yellowknife canada tour

YELLOWKNIFE TOURS

“2015 nwt operator of the year award” "2017 akaitcho business of the year award" "2018 citie the best outbound travel operator prize" "2020 ai business excellence award" "2021 luxlife travel and tourism awards" "2023 tripadvisor travellers' choice award".

We would like to welcome you to experience the world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Yellowknife & Aurora

Experience the natural spectacle

Yellowknife is the premium location to view Aurora Borealis, also known as Northern Lights.

Our Activities

Enjoy what nature has to offer

There are plenty of other fun-filled activities to complement the natural beauty of Aurora Borealis.

About Yellowknife Tours

Adventure With Us

Our experienced, friendly tour guides will make sure you get the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

DOGSLEDDING IN YELLOWKNIFE AMPLIFIES NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE

YELLOWKNIFE CABIN RETREAT: AN ENCHANTING WAY TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

NORTHERN LIGHTS IN YELLOWKNIFE: DON’T LET THE COLD GET IN YOUR WAY

Five Reasons Why Yellowknife, Canada Is The Best Place To View Northern Lights

“Thank you very much for your kindness while we were in Yellowknife. We really had a good time there. We never forget the beautiful Northern lights, dog sledding, kind people etc. We have a lot of wonderful memories and hope to see you again”

Yoriko from Japan

Once in a life time……lucky and amazed Twice….fulfilled and praised Third time ?! Crazy but blessed. Stole some time and went there last weekend for two nights. Another taste, another mood, dark blue starry night. The daytime dogsled race was a bonus!  

Stephen from Vancouver

看到如此有水準的北極光下影到的大自然和人之間的和諧，告誡我們要更加愛護保護大自然。大自然偉大，而你能無私地將自己的熱情和攝影技術與過客分享，這樣的精神也是傑出偉大的！通過你的指導，在場的拍友個個學會了極光下影人的技巧，你亦師亦友、人人沒齿難忘！今我收到這些極光照片不僅快樂幸福，其留念價值則無可估量。再次向你說聲，謝謝……”  

Verda, very glad to know you and your family and thanks for your help in Yellowknife, NWT. We have a pleasant tour in NWT by your help. Actually, we learned a lot from you. If you plan to be in Vancouver someday, please let me know and I really like to be your friend in the future.

Libert from Vancouver

Verda, Angela & Law, Really have to say many thanks to you guys, all the arrangements and warmest hospitality, which made every one of us feel like home. Every day’s programme was full of excitement. Law is really a professional tourist guide, that’s why we called him a life directory of Yellowknife. Verda, you made me so warm when I first touched ground of Yellowknife. Once again thanks for the Law family, hope to see you soon in Vancouver or again in Yellowknife.

Wu from Vancouver

婷婷：謝謝你們一家親切、熱情、盡責的服務，令我們有賓至如歸的感覺，這幾天辛苦晒了！我們對你一家的服務態度非常滿意，希望在不久會再次到黄刀市找你們幫忙。希望你們的生意蒸蒸日上，成為全世界最出名觀賞北極光的旅行社。

Lucia Wang & NG from Hong Kong

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又到一年一度嘅香港國際旅遊展，我哋黃刀旅遊又再一次同大家見面啦 今年攤位喺T110，歡迎大家踴躍搵我哋了解更多關於加拿大黃刀嘅旅遊資訊！我哋有專人在場為大…

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Top Tours in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Yellowknife tours.

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1. 4- to 6-Hour Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife

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What travellers are saying.

Extraordinary - every month of the year

Yellowknife is Canada's capital of cool

Here you'll find it all. Skyscrapers springing from rocky outcrops at the edge of Great Slave Lake. Sailboats gliding across Back Bay. Float planes soaring in the midnight sun. Famous events, including a cultural festival in a snow palace and a music festival on a sandy shore. A neighbourhood of bright houseboats, all aglow beneath the Aurora. Mansions built next to log cabins and teepees; and a whole bunch of friendly, offbeat locals, having an extraordinary time in the wildest little city on earth.

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2020 Visitor's Guide

View or download the 2020 Extraordinary Yellowknife Visitor's Guide: Travel Tips, Maps, Activities

Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Dancing across the night sky in radiant hues, the Northern Lights — or Aurora Borealis — are nature’s way of putting on a dazzling light show . The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere.

Yellowknife, nestled in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories, is one of the world’s premier destinations for this ethereal display. Its clear skies and minimal light pollution allow for an unforgettable viewing experience.  Imagine standing under a dark sky ablaze with colourful lights casting their glow on the landscape below. 

The travel experts at northernlightscanada.com specialize in planning Northern Lights trips in the Northwest Territories. We take care of all the arrangements in the area, booking the best aurora-viewing tours, hotels, and experiences. We provide personalized travel support from planning through travel.

Read our following travel guide to the aurora in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to learn more.

Table of contents

Most popular aurora tours in yellowknife, yellowknife aurora tour packages: what to expect.

• Best time to view Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife 

Recommended duration of stay in Yellowknife for Northern Lights viewing

• Best Places to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife  

Outdoor activities to enjoy while on a Northern Lights trip

• How to choose the best northern lights tour in Yellowknife 

Where to stay in Yellowknife to see the Northern Lights? 

Best restaurants to try in yellowknife, transportation options in yellowknife  , frequently asked questions, northern lights of yellowknife.

Enjoy three unique aurora viewing experiences, including a relaxing evening in a geo dome. Yellowknife — the capital of the Northwest Territories — has deep cultural roots to discover. Along with outdoor activities, such as dogsledding or snowmobiling, you’ll have the chance to discover the region’s rich Indigenous cultures. 

Trip length (number of nights): 4   Nights in Yellowknife: 4 Aurora viewing evenings: 3

Fall Colours and Northern Lights in Yellowknife   

The fall version of our winter tour, you’ll be dazzled by the vibrant fall foliage during the day and the spectacle of the Northern Lights at night. During this season in Yellowknife, you’ll be immersed in its stunning beauty, enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and wildlife tours.  

Trip length (number of nights) : 4   Nights in Yellowknife: 4 Aurora viewing evenings: 3

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Trips to the see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife offer many other activities ( 1 ). From exploring the spectacular untouched landscapes to discovering the region's vibrant cultural, there is always something to do. Your days can be as active or as relaxed as you like.

Once you arrive in Yellowknife, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. Most evenings will be spent with a local guide, who will take you to a special location to see the lights. You don't have to travel far outside of Yellowknife to get away from any light pollution. These locations are set up with comfort in mind: you'll have warm clothing and snacks, and there is usually a campfire.

During the day, you can enjoy various activities, from hiking and fishing in the fall, to dogsledding and snowshoeing in the winter. 

Location: Yellowknife, the capital city of Canada's Northwest Territories, is a beacon for those in search of the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights. Located just over 400 kilometers (248 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, this northern city experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions, from long, harsh winters to short, hot summers. But it's the winter nights that are the main attraction for many, as they play host to the stunning spectacle of the aurora borealis.

