Northern Lights in Saskatchewan 2024-2025

Saskatchewan residents are lucky to regularly observe the elusive northern lights dancing in the skies. No wonder the province bears the nickname of the Land of Living Skies—aurora sightings here are some of the most vivid you'll ever see. Due to its convenient location, northern lights on the north of Saskatchewan can easily compare with the ones in Fairbanks, Alaska, which is located directly under the Aurora Oval.

Aurora Forecast

The phenomenon is caused by geomagnetic activity and can be seen the best from October through March. Auroral activity is measured in the Kp-index on a scale of 0 to 9. These numbers can be used to determine the chance of seeing northern lights. Aurora borealis becomes slightly visible in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with a Kp-index of 2, but in the capital of the province, Regina, the index needs to reach at least 4 to catch any lights. Check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website for their aurora borealis forecast to know the right time to go on an aurora chase. Other trusted sources include the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Ways to Go Aurora Hunting

You can connect with fellow aurora chasers via social networks or book a tour with one of Saskatchewan's operators to go to a wilderness resort, on a dog-sledding adventure, or on a snowmobiling trip under glowing skies. The aurora-chasing community is well-developed in Saskatchewan and continues to grow, so consider finding like-minded individuals there.

Best Places to See Aurora Borealis in Saskatoon

If you are based in Saskatoon, there is a good chance you can see aurora borealis right from the rooftop in downtown or from one of the city's 200 parks. Some of the most popular locations in the city include Lakewood Park, Sutherland Beach Recreational Area, or Meewasin Valley Trail, south of the downtown. Sutherland Beach Recreational Area is especially popular among dog-walkers, boasting 55 acres (22 ha) of space and access to South Saskatchewan River. Meewasin Valley Trail also lies along the river and passes by many parks and recreational areas, including Meewasin Park.

Northern Lights Near Saskatoon

If you have time to get out of the city, you can travel North of Saskatoon to get the most out of your aurora borealis hunt. One of the popular locations is Prince Albert National Park, followed by Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just outside Saskatoon.

Prince Albert National Park

The large park occupies 1,496 square miles (3,874 sq km) in the central part of the province, about 120 miles (200 km) north of Saskatoon. Boasting beautiful grasslands, terrain, and wetlands, this area is perfect for stargazing enthusiasts due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. Visit Waskesiu Lake, Christopher Lake, or Emma Lake to take beautiful Northern Lights reflection photos. Paignton Beach and South Bay both offer panoramic vistas of the sky.

Activities

Prince Albert National Park is a prime destination for many recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The park boasts more than 93 miles (150 km) of walkable hiking trails, perfect for exploration of local flora and fauna.

Tickets & Hours

Admission to the park costs $9 for adults, $7.75 for seniors, $17.50 for a family or a group, and is free for children from 6 to 17 years old. Annual passes cost $43.50 for adults, $38.25 for seniors, $87.25 for a group, and are free for children. The park is open year-round, with the visitor center operating from 7 am until 8 pm from mid-May until early September.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Located near the developing area of Cathedral Bluffs, just 9 miles (14 km) from Saskatoon, the Wanuskewin Heritage Park is not only perfect for aurora chasing but also for learning more about Canadian and First Nations history. The area is situated on the river banks of the South Saskatchewan River, providing perfect snapshots of aurora borealis sightings. Plains bisons, reintroduced to the park in 2019, can be spotted here, together with other wildlife. The site also hosts regular exhibits and has many hiking trails.

Tickets & Hours

The park is open year-round, from 9:30 am until 5 pm, from Monday through Sunday. On statutory holidays, like May 20, July 1, August 5, and September 2, the park opens at 10 am. Admission to the grounds costs $16 for adults, $10 for seniors over 65 years old, $12 for students, $8 for children over six years old, and free for children under 5. A ticket for a family of six costs $40. Parking at the site costs $5.