Aurora Borealis: Nature’s Light Show

One of the most awe-inspiring sights in the Canadian Rockies is the aurora borealis, or northern lights. While not visible every night, Banff National Park—especially at higher elevations like Sunshine—sees increased chances of auroral activity during solar storms, geomagnetic spikes, and clear, dark nights. Late fall through early spring tends to be the prime viewing season, but sightings can also occur during summer and early autumn.

This stunning light show is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with our planet’s magnetic field. Simply put, solar winds carry charged electrons and protons toward Earth. When these particles reach our atmosphere, they are funneled toward the magnetic poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere.

In the northern hemisphere, the resulting aurora is known for its brilliant colors. The color of the aurora borealis depends on the energy of the particles and the altitude of the collisions. Green is the most commonly seen color, caused by interactions at altitudes between 100–200 km. Red occurs at higher altitudes, while blue and violet appear at lower altitudes.

When the aurora is active, it can appear as dancing curtains or ribbons of green, purple, and pink light across the northern sky. Guests staying overnight at Sunshine Mountain Lodge have a rare opportunity—to witness the northern lights from the warmth of an outdoor hot pool, their private balcony, or a cozy common area. With so little artificial light around, the contrast of the aurora against the mountain silhouettes is both breathtaking and unforgettable.

Tip: To increase your chances of catching the northern lights, download a reliable aurora tracking app and watch for Kp index values of 4 or higher. Even a faint aurora can appear brilliant at Sunshine thanks to the high elevation and minimal light pollution.

Spending the night at Sunshine isn’t just about the views during the day—it’s about what you can see when the rest of the world goes to sleep. Whether you’re lucky enough to witness the shimmering green of the northern lights or simply trace ancient constellations across a star-filled sky, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.

At Sunshine Village, the mountains don’t sleep when the sun goes down.
They shine.

Stay Under the Stars

Escape the city lights and experience the night sky like never before.

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