Viewing the Aurora Borealis | Alberta Canada
Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights is Earths Natural Lights display that is a rare treat to see usually in the Northerly Latitudes. Now I could sit here and give you the scientific explanation of why they occur but I'm not going to do that; there's Wikipedia for that. So take a road trip to one of the following places and sit back and watch the Night Sky.
Viewing the lights depends on how strong the solar storm is. KP5 Storms are usually visible overhead all across Alberta. Take into consideration cloud cover and light pollution, so check the forecast and get away from the city. Full Moons can also effect your viewing on a weaker storm and take away from Magic!
Now we are fortunate enough to live on an acreage that we don't get too much light pollution. We have been blessed with so many viewings right from the comfort of our own home. However there are several places around Edmonton area to get a front seat to the show!
EDMONTON AREA: Elk island National Park, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Cooking Lake are all located East of Edmonton Alberta and are part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve so they make an excellent choice for first time viewers. If all else fails just drive North of Edmonton and find a flat open field facing north on a range road. Turn off your lights for better viewing and remember be safe, respect private property as well as Park Rules.
Jasper National Park is located 4.5 hours West of Edmonton and is also a Dark sky Preserve. However unless the lights are visible over head it can sometimes be tricky viewing in the Mountains. However the night sky is spectacular to view regardless in Jasper.
CALGARY AREA: Ghost reservoir, Nose Hill Park are both NW of Calgary and great options. Again if all else fails head North of the City for dark skies.
Canmore/Banff Nat'l Park I will add this to my list as we recently lucked out and viewed right from our balcony at the Blackstone Lodge beginning of August. It was defiantly a surprise when we returned late from a wedding and stepped out to a beautiful show and a meteor Shower.
+Check out Alberta Aurora Chasers on Facebook for more pointers.
+You could also download a Aurora App on your Phone
I have linked a few videos throughout the blog; feel free to check them out for some more footage of the Spectacular Auroras. Now we are no night photographers or videographers so no judgment please just pointers.
Happy Adventures and Enjoy the Show!
