The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Saskatchewan
Winter is known as the prime northern lights viewing season. Experience this amazing natural phenomenon at these six spots in Saskatchewan.
Known for brilliantly hued sunrises and sunsets filling its vast prairie landscapes, Saskatchewan’s “land of the Living Skies” slogan not only rings true during the day but at night too, when the sky truly comes alive thanks to the natural spectacle of aurora borealis—the northern lights.
October through March is the best time to view the aurora in Saskatchewan, with wintertime being most optimal due to more dark hours. The aurora oval is at its peak during the magic time of midnight—however, the dancing lights can appear anytime about two hours after sunset and two hours prior to sunrise.
Colin Chatfield
Viewing the northern lights is made pretty darn easy in Saskatchewan, as they can be seen province-wide, and yes, even within city limits. This experience is on many people’s bucket lists and Saskatchewan residents are fortunate because this incredible natural phenomenon occurs often. Though heading to the northern part of the province may increase one’s chances for better viewing, there are a few outstanding prime sky-viewing and stargazing areas to get the optimal sights.
Prince Albert National Park
Unsplash
Located in Saskatchewan’s beautiful boreal forest, Prince Albert National Park is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the dazzling display. On particularly clear nights, stargazers can also clearly spot the Milky Way galaxy. Some of the Park’s top spots include Paignton Beach found along Narrows Road (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife here!), South Bay or Trippes Beach on Waskesiu Lake. Seeing the lights dance, swirl and reflect off the lake makes for a mesmerizing experience. Annual meteor showers also occur during the months of August, October or December!
Location: 229 km north of Saskatoon or 90 km north of Prince Albert.
Other honourable mentions in the north: La Ronge, Amisk Lake, Missinipe and Stanley Mission.
Hudson Bay
Jeanine Holowatuik
With some of the darkest urban sky, city viewing is possible in the town of Hudson Bay. However, hitting the outskirts via Highway 3 east or west ensures better gazing opportunities. Or head to Ruby Lake, part of the Hudson Bay Regional Park just north of town. With very little light pollution, it’s one of the best viewing spots in the province, making the northern lights a common sight for those who live in the area.
Location: In the central-eastern part of the province, just under 50 kilometres from the Manitoba border.
Melfort
Colin Chatfield
Visit Melfort, once nicknamed the “City of Northern Lights” thanks to the frequency of stunning activity. Many of the city’s attractions, such as the local pool, arena and art gallery still boast names inspired by the lights. For in-town viewing, head to Spruce Haven Park.
Location: In the central-eastern part of the province, 280 kilometres north of Regina.
Saskatoon
Colin Chatfield
Stopping to stargaze within Saskatoon is as easy as meandering along Meewasin Valley Trail. With 80 kilometres stretching through green spaces, the trails offer several spots to take in the show. Riverbank trails found in both the Peggy McKercher Conservation Area and the Beaver Creek Conservation Area, south of the city, are also prime locations. Head north to Wanuskewin Heritage Park or Cathedral Bluffs for even better viewing opportunities, as light pollution decreases the farther you get from city limits.
Location: In the central region of the province, 235 kilometres northwest of Regina.
Grasslands National Park
Jenn Smith Nelson
Marvelling at the sky is something one can do at all hours in Grasslands National Park. What makes this place special is the Park’s 360-degree open panorama making aurora visible from pretty much anywhere. This vast expanse of land covers 527 square kilometres and is a bonafide Dark-Sky Preserve. With literally no light pollution, it’s listed as one of Canada’s darkest preserves, making it perfect for stargazing. It’s unsurprisingly a favourite spot for astronomers to gather—as is the province’s other Dark-Sky Preserve, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
Location: In the province’s southwest near the Saskatchewan/Montana border.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Colin Chatfield
One of Canada’s most accessible Dark-Sky Preserves, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is home to a dome observatory with seating and telescope platforms made to accommodate viewing the skies. They take stargazing seriously in the Park (there’s even a Dark-Sky Campground), and park programming includes astronomy education and an Astronomer-in-Residence program.
Location: About 120 kilometres northwest of Grasslands National Park.
Other honourable mentions in the southwest: Avonlea Badlands and Castle Butte.
Tips for Stargazers:
• Check the weather and pack accordingly, bringing layers and heat packs. Plan to dress warm and stuff those heat packs in mittens and boots to stay cozy.
• Cold weather kills camera and phone batteries. Charge up beforehand and keep gear in its bag until needed. Pro-tip: keep extra batteries and your phone in your pocket with a hand warmer.
• Pack safety gear—a flashlight and a booster pack for your vehicle.
• Pay attention to cloud conditions and look up the daily aurora forecast to be better prepared and to increase your chances of seeing the aurora.
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