Climate: Due to its northern location, Yellowknife sees high levels of geomagnetic activity, which leads to the creation of the vibrant colors associated with the Northern Lights. The weather conditions in the region are relatively stable during the winter, with little precipitation or wind, and low humidity, which means clear skies that are perfect for aurora viewing.   

Best time to view Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife  

Late November to early April

These are considered the best months for Northern Lights viewing in the Northwest Territories. During this period, the nights are long and dark, providing the perfect canvas for the vibrant colors of the aurora.

December to February

The heart of winter brings the longest and darkest nights of the year, increasing chances of seeing the Northern Lights. However, the weather can be quite cold, so visitors should be prepared for sub-zero temperatures.   

Known as Aurora month, March often sees increased solar activity, leading to more frequent and intense displays of the Northern Lights. Plus, the weather begins to warm up slightly.

Early August to mid October

The fall months also offer fantastic Aurora viewing opportunities. When the nights become dark again after the Midnight Sun of summer, the Northern Lights become visible. Different activities are available in the fall (hiking, for example) than in the winter as it is before the snow arrives.

Factors affecting the visibility of Northern Lights

The visibility of the Northern Lights is largely dependent on weather and climate conditions (2). Here are some important factors:   

  Cloud Cover

Clear, cloudless skies are crucial for viewing the Northern Lights. If the sky is overcast, it may be difficult to see the Northern Lights.   

Light Pollution

Dark skies are essential for Northern Lights viewing. The darker the environment, the more vivid the lights appear. Therefore, it is often recommended to go outside city limits, away from artificial lighting, for the best views. 

Solar Activity

The intensity and frequency of the Northern Lights are influenced by solar activity. Increased solar activity often leads to more spectacular auroral displays.   

The recommended duration of stay in Yellowknife for Northern Lights viewing is at least three to four nights . This gives visitors a higher chance of witnessing the spectacle, considering that weather and solar conditions can be unpredictable. It also allows enough time to explore other attractions and activities in and around Yellowknife.   

Why book your trip with Fresh Tracks Canada?

Unforgettable Canadian vacations made just for you

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a fully planned itinerary. Personalize your trip by adding extra time in Canada at the start or end of your Northern Lights tour.

We take care of all the details

Relax and focus on making memories. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including your guided Northern Lights tour, hotels, excursions and activities, and transfers.

Support when you need it

We’re here to make sure you get the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax on your vacation because you know that we’re a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Best Places to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife    

There are lots of great places to view the stunning Northern Lights in and around Yellowknife .

1. Ingraham Trail

This scenic route hosts several viewing spots, including Vee Lake and Yellowknife River Day Use Area, with minimal light pollution.   

2. Aurora Village

Aurora Village is on the Ingraham trail and is one of the popular places to visit for Northern Lights viewing in Yellowknife. The facility has five hilltop viewpoints, heated outdoor viewing seats , and 21 white teepees .    

3. Local tours

Guided tours in Yellowknife specialize in aurora hunting , taking you to the best viewing spots in the area.  Local guides can usually give you tips on how to take photos of the Northern Lights too.   

There are many exciting outdoor activities available in Yellowknife. Since Northern Lights viewing experiences take place in the late evenings, there is plenty of time in the day to explore the outdoors. Here are some suggested activities:  

1. Dogsledding

Experience an exciting dog sledding adventure near Yellowknife after your night under the Northern Lights. The silence of the wilderness creates an unforgettable experience. 

2. Ice fishing

Try your hand at ice fishing or net pulling on one of the many frozen lakes around Yellowknife. This unique winter activity can be enjoyed during the day or at night under the shimmering aurora.  

3. Cultural e xperiences :

Learn about indigenous culture and history in the Northwest Territories on a storytelling tour.

4. Snowmobiling

Traverse the snowy landscapes of Yellowknife on a snowmobile. It's a thrilling way to explore the region .  

5. Snowshoeing

Strap on some snowshoes and trek through the stunning snow-covered landscapes. Ideal for quieter evenings when the aurora is less active. 

How to choose the best northern lights tour in Yellowknife  

Determine Your Budget: Knowing your budget beforehand can help you choose the best option for you. Our Northern Lights Canada packages include accommodation, some transportation, guided Northern Lights viewing experiences, and multiple activities. A knowledgeable guide can provide insight about the Northern Lights, local geography, and culture.

Check the Itinerary: Ensure the tour includes activities and sights that interest you. Activities could include ice fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, or cultural experiences, depending on the time of year you choose to visit the Northwest Territories.

Please reach out to one of our Vacation Advisors for help choosing the Northern Lights trip that meets your needs.  

The city of Yellowknife sits on the Northern shore of Great Slave Lake and is the largest city in the Northwest Territories . There are fantastic restaurants, shops, and accommodation options in the city. Downtown hotels are the perfect choice for a trip to Yellowknife as they are located near amenities and are easy to access. Two of our favourite hotels in Yellowknife are the Explorer Hotel and Chateau Nova.  

1. Explorer Hotel

Explorer Hotel, located in downtown Yellowknife, offers modern rooms and suites with comfortable amenities. It has a fitness center and business facilities. There is a restaurant on site, as well as a lounge with a fireplace — the perfect place for a drink in the evening.

2. Chateau Nova 

Chateau Nova sits in the Northeast area of downtown Yellowknife. The property has comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, steam room, and sauna. There is a modern steakhouse-themed restaurant and lounge on site, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Both hotels are in the city, so are a great base for your Northern Lights viewing adventure .  While the Northern Lights might be visible from the hotel on strong nights, it's recommended to venture outside the city for the best viewing experience.   Our itineraries include tours that take you to a different Aurora - viewing location s.

A fter a night under the Northern Lights, warm up with some local flavors in Yellowknife. The city offers a diverse food scene, from Ethiopian and Vietnamese to fresh seafood and brewpubs. For a taste of the local cuisine, try fish, bison, or elk dishes. Top picks for places to eat include Bullocks Bistro, Fishy People Butchery, and NWT Brewing Company. So, whether you're looking for comfort food or adventurous eats, Yellowknife has you covered.   

1. Bullocks Bistro

This iconic restaurant is well-known for its fresh, locally sourced fish like Great Slave cod, Lake trout, and Whitefish. Their speciality is the fish and chips, served in a homey, rustic setting.

2. NWT Brewing Company

The city's first and only microbrewery, it offers a wide selection of locally brewed craft beers. The adjoining Woodyard Brewhouse and Eatery serves up a creative menu featuring pasta, burgers, steak, and fish dishes.

3. Trader’s Grill at The Explorer Hotel

Trader’s Grill offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu featuring Canadian and international dishes. Try their Grilled bison ribeye or pan-fried whitefish for a taste of the North.

4 . Fishy People Butchery

Fishy People has a quaint dining room that serv es up sharing plates featuring seasonal, local ingredients. Fis h are hand caught by local fisherman .    

1. Taxi services

Yellowknife has a few taxi companies that provide transportation around the city. They are easy to use for short distances within the city. Taxis are the ideal transportation for getting from your hotel to restaurants in the evening, for example.

