Jasper

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Jasper is a small mountain town at 53°N in the Canadian Rockies, roughly 360 km north of Banff along the Icefields Parkway. Its higher latitude, smaller size and more remote location give it darker skies and better aurora odds than its southern neighbour. Jasper National Park is the largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, covering over 11,000 square kilometres, and the park actively protects its night sky environment.

Popular aurora viewing spots include Pyramid Lake, where the calm water reflects the lights between mountain silhouettes, Maligne Lake with its iconic Spirit Island, and the open meadows along the Athabasca River valley. The Jasper SkyTram provides elevated views during its operating season. Medicine Lake and the Snaring River area also offer dark, open horizons to the north.

The town is quieter and less commercialised than Banff, with a more laid-back atmosphere. It has a solid range of accommodation from lodges and cabins to the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, along with restaurants and outfitters. In winter, Marmot Basin ski resort is nearby, and the park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice walks in Maligne Canyon and wildlife viewing (elk wander freely through town).

Jasper is around a four-hour drive from Edmonton, which has a major international airport. The drive west along Highway 16 passes through the foothills and into increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. The Icefields Parkway south to Banff is one of the world’s great scenic drives and passes the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies.

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How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Jasper. 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 Jasper area (forecast for 9 October 2026 at 7:11am 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 35 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 -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.

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 7.36 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 356.0 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 6%

Sunrise 8:07am

Sunset 7:10pm

Moonrise 7:05am

Moonset 6:29pm

Weather Forecast for Jasper

Snow

8°C Feels like 8°C

High
11°C
Low
2°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 91%

  • Northerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 13 km/h

  • Rain 7 mm

  • Snow 2 mm

Aurora season in Jasper

The aurora season in Jasper runs from October to March. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of October, November, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Jasper

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

  • Likely to sell out

    Maligne Lake Cruise

    4.8 (1399)

    1 hour 30 minutes From £68.65

    Declared the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” by 8 million Reader’s Digest subscribers, the Maligne Lake Cruise is an experience like no other. Join us on a panoramic tour across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. Glide past the jagged mountain peaks as we cruise to Spirit Island, a world-famous destination only accessible by boat.

  • Free cancellation

    Jasper Wildlife & Maligne Lake Tour with Spirit Island Cruise

    4.8 (785)

    6 - 7 hours From £127.66

    Discover why the Maligne Valley is a must-see in Jasper National Park on this breathtaking 6-hour guided tour. Enjoy a short scenic walk along the shoreline of Medicine Lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, while learning about its fascinating natural history. As you travel through the valley, keep watch for local wildlife such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears and moose. At spectacular Maligne Lake, board a 90-minute scenic cruise across its glacial-blue waters to the iconic Spirit Island viewpoint. Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and pristine wilderness, experience one of the most celebrated landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.

  • Jasper SkyTram Roundtrip Flight Ticket

    4.4 (510)

    1 - 2 hours From £44.05

    Soar up Whistlers Mountain and take in Jasper National Park from new heights. The Jasper SkyTram transports you to an elevation of 2,263 metres (7,425 feet) in a matter of minutes. Once there, you're free to explore boardwalks, hike to the summit, soak in stunning panoramic views and experience the mountaintop your way. Don't forget to bring your appetite to the Upper Station and dine among the clouds at the full-service Summit Café. Or swing by the Basecamp Café at the Lower Station before or after your adventure for fresh-baked treats, coffee and ice cream. Make sky-high memories atop Whistlers Mountain — just a 10-minute drive from town.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

    4.7 (946)

    3 - 4 hours From £52.82

    Discover Jasper National Park’s wild side on this 3-hour guided wildlife tour. Travel by comfortable minibus as your knowledgeable local guide chooses the route based on seasonal wildlife movements, weather and recent activity, helping maximize your opportunities for sightings. Keep watch for Jasper’s diverse wildlife, which may include elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, bald eagles, moose, mountain goats, coyotes and more. Along the way, take in spectacular mountain scenery and learn fascinating insights about Jasper’s animals, their habitats and life within the national park. Every tour is different in this wild, natural environment. Sightings are frequent—we spot wildlife on 95% of our tours—but are never guaranteed.

  • Free cancellation

    Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

    4.9 (431)

    3 hours From £74.97

    This will be the highlight of your trip through the Icefields Parkway! Discover the world of ice with our professional ACMG certified guides. This interpretive hiking tour is perfect for travelers seeking an adventurous and meaningful experience on the lower Athabasca glacier. You will see deep crevasses, waterfalls that cascade into the depths of the ice, and learn about the formation of glaciers and how they shape the landscape. Enjoy spectacular views of the icefall and the surrounding mountain peaks. Tours depart daily at 9:45am and 2:00pm, boarding time is 20 minutes prior to the departure time. Don't be late or you will miss your tour! Considered moderate difficulty with some short, steep sections of trail to approach the glacier and uneven ground. You should be able to hike 5km (3 miles) on uneven ground in order to do the tour. Tours are family friendly. Bring your own snacks & warm layers - we supply all other gear required to comfortably explore the glacier.

  • Free cancellation

    Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island

    4.7 (525)

    6 hours From £111.91

    Discover Jasper National Park’s spectacular Maligne Valley on a 6-hour adventure with an expert guide. During stops at Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake, you’ll look for wildlife and learn about the human and natural history in this part of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll see stunning scenery throughout the day and have plenty of opportunities to take photos and short walks. At Maligne Lake, choose to take a boat cruise to Spirit Island or a guided walk along the lakeshore. **Please note the guided walk does not include Spirit Island, you must select BOAT option for this tour to see Spirit Island**

Places to check out around Jasper

Discover Restaurants, Lakes, Hiking Trails and more…

Explore more nearby Jasper

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of Jasper.

  • Beaver Boardwalk in Hinton Alberta

    Credit: Debbie Molle

    Hinton

    53°23'56"N, 117°34'45"W

    Aurora probability in Hinton: 10%

    Hinton, Alberta, Canada, is a charming town located just west of Jasper National Park. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Hinton offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. The town is also home to the Beaver Boardwalk, a scenic trail that winds through wetlands and forests.

  • Reflected mountains at Cranberry Marsh near Valemount, British Columbia, Canada

    Credit: Darren Kirby

    Valemount

    52°49'52"N, 119°15'51"W

    Aurora probability in Valemount: 9%

    Valemount, a village municipality in east central British Columbia, Canada, is surrounded by the stunning Rocky, Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

  • Scenic view of a river cutting through a rocky valley near Grande Cache, Canada

    Credit: david hebert

    Grande Cache

    53°53'18"N, 119°6'51"W

    Aurora probability in Grande Cache: 12%

    Grande Cache is a small town in rural Alberta, Canada, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains around 2 hours from Jasper. Offering a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

Other places in Canada

BanffChurchillEdmontonWhitehorseYellowknife