The Northern Lights are one of the great wonders of the world. While many people put the Aurora Borealis on their bucket lists, most Americans think they have to travel to Iceland, Norway or other icy, far-away countries to see them. There’s actually a much better way — Alberta, Canada. Just a short flight from Denver, Chicago, Seattle and many other major U.S. markets, Alberta is one of the best and most convenient places on the planet to see this spectacular natural phenomenon. Here are a few of your options.
Alberta is home to the world’s two largest dark sky preserves — Wood Buffalo and Jasper national parks — making for some of the clearest viewing locations to see the lights (or, if you miss them, a beautiful star filled sky). There’s also Cypress Hills, which due to its high elevation and lack of urban light pollution, was the first designated Dark Sky Preserve in Alberta.
Sky Tram Sessions: Head up the massive Jasper Gondola, dubbed “Sky Tram," astronomy experts from The Jasper Planetarium for a dining and stargazing experience atop the Jasper SkyTram. Dark Sky Campfires: Join a Parks Canada interpreter around a campfire for an evening of storytelling as you savour a hot drink and the mystery of the prairie landscape at dusk. Search for stars or the Northern Lights while taking in the grandeur of the stretching universe.
Join a skilled guide from Kananaskis Outfitters on a starlit snowshoe through a frosty forest, enjoy a hot drink in a mountain meadow, and be awed by the incredible vastness of the Milky Way before your eyes. Upon your return, relax by the fire and indulge in decadent chocolate fondue.
If hunting is your thing, then Alberta is the place to be. Guests can join outfitters on a variety of hunts (waterfowl, moose, etc.), and, as most hunting grounds are up north, guests have a chance to see the northern lights as they relax by the campfire each night.
Sometimes it’s best to just sit back on the porch, with warm blankets, and have the Northern Lights come to you. That’s the concept at Prairie Creek Inn, a place just a short drive from the city, yet far enough to feel secluded and see the stars. You can relax all weekend, never leaving the fluffy bed and fireplace of your suite, and gaze out on the stars at night. Many guests have spotted the great Aurora Borealis without leaving their digs. Seeing the Northern Lights always takes a bit of luck, but, even if you miss them, you’ll have seen the most star filled skies in your life.