Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum : 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 13 December 2025 at 3:54pm UTC)

Kp 2.67

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 4 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 1.75 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 629.3 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 crescent 38%

Sunrise 8:38am

Sunset 4:34pm

Moonrise 2:09am

Moonset 1:19pm

Snow

-18°C Feels like -18°C

High: 0°C
Low: -18°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 100%
South-Westerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 6 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 £146.63

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.
Banff Gondola Ride Admission

4.6 (2663)

2 hours From £40.81

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. A Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas (Nov 22 – Dec 31, 2025): Saturdays & Sundays starting Nov 22 | Daily from Dec 22 to Dec 31, 2025 Morning tickets pre-sunset include festive holiday fun! Celebrate in vintage style with Santa, classic movies, timeless activities, and family-friendly surprises. Kids ride free with every adult ticket during the first two hours of the day. Nightrise (Nov 22, 2025 – Mar 29, 2026): Tickets during sunset hours include Nightrise (timing depends on the day’s sunset). Experience Sulphur Mountain transformed with storytelling, art, and sound in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Explore the Four Wonders and see the summit in a whole new light.
Free cancellation

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

4.9 (2682)

8 - 10 hours From £54.97

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

Johnston Canyon Icewalk

4.9 (467)

4 hours From £57.71

Water cascades into this narrow canyon in the heat of summer, but in the winter the thundering falls freeze solid to create natural ice sculptures. Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park and has a network of steel catwalks built into the canyon walls that allows you to walk right along this cathedral of ice with airy views into the gorge below. As you do, you’ll get to wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the lower falls. Continue onto the awe-inducing upper falls - a glittering tower of ice that rise 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. This popular guided icewalk will lead you past the lower falls and on to view the breathtaking upper icefalls from the upper deck. You will also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the falls and learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed.
Free cancellation

Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour

5.0 (747)

10 hours From £66.63

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.
Free cancellation

Banff Sunset and Stargazing Tour - 2hr Walking Tour

4.7 (187)

2 hours From £50.52

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

Discover Restaurants, Museums, Parks and more…

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.