Auroras Above: Banff’s Brightest Nights

Northern Lights in Banff:
How to Catch Nature’s Most Dazzling Show

You know that feeling when you see something so breathtaking that you almost forget to blink? That’s the magic of the Northern Lights—a celestial dance of swirling greens, pinks, and purples lighting up the night sky.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to leave The Rimrock to see them.

Perched high above the town of Banff, our hotel offers, wide-open views of the Rockies—the perfect stage for nature’s most mesmerizing performance. With last year’s unbelievable aurora activity, we’ve introduced a brand-new Aurora Wake-Up Call to make sure you never miss a moment.

Here’s everything you need to know to chase the lights—without even leaving the hotel.

Why Were the Northern Lights so Unbelievable Last Year?

Let’s rewind to May 2024, when the Northern Lights put on a show so powerful that they were visible as far south as Texas, California, and even Florida. If you saw those viral photos, you weren’t dreaming—it was the result of one of the biggest solar storms in decades.

Here’s why it happened:

• The Sun Went Into Overdrive – We’re approaching the peak of the solar cycle, meaning the sun is firing off more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) than usual. These charged particles slam into Earth’s atmosphere, creating those glowing ribbons of color.
• A Solar Storm Supercharged the Sky –  In May 2024, these CMEs triggered an intense geomagnetic storm, lighting up skies worldwide.
• Banff Became an Unexpected Hotspot – Normally, auroras are strongest near the Arctic Circle, but with last year’s powerful solar activity, Banff became one of the best places on Earth to see them.

So, what does this mean for 2025? Even more chances to see the lights!

Best Time to See the Northern Lights at Rimrock Banff

The good news? You don’t have to venture out into the cold or find a remote location—our elevated setting offers some of the best aurora views in Banff, right from the hotel.

• Best Season: September to April (when nights are longest).
• Best Time: Between 10 PM and 2 AM (but can appear earlier or later if conditions are strong).
• Best Viewing Spot: The Rimrock Banff!

Pro Tip: No need to become an aurora expert—we’ve got you covered! Our team actively monitors the KP Index throughout the day, and we even have a KP meter in the lobby so you can check aurora activity at a glance. If the Northern Lights are likely to appear, you’ll know before you even step outside.

Meet Zayne – The Rimrock’s Aurora Enthusiast

If you’ve got questions about the Northern Lights, Zayne is your guy. As The Rimrock’s in-house Aurora Enthusiast, he’s always keeping an eye on the skies (and the KP Index) to help guests catch nature’s most spectacular show.

“Before moving to Canada, it had been my dream to experience the aurora, and since moving to Banff and working at the Rimrock, I’ve had more opportunities than I could have ever imagined to witness the northern lights. As a result of seeing the aurora so many times, I want to help guests and colleagues to have the best chance at experiencing the northern lights.”

You’ll often find Zayne near the KP meter in the lobby, tracking aurora activity and sharing his top tips for spotting the lights. And if the conditions are just right? You might even be lucky enough to have Zayne personally guide you to the best viewing spot outside the hotel for an unforgettable Northern Lights experience.

Too Cozy to Stay Up? We’ve Got You

Here’s the thing—auroras are unpredictable. You could stare at the sky for hours and see nothing… or you could close your eyes for five minutes and miss the most epic show ever.

So, we’ve made it easy.

• At The Rimrock Banff, we’ve introduced the Aurora Wake-Up Call:
  Sign up at check-in.
• Sleep peacefully.
• If the Northern Lights become visible from the hotel, we’ll wake you up.
• Step outside with us to the best available viewing spot for an unforgettable experience.

No need to set an alarm or keep checking the sky—we’ll make sure you don’t miss the moment.

Fun Aurora Facts to Impress Your Friends

• The Northern Lights are actually caused by space weather. Solar storms send charged particles hurtling toward Earth, creating those stunning colors when they collide with our atmosphere.
• Different gases create different colors. Oxygen produces green and red auroras, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues.
• Astronauts can see the aurora from space! The International Space Station often flies right through the Northern Lights—talk about front-row seats.

Don’t Miss the Next Show – Plan Your Trip Now

With solar activity still high and another incredible year of auroras ahead, now’s the time to book your Northern Lights adventure in Banff.

Stay at The Rimrock Banff, sign up for our Aurora Wake-Up Call, and get ready for the show of a lifetime. Because trust us—you don’t want to sleep through this one.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BANFF:

Banff, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is a year-round paradise for adventure and luxury. In summer, hike stunning trails and spot wildlife; in winter, enjoy world-class skiing and cozy après experiences. Fall offers fewer crowds and vibrant foliage, while packing layers is essential for Banff’s unpredictable weather. Whether driving the Icefields Parkway or soaking in Banff Upper Hot Springs, this destination promises unforgettable experiences in every season.

GETTING TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Nearest City & Airport: Calgary
Available transportation to the park: car rentals, Banff Airporter, shuttle bus
Available transportation in the park: shuttle bus, car rentals, bikes, public transportation etc. Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary local transportation throughout the Town of Banff
Park Pass: Can be found via the Parks Canada website