Aurora adventures await in…

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

Jasper

Home / Jasper

Jasper, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a premier destination for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and pristine wilderness, Jasper offers an ideal setting for aurora viewing.

Jasper National Park is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, minimizing light pollution and enhancing your chances of seeing the auroras. Popular spots for aurora watching include Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, and the Jasper SkyTram, where you can set up for a night of stargazing and aurora chasing.

The best time to visit Jasper for Northern Lights viewing is during the winter months from October to May when the combination of clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution provides optimal conditions to witness the aurora.

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.

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Jasper area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 8:29pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

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 76 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 5 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 2.54 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 550.7 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.

Moon

Waning crescent 44%

Sunrise 8:59am

Sunset 4:59pm

Moonrise 2:34am

Moonset 11:53am

Clouds

-4°C Feels like -7°C

High
-2°C
Low
-9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Southerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 7 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Jasper

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

  • Free cancellation

    Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour

    4.9 (338)

    3 hours From £88.88

    Jasper is for Foodies… And for people who luuuvv their cocktails. The food culture in Jasper is eclectic and unique. From Canadian classics, locally brewed beers, wild game and globally inspired restos - there's something to tickle your palate. Join us on the Downtown Foodie Tour - a short guided walk over 3 hours where you will be visiting four restaurants and tasting four carefully handpicked dishes, each paired with an alcoholic beverage. Along the way you will learn about Jasper’s history and taking in some of the town’s tastiest tales.

  • Free cancellation

    Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

    4.6 (710)

    3 hours From £47.75

    Experience the diversity and abundance of wildlife that Jasper National Park has to offer by embarking on this 3-hour Evening Wildlife Search. Your highly knowledgeable local guide will use their expertise to help track down many native species. From the pocket-sized squirrel to the iconic grizzly, the opportunities are plentiful with many wild animals such as elk, moose, bears, sheep and deer all calling Jasper home. Private Tours are available.

  • Free cancellation

    Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group

    5.0 (177)

    3 hours From £120.70

    The Pyramid Lake Canoe Adventure with Wild Current Outfitters is an excellent way to start or finish your day in Jasper National Park. Join a small group, on a unique canoe adventure for couples, friends, and families, and be blown away by the numerous snowcapped peaks and the chance to see the wildlife that calls the area home. Keep an eye out for osprey, loons, muskrat, and beaver. Fingers-crossed, you may even see moose, bear, elk, deer, and wolves!

  • Free cancellation

    Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

    4.4 (9)

    3 hours From £47.24

    Experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot. This 3-hour guided nature walk will feature a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and stunning glacial lakes.  Your trained hiking guide will provide commentary and ensure your mountain walking experience is both safe and informative.  Don't forget your camera, you will have plenty of opportunities to take that perfect shot!

  • Free cancellation

    Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

    5.0 (235)

    2 hours 15 minutes From £78.32

    The Sunwapta River is the only Class III white water offered in Jasper National Park. The river is glacial fed and is great for first time rafters if you are looking to paddle hard, get soaked, and have a lot of fun! The river trip itself begins with a float where crews can practice their paddling technique before the show begins. Once the rapids start ,they just build and build until The Whopper soaks everyone just before the take out. All trips are in 6 person-guided rafts and all the necessary equipment is provided.

  • Free cancellation

    Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour

    4.6 (65)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £49.63

    Explore the stunning natural beauty outside of Jasper with this educational and entertaining guided Winter wildlife tour. Hop in the comfortable touring vehicle and don’t forget your camera to capture the wildlife and scenic beauty of the Athabasca Valley. Learn about the history, geology and wildlife of the area from an expert local guide, as you travel through the incredible mountain landscape. This is a must for nature lovers.

Places to check out around Jasper

Discover Restaurants, Lakes, Hiking Trails and more…

Explore more nearby Jasper

  • Beaver Boardwalk in Hinton Alberta

    Credit: Debbie Molle

    Hinton

    53°23'56"N, 117°34'45"W

    Aurora probability in Hinton: 0%

    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: 0%

    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: 0%

    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

Banff•​Churchill•​Edmonton•​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

Maligne Lake

Home / Jasper / Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a Lake at AB T0E, Canada

Website • Phone: (780) 852-3370

Where to find Maligne Lake?

52°40'56"N, 117°34'35"W

What do people think of Maligne Lake?

  • Magnificent views. Guides and Captain very friendly and informative.

    Brent S12 August 2023

Other places to try near Maligne Lake