2. Guided tour companies

Many tour companies in Yellowknife provide transportation as part of their aurora viewing packages. Tour guides have extensive local knowledge and can take you to the best viewing spots.

How to reach Yellowknife from other cities

Yellowknife is most easily reached by plane. There are daily flights from various Canadian cities to Yellowknife. The Yellowknife Airport is approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) from downtown Yellowknife.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Yellowknife. One can drive to Yellowknife from other Canadian cities, but it's a long journey. From Edmonton, it’s approximately 1,450 kilometres (900 miles), which is a 15-hour drive. From Winnipeg, it's approximately 2700 kilometres (1677 miles), which is a drive of around 28 hours without stops.

Is Yellowknife the best place to see the Northern Lights? 

Yes, Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights due to its geographical location under the auroral oval.

What can I do in Yellowknife apart from watching the Northern Lights?

Yellowknife offers a variety of activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. 

What should I wear during my Northern Lights tour?

Dressing in layers is crucial due to the harsh winter temperatures. Don't forget thermal undergarments, insulated boots, and a warm hat! If you visit in the fall months, the weather is warmer, but you’ll still need to bring layers.

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife? 

Yes, Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights due to its geographic location and minimal light pollution. 

How long does the Northern Lights season last in Yellowknife?

The Northern Lights season in Yellowknife generally lasts from late August to mid-April, with peak viewing times in winter. 

What is the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife? 

Due to its northern latitude and clear skies, the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife is quite high, particularly during the winter months. On average, the Northern Lights are seen on 240 nights each year in Yellowknife.

What is the best time of day to see the Northern Lights? 

The best time to view the Northern Lights is during the late evening and night, typically from 10pm to 2am. 

What is the average duration of a Northern Lights display in Yellowknife? 

The duration of a Northern Lights display can vary greatly, from a few minutes to several hours, depending on solar activity and weather conditions. 

Are there any safety considerations or precautions to take while viewing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife? 

Dress warmly, as temperatures can be extremely cold. In remote viewing locations, it's essential to have a reliable form of transportation (we recommend a guided tour) and be aware of wildlife.

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Experience The BEST Northern lights Holiday!

With Yellowknife local expert guides

Popular Multi​-Day Hotel & Aurora Tours Packages

Summer | Winter Accommodation & Tours Packages

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

2 nights guided Aurora Hunting experience also know n as northern lights searching tour by bus.

Hotel accommodation in Yellowknife and round trip ground transportation from Yellowknife airport to hotel and tours.

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

1 night aurora hunting experience

1 nights aurora viewing experience in cabin

1 night aurora viewing experience  in tee-pee at  a boriginal camp.  

Complementary Yellowknife city tour

Hotel accommodation in Yellowknife including round trip ground transportation for airport transfers, hotel and activities.

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

2  nights aurora hunting experience

1 night aurora viewing in tee-pee  at a boriginal camp.

Complementary Yellowknife c ity tour

Popular Winter Tours & Activities

WINTER | SPRING 

SNOWMOBILE TOUR

1.5 hours guided Yellowknife  snowmobiling adventure.

ICE FISHING TOUR

4 h ours guided hands on ice fishing experience in heated shacks cabins.

ICE ROAD TOUR

1.5 hours guided Yellowknife - Dettah ice road adventure.

Northern Lights Viewing Experiences

Yellowknife Tours & Activities  SUMMER | AUTUMN 

CAMERON FALLS HIKING TOUR

4 Hours Guided Cameron Falls nature hiking tour that takes you an hour driveaway from busy city life to breath taking scenery of Cameron falls. Round trip group transportation and snacks included. 

YELLOWKNIFE CITY TOUR

3 Hours Guided Yellowknife sightseeing city tour by tour bus, includes stops at Legislative Assembly, Prince of Whales Northern Heritage Museum and most of Yellowknife tourist attraction places

4 Hours guided buffalo viewing experience also known as bison tour. Round trip ground transportation and snacks included.

YELLOWKNIFE NORTHERN LIGHTS PACKAGES

SAVE NOW! TRAVEL LATER!  

WE'RE NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER 2023 & WINTER 2024  RESERVATIONS

Summer Season Packages

Aurora Season Dates

Autumn: August 13 - October 20  |   Winter: November 20 - April 20 

Winter Clothing Rentals

 RENT WINTER CLOTHING

Don't let Yellowknife winter stop you from enjoying outdoors adventures! 

We have winter clothing for you.

We're happy when you're happy. We know how important it is to have the best vacation with memorable experience. Our experienced staff goes above and beyond to provide top notch customer service to make you our guest have the best memorable experience.

Customized vacation planning, professsional guides, we will make your vacation unforgettable services we offer.

Not everyone likes same activities or hotel. At Arctic Tours Canada we listen to your trip requirements and we do our best to customize package that suite you and your group. Customized language request is provided for some tours. Some of the languages we provide translator guide on request includes; Mandarin, Japanese and Spanish. Minimum number of participants required for language translator guide.

Fun Tours & Activities

When you book our tours your fun have just began. Arctic Tours Canada provide friendly tour guides that are professionally trained photographers, First Aid certified and safety ambassadors to all task. Our guides are multi-lingual and pride in sharing culture exchange with customers from all different parts of the world.

Comfortable Accommodation

As a local Yellowknife tour operator Arctic Tours Canada know all the local things to do during regular aurora (northern lights) season months, and summer months tours and activities that can make your Yellowknife vacation count on your bucket list.  We like you to experience all the local jams that makes our destination unique. What we know we share and we will only recommend the best. 

Finding the best accommodation is one of our many expertise. Arctic Tours Canada works with all the best local accommodations. Some of our accommodation partners include; Days Inn Hotel, Quality Inn Hotel, Super 8 Hotel, Chateau Nova Hotel, Explorer Hotel, Capital Suites Hotel, Hyatt Hotel and more.

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Live the Adventure!

Yellowknife Northern Lights Adventure

Discover the aurora borealis, yellowknife northern lights adventure.

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The city of Yellowknife lies directly underneath the aurora oval, giving an unparalleled front row seat to this most astonishing of natural wonders. Yellowknife is known as the Aurora Capital of the World and is also a winter wonderland with many adventures to experience such as dog-sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.

Need flights? Ask us for a quote! As a division of Uniglobe Specialty Travel, we have access to travel services and flights around the world. We can arrange flights from your preferred departure city, based on available schedules.

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen (weather) conditions. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and we cannot guarantee that you will see them. We will ensure that your trip remains a bucket list experience, even if you are not fortunate enough to see the Aurora Borealis!

Depart for Yellowknife

• Depart for Yellowknife. Flights can be arranged through Discover Canada Tours from your preferred departure city based on available schedules.
• Once you land in Yellowknife, you will be greeted at the airport by your friendly Yellowknife guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.
• Your clothing rental will be ready for you at check in.
• Evening free to explore Old Town and dinner at leisure depending on your flight arrival.
• 8:55 pm: Transfer to Aurora Village for a chance to watch the Northern Lights. You’ll have a warm (shared) Teepee to use throughout the night and a guide to tell you when the lights appear (weather permitting). Transportation returns at 1am to your hotel.

