Embracing nature: Sleep under the Aurora Borealis in a luxury tipi

As the weather cools off in Alberta, the skies come alive with the Aurora Borealis. One of nature’s greatest wonders, the northern lights, draw visitors from around the world to take in the beauty of Alberta’s skies. And Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village outside of Wood Buffalo National Park is the place to catch the spectacular show.  

Located 100 km from Fort McMurray, and just outside of Canada’s largest national park, Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village offers authentic Indigenous experiences under the open skies. Guests sleep in luxury tipis with wooden floors, wood burning fireplaces, and cozy beds. Through Travel Alberta’s investment program, Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village was able to offer additional tipis and expand their offerings. 

“We are the only place in Canada that lets people sleep in tipis overnight to watch the aurora borealis,” says owner Charles Beauchamp. 

It is recommended that guests stay for three days to maximize potential northern lights viewing. While at Aurora Borealis, guest can enjoy storytelling, snowmobiling, ice fishing, medicine walks, snow shoeing, and much more. Open all year round, Aurora Borealis also includes authentic Indigenous meals for guests. 

The Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo region is the traditional territory of many First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The region is home to the Treaty 8 signatories, including the Cree and Dene homelands. It is also home to the Fort Chipewyan, Fort McMurray, Conklin, and Lac La Biche Métis Districts. Tipis, as seen at Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village, have been used by Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years, especially across the plains.