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

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 28 April 2026 at 12:01pm 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 0 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 4 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 4.26 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 367.2 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 6:24am

Sunset 9:13pm

Moonrise 6:19pm

Moonset 5:14am

Weather Forecast for Jasper

Clouds

-9°C Feels like -12°C

High
10°C
Low
-9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Southerly winds 3 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

    Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

    4.6 (55)

    6 hours 30 minutes From £155.88

    Discover picturesque Jasper before arriving at the world famous Maligne Lake. Cruise toward the south end of this postcard setting where you have the opportunity to stop and take photographs. With dense forests and glacial peaks rising from the water's edge, capture sights you could only find in a National Geographic magazine!

  • Free cancellation

    Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour

    4.6 (69)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £50.11

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Athabasca Falls Run

    5.0 (495)

    3 hours From £70.09

    Create lasting memories on the white water rivers of Jasper on this 3-hour Athabasca River Canyon Run. Your guides are trained and committed to sharing incredible white water rafting experiences with you and your family. The magnificent scenery of the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park surrounds you while you raft. Look for wildlife along the river banks or simply enjoy the lively white water rapids.

  • Free cancellation

    Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: Class III Rapids

    4.9 (140)

    4 hours From £76.28

    Take the Sunwapta challenge on Jasper’s wild whitewater rollercoaster ride. With a steep gradient and numerous rapids, this 4-hour round trip is the only Class 3 rapids located fully within Jasper National Park. It offers spectacular scenery and good wildlife opportunities. Don’t miss the high water mid-June to late July!

  • Free cancellation

    Banff:Columbia Icefield Adventures, Skywalk and Iconic Lakes Tour

    5.0 (3)

    11 hours From £60.38

    Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Banff Tour & Travels as we take you to the iconic Columbia Icefield Skywalk—where nature, excitement, and breathtaking views collide! Step onto a glass-floored platform suspended 280 meters above the stunning Sunwapta Valley and feel the adrenaline rush as you look down at ancient rock formations and glacier-carved landscapes below. Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, followed by a shuttle ride from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Enjoy a guided 1 km interpretive walk featuring fascinating exhibits about local wildlife, geology, and glaciers. Then, take in the thrill of standing on the glass-bottomed Skywalk with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, rugged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Jasper Rock Climbing Experience

    5.0 (42)

    4 hours From £80.32

    Join this 4-hour rock climbing session for an authentic mountain experience. Meet at your local operator's office in Jasper and travel a short distance to a perfect limestone wall next to the Athabasca river – Morro Slabs. Once at the site, you will receive some instruction on gear and techniques. Trips run daily from June 5 - September 15.

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

Old Fort Point

Home / Canada / Jasper / Old Fort Point

Old Fort Point is a Hiking Trail at Jasper AB, Canada

Where to find Old Fort Point?

52°52'13"N, 118°3'46"W

What do people think of Old Fort Point?

  • 4.3

  • Fairly tough uphill trail but well worth the views of the Athabasca River, Jasper townsite & Jasper Park Lodge

    Sam W19 September 2013

Other places to try near Old Fort Point