Best Places and Tips to See the Northern Lights in Calgary

In Calgary, a story adventure awaits with the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. It is one of nature’s most amazing sights. Anytime, with the right location and some patience, Calgary will show an amazing display.

Let’s dive into the best times, places, and tips to see the northern lights in Calgary.

When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Calgary?

Everything is about the timing when it comes to viewing the northern lights in Calgary. To maximize viewing chances, plan your trip in late fall going into the winter months. These months, from September to March, are best for viewing, as the nights are longer. Also, magnetic activity tends to spike during the seasons. This increases the chance of a stronger northern lights display.

The northern lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. because the sky is at its darkest during this time. Hence, it would offer the clearest view of the northern lights if the condition happens to be right. Also, check the weather and northern lights forecasts before heading out. Clear skies and a high KP index will help your viewing.

When Are the Northern Lights Visible in Vancouver?

This article about Calgary may raise a question: can you see the northern lights from Vancouver? You can, but sightings are rarer than in Calgary. Vancouver’s lower latitude and high light pollution reduce the northern lights’ visibility. They are less frequent and less bright than in Alberta.

Best Places to View the Northern Lights Near Calgary

To find the best spot in Calgary to see the northern lights, go far from the city. Light pollution hides the northern lights, so seek dark areas with clear night skies. Here are some of the top spots near Calgary:

Top Spots with Low Light Pollution for Optimal Viewing

• Elbow Valley: Situated southwest of Calgary, the Elbow Valley offers dark, open skies for excellent viewing of the northern lights. Just drive out to the parking lot at Elbow Falls, and you are ready with a great spot.
• Nose Hill Park: This large urban park does have some darker areas, particularly in the northern part of the park. While it’s still within the city, it’s elevated with the potential to catch the northern lights from the city itself.
• West Bragg Creek: Only 30 minutes out of Calgary, the only rural landscape and low light pollution allow for a great view of the sky.

Hidden Gems for Aurora Spotting Outside the City

• Cochrane Ranche Historic Site: This is a favorite spot for skygazers. It is open, and the town’s lights do not interfere.
• Chain Lakes Provincial Park: Equally a little farther away from Calgary, yet totally worth the drive. This spot is ideal for a clear northern lights display with few lights.
• Kananaskis Country: This place is a beauty with amazing landscapes. Located far from city lights, Kananaskis is one of the quiet places to view the northern lights.

The Science Behind the Northern Lights

Solar particles hit Earth’s air, causing the beautiful northern lights. But what are the causes of such breathtaking displays?

What Causes the Aurora Borealis?

The sun is constantly sending energy particles, known as the solar wind. When they reach Earth, they will interact with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, which may be present in the air. This hit emits light, which happens to be what we see as those colorful bands of the northern lights. The colors change with each gas. Oxygen produces green or red. Nitrogen creates blue or purple.

How Geomagnetic Activity Affects Aurora Displays

Northern lights are more active when there is high magnetic activity. The KP index is a scale of measurement that runs from 0 to 9, showing the strength of magnetic storms. For Calgary, it means a KP level of 4 or higher increases the chances of viewing the northern lights. You can easily plan your northern lights outing for nights with higher magnetic activity by keeping an eye on the KP index.

Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights on Camera

Photographing the northern lights is often difficult and, at the same time, rewarding. Here’s a quick guide for you to capture the best photos of the northern lights:

• Use a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: These cameras perform better in low light compared to a smartphone.
• Lens Preference: A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a higher f-stop, preferably below f/2.8. This lens will capture more of the sky while letting in more light.
• Manual Focus: Set the focus to infinity to capture sharp images.
• ISO and Shutter Speed Settings: Start with an ISO setting of 800 to 1,600 and a shutter speed of 5 to 20 seconds. You can experiment with these settings to see what works best for you.
• Use a Tripod: A sturdy tripod is necessary since you’ll be using long exposure times.
• Remote Shutter or Timer: This prevents any movement from pressing the shutter button, resulting in sharper photos.

With practice and patience, you will capture the northern lights’ vivid colors and patterns. These photos will create an unforgettable keepsake of the experience.

Aurora Borealis Travel Tips

Planning a trip specifically to chase the northern lights requires some special considerations. Here are a few essential travel tips for anyone heading out to view the northern lights in Calgary and surrounding areas:

Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights in Alberta

As mentioned, the best time of year to view the northern lights in Alberta is late fall to early spring—September to March. It’s not uncommon for the northern lights to appear in the summer months, but the shorter nights make viewing more difficult.

Essential Tips for Chasing the Aurora in Calgary

• Dress in Warm Clothes: Calgary’s winter is extremely cold. So, wear thermal layers, waterproof outer layers, and padded winter boots.
• Bring Warm Drinks: It’s tough to stay outside in the cold late at night, so bring thermoses of hot drinks to keep warm.
• Prepare for Long Waits: Chasing the northern lights often means waiting for hours. Bring a blanket to stay warm, snacks, and other essentials.

Stay Connected While Chasing the Aurora with Yoho Mobile

Having good mobile service can be very important when heading out to a remote area to view the northern lights. With Yoho Mobile, you get an easy-to-use, travel-friendly eSIM that will keep you connected even in the most remote locations. With Yoho, you can receive northern lights notifications, check the weather, and stay connected with friends or family.