Yellowknife

• Today you will have your day time activities scheduled, including Dog Sledding (15 minutes), and a Snowshoeing experience (60-75 minutes). You can also enjoy unlimited use of the Giant Slide and marshmallow roast and campfire to warm up in between. Return transfers to your hotel this afternoon.

• Option to book an ice fishing demonstration (available January through March, r equires minimum 4 passengers).
• 8:55pm: Transfer from your hotel to Aurora Village to watch the Northern Lights. You’ll have a warm (shared) Teepee to use throughout the night and a guide to tell you when the lights appear (weather permitting). Transportation returns at 1am to your hotel.

Return from Yellowknife

• This morning is free to enjoy Yellowknife. You may wish to walk around Old Town and pick up some souvenirs or book an optional tour. Two of our favourite restaurants are Bullock’s Bistro and NWT Brewery Company/ Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery.
• Transfer to airport and depart Yellowknife to your return city. Flights can be arranged through Discover Canada Tours to your preferred destination based on available schedules.

Speak to an agent today to inquire about booking this tour for your group.

Explore the rest of our NorthWest Territories tours .

Photos courtesy of Lisanne Smeele / Aurora Village / City of Yellowknife / Chris Van Dyke / Tourism Northwest Territories / CTC

Speak to an agent to request a quote and to book available dates in winter 2024/25.

Now accepting bookings for November 2024 - April 2025!

• A chance to experience the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, one of the seven natural wonders of the world
• Enjoy Yellowknife, known as the Aurora Capital of the World and a winter wonderland
• Many adventures to experience such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more

• YELLOWKNIFE - Hotel & Northern Lights viewing package at Aurora Village, including transportation

• Dog Sledding
• Snowshoeing

Optional Add Ons

Roundtrip flights

Ice fishing demonstration

Yellowknife city tour

Book now for a chance to see the northern lights, you may also like.

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YUKON DELUXE WINTER NORTHERN LIGHTS

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Morning Star Travel  See the World in a New Light

Morning Star Travel in Yellowknife Where the Aurora viewing begins!

Yellowknife Aurora Morning Star Travel

Embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the mesmerizing Aurora with our expertly-crafted tours. Our day tours and guided round-trips offer a diverse range of fall and winter activities that cater to the needs of experiential travelers.

With Yellowknife as our base, the Aurora capital of the world, we boast a 98% viewing probability with clear skies and no obstructions from mountains or oceans. Let us help you create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime

Fall Tours Aug 11th-Oct 30th

Winter Tours Nov 28th-Apr 11th

Canada's BEST Chinese Aurora tour opertor - - See and feel with us

The official partner of the Tourism Bureau       --   Experience the local culture 

Special Aurora viewing -- Depart every night, there are two ways to watch the Aurora every night, Aurora Teepee Lodge & Aurora ​Hunting

Yellowknife local opertor -- City-wide pick-up and drop-off, commercial libility insurance 

Aurora T eepee Lodge       --  Exclusive, First Nation Hunting Culture Show

Morning Star also provides:

city tour, driving on the ice road,  experiencing First Nation Culture in Dene village,

Dog sledding, Cameron Falls hiking, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing and watching the Aurora  dance among the star-filled Yellowknife sky.

THE 10 BEST Yellowknife Tours & Excursions

Yellowknife tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Night Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Photography Tours
• Movie & TV Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 4- to 6-Hour Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife

2. Yellowknife Aurora viewing at Aurora Lodge + Aurora Hunting

3. Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

4. Yellowknife Tours - Aurora by bus

5. 4D3N Aurora Package Including 3-Nights stay Chateau or Explorer

6. Aurora Hunting Tours

7. Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

8. Yellowknife City Tour + Nature's North Wildlife Gallery

9. Yellowknife 4 Days 3 Nights Aurora Tour Package - Accommodation not included

10. Yellowknife Bucket List City Tours

11. 4-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

12. Cameron Falls Hiking Tour

13. The Best Aurora Tour

14. Sightseeing City Tour

15. Private Aurora Viewing Experience

16. 3-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

17. Cameron Falls Tour Custom Waterfall Hiking

18. Yellowknife City Tour

19. The Greatest Valuable Aurora Manor & Hunting Tour --Exclusive Tour Operator

20. Bison Highway Road Tour

21. 5-Day Aurora Viewing Tour in Yellowknife, Canada

22. The greatest aurora tour in yellowknife

23. 4-Day Aurora Viewing Tour in Yellowknife, Canada

24. 5-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

25. 3-Day Aurora Viewing Tour in Yellowknife Canada

26. Winter Guided Fat Bike Tour

27. Bus Coach Charter Rentals

28. 1 Hour Private Snowmobile Adventure in Yellowknife

29. Wilderness Ice Fishing in Yellowknife

30. Dog Sledding

What travelers are saying.

The 5 Best Yellowknife Northern Lights Tours [2024 Reviews]

There are few natural phenomena in the world as spectacular as the Northern Lights. Part of the draw to them is the fact that it’s pretty much impossible to predict when or even if they’re going to appear.

Sure, there are certain times in the year that are best for hunting the lights (from January to March), but if you really want to get the most impressive results, we highly recommend taking up a Northern Lights tour.

While there’s never a 100% guarantee that you’re going to see them, going with a group of experts on one of these top Yellowknife Northern Lights tours is sure to be a smart choice. Let’s get started to make sure you have a memorable experience!

Best Northern Lights Tours in Yellowknife

Quick answer: the 5 best rated yellowknife northern lights tours for 2024.

• Deluxe Coach Aurora Viewing tour
• 4-Day Yellowknife Northern Lights Viewing Tour W/ 3-Nights Accommodation
• Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Tours
• Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List
• Yellowknife Aurora Tour

Yellowknife Northern Lights Tour Reviews

1. deluxe coach aurora viewing tour.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 10:00 pm
• Includes:  Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks

Seeing the Northern Lights isn’t just “seeing the Northern Lights” – it’s a full experience that incorporates literally all of the senses if you do it right. Sip on some hot coffee or hot chocolate while watching a rainbow of colors swirl overhead as the wind howls around you.

If that sounds like fun to you, the Deluxe Coach Aurora Viewing Tour is right up your alley! Your tour starts out by being picked up at your hotel by a climate-controlled, luxury bus with plenty of space to move around and relax.

Along the way, the tour guide did a fantastic job of teaching everyone about the Northern Lights and Yellowknife, specifically. You’ll learn about how they’ve inspired native people for hundreds (if not longer) of years, forming an important part of many legends and gaining significant cultural importance.

You’ll be taken to the ideal location around the lake, depending on where and how the Northern Lights are predicted to appear throughout the sky. Once your group finds the best place to soak in the views, you’ll be served some tasty, hot beverages and some biscuits while sitting back and taking it all in.

We also loved how friendly the staff was, as they were more than happy to take photos of all of the guests with the Northern Lights in the background – they turned out amazing, too!

