The Top 5 Locations To See The Northern Lights in Banff National Park

May 28

The Northern Lights are Fickle. They can be hard to predict and there can be so many small factors that play a significant role in seeing them. In this post, I wanted to go over my 5 favourite locations to see the northern lights, some tips and some other things I find useful.

*Northern Lights as seen from Sentinel Pass above Moraine Lake*

There’s nothing I like less than when someone writes a blog with a “top 5 of this” then doesn’t give you the goods right away, so here it is:

Cascade Ponds
Lake Minnewanka
Peyto Lake
Castle Junction
Vermillion Lakes

Now each of these Locations has positives and negatives, so keep reading below to see my thoughts on each location.

*a little family portrait from a Frozen Lake minnewanka*

#1 Location on the list is Cascade Ponds.

A lesser known gem for viewing the Aurora but it is what I refer to as “the old faithful” because of its north facing compositions, low light polution and few mountains to the north obscuring the view. For first time Aurora chasers go here 100%. You can even get solid reflections in the water, cool compositions facing north with the foot bridges and unless there is a significant space weather event happening, you are likely to mostly be alone.

Northern Lights dancing above Cascade Ponds

#2 is Good old Lake Minnewanka.

This location is known as a hot spot for Aurora chasers, for its wide open skies, low light pollution and a multitude of compositions for photographers depending on the time of year and how strong the storm is. However it isn’t without its drawbacks, the biggest of which is the crowds.
I remember a time when Lake Minnewanka was quiet on nights with the Northern Lights, where I wouldn’t see a single soul out shooting even during a KP6 event. This is not the case anymore, people come from far and wide to see the lights here, however I have some secrets that might help you if the crowds are a bit much.
Drive past the dam wall to the main carpark, take a right and park over near the cafe, then walk to the lake shore. Classic shot is of the dead pine tree just past the cafe, but given that the crowds can be aggressive in this spot know that if the storm is strong enough for crowds, its strong enough to keep walking all the way down to Stewart canyon, which faces north and has some incredible views of the lights.

*A Panorama of Lake Minnewanka frozen over at night*

#3 is Peyto Lake

This particular spot is not exactly north facing but north west and depending on the size of the storm can be one of the most incredible places to see the lights.
Far from any man made lights, and a decent walk from the carpark to the viewing deck or rocks, you are safe from car lights ruining your photos as well. A tricky location to shoot knowing that weather is a real factor here, I have been here countless times to shoot and found nothing but dense cloud with a green hue. However when conditions align, it’s well worth the disappointing trips out for that magical shot of the wolfs head shaped lake with the magic green lights above.

#4 is Castle Junction.

An old faithful with minimal walking. just two minutes walk from the car you are by the Bow River and facing almost directly north.
With a few lights from the road and the Castle Mountain Cabins, if the lights are popping, you know you’ll see them here. Find yourself a riverside puddle and get those classic reflection shots with the truly unique peaks of Castle Mountain in the background.
The only concern with this spot is the number of people trying to do the same thing, like Lake Minnewanka, this location is well known to Aurora chasers and will likely be crowded if you have a decent storm going.

#5 the not so secret Vermillion Lakes

Vermillion Lakes is the spot everyone seems to go to when they hear the lights are going. Everyone flocks to the first Dock only to be disappointed by the south easterly direction of the composition and heads home. However, your boy ben has the goods for you.
While the first dock at vermillion lakes has a south easterly view, the further back you go right down to the third lake is where you want to shoot. It still faces east, however with a wider open view it gives you a better chance of seeing the lights, while also getting you away from the crowds.
You will need a storm higher than KP5 for this to be worthwhile however, as this is not a directly north facing composition, however when the conditions align, especially in the winter where you can head out on the frozen lake to get a better north view, this spot is magic.

Vermillion Lakes in Banff With the northern lights overhead

#6 (my secret for those of you who read this far)

I don’t have a name for this location, so I will need to drop Coordinates (51.182098, -115.558771)

This spot is a little secret of mine, overlooking the east end of Banff towards Castle mountain up on the side of Tunnel Mountain. There is a small pull off big enough for one or two cars, and you walk down over the ledge to find an incredible view of lights, mountains and aurora.
This secret location is barely even known by locals, let alone tourists, I have never seen anyone else here and you get a truly unique north facing composition all to yourself.