The 5 Best Places to See Northern Lights in Saskatchewan (A Local’s Guide)
- Dre Erwin
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Dre Erwin – Primary Care Nurse & Aurora Photographer
Saskatchewan isn't called the "Land of Living Skies" for nothing. While tourists flock to Iceland or the Yukon, locals know the truth: some of the best aurora viewing on the planet happens right here in our backyard.
As a nurse working in Northern Saskatchewan and a photographer who has spent countless freezing nights chasing the lights, I’ve learned that not all dark skies are created equal. You need more than just darkness; you need the right foreground, the right angle, and the patience to wait.
Here are my top 5 spots to catch the Aurora Borealis in Saskatchewan—from accessible drives near Regina to the deep, raw North.
1. Pinehouse Lake (The Photographer's Gem)
This community holds a special place in my heart. As the home of the Pinehouse Photography Club, I’ve seen some of the most vibrant displays of my life reflecting off these waters.
Why it’s great: The lake provides a massive, unobstructed mirror for the lights. The community is welcoming, and the light pollution is almost non-existent.
Best View: Head down to the "point" for a wide-open view of the northern horizon.
2. Grasslands National Park (The Darkest of the Dark)
If you want to see the lights dance without a single streetlamp in the way, this is it. Grasslands is a designated Dark Sky Preserve—one of the darkest spots in Canada.
Why it’s great: It’s scientifically dark. Even when the aurora is faint to the naked eye elsewhere, it pops here.
Pro Tip: It’s a bit of a drive, so pack warm. The silence out here is just as therapeutic as the lights.
3. Sandy Bay (The True North)
I currently work here as a nurse, and let me tell you: the nights in Sandy Bay are different. We are further north, which means we are often directly under the auroral oval, not just looking at it from a distance.
Why it’s great: Intensity. When the lights hit here, they don't just glow on the horizon; they scream overhead in violets and deep greens.
The Vibe: This is raw nature. It’s perfect for connecting with the land and finding that moment of solitude.
4. Prince Albert National Park (Waskesiu)
Accessible, beautiful, and full of perfect foregrounds. Waskesiu is great for beginners because you have amenities nearby but dark skies just a few minutes away.
Why it’s great: The trees. The distinct boreal forest silhouette makes for incredible photos.
Best View: Try the breakwater at the main beach or drive slightly out of town toward the Narrows.
5. The Qu'Appelle Valley (The "City" Escape)
You don’t always have to drive 5 hours north. If you live in Regina and the solar data looks good, the Valley is your best bet to escape the city glow.
Why it’s great: It’s close. You can decide to go at 10 PM and be home by 1 AM.
Best View: Find a spot near Lumsden or Craven where you can look North away from the Regina light dome.
A Nurse's Prescription for the Cold
Chasing the aurora is about more than just a pretty picture. It’s a practice in resilience. Standing in the cold, waiting for the light to break through the darkness, teaches us patience.
If you can’t make the drive North tonight, that’s okay. I’ve captured that feeling of resilience in my latest collection.
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