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

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

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.

Credit: Condor Wei
Credit: Olga MikKo
Credit: Condor Wei
Credit: Darby P
Credit: Jigar Patel
Credit: Jimmy Liao
Credit: Henry C Wong
Credit: Ali Kazal

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

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Edmonton area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 8:55am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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.

HPI 10 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 3 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 3 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 3.59 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 382.6 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

Waxing gibbous 82%

Sunrise 6:04am

Sunset 8:57pm

Moonrise 6:01pm

Moonset 4:55am

Weather Forecast for Edmonton

Clear

-2°C Feels like -4°C

High: 13°C
Low: -2°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 7%
South-Easterly winds 2 km/h gusts of 6 km/h

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

4.8 (30)

3 hours 15 minutes From £77.00

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 Culture and Nature Small Group City Tour

No reviews

6 hours From £93.61

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 £33.23

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 Indigenous Heritage Tour with Minivan Transport

5.0 (1)

6 hours From £82.54

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

Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour Gratuity-Based

4.9 (18)

3 hours From £3.76

Join us on a 3-hour Pay-What-You-Feel walking tour to explore Edmonton through the eyes of a knowledgeable local guide. As Canada’s most northern major city, Edmonton offers a captivating mix of rich history and modern innovation, making it a must-see for any traveler. On this engaging tour, uncover Edmonton’s pivotal role in shaping Alberta and Canada. Visit iconic landmarks, learn about local legends, and discover the hidden gems that make this city unique. Your expert guide will provide insightful commentary, share stories of Edmonton's dynamic growth, and offer practical recommendations to enhance your visit. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, this tour provides a comprehensive view of Edmonton's charm, with plenty of photo opportunities in the city’s most picturesque locations. The tour is tip-based, after the tour, you decide how much value you received on the experience and tip your guide accordingly.
Free cancellation

Enchanting Edmonton Scavenger Hunt

No reviews

2 hours From £20.29

Your very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!