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

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

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

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

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

10%

There is a 10% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Edmonton area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 1:14pm UTC)

Kp 3.33

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 38 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 1 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 6 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 0.18 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 507.7 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 18%

Sunrise 5:04am

Sunset 10:03pm

Moonrise 2:47am

Moonset 7:47pm

Weather Forecast for Edmonton

Rain

8°C Feels like 6°C

High: 20°C
Low: 8°C

Chance of precipitation 96%
Cloud cover 100%
North-Westerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 10 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 #1 Food Bike Tour: The Best Local Food Tour on E-Bikes

5.0 (49)

4 hours From £108.91

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

4.8 (36)

3 hours 15 minutes From £76.07

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 seven 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 River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure

4.6 (70)

1 hour From £32.83

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 City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, E-Bike Upgrade Avail.

4.8 (5)

3 hours From £82.91

Experience the charm, history, and natural beauty of Edmonton on two wheels with Toonie Tours. This guided city bike tour is the perfect way to explore the highlights and hidden gems of Alberta’s capital, all at a relaxed pace. Hop on a comfortable, high-quality bike—or upgrade to an e-bike for an easier ride—and follow your local guide through a thoughtfully curated route featuring iconic landmarks and stunning scenery. Ride past the Alberta Legislature, snap a photo on the High-level Bridge, or marvel at the history of the UofA. Hear stories of influential people in Edmonton's history while cruising through the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Stop at the vibrant Theatre District in Old Strathcona to learn more about the nightlife in the city. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and curious locals—this is Edmonton at its best, by bike or e-bike.
Free cancellation

Summer Sunset Cruise (2Hr Tour)

5.0 (5)

2 hours From £65.13

*MUST be an experienced rider to participate in this adventure! if not no worries, just be SURE to book a clinic with us beforehand.* Your 2 hour Segway Adventure departs from the RVAC headquarters in beautiful Louise McKinney Park on the banks of the North Saskatchewan river. As we explore North America’s largest urban parkland including the Trans Canada Trail we will glide along the riverfront and then ascend up over 200 feet out of the river valley and onto the banks of downtown Edmonton. The view includes downtown, the quarters, ice district, Rogers place, neon sign museum, heritage trail, Alberta Legislature grounds and building. We'll even stop to eat some delicious Pinocchio Gelato on us! See the historic original site marking Edmonton’s birthplace along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. See the lights of the grand Walterdale bridge as you cruise back into the river valley finishing back at RVAC headquarters in Louise McKinney riverfront park.
Free cancellation Private tour

Private | Edmonton City Highlights Walking Tour

No reviews

2 - 3 hours From £105.73

Experience Edmonton like never before with a private walking tour led by a passionate local guide. Choose between a 2-hour or 3-hour personalized experience and discover the vibrant heart of Canada’s northernmost major city, a fascinating blend of rich heritage, cultural landmarks, and modern innovation. Throughout the tour, your private guide will tailor the experience to your interests, sharing captivating stories about Edmonton’s role in shaping Alberta and Canada. Stroll past iconic sites, uncover hidden gems, and gain a deeper understanding of what makes this city truly unique. Perfect for families, groups, or curious travelers, this tour offers flexibility, expert insight, and plenty of opportunities for great photos. By the end, you’ll leave with a genuine connection to Edmonton, and local recommendations to make the most of your stay.