While plans could change a bit due to weather conditions (not unheard of in the coldest capital in Canada), you can expect to be back to the city around 1:30 to 2:00 am with a new perspective on Mother Nature.

It’s an amazing way to see at least 2 or 3 different locations and ways to see the Aurora Borealis, with some incredible mementos to take with you!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. 4-day yellowknife northern lights viewing tour with 3-nights accommodation.

• Duration: 4 days
• Departure Time: 4:00 pm
• Includes:  3 nights accommodation, 3 Nights Aurora Hunting Tours, complimentary hot beverages and snacks on Aurora Hunting tours, airport, hotel transfer, and Aurora tours transportation

The beauty of Canada’s legendary Northwest Territories lies beyond the bright lights of the cities, and this next tour is one of the most comprehensive ways of seeing it.

It’s perfect for spending some quality, romantic time with a significant other or just explore this wild and rugged area in a way most tourists aren’t able to. If you have a few days to dedicate to the occasion, check out the Yellowknife Northern Lights Viewing Tour including 3-Nights Accommodation !

We absolutely loved this tour because of the way it’s structured: you will partake in certain set activities like a 3-course dinner at Aurora Village and a city tour of Yellowknife.

However, you have the option of adding on many other activities, like fishing, various wildlife tours, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, and more. You get to choose those that catch your interest the most, and leave the rest to the side.

You can choose for the guide to pick you up straight from the airport, or from your hotel to bring you to hotel accommodation included in the tour. Once the sun sets, you’ll all head out into the pure, dark wilderness while you spend 4 hours hunting down the phenomenal Aurora Borealis.

The second day was the most fun for us, as it’s complete leisure time where you can explore the town on your own or choose one of the aforementioned cultural or outdoor activities. Regardless, this tour is a fantastic way of seeing the Northern Territories in a more authentic and educational way.

3. Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Tours

• Departure Time: 9:00pm – 10:00pm
• Includes: Snacks, goods and services tax

Would you like to see the Northern Lights with professional and friendly guides to lead the way? Perhaps that sounds like a blast, but you’re on a budget and still want to have a good time. In that case, the Aurora Hunting Tours are exactly what you’re looking for, creating a seamless experience for everyone!

If you want an unforgettable experience with meticulous organization, you’ll love this one! Get picked up right from your hotel lobby and head out into the wilderness on a cozy but luxurious bus.

It’s important to note that the tour company is Indigenous-owned, offering insight into their culture and the importance the Northern Lights have within it. They’ll tell you all kinds of interesting stories and educational background to make your time there even richer.

You could see a different location each night, as it all depends on the weather conditions, other tour companies, and the Aurora, itself. Once your guides find the perfect spot based on their expertise, you’ll arrive and relax while enjoying some hot beverages and snacks to tide you over.

While you should obviously dress for cold weather, we appreciated how they were thoughtful enough to bring blankets for us to keep warm with, too.

While this is a more authentic experience, that also means that you’ll be outside and likely do some walking or hiking in order to get the best view. Because of this, we probably wouldn’t recommend the tour for kids under the age of 5 or 6. If you’re worried about it being too cold, you could also opt for a day tour instead of a night one!

4.  Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

• Departure:  4825 49th Ave, Yellowknife
• Departure Time: 9:30pm
• Includes: Snacks

We cannot say enough good things about our next tour. The Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List tour   really  should be on your bucket list if you’re looking for maximum fun and adventure!

While all of these tours are remarkable, there is just something special about this one in a way that makes you feel like you’ve become family with the other members of your party.

You’ll either be picked up by luxury van right from your hotel lobby or from the Yellowknife Airport – whatever works best for you. Each member of this world-class operation was so nice, friendly, and knowledgeable and they really went all out making sure everyone had a fantastic time.

Rather than spend your time watching the Aurora in your bus or from right outside, you’ll be hanging out in a cozy cabin complete with heating and plenty of seating.

They even serve you up a local fish chowder complete with the traditional Bannock bread that you get to enjoy while listening to stories and historical accounts by your guides who are also locals!

Plenty of teas and coffee are also provided if you need that extra energy to stay awake (though we’re sure that won’t be a problem!). We thought it was such a cool detail that they even provided costumes to partake in fun photoshoots while you wait for the Aurora Borealis to make an appearance!

If you really want to get to know about the Indigenous culture here, this tour simply cannot be beaten. It’s a tour as unique as the culture surrounding it!

5. Yellowknife Aurora Tour

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Departure Time: 9:30 pm
• Includes:  Cookies, Driver / Guide / Host, Professional Photography, Unlimited Photographs, Coffee and/or Tea, Guaranteed Departure of this tour

Last but certainly not least, we have the most budget-friendly tour of the bunch, which still manages to rank as one of the best in our eyes. The Yellowknife Aurora Tour  is shockingly affordable when you realize all that they offer.

In these 4 to 5 hours, you’ll get to see at least 3 different locations where you’ll get to see some of the best perspectives of the Northern Lights!

After being picked up straight from your hotel, you’ll head out into the wild and learn about how Yellowknife became a hub of northern sports like cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, and more.

The beautiful landscape of Yellowknife is perfect for all these activities because it is so far north and lacking the mountains and hills that could obstruct the view of the Northern Lights. However, this also means that you’ll fully get to enjoy the expansiveness of the rich colors as they paint throughout the dark sky.

The guides have apps to track the Aurora location and will move the van around to ensure you get a prime view – unlike many other tours that seem to just stay in once spot.

Once you arrive at your first location which will be along the Ingraham Trail, you’ll get to start out with some hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and cookies to make sure you’re nice and comfortable.

Not only that, but the tour guides are great at taking photos of guests if you’d like to get off of the coach for a while, offering a great way to remember your time there.

Yellowknife Northern Lights Viewing Tips

• When to go: The best time to see the northern lights in Yellowknife is from mid-August to mid-April.  This is when the nights are long and dark enough to give you the best visibility. The absolute peak time is from December to March when the air is clearest.
• Take a tour : There are many tour operators that will take you to see the northern lights in Yellowknife. The Deluxe Coach Aurora Viewing tour is a good choice. They will pick you up and take you to the best viewing areas in remote locations far from light pollution.
• Take a multi-day tour : You can also book a multi-day tour for 3-4 nights. You will be picked up from your hotel or Airbnb and taken to one or more viewing locations to give you the best chance of seeing them. Some locations have teepees, tents or even cabins where you can enjoy the view and warm up.
• Check the Aurora forecast : To better your odds of seeing the northern lights it’s a good idea to check the aurora forecast before leaving. There are several websites such as Aurora Watch that provide real time information on the chances of aurora activity and how visible they will be.
• Dress warm : This kind of goes without saying but you should also dress in warm winter gear and wear layers of clothing. You will need gloves, hats and winter boots. If you don’t have appropriate gear, many tour operators will rent you proper winter clothing.
• Be patient : To have the best experience, you need be flexible and patient. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that you have no control over! Visibility depends on factors such as solar activity and weather conditions. They do not always appear or they may be faint. You may get lucky and they are bright, colorful and last for hours. You need to be prepared for both scenarios!

