April 13, 2016

Northern Lights at Cold Lake. Photo: Brandon Born @brandonborn

The aurora borealis is as old as time itself and is the stuff of legends. Under the darkest northern skies, this pulsating chorus of light and colour can be one of Mother Nature’s most magical displays.

Dark Skies – The northern lights are best seen in a dark sky and Alberta has plenty to go around – including the two largest dark sky preserves on the planet.

Fort McMurray – Situated directly beneath the outer band of the auroral oval, long, clear nights in this part of Alberta make for excellent viewing of the aurora. While in town, visitors can check out the fascinating Oil Sands Discovery Centre, a visit to MacDonald Island Park. Take an aerial tours or enjoy activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing.

Photography Tips - Part of the fun of a northern lights viewing tour is capturing the perfect photograph and the experts at Adventure North Photography provide workshops as part of the tour experience.

Auroral Adventures - Visitors venture into the boreal forest with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy the comfort of a private viewing site with telescopes and a heated building for nature breaks. The aurora is unpredictable but in the winter months, your chances are more than good.