4 of the best places to see the northern lights around Edmonton
While there’s no doubt that it’s unpleasant to see just eight hours of daylight during the winter months in Edmonton, it’s one of the best times to catch a magnificent glimpse of the northern lights.
For those hoping to experience the lights and grab a photo this winter, we rounded up four of the best viewing locations to see these gorgeous natural light displays.
These locations are all within the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, a 300 sq km area east of Edmonton dedicated to reducing artificial light.
The Dark Sky Preserve is part of the larger Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere, which focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity, as well as culturally and environmentally sustainable economic development, according to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Elk Island National Park
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Whether you’re hitting the trails, trying to see some buffalo, or of course, stargazing, this national park is always worth the short drive out there. The Lakeview Trail at this prestigious national park offers a panoramic view of Astotin Lake and illustrates the sharp contrast between aspen forest and black spruce bog. It’s an ideal spot for a perfect shot of the northern lights!
Address: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
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An easy drive from Edmonton or Sherwood Park, the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area is another prime light-viewing destination. It’s also a multi-use area with a number of wildlife management programs, boasting a wide range of habitats that support numerous wildlife species such as coyotes, deer, elk, foxes, moose, and lynx.
Address: 52365 Range Road 210, Sherwood Park
Strathcona Wilderness Centre
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The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is a year-round destination for outdoor adventure. You’ll find many forested hiking trails, picnic sites, snowshoeing, world-class cross-country skiing, and of course, it’s a fantastic spot for stargazing.
Address: 52535 Range Road 212, Uncas
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
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In addition to being a designated Important Bird Area, Alberta Parks offers a number of guided walks, information booths, and amphitheatre shows related to dark skies and nocturnal ecology.
Address: 20514 Secondary Highway 623, Camrose County
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