Tour Guides

The Deluxe Coach Aurora Viewing tour is our Editors Choice for the best Yellowknife northern lights tour

Robert Baker

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Yellowknife Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Yellowknife. We've got 8 adventures going to Yellowknife, starting from just 8 days in length, and the longest tour is 20 days. The most popular month to go is August, which has the largest number of tour departures.

8 Yellowknife tour packages

8-Day Yellowknife Northern Lights & Rockies Autumn Tour | Explore the Aurora and National Parks

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Northwest Territories & Yukon

• Ocean Cruise

Out of the Northwest Passage: Canada to Greenland

Discover Yukon & Northwest Territories

• Northern Lights

Intimate Rockies and Northern Lights Vancouver → Yellowknife (2024)

• Coach / Bus

Winter in the Rockies and Northern Lights Vancouver → Yellowknife (2025)

Intimate Rockies, Northern Lights and Alaska Cruise Vancouver Return (2024)

Rockies and Northern Lights Winter Wonderland Vancouver to Yellowknife (2024)

• to North America (3)
• Canada Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Stargazing Tours & Trips 2024

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Aurora Village

Within Reach, Beyond Belief

Aurora Village is a place for visitors to experience the magic and wonder of the North. Located on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories – it is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights, better known as Aurora Borealis. Come and join us and watch in comfort as the brilliantly beautiful Aurora dance across the northern sky.

Aurora Village offers not only aurora-viewing, but also offers variety of tours of daytime activities. We provide one-stop tour arrangement that’s right for you during your stay in Yellowknife. 

Our multi-language team of guides and guest services look forward to serving you !!

Aurora Viewing

Aurora Viewing Experience (A)

Duration: 240 minutes

Aurora Village Aurora Viewing Tour in Yellowknife

Aurora Viewing Experience (B)

2 Nights of Aurora Viewing Set

Save up to $20 on your 2nd night!

3 Nights of Aurora Viewing Holiday Season Set

First tour date between Dec. 21st and 31st

3 Nights of Aurora Viewing Set

Save up to $20 on your 2nd and 3rd night!

AV Hotel Package

The most popular choice for one-stop booking for your trip to Yellowknife

This AURORA-VIEWING & HOTEL PACKAGE, also known as “AV Hotel Package” for short, is the most popular choice for one-stop booking for your trip to Yellowknife. It includes aurora-viewing tours, airport transfers, and hotels. It’s easy and quick!

This package offers most reliable services from with our multi-lingual tour guides from your arrival to departure at Yellowknife Airport. We will not leave you stranded even in case of cancelled or delayed flights at the airport.

Clothing Rental

We provide everything you need in the extreme cold! You don’t have to bring your heavy winter gear when coming to Yellowknife.

Aurora Village Day Tours

No activities found.

Yellowknife Travel Guide

Yellowknife is a unique small town in Canada’s far north, where the northern lights dance across the sky in vivid shades of blue, green, pink and yellow. If you’re planning a Yellowknife tour, read on for everything you need to know before visiting Yellowknife. From when to go to Yellowknife to what to do in Yellowknife, I have you covered!

Yellowknife Climate and Best Time to Visit Yellowknife

The short answer: Yellowknife is an all year round destination. Yahoo!

The slightly longer answer:  Okay, it’s a tad more complex than, given that Yellowknife hits -30C (-22F) or colder in winter and the northern lights aren’t visible year round. There’s two main factors to consider in deciding the best time to visit Yellowknife: activities and weather.

Activities: First, what activities do you want to do in Yellowknife ? If seeing the northern lights is at the top of your list, travel to Yellowknife during the northern lights season (deets below). Want to combine the northern lights with winter activities like dog sledding and driving the Dettah Ice Road? Visit Yellowknife in winter. If you aren’t interested in the northern lights and want an outdoors lake and hiking holiday, visit Yellowknife in summer.

Weather: Secondly, as with most of Canada, the climate plays a big factor in travel planning. Can you tolerate the extreme cold (like, potentially below -30C / -22F)?! If not, then Yellowknife in winter may not be the place for you. That said, keep an open mind. I was a total hater on anything below 20 degrees celsius (yes, POSITIVE 20 degrees), but absolutely loved experiencing Canada in the winter time! Life is all about new experiences after all.

I’m somewhat obsessed with travel planning and the weather, so let’s break that down in a bit more detail.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Yellowknife  

Northern Canada is one of the BEST places in the world to see the northern lights, and Yellowknife has a fairly long aurora season. Unfortunately for sun worshipers, that season does not coincide with summer. (Such as it is in the far north.)

The best time to visit Yellowknife to view the aurora borealis is from August to April. May, June and July have very long daylight hours, making it difficult to spot the lights.

Within August to April, there’s debate about which month is best from a purely northern lights perspective. Many locals say that the dark depths of winter to early spring (January, February and March) are the best time to see the northern lights, as the nights are long and dark. Others vouch for September for good aurora viewing chances and warmer days. Late October to mid December can have increased cloud cover that impacts the visibility of the lights.

Yellowknife in Winter

Visit Yellowknife during winter if you want to combine excellent northern lights viewing opportunities with winter activities like dog-sledding and snow-mobiling. While March is technically spring, I’m gonna lump March into the winter category for Yellowknife, since March will still be as freezing as heck and covered in snow.

Winter days are short, nights are long, and the weather is pretty much always below freezing (ouch!). Temperatures average around -20C (-4F) in December, January and February, and warm up slightly in March. There’s only 5-6 hours daylight in January, which quickly increases to 10+ hours in March. (Just in case this feels all Negative Nelly, winter is super pretty!)

We visited Yellowknife in January, on a weekend when temperatures were hovering between -20 to -40 celsius. We chose January because we wanted to have the best chances to see the northern lights, experience the extreme winter (and extreme it was!) and partake in winter activities (dog sledding I’m looking at you). And cos our travel schedule was filling up fast and we had a free weekend!

However, my pick for the best month to visit Yellowknife would be March. In March, you’ll benefit from the peak northern lights season, winter activities (yup, there will still be snow!), slightly warmer days than winter proper, longer daylight hours and the Yellowknife snow festival.

What to Wear in Winter in Yellowknife

If you visit Yellowknife during winter, you will need some serious winter clothing for any outdoor activities. I’m talking a warm thermal or base layer (top and bottom), insulated snow pants, a warm jumper, a heavy parka, snow boots, warm socks, a thick scarf and beanie and insulated gloves.

If you don’t own these items and aren’t willing to fork out a massive investment, you can hire winter gear. Our snow gear was stuck who-knows-where in quite possibly the world’s slowest airfreight on our move from Singapore to Canada, so we hired outerwear and accessories from Backyard Tours clothing rental . They’ll set you up with some serious winter gear, so you only need to bring thermal layers and regular winter clothes. My Backyard Tours’ winter clothing hire was reasonably priced, very wam and very good quality (including a fancy Canada Goose parka!).

Yellowknife in Spring or Fall

If you want to see the northern lights without freezing your lil’ butt off and aren’t too fussed on whether you have decent snow, visit in mid-spring (April) or during fall (September to November). Note: See ‘winter’ section above for March, which is an awesome time to visit Yellowknife!

