Camping Under the Northern Lights in Wood Buffalo National Park, Northwest Territories

Camping Under the Northern Lights in Wood Buffalo National Park, Northwest Territories

Wood Buffalo National Park, the largest national park in Canada, offers one of the best opportunities to witness the aurora borealis while camping. Located in Northwest Territories, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is far from artificial light pollution, making it ideal for night-sky viewing. The park's vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, and clear northern skies create an unmatched backdrop for an unforgettable camping experience under the lights.

Adventure Guide to Camping Under the Northern Lights in Wood Buffalo National Park

Pine Lake Campground

• Location: About 60 km south of Fort Smith, accessible by vehicle.
• What Makes It Special: A designated campground with basic facilities, offering comfortable camping in a rugged wilderness setting.
• Key Features:
  • Fire pits, picnic tables, and dry toilets.
  • Closest developed campsite to aurora-viewing spots.
  • Pine Lake, a rare karst formation, is a striking turquoise-blue water body perfect for daytime relaxation.

Backcountry Camping Near Peace River

• Location: Accessible via backcountry hiking trails or canoe routes near the Peace River.
• What Makes It Special: Absolute solitude and breathtaking views of the Northern Lights reflecting on the river.
• Key Features:
  • Primitive camping with no established sites—perfect for adventurers seeking total immersion in nature.
  • High potential for wildlife sightings, including wood bison and moose.

Salt Plains Aurora Viewing

• Location: A short hike from the Salt Plains Lookout near Highway 5.
• What Makes It Special: Unique salt flats that glow under the moonlight, creating an eerie yet beautiful contrast to the aurora.
• Key Features:
  • Soft, clay-like salt deposits that are safe to walk on.
  • Panoramic, unobstructed views, enhancing aurora visibility.

Local Insights

• Wood Buffalo National Park is home to the world's largest herd of free-roaming wood bison.
• The dark skies have earned the park recognition as a Dark Sky Preserve, ensuring minimal light pollution.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Late August to April for aurora activity, with September and October offering pleasant camping conditions.
• What to Bring:
  • Thermal clothing, sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
  • A headlamp with a red-light setting to preserve night vision.
  • Camera with a tripod for long-exposure aurora photography.
• Getting There: Drive from Yellowknife, approximately 9-10 hours, or fly into Fort Smith Airport, then drive into the park.