Park Distillery + Restaurant : 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

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Banff area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 3:57pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

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 0 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 2.23 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 461.3 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.

Rain

15°C Feels like 15°C

High: 22°C
Low: 13°C

Precipitation: 100%
Cloud cover: 98%
Wind: 2 km/h
Rain: 12mm

Moon

Waxing gibbous

Sun rises at: 6:09am
Sun sets at: 9:27pm
Moon rises at: 4:42pm
Moon sets at: 5:00pm

Book an amazing adventure in Banff

Likely to sell out

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

4.6 (2297)

2 hours From £41.10

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 Likely to sell out

Banff: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Shuttle | Limited time offer!

4.6 (52)

5 hours 30 minutes From £24.43

Skip the crowds and secure your spot at Banff’s most famous lakes! Our direct shuttle from Banff to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise guarantees access, comfort, and stunning mountain views. ✅ Direct round-trip transportation from Banff ✅ Stress-free booking with free cancellation ✅ Free time to explore Lake Louise shoreline ✅ Comfortable, climate-controlled shuttle ✅ Guaranteed access to Moraine Lake ✅ Local driver with insider tips This is the tour. Fast, Affordable, No hassle at all. You see two of the most beautiful lakes in the world in just 4-5 hours. No parking nightmares from the locations, No waiting—just pure, incredible views. Itinerary: ✅ Pickup in Banff – On time, No nonsense. ✅ Moraine Lake – Unreal beauty, better than the pictures. ✅ Lake Louise – World-famous, historic, an absolute must-see. ✅ Return to Banff – Quick, easy, stress-free. Spots are going fast—don’t wait, book today!
Free cancellation Special offer

Lake Louise,Moraine Lake,Emerald Lake Day Trip from Banff/Calgary

4.8 (190)

8 - 11 hours From £42.31

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

ShuttleBus 2way Banff to Lake Louise (1Hr) and Moraine Lake (1Hr)

4.7 (314)

4 hours 30 minutes From £33.00

Discover Banff & Lake Louise Like Never Before! ⭐ Top-rated service, easy meeting point & hassle-free. Lake Louise –Pristine glacial waters framed by snowy peaks.(1HR) Moraine Lake – Turquoise gem, one of the world’s most photographed.(1HR) ✅ Relax – We Do the Driving! Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a stress-free journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Our experienced local drivers will ensure a safe, comfortable ride while you soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery. ✅ Unforgettable Views, Zero Hassle! Forget about parking struggles or shuttle line-ups – we handle all the logistics so you can focus on making memories. ✅ Why Choose Us? -Small groups & personalized service! -Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles -Guaranteed photo stops at iconic viewpoints -Friendly local drivers who share fun facts & insider tips 1 hr at each lake for photos & lakeshore walks. Flexible departure times & simply enjoy the fresh mountain air. Seats fill fast-book now!
Free cancellation

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

4.8 (1865)

8 - 10 hours From £55.37

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.
Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk

4.7 (1664)

3 hours From £74.58

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.