When and How to See the Lights
The Northern Lights can appear at any time of year, but the most active season is from September to April. Families who plan their visit in October, February, or March often have the best chance of witnessing the show. The brightest displays typically occur between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., especially on clear, crisp nights when the stars themselves seem close enough to touch. Checking an aurora forecast before heading out adds a little extra excitement to the adventure, especially for kids eager to know if tonight will be the night.
A Family-Friendly Science Lesson
A Family-Friendly Science LessonPart of what makes the Northern Lights so unforgettable is the chance to turn the experience into something both magical and educational. Parents can explain to children how the aurora is created when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, sparking colorful waves of light across the sky. Waiting for the aurora is also the perfect time to point out constellations, trace the Milky Way, or spot planets, making the evening a mix of science lesson and stargazing wonder.
Where to Stay
Rendez-Vous RV Park has recently introduced Glamping Domes for those seeking a unique experience.
The Peace and Smoky River Regions offer a range of accommodations that allow families to experience the Northern Lights in comfort and style. At Rendez Vous RV Park, guests can spend the night in a cozy lodge or even a geodesic dome.
Peace River Adventures Campground, located right in the Town of Peace River
Families who prefer to stay close to town can park an RV at the Peace River Adventures Campground, located right in the Town of Peace River along the banks of the river valley. For a more secluded getaway, Sunny Valley Adventure Lodge in the County of Northern Lights provides dark-sky tranquility, while Wild Rose Guest Ranch offers the incredible experience of watching the aurora from a hot tub on a patio overlooking the valley. Or Canadian Wildlife Adventures for a very Northern experience. Each location not only provides a place to stay but also a front-row seat to the night’s most spectacular performance.
Discover the perfect retreat at the Sunny Valley Adventure Lodge.
The Wild Rose Guest House provides luxurious accommodations on the banks of the Mighty Peace River.
Snacks and Warm Comforts
Freshly Baked Delights in Grimshaw, Alberta
No family adventure is complete without snacks. Before heading out to wait under the stars, families can stop by Northern Dough for fresh treats or Java Domain or The Old Bistro for warm drinks and goodies to tuck into a backpack. A thermos of hot chocolate, some pastries, and a pile of blankets go a long way in making the experience both cozy and memorable for kids and adults alike.
J’s Java Domain is fondly appreciated by locals and out of town guests, and is sure to invoke a sense of ease to anyone who enters.
Unique Spots to Watch
One of the best things about the Peace and Smoky River Regions is that you don’t have to travel far to find a perfect vantage point. Families can set up at the Lower West Peace Boat Launch for views of the aurora reflecting across the river, or visit the historic grounds of Dunvegan Provincial Park where the aurora dances above centuries-old landmarks. Other popular locations include Murphy Flats Recreation Area, Lac Cardinal Recreation Area, Figure 8 Recreation Area, Cummings Lake Recreation Area, Kaktuk Lake, Haig Lake, Tangent Trails and Cotillion Park. The Dixonville Community Forest Trail is another great spot to view the Northern Lights. This is a 1.5km trail that is groomed for walking or skiing. With so much open space and so little light pollution, the truth is the aurora can appear virtually anywhere in these regions—sometimes right outside your hotel.
Please note: In the Winter months Murphy Flats Recreation Area is closed and Cotillion Park is not maintained.
Unique Experience
Discover the magic of winter in the Mighty Peace with the Peace Valley Snowriders trails. With over 300 km of meticulously maintained trails, riders can explore breathtaking landscapes, winding through snow-covered forests and open valleys. For a truly unforgettable adventure, hit the trails after dark and experience the Northern Lights dancing above your sled, a bucket-list moment where adrenaline meets awe.
Clear Hills County Lakes
There’s no better place to chase the Northern Lights than in Clear Hills County, where the skies are dark, the stars are bright, and the landscapes are pure northern beauty. With an abundance of lakes, the region offers endless serene spots to watch the aurora dance across the sky. Popular ice fishing lakes like Running Lake and Stoney Lake stay open all winter, providing the perfect backdrop for a night of stargazing after a day on the ice. For those seeking a little adventure, explore the Sand Hills area by foot, snowmobile, or snowshoe and take in the mesmerizing glow of the aurora from the rolling hills. Clear Hills County is where northern Alberta’s wild beauty meets the magic of the night sky.
Drop a line in one of Clear Hill's many lakes.
An Experience Families Never Forget
The Peace and Smoky River Regions invite families to pause, look up, and share in a moment of pure wonder. Bundled together under blankets, sipping warm drinks, and waiting in quiet anticipation, parents and children alike are reminded of the magic that exists beyond daily routines. When the aurora finally appears, stretching across the sky in vibrant waves of light, it feels like the world has paused just for you.
For families on the hunt for a unique, educational, and unforgettable experience, there are few adventures as memorable as chasing the Northern Lights in Northwestern Alberta. It’s more than a natural phenomenon, it’s a story you’ll carry home, retold each time you remember the night the sky itself began to dance.
