Central Park : Banff : Seek The Aurora

Banff

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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?

Credit: John Lee
Credit: Ali Kazal
Credit: Ampersand Studios
Credit: Corey Tran
Credit: Olga MikKo
Credit: Colleen Theresa
Credit: Louis Paulin

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.

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Banff area (forecast for 6 November 2025 at 5:26pm UTC)

Kp 2.33

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 -2 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 aurora activity.

Density 3.29 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 524.8 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.

Moon

Waning gibbous

Sunrise 7:44am

Sunset 5:07pm

Moonrise 5:18pm

Moonset 9:50am

Rain

2°C Feels like 0°C

High: 3°C
Low: -4°C

Chance of precipitation 63%
Cloud cover 95%
Westerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 4 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 (2656)

2 hours From £40.85

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. Sunset Festival: Golden hour hits new heights. From June 27 to September 1, 2025, Sunset Festival transforms Sulphur Mountain into Banff’s highest outdoor celebration — admission included with your Gondola ticket.
Free cancellation

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

4.9 (2585)

8 - 10 hours From £55.02

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.
Free cancellation

Lake Louise Moraine Lake Day Trip from Banff Calgary

4.8 (592)

9 - 12 hours From £43.90

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies! This full-day adventure from Calgary or Banff takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Banff and Yoho National Parks, passing Castle Mountain and Victoria Glacier. Wander along the turquoise shores of Lake Louise and the jaw-dropping Moraine Lake, two of Canada’s most famous alpine gems. Discover the tranquil Emerald Lake and the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Enjoy spectacular views, capture stunning photos, and relax with a lunch stop at Lake Louise (at your own expense). Opt for an upgrade to dine in style at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise during the summer season. With admission included to all major stops, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture!
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Banff Sunset and Stargazing Tour - 2hr Walking Tour

4.7 (181)

2 hours From £51.68

Join us for an unforgettable sunset and stargazing tour in the breathtaking Banff National Park, where adventure meets natural beauty. This immersive experience takes you into one of Canada's most stunning landscapes, providing ample opportunity to capture the magic of twilight and the marvels of the night sky. As twilight fades, we will transition into an incredible stargazing experience. Banff National Park is renowned for its commitment to preserving dark skies, making it an ideal location for night photography. You'll find yourself surrounded by an astonishing array of stars, including the mesmerizing Milky Way, which creates a canvas unlike any other. This breathtaking view offers a perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts to practice their skills under the stars. Headlamps Included! MEETING POINT: The Cave and Basin PARKING LOT/Welcome Building. The tour departs just after sunset seasonally. We will contact you if we need to adjust the time for seasonal conditions.
Free cancellation

Day Trip to Lake Louise, Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake from Banff

4.5 (670)

9 - 10 hours From £77.25

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( sesoanal from June - Oct ) ** will be replaced by Marble Canyon ( from October - May ), 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

Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour

5.0 (709)

10 hours From £66.69

Embark on a small group tour of Banff National Park from downtown Calgary. Explore the Rockies without driving; let our guide lead the way. Our commitment to service puts your preferences first. Uncover major attractions and hidden gems, with a high probability of wildlife encounters. This is more than a tour; it's an invitation to experience Banff's splendour with thoughtfully selected spots and a professional touch. Your extraordinary adventure awaits! •Tour has seasonal stops based on road closures. •Effortless round-trip travel. •Explore the most of Banff in one day •Guided tours with photography opportunities.