📸 Chasing the Aurora: Why This Winter is a Must-See for Saskatchewan Photographers
- Dre Erwin
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
I’m hoping you're not simply thinking about seeing the Northern Lights. While you’re at it, I hope you’re planning on getting out there with your camera! If you’re not sure where to begin with aurora photography, or simply want to share your sightings, visit our forum—I’d be happy to assist!
🔭 The Aurora Lights in Saskatchewan: The Solar Maximum is HERE
The northern lights, like they do every year, are more visible throughout the long, dark winter nights, but the coming year brings an extra special forecast.
Understanding the Phenomenon
The aurora borealis is caused by the interaction of solar wind (a stream of charged particles from the sun) with the Earth's magnetic field. The collisions between these charged particles and components in our atmosphere are what we see as vibrant colors dancing in the sky.
Green and Red lights are usually caused by reactions with Oxygen.
Blue and Purple lights are caused by the presence of Nitrogen.
📈 The Current Solar Cycle: Peak Activity
The rise in aurora activity is directly tied to the sun's 11-year solar cycle. This cycle culminates in the Solar Maximum, a period when the sun’s magnetic field activity is at its highest, leading to more frequent and intense solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
The last time your original article was written (in 2021), we were still anticipating the peak. The big news for 2025 is this:
We are currently in or immediately approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25!
Initial predictions suggested the peak would be modest and arrive in mid-2025.
However, Solar Cycle 25 has been significantly stronger than forecasters expected, with activity ramping up well ahead of schedule.
This means that the frequency and intensity of geomagnetic storms—which fuel those stunning, province-wide aurora displays—will remain high through 2025 and likely into 2026.
If witnessing a strong, widespread aurora display is on your bucket list, this winter is one of the best opportunities in over a decade! Saskatchewan Aurora hunters should have plenty of chances in the coming months.
📍 Chasing the Aurora: Best Places to See Them in Saskatchewan Skies
While the far north will always offer the most reliable and overhead views, the current intensity of the sun means the lights are visible much further south. We've seen incredible shows across the entire province, even near major cities, during the major storms of the last few seasons.
Still, to maximize your chances, the following spots are your best bet:
All Dark Sky Preserves: These protected places are dedicated to preserving and protecting the night by limiting light pollution. Our top provincial recommendations include:
Grasslands National Park (One of Canada's darkest)
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Home to an observatory and great facilities)
The Far North: For truly pristine, uninterrupted views, places like Reindeer Lake and the area around La Ronge are unparalleled, though they require more travel.
Rural Locations: Saskatchewan's vast open fields and grid roads mean you only need to drive 15-30 minutes away from city lights (especially north of cities like Saskatoon and Regina) to find a good spot. Look for open northern horizons!
💡 Photography Tip: Gear Up for the Show
Especially if you’re doing photography, getting a view over a large, reflective body of water or a renowned structure can add incredible depth to your shot. You will definitely need a camera that can handle long exposures (like a DSLR or mirrorless camera) and a sturdy tripod to capture the magic—but that's a matter for another discussion!
Happy hunting, and clear skies!
Tags: aurora borealis, Saskatchewan, Solar Cycle 25, Northern Lights Photography, Dark Sky Preserve
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Wish to have another big show before the end of the year..Good luck to us chasers!!
Can’t wait