5 of the best places to see the northern lights near Edmonton

The days are already getting noticeably shorter in Edmonton, and while that can feel like a sign of the long winter ahead, it also means the best time to catch a magnificent glimpse of the northern lights is upon us.

For those hoping to experience the lights and grab a photo, we rounded up five of the best places for optimal viewing to see these gorgeous natural light displays near Edmonton.

Many of these locations are found within the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, a 300-square-kilometre area east of Edmonton designed to reduce artificial light and make the night sky shine.

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 catch sight of some buffalo, or stargazing, this national park is always worth the short drive. The Lakeview Trail gives you a panoramic view of Astotin Lake and shows off the sharp contrast between the aspen forest and the black spruce bog. It’s also the perfect spot to catch the northern lights, and one of the closest places to Edmonton if you’re looking for a straightaway drive.

Address: 54401 Range Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

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Just a short drive from Edmonton or Sherwood Park, the Cooking Lake–Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area is another prime spot for catching the lights. It’s a multi-use area with active wildlife management programs and a mix of habitats that support everything from coyotes and deer to elk, moose, foxes, and even lynx.

Address: 52365 Range Rd. 210, Sherwood Park

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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 Rd. 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 Hwy. 623, Camrose County

Parkland Natural Area

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Aspen forests cover much of this natural area, with shrubby grassland found only on south-facing slopes. There are small rounded hills (called knobs), with numerous ponds and wetlands (called kettles) scattered throughout. This area is part of Cooking Lake Moraine.

Address: Just southwest of Lindbrook