Spring and autumn temperatures are still pretty chilly (it is the far north after all!) and can fall well into the negatives at the winter sides of the seasons. Make sure you check the climate averages and latest weather forecast and pack appropriately.

Yellowknife in Summer

Visit Yellowknife in summer if you’re not fussed about seeing the northern lights (you cray cray person) and want a classic Canadian lake holiday. During summer, highs average around 20C (68F) with lows of around 10 degrees. Not exactly tropical, but definitely summer by Canadian standards.

Yellowknife’s summer is fairly short and temperatures drop off sharply come autumn. Yellowknife summer days are unbelievably long, up to 20 hours. A local colleague said that the sun never really sets in Yellowknife mid-summer, and instead skirts along the horizon. This means that you can enjoy the great outdoors and lake activities 24/7 in Yellowknife summer! (Too bad if you wanna get some shut-eye.)

If you want the chance to see the aurora during Yellowknife’s summer, try visiting in late August.

How to Get to Yellowknife and Transportation

Alternative Yellowknife transportation

Okay, now that we’ve covered the longest ‘when to visit’ in the history of the universe (told ya’ love the weather!), let’s move on to some other essentials.

Getting to Yellowknife

Yellowknife is in Northwest Territories in the far north of Canada, only 400km(ish) south of the Arctic Circle. Don’t let that put you off though! Yellowknife may only be a town of 20,000, but it’s served by a pretty reasonable airport. There are regular direct flights to Yellowknife from Edmonton and Calgary (approx. 2 hours), and occasional or seasonal direct flights from some other Canada destinations.

Yellowknife is a heck of a long way from anywhere, but if you’re up for an adventurous and loooooong road trip (like 15ish hours from Edmonton) then go for it.

Getting Around Yellowknife

Yellowknife is pretty small and easy to get around. Taxis are readily available at the airport and around town, and many tours include pick up from your accommodation.

The two main Yellowknife areas for hotels, restaurants and (non-outdoorsy) activities are the Old Town and Downtown. These two areas are only around 1km apart, so you can easily take the wai-wai express (that’s Kiwi for walking) most places.

Where to Stay in Yellowknife

Yellowknife Old Town

The Old Town is my pick for where to stay in Yellowknife. The Old Town has a lot of character and is a tourist attraction in it’s own right, with the Bush Pilot Monument lookout, lake views, cute galleries and great places to eat.

There are mainly B&Bs in the Old Town. I stayed at Bayside Bed & Breakfast  (photo above) which was perfect. Bayside B&B is slap bang on the Great Slave Lake for epic views, has basic but comfy rooms mainly with private bathrooms, and serves an excellent breakfast at the Dancing Moose Cafe.

Downtown Yellowknife

If you want hotel style accommodation, stay in Downtown Yellowknife. Downtown Yellowknife isn’t as quaint as the Old Town, but is convenient for tours, museums and a range of shops and restaurants.

My Downtown Yellowknife hotel pick would have been either The Explorer Hotel or Chateau Nova Yellowknife .

For the Harry Hardcore adventurers, there’s some awesome looking fly-in lodges outside of Yellowknife. I’m not a fisher at all and was tempted to stay at Trout Rock Lodge  which has an ice fishing focus or at  Blachford Lake Lodge for its remote location and natural beauty. These lodges will be my pick if I’m lucky enough to return to Yellowknife in summer!

How Long to Spend in Yellowknife

If you’re hoping to see the northern lights, most local tour Operators recommend staying in Yellowknife for at least a few nights to maximise your chances of an incredible aurora viewing.

If you stay for three nights during peak aurora season, you’ll have pretty good chances of seeing the lights. However, there’s no guarantees. We stayed in Yellowknife for 3 nights in January, and unseasonable cloud cover and blowing snow meant that we only saw glimpses of the lights on one night. (All the more reason for a return trip I say!)

If you’re in Yellowknife to hunt the aurora after dark, there’s also more than enough activities in Yellowknife to keep you busy during daylight hours. During winter, for us, three full days was about the right balance between having time to fit in all the activities and the extreme cold preventing you from being outdoors for long periods of time.

During summer, the answer may well be how long is a piece of string. If you want to explore Yellowknife, chill out on the lake and do some hiking, you could easily spend one week in Yellowknife.

Best Things to Do in Yellowknife + Yellowknife Tours

Yellowknife Activities

Strangely, all my Canadian colleagues asked why I was visiting Yellowknife, as they don’t see it as a tourist destination. Did I have friends up there they asked? Ummm, have ya heard of those pretty lights in the sky I say?! Or dog-sledding, ice-roads, a cool Old Town and interesting museums? Not that I can judge, having barely seen any of my native NZ compared to the rest of the world.

Anyhoo, the Japanese tourists and I seemed to be the only ones in the know, as there is oh so much to do in Yellowknife. Most tourists are of course drawn to Yellowknife for the northern lights, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the far north. However, I’m willing to go out on a limb here and say that Yellowknife is awesome even without the aurora!

In winter, Yellowknife turns into a veritable winter wonderland. For someone who had been in the snow only once before moving to Canada in winter (crazy right?!), I marveled at the beautiful snow, giggled in glee as I sped through the forest on the back of my dog sled, and secretly panicked on the inside as I lay down on the Dettah Ice Road.

In summer, Yellowknife is all about the massive Great Slave Lake, boating, fishing and hiking. At any time of the year, you can explore the Old Town and visit Yellowknife’s interesting museums.

Read more: It’s impossible to sum up Yellowknife’s attractions in a couple of paragraphs. Check out my dedicated post on the 10 best things to do in Yellowknife !

Yellowknife Tours

There’s some great local tour operators in Yellowknife. In fact, the highlights of my Yellowknife trip were our Yellowknife Tour with My Backyard Tours , dog-sledding with Enodah Kennels organised through Yellowknife Tours , and our northern lights tour with Sean Norman . I would 100% recommend these tour operators, and hope to return for some of the summer activities on offer.

Best Yellowknife Restaurants

Canada’s small towns tend to pack quite a punch when it comes to eating out, and are over-represented by pubs and breweries. Yellowknife is no exception. This is a pretty good thing, as I’m a massive fan of gastro-pubs, especially to spend a lazy afternoon hiding from the cold! In fact, we spent all three of our afternoons in Yellowknife in the pub … don’t judge me.

NWT Brewing Company – The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery

I visited the NWT Brewing Company / The Woodyard three times during my three days in Yellowknife. Yup, it’s a clear favorite!

The NWT Brewing Company is on the main road in Old Town south. Here, you’ll find the most northerly brewery in Canada, along with a pretty classic modern trendy pub, with a range of local craft beer, other drinks and delish pub grub.

I’m not usually one for souvenirs and have very few momentos of my travels, so was stoked to pick up some cool merchandise at NWT Brewing Co. Choose from a range of caps, t-shirts and tops, or take home a growler and beer glass set. (Growler = vessel to transport beer. Also known as a ‘flagon’ in NZ, at least in the 80s when I grew up and accompanied my dad to the booze shop for a flagon refill.)

