Canada is home to the world’s best place to see rare pink Northern Lights in 2026

It's official: Canada is home to the world’s best place to see the pink Northern Lights in 2026.

The Northern Lights could turn bubblegum pink this year—and Canada is home to some of the best places in the world to see them.

We’re used to seeing the aurora borealis paint the night sky in shades of green and blue, but pink Northern Lights are a much rarer sight. The good news? 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for aurora viewing, giving skywatchers across Canada a chance to catch this spectacular pink glow.

Read: This Quebec train ride takes you through stunning fall colours

Why do northern lights turn pink?

According to the Canadian Space Agency, pink auroras can occur when energetic particles penetrate deeper into Earth’s atmosphere and collide with nitrogen molecules.

A report by TravelPulse Canada reveals new research from Nordic airline Icelandair comparing 35 Northern Lights destinations across 8 countries.

The study assessed factors including darkness, accessibility, aurora visibility, scenery and the vividness of pink auroras captured at each location.

Where are the top spots to see pink auroras in Canada?

Canada came out on top, with. Maligne Lake in Jasper, Alberta named the world’s best place to see the pink Northern Lights in 2026.

According to the report, aurora displays captured at Maligne Lake showed a “dominant vivid rose-pink.” The location also has a Bortle rating of 3.2, indicating relatively dark skies that can help make the aurora’s colours and details stand out.

With dramatic mountain peaks and the iconic Spirit Island providing a spectacular backdrop, Maligne Lake is also a dream destination for Northern Lights photography. And unlike some remote aurora-viewing locations, it’s accessible by road from the Jasper area.

But Alberta isn’t the only place in Canada where you could spot the rare pink aurora. 

From the Northwest Territories to Manitoba, several destinations offer promising conditions for Northern Lights viewing in 2026.

Here are five of the best places in Canada to try to see the pink Northern Lights this year:

1. Maligne Lake, Jasper, Alberta

Maligne Lake takes the top spot in Icelandair’s ranking of the world’s best places to see the pink Northern Lights in 2026. Its dark skies, vivid rose-pink aurora displays and spectacular mountain scenery make it an exceptional destination for aurora photography.

2. Prelude Lake, Northwest Territories

Located near Yellowknife, Prelude Lake was ranked the second-best destination for seeing the pink Northern Lights. Icelandair’s research describes the likelihood of seeing the aurora here as “very high” between September and April.

Yellowknife is already renowned for its Northern Lights viewing opportunities, and the surrounding wilderness offers plenty of opportunities to escape city lights and watch the sky.

3. Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories

Straddling the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park offers vast wilderness and dark skies that make it an appealing destination for aurora chasers. Winter, particularly from December onward, can be a promising time to plan a trip. 

4. Yukon

The Yukon’s expansive wilderness, dramatic landscapes and remote communities make it another destination worth considering for Northern Lights viewing in 2026.

5. Manitoba

Manitoba is another Canadian province where aurora watchers can seek out dark skies and wide-open landscapes. Away from the light pollution of Winnipeg and other urban areas, remote locations can offer excellent conditions for watching the Northern Lights.

When is the best time to see the pink Northern Lights in Canada?

The best viewing window depends on the destination, but September through April is generally a good period to look for the Northern Lights in many parts of Canada. Longer, darker nights offer more opportunities to spot the aurora.

Keep in mind that pink auroras are relatively rare, and no destination can guarantee a sighting. Solar activity, cloud cover, darkness and viewing conditions all play a role.

For your best chance of catching a pink display, aim for a clear night during the aurora season and check local forecasts before heading out.

How to take a picture of the Northern Lights with your cell phone?

You don’t need an expensive camera to capture the Northern Lights. Even an iPhone can take impressive aurora photos when conditions are right.

For the best results, use Night mode or a long exposure where available, stabilize your phone on a tripod or another steady surface, turn off the flash and adjust the exposure as needed. 

For more information about the TravelPulse Canada report, click here.

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