The northern lights are one of nature’s most magical displays. When everything aligns just right,  you can catch vibrant colors dance across the Island’s night sky, creating a spectacle that leaves lasting memories. Witnessing the northern lights is an unforgettable experience—the vibrant colors, the quiet beauty of the night sky, and the excitement of capturing that perfect moment. To help you document this incredible experience (and impress your friends), here’s our guide to seeing and photographing the northern lights on PEI.

Photo by ©Tourism PEI

Expectations

Before we dive in, it’s important to set realistic expectations. PEI is far enough south that spotting the northern lights here requires a pretty active solar storm. Even then, they’ll likely be visible on the distant northern horizon rather than directly overhead. Unlike northern locations, seeing the full wave of lights above is a rare occurrence on Prince Edward Island.

Another thing to keep in mind is that cameras are much more sensitive to light than our eyes. What might look like a faint glow on the horizon — something that could be mistaken for city lights — could  actually be the northern lights. Just as with stars, photographs often enhance the brightness of the aurora compared to what you’ll see with the naked eye.

Photo by Stephen DesRoches

The Forecast

Much like our weather, the northern lights have a forecast which is measured by the KP index. This scale tells us how strong the aurora might be and how far south it could be visible. In northern hotspots like Yellowknife, Iceland, or Greenland, a KP of 1 might be enough, but here on PEI, it’s best to look for a KP closer to 5 to increase your chances.

But remember, even a high KP index doesn’t guarantee a sighting—it’s all part of the adventure! From experience, the best time to catch the lights on PEI is usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.