Bullocks Bistro

Bullocks Bistro is a bit of a local institution in the Old Town. On the outside it’s a small log cabin, on the inside the walls and ceilings are covered with graffiti from visitors. Local colleagues warned me that I might get yelled and/or sworn at (all part of the charm!), but all I encountered were friendly staff.

Bullocks does excellent seafood, if rather pricey, and serves alcohol. Defo worth a visit if you’re happy to fork out $30 for fish + chips.

Dancing Moose Cafe

Dancing Moose Cafe is a cosy cafe on the Great Slave Lake (Old Town) which serves tasty breakfast and lunch.

Happily for me, Dancing Moose Cafe was located in our Bed & Breakfast and breakie was included as part of the rate. Try the omelettes or porridge if you need to warm up!

Traders Grill, Explorer Hotel

Traders Grill at the Explorer Hotel in Downtown Yellowknife is a great option for hiding from the frigid cold for a few drinks and a pub style meal. We camped out at Traders Grill on some comfy leather loungers in front of a cosy fireplace for a couple of hours before our pick up for the Aurora Village.

Wildcat Cafe

Wildcat Cafe is another Yellowknife Old Town institution which came highly recommended by locals. Unfortunately for us, Wildcat Cafe is seasonal, and was closed for the winter when we visited. Yet another reason to return for a Yellowknife summer vacation!

Bonus Yellowknife Tips

The first thing we did when we landed in Yellowknife was jump onto the Aurora Max website. The website has the aurora forecast for the next few days, along with a live ‘aurora cam’ to check out the current northern lights conditions from the warmth of your car or room. You can also watch a high-speed replay of the previous night’s activity (or inactivity as it may be), which can make for some pretty incredible viewing!

Prepare for Late Nights

Now, the young bucks out there who are used to nights of partying can just skip right on past this to the next tip. Those on the wrong side of 30 (me!) who prefer to be in bed before midnight (me again! …actually 10pm in my case) be warned.

The northern lights can appear any time it’s dark, but peak hours are usually either side of midnight. If you’re out on an aurora viewing tour, expect to return to your hotel around 1am to 3am. Best to schedule any day-time activities for late morning or the afternoon!

We watched the aurora max replay from the night before we arrived, and peak activity was around 3am when the sky burst alight. When we saw an (admittedly weak) aurora, it was around 10-11pm. Other locals said that if you’re lucky you may see the aurora from the plane from 5pm in winter. We were not lucky.

Friendly Locals

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who know Canadians, but Yellowknife locals are super-duper friendly. My husband struck up a conversation with some locals at the pub as he was interested in the cribbage game they were playing. A few conversations later, at the end of the night, they INSISTED that we took their unique cribbage board home. Great momento of our trip, and a reminder of the kind people out there!

Keen to visit Yellowknife? Read my guide on the best things to do in Yellowknife during your Yellowknife tour!

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Thank you for great information Planning our trip to Yellowknife NWT Excited , cant wait Would be nice if you could include routes when traveling by vehicle.

Would you recommend it with a 2yr old? Coming from Montreal, so we are used to Canadian winters!

I think Yellowknife would be great with kids, provided they are used to the cold and have the right clothing if you are travelling in winter (which you would coming from Montreal!). A 2yr old might not be into all the attractions, but I’m sure they’d enjoy enough for you to all have a good time.

Thank you so much for the information. Planning a trip for our 20th anniversary in March 2022 and Blachford Lake Lodge is the destination. We’re from Louisiana, so we’ve never experienced weather like that. But, somehow oddly, looking forward to it.. Although the temperature the last few days has been -60F…not sure we’re ready for that eventuality.

That’s so exciting! I hear you about the weather – I had barely been in snow in my entire life before moving to Canada in the middle of winter and was somewhat terrified. I ended up absolutely loving it though, lots of beautiful blue sky crisp (but freezing!) days, and proper winter gear made all the difference. Happy planning!

Great review! Thank you! Would you recommend staying in Yellowknife or at Blatchford in March for the Northern Lights?

Either would be great! Blachford is a destination in itself and an ideal place for aurora viewing as you can see the lights direct from the lodge due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. Since Yellowknife has town lights, you’d typically do a tour or drive to a more remote location to see the lights. Pick Blachford if you’d love a lodge holiday in a remote location where you do activities at the lodge and have great chances of seeing the lights without travelling. Pick Yellowknife if you’d prefer to do other sightseeing around Yellowknife (e.g. dogsledding) and don’t mind a short drive to see the lights. Best of both worlds? Do a few nights at each!

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Welcome to the spectacular Yellowknife Northwest Territories (NWT) Canada! Yellowknife is the Capital city of NWT and Diamond Capital of North America. Yellowknife is the largest community of about 19,000 People located on the shore of great slave lake @ N62.4422°, W114.3975°. The North is also called " Aurora Capital of the World". Yellowknife is just located directly under the Aurora Oral and sits in the middle of the perfect Aurora storm. The dry clear winter nights will offer a 90% to 100% change of seeing the heavens' colourful dance. Our geography makes Yellowknife consistently one of the best places to launch your northern lights adventure. Plus, you can liven up your northern experience by taking a snowmobile ride across a frozen lake for a private viewing；a dogsled ride on a trail outside of the city or ice fishing on our famous lakes. We would like to invite you all and join us to experience our northern hospitality, you will awaken your sense of our unique northern adventures and inspire your sense of wonder. Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Come visit the true north to enjoy new experiences, get to know a new and diverse culture, and spoil yourself with excitement and relaxation. Book your trip today!

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This Small Canadian City Is the Northern Lights Capital of North America

The northern lights are waiting for you in Yellowknife.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

With our eyelashes and hair frosty as we stood on a frozen lake near Yellowknife and looked toward the horizon searching for a glimpse of anything, we saw it. The faint, whitish-green bands appeared and began to slowly stretch overhead in the starry sky, becoming brighter and more saturated with hues of lime and magenta with every passing moment. Soon, it wasn’t just visible in the distance; the aurora was dancing right above our heads. We were surrounded by undulating waves and quick-moving swirls of ethereal light, some reaching down so close that it felt like they might touch us.

Elizabeth Rhodes

Our aurora hunting guide, Joe Buffalo Child , told us that in his mother tongue, Denesułine Yatié, the northern lights are called yaké nagás , which means the "sky is stirring." And stirring it was. The northern lights mean different things to the distinct groups of Indigenous people who live throughout this part of Canada; Joe shared that for some communities in this area, the lights are a sign from loved ones that have passed on. We stood silently for a moment before getting back in the toasty car; we had just spent the fastest hour of my life outside in -40-degree cold, enthralled by the incredible light show.  

Called the Northern Lights Capital of North America, Yellowknife is a land of extremes. The capital city of Canada ’s Northwest Territories is located on the northern shore of the deepest lake in North America, Great Slave Lake. Its northern, 62-degree latitude means winters are severely cold, with temperatures sometimes reaching as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (as they did when I visited in February). In winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