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.

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

Jasper

Home / Canada / 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 Beach, 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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Jasper area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 8:54am UTC)

Kp 3.67

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 13 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 -6 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 8 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 18%

Sunrise 5:26am

Sunset 10:16pm

Moonrise 3:09am

Moonset 8:01pm

Weather Forecast for Jasper

Snow

3°C Feels like 1°C

High
5°C
Low
2°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • North-Easterly winds 3 km/h

  • Rain 8 mm

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

    4.7 (514)

    1 hour 30 minutes From £63.25

    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 Likely to sell out

    Jasper Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

    4.8 (617)

    6 hours From £128.61

    Discover why the Maligne Valley is a must-see in Jasper National Park. On this breathtaking 6-hour tour, enjoy a short scenic walk along the shoreline of Medicine Lake, admiring the majestic limestone cliffs above. Along the drive, watch for iconic Canadian wildlife often spotted in the area. Arriving at the valley’s jewel, Maligne Lake, take a 90-minute scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island and experience the wild beauty of this vast wilderness.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

    4.9 (355)

    3 hours From £75.52

    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 Evening Wildlife Tour

    4.7 (770)

    3 hours From £53.21

    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

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

    4.6 (477)

    6 hours From £112.74

    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**

  • Jasper SkyTram Roundtrip Flight Ticket

    4.4 (447)

    1 - 2 hours From £44.37

    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.

Places to check out around Jasper

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 Canyon

Home / Canada / Jasper / Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a Hiking Trail and Scenic Lookout at Jasper, AB TOE 1EO, Canada, Jasper AB, Canada

Website • Phone: (888) 773-8888

Where to find Maligne Canyon?

52°55'14"N, 118°0'2"W

What do people think of Maligne Canyon?

  • 4.9

  • Small but very beautifull Canyon. À Path leads the Public over six bridges with magnificent views. The whole visit takes some 3 hts. Do not miss this when in Jasper.

    Eric V27 July 2011

  • The walk is nice, but really overhyped. It was unbelievably crowd so made it hard to enjoy fully. If you want to save time check out Bridge #1 (the best in my opinion) on the shortest track.

    Rob N7 October 2019

  • Best trail in the park imo, cannot miss this! We got to the fifth bridge and looped back, the way back is much easier

    An S2 September 2019

  • Take a parachute invade you fall! And the views are good too

    G R3 January 2019

Other places to try near Maligne Canyon