around Banff

Explore more nearby Banff

  • A cabin in the woods on the shore of Lake Louise, Canada

    Credit: Redd Francisco

    Lake Louise

    51°25'31"N, 116°10'38"W

    Aurora probability in Lake Louise: 0%

    The small town of Lake Louise, known for the stunning glacial lake of the same name, famous for it’s vibrant turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, it’s a picturesque setting for outdoor activities, making Lake Louise is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

  • Black bridge over blue river in a mountainous landscape near Canmore, Canada

    Credit: Mike Cheshire

    Canmore

    51°5'18"N, 115°20'52"W

    Aurora probability in Canmore: 0%

    Canmore, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, is a charming little town set amongst majestic mountains and pristine wilderness. Canmore offers a picturesque setting for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing during the winter months. The town also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, studios and cultural events that celebrate local talent.

  • Sunrise views over Barrier Lake, Kananaskis, Alberta

    Credit: Haley Truong

    Kananaskis

    50°47'18"N, 114°48'53"W

    Aurora probability in Kananaskis: 0%

    Kananaskis Village, located in Alberta, Canada, in the stunning Kananaskis Country which offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and mountain biking, all set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

Other places in Canada

Churchill•​Edmonton•​Jasper•​Whitehorse•​Yellowknife

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora