Stargazing and The Northern Lights

Have you ever dreamt of watching the Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights) dance across the night sky? If this sounds like you, an Aurora chasing trip to Wood Buffalo National Park awaits you! Here you will witness spectacular aurora and the brightest constellation in the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve.

What is a Dark Sky Preserve?

On June 28, 2013, Wood Buffalo National Park received designation from The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve. Through this recognition, Wood Buffalo National Park is committed to protecting the night environment from the impact of artificial lighting. Together with the Royal Astronomical Society, Parks Canada recognizes that natural darkness is an ecological resource in need of protection and both organizations are committed to lighting practices that preserve the beauty and wonder of the dark sky and night environment for all Canadians to enjoy. There are 13 Parks Canada Dark Sky Preserves across the country, to learn more, visit Dark Sky Preserves.

When to Visit

In Wood Buffalo National Park, you can experience long summer days with limited hours of darkness from May – July. These conditions are perfect if you love soaking up as much sunlight as possible, but make for less than ideal stargazing conditions.

As the days begin to get shorter, the warmer nights of August and September make for the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the midnight canvas above! In August, Wood Buffalo National Park hosts its annual Dark in The Park Weekend. For more details, visit our Special Events page.

The cold autumn and winter nights bring crystal clear skies with the best viewing opportunities. If you plan on stargazing make sure you prepare for the cold and dress warm.

Where to Stargaze

Dark Sky Circle at Pine Lake

One of the best places to enjoy the night sky is at our Dark Sky Circle. Lie back on our specially designed benches to enjoy the vast night sky.

Salt River Day Use Area

The most accessible dark sky viewing is at the Salt River Day Use Area. Pack a picnic and watch the Milky Way rise over the river.

Dark Sky Viewing Tips

• Check the weather before heading out.
• Take along a star chart or download a star gazing app.
• Bring a pair of binoculars or a telescope.
• Use a red light flashlight. Red light is less obtrusive than traditional white light, and helps to retain your night vision.
• Set up your DSLR or mirrorless camera on a tripod. With a wide-angle lens, low aperture, slow shutter speed, and high ISO, you will capture fantastic photos of the night sky! Modern smartphones with ‘night mode’ will also produce breathtaking images.