Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Edmonton

Home / Canada / Edmonton

Edmonton, the vibrant capital of Alberta, offers a surprising gateway to the wonders of the northern lights. While the city itself buzzes with arts, festivals and culinary delights, its northern latitude means that, on clear winter nights, the aurora borealis can sometimes be seen dancing above the skyline. For the best experience, visitors often venture just outside the city limits, where the dark prairie skies provide a perfect canvas for the shimmering greens and purples of the aurora. The spectacle is most likely from late autumn to early spring, when long nights and crisp air set the stage for nature’s light show.

Beyond aurora hunting, Edmonton invites travelers to explore its unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Stroll along the scenic North Saskatchewan River Valley, visit the renowned Royal Alberta Museum, or warm up in one of the city’s cozy cafés after a night of skywatching. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or discovering local culture, Edmonton offers a memorable Canadian adventure with a touch of celestial magic.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Edmonton. 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

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Edmonton area (forecast for 11 April 2026 at 8:53pm UTC)

HPI 17 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.

Density 1.08 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 538.6 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

Waning crescent 40%

Sunrise 6:42am

Sunset 8:26pm

Moonrise 5:01am

Moonset 1:06pm

Weather Forecast for Edmonton

Rain

9°C Feels like 7°C

High
9°C
Low
-1°C

  • Chance of precipitation 56%

  • Cloud cover 99%

  • North-Westerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 11 km/h

  • Rain 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Edmonton

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

  • Free cancellation

    Edmonton Culture and Nature Small Group City Tour

    No reviews

    6 hours From £92.95

    This experience combines Edmonton’s top cultural and nature attractions into one smooth, well-planned day, with museum and conservatory admissions included and hotel pickup from Downtown Edmonton for a stress-free experience. The tour is designed with a relaxed, comfortable pace — enough time to truly enjoy each stop without feeling rushed — making it ideal for first-time visitors, culture lovers, and travelers who want a meaningful introduction to the city with a friendly local host.

  • Free cancellation

    Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure

    4.6 (68)

    1 hour From £33.00

    On this 60-minute Segway tour in Edmonton, Alberta, you will receive in-depth training from a certified Segway trainer. After the training, get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you ride through Edmonton’s world famous river valley. This tour offers multiple departure times throughout the day. Please Note: A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

  • Free cancellation

    Edmonton’s 124th Food Walk Tour: Best Local Neighbourhood Tour

    4.8 (30)

    3 hours 15 minutes From £76.45

    What sets our 124th Food Walk Tour apart is the perfect blend of insider access, local passion, and sensory surprises at every turn. You won’t just graze curbside you’ll step behind the scenes at six of 124th Street’s most celebrated eateries, hearing the personal stories of the chefs and owners who built these flavour-filled neighbourhood gems. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden murals, taste seasonal specials you won’t find anywhere else, and even pause for a mini “mountaintop” moment on the Promenade boardwalk overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Spots are limited and sell out fast. Lace up your comfiest shoes, bring your appetite, and let us show you why 124th Street captured our hearts. Book now to secure your place on Edmonton’s most mouthwatering stroll!

  • Free cancellation

    Edmonton's #1 Food Bike Tour: The Best Local Food Tour on E-Bikes

    5.0 (48)

    4 hours From £109.45

    Join our exciting two-wheel Culinary Adventure in Edmonton! Our e-bike tour is led by charismatic guides who will take you to various local food destinations. Indulge in delicious eats and enjoy a VIP behind-the-scenes experience with Edmonton's top chefs. Discover stunning natural landscapes as we cycle in the River Valley, uncovering hidden local treasures. We'll make three food stops for substantial sampling of Edmonton’s best culinary delights, biking an average of 30-minutes between each stop at a casual pace. Come hungry and taste everything Edmonton has to offer!

  • Free cancellation

    Edmonton Indigenous Heritage Tour with Minivan Transport

    5.0 (1)

    6 hours From £81.95

    This is more than a sightseeing tour — it’s a respectful journey into Indigenous stories, history, and land. You’ll experience Alberta through Indigenous eyes: from a scenic drive across Treaty 6 territory to one of Canada’s most immersive cultural exhibits. Along the way, you’ll meet local storytellers, see meaningful artwork, and explore how Indigenous Peoples continue to shape this land with pride, resilience, and beauty. No other experience like this is offered through major global travel platforms.

  • Free cancellation

    1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour

    4.8 (22)

    1 hour From £33.00

    On this 60-minute Segway tour of Edmonton, Alberta, you will receive in-depth training from a certified Segway trainer. After the training, get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you ride through Edmonton’s world famous river valley.

Places to check out around Edmonton

Other places in Canada

Banff•​Churchill•​Jasper•​Whitehorse•​Yellowknife

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora