Patricia Lake : Jasper : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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.

Credit: Nunzio Guerrera
Credit: Ali Kazal
Credit: James Wheeler
Credit: Priscilla Du Preez
Credit: Alayna Tam
Credit: Redd Francisco
Credit: Damien Dufour

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

28%

There is a 28% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Jasper area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 10 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 0.47 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 662.5 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 36%

Sunrise 8:10am

Sunset 7:51pm

Moonrise 6:27am

Moonset 1:13pm

Weather Forecast for Jasper

Snow

-11°C Feels like -18°C

High: -5°C
Low: -19°C

Chance of precipitation 47%
Cloud cover 26%
Westerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 6 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

5.0 (343)

3 hours From £91.18

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

Rafting on Athabasca River Mile 5 in Jasper

4.9 (82)

2 hours From £56.46

Experience Jasper's Athabasca River Mile 5 run! Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery on this 2-hour round trip adventure. The Athabasca River Mile 5 run is a perfect introduction to white water rafting, has plenty of splashes and stunning mountain vistas. It is a must-do family adventure in Jasper! Adventurers must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Free cancellation

Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour

4.6 (69)

3 hours 30 minutes From £50.92

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

Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: Class III Rapids

4.9 (139)

4 hours From £77.50

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

Jasper to Lake Louise One-Way Tour

4.9 (19)

10 hours From £204.30

This one-way tour from Jasper to Lake Louise is the ultimate way to experience the biggest and best the Canadian Rockies has to offer! Your journey takes you past sweeping glaciers, immense waterfalls and shimmering mountain lakes. Your driver/guide will share stories and explain the geographical and historical significance of the region as you travel the famous Icefields Parkway. Enjoy a picnic lunch and admission to both the Glacier Adventure Tour and Glacier SkyWalk Tour at the Columbia Icefields. Don't forget your camera, as views and wildlife abound on this personalized small-group tour.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk Admission

4.2 (143)

1 hour From £28.97

Admire Jasper National Park’s spectacular beauty from the illuminating and exciting Glacier Skywalk. A 1,312-foot-long (400-meter) walkway that extends nearly 100 feet (30 meters) into Sunwapta Valley, the Glacier Skywalk provides unobstructed views of Alberta’s mountain peaks and glacier-formed valleys. The observation platform at the end of the walkway puts you almost 1,000 feet above the valley floor, with a glass bottom to give you an extra thrilling experience.

Places to check out around Jasper

Athabasca River

River
Bear's Paw Bakery

Bakery
Beauvert Lake

Lake
Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience

Scenic Lookout
De'd Dog Bar & Grill

BBQ Joint
Earls Kitchen + Bar

American Restaurant
Evil Dave's Grill

BBQ Joint
Horseshoe Lake

Lake
Jasper Brewing Co

Brewery
Jasper National Park

National Park
Jasper Park Lodge Spa

Spa
Jasper SkyTram

Cable Car
Lake Annette

Beach
Mad Grizzly Bistro.bar

Restaurant
Maligne Canyon

Hiking Trail
Maligne Lake

Lake
Maligne Overlook

Scenic Lookout
Medicine Lake

Lake
Miette Hot Springs

Hot Spring
Mount Edith Cavell

Mountain
North Face Pizza

Pizzeria
Old Fort Point

Hiking Trail
Patricia Lake

Lake
Pyramid Beach

Beach
Pyramid Island

Hiking Trail
Pyramid Mountain

Mountain
The Raven Bistro

Mediterranean Restaurant
The Stand Easy, Royal Canadian Legion, Jasper

Restaurant
Valley Of Five Lakes

Hiking Trail
Whistlers Mountain

Mountain

Explore more nearby Jasper

Credit: Debbie Molle

Hinton

53°23'56"N, 117°34'45"W

Aurora probability in Hinton: 28%

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.
Credit: Darren Kirby

Valemount

52°49'52"N, 119°15'51"W

Aurora probability in Valemount: 26%

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.
Credit: david hebert

Grande Cache

53°53'18"N, 119°6'51"W

Aurora probability in Grande Cache: 33%

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.