The aurora belt · YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife sits under the oval on some of the coldest, driest nights anywhere, and the local answer is a heated tipi to wait in. These 7 compare camps and drives on price, on transfer time and on how long they keep you out.
You’ll ride with North Star Adventures for about four hours, following weather and aurora conditions instead of a fixed route. Guides such as Joe and Brendan share local knowledge while the group searches remote viewing spots. Pickup is included from selected Yellowknife hotels and B&Bs, with a maximum of 12 people.
“We were lucky enough to spot them , Brendon is an amazing hunter really sweet clicked photos of us ( honeymoon) trip. This was surreal”
You’ll leave Yellowknife around 9:30 p.m. with a guide such as Wilson, Rosa, Pei, or Teresa, stopping at three dark-sky locations to seek the aurora. Hotel and B&B pickup, free professional photos, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and cookies are included. Airport pickup is not available.
“We had a successful night chasing lights. The lights were out early. Wilson was very pleasant. Its important to put on all your warm layers. Because we were in and out of the van, I thought I had enough on. But the night is cold and very quickly it felt very cold (was -39 or 40 with windchill). Cycling in and out of the van is a factor too. Lights typically come out between 11 and 2.. ours were out early (9:30) and so by 1am - the evening felt long and a bit tedious.”
Join The Aurora Borealis Experience in Yellowknife for a 4 to 6 hour evening hunt by mini coach. Guides such as Julian and Sheldon chase clearer skies, stop at several viewing spots, serve hot drinks and cookies, and take professional photos of you under the aurora. Dress very warmly.
“Worst tour we've ever had! It was a very cold night with super clear sky and high chance to see the northern lights. 20 minutes before scheduled trip the tour company send a big bus, instead of a mini coach as it promised online, to pickup us, spending more than 30 minutes and stopped many times to pick up other people before the trip started. The driver driven around without any explanations or information and finally stopped at a dark and cold place by a lake. When we asked how long we'd stay there the tour guide rudly said "what's the problem with you guys! If you want to leave…”
Tracy and Sim host a small-group evening at a private boreal-forest cabin near Yellowknife. Expect hotel or airport pickup, fish chowder, fresh bannock, hot drinks, Indigenous clothing for photos, local stories, and a chance to see the aurora from a warm rustic base.
“The cozy cabin aurora viewing was so very enjoyable! Our hostess prepared a delicious fish chowder and bannon and a special treat in the hot chocolate! Her fur coat collection is unmatched all available to wear for photos! Mother Nature’s light show was hindered by the clouds - but the entire experience was just what we wanted to celebrate Christmas - intimate where hospitality is a habit!”
Ride from your Yellowknife accommodation along the Ingraham Trail with an English or Chinese-speaking guide. Stop at several dark-sky locations, warm up with cocoa and cookies, and get free aurora portraits from the onboard photographer. Guides such as Wilson, Pei, and Ahmed are praised for patient photo help.
“We are quite happy to have a chance to see northern lights. The view we had on the second night was amazing and breathtaking. Sean was very considerate, knowledgable and taking care of everything we needed. Sean, thank you so much. We would like to join this tour again if possible．”
Ride from Yellowknife to Prelude, Prosperous, and Yellowknife River territorial parks while guides such as Janet, Angus, Floris, and Iris search for clear skies. Expect a warm bus, snacks, hot drinks, camera help, and shared aurora photos, with an English tour and Mandarin support reported on some departures.
“Guide Iris and driver Ben were so accommodating and enthusiastic. We had an awesome time and saw a lot. They also helped us with the photos. We were very happy to have booked this tour!!”
Spend about four hours at Madeline Lake Lodge near Yellowknife, stepping outside for northern lights views and warming up indoors between sightings. Guides such as Mo, Tina, Peter, and Leon help with timing and photography. If clouds move in, a heated bus heads to another territorial park.
“This tour is very different from the typical aurora chase. Instead of spending most of the night driving between locations, we stayed primarily at the lodge, which made the experience calm and comfortable. We could step outside when the lights appeared and then return indoors to warm up, have hot chocolate, and relax. The lodge setup works especially well for groups, as people can sit together, chat, and wait for the aurora in a cozy setting rather than standing in the cold. It felt unhurried and well thought out, and is a great option for anyone who prefers a more laid back and social Northern Lights experience.”
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