Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum : Banff : Seek The Aurora

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?

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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Banff area (forecast for 21 February 2026 at 6:30am UTC)

Kp 4.33

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.

HPI 15 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.

Bz 9 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.

Bt 12 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.27 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 521.4 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

Waxing crescent 24%

Sunrise 7:45am

Sunset 6:06pm

Moonrise 8:43am

Moonset 10:39pm

Weather Forecast for Banff

Clouds

-19°C Feels like -19°C

High: -10°C
Low: -21°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 11%
North-Westerly winds 2 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Banff

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

Free cancellation

Helicopter Tour over the Canadian Rockies

4.8 (54)

20 - 55 minutes From £146.48

Enjoy bird’s-eye views of the Canadian Rockies as you soar high above in a helicopter. Fly over the plains of Bow Valley and snap up-close shots of Mt Lougheed’s three summit peaks drizzled in snow. An experienced pilot shares the history of the region as you absorb the incredible scenery. This 20-minute flight is a dazzling way to take in sights during your stay in Banff.
Likely to sell out

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

4.6 (2688)

1 - 4 hours From £40.77

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 Celebrate the arrival of a new season atop Sulphur Mountain, breathing in the fresh spring air and taking in stunning landscapes. 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 (2807)

8 - 10 hours From £54.91

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

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

5.0 (316)

10 - 12 hours From £110.38

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 Likely to sell out

Moraine Lake & Louise & Banff Day Tour From Calgary-Canmore-Banff

5.0 (135)

8 - 10 hours From £48.81

Discover the Rockies like a local. With small groups and special access to the Most Photographed Lakes you will see more than just the main sights. We take you to hidden gems and the best photo spots. No rushing and no stress only breathtaking views, fun stories from your guide and unforgettable memories.
Free cancellation

The Banff Stargazing Tour - 2hr Walking Tour

4.8 (189)

2 hours From £50.47

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.

Places to check out around Banff

Banff Ave Brewing Co

Brewery
Banff National Park

National Park
Banff Park Museum

History Museum
Bear Street Tavern

Pizzeria
Bluebird Restaurant & Lobby Bar

Restaurant
Bow Falls

Waterfall
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

History Museum
Cascade of Time Garden

Garden
Central Park

Park
Coyotes Deli and Grill

Deli
Margaret Greenham Theatre

Theater
Nourish

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar

Restaurant
Rocky Mountains

Ski Resort and Area
St James's Gate Irish Pub

Gastropub
Surprise Corner

Scenic Lookout
The Bison Restaurant & Lounge

Steakhouse
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

Restaurant
Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar

Wine Bar
Tooloulous

Cajun and Creole Restaurant
Tunnel Mountain Summit

Mountain
Waldhouse Pub

Gastropub
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

History Museum
Wild Flour Bakery

Bakery

Explore more nearby Banff

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.
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.
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.