Aurora adventures await in…

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík

Norway

Alta •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Banff

Home / 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?

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Banff area (forecast for 13 June 2025 at 9:59pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
Bz -7 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced auroral activity.

Density 21.53 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 centimeter (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 443.8 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.

Rain

20°C Feels like 19°C

High
20°C
Low
10°C
  • Precipitation: 100%
  • Cloud cover: 77%
  • Wind: 3 km/h
  • Rain: 5mm

Moon

Waning gibbous

  • Sun rises at: 5:26am
  • Sun sets at: 9:58pm
  • Moon rises at: 12:01am
  • Moon sets at: 7:00am

Book an amazing adventure in Banff

  • Likely to sell out

    Banff Gondola Ride Admission

    4.6 (2065)

    2 hours From £32.47

    Enjoy stunning panoramas of six different 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 and vistas of Canada's first national park. Walk along the ridge line at your leisure during your allotted time at the top, take plenty of photos, or visit a national historic site while appreciating the alpine scenery all around.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

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

    4.8 (1554)

    8 - 10 hours From £77.29

    Explore Banff National Park with this "Award Winning" Tour. This tour won "One of the TOP 20 Experiences in CANADA" 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.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Day Trip to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake from Banff

    4.3 (384)

    9 - 10 hours From £54.66

    Leave the planning to our passionate and professional team, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park and Yoho National Park—two of Canada’s most iconic destinations. Discover Must-See Landmarks: Visit the world-famous Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and the stunning Natural Bridge, with a relaxing lunch stop at Lake Louise Village. Take Home a Memory: Enjoy a complimentary souvenir as a keepsake from your adventure. Stress-Free Travel: Sit back and relax as our experienced guide and driver provide seamless service, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and unforgettable journey.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Lake Louise Moraine Lake Emerald Lake Yoho Banff National Park

    4.9 (199)

    8 - 11 hours From £74.53

    Experience a full-day journey with us to the Canadian Rockies. Discover the iconic beauty of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake, each offering breathtaking scenery. Marvel at the Natural Bridge, a stunning geological wonder. This tour provides pick up point at Calgary/Canmore/Banff, and the tour time is around 8 hours, you will complete the tour and choose drop off point at Banff/Canmore/Calgary

  • Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk

    4.7 (1513)

    3 hours From £67.83

    Visit the Athabasca Glacier on a massive ice explorer on this 3-hour excursion. Walk along the frozen sheet of ice and fill your water bottle with pure snowmelt, then venture out along the glass bottomed Glacier Skywalk for incredible views along the cliff's edge. See two amazing attractions outside of Banff in one fun-filled adventure.

  • Free cancellation

    Shuttle from Canmore and Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

    4.9 (49)

    4 - 5 hours From £49.63

    Experience the ultimate convenience and comfort with our Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Shuttle Service. Enjoy hassle-free access to these stunning destinations without the worry of parking or driving. With convenient pick-up locations in Canmore(7:40 am or 2:00 pm) and Banff(8:00 am or 2:20 pm), flexible departure times, and knowledgeable drivers who provide local insights, our service ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you're traveling solo or in a group, our affordable and reliable shuttle is your perfect solution for exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Book now to secure your spot!

Places to check out around Banff

Discover Restaurants, Museums, Parks and more…

Other places in Canada

Churchill•Whitehorse•Yellowknife

See also

Aurora Forecast•Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•Northern Lights Photography•Science Of The Aurora•Northern Lights Playlist

The Bison Restaurant & Lounge

Home / Banff / The Bison Restaurant & Lounge

The Bison Restaurant & Lounge is a Steakhouse at 208 Bear Street (at Caribou Street), Banff AB T1L 1E4, Canada

Website • Twitter • Phone: (403) 762-5550

What do people think of The Bison Restaurant & Lounge?

4.8

  • Great bison rib-eye and very friendly service! Thx for the beer tip! Cheers from Belgium - Stijn D

    19 July 2013

  • One of the best meals I think I've ever had. Service is amazing, food is even better! Leave room for dessert. Sit downstairs for a relaxed lounge vibe. - Belinda B

    8 March 2010

  • The upper patio has great views and the lower patio is sheltered with afternoon sun. - Christopher V

    23 November 2011

  • The home made smoke ketchup is to die for. - Chris L

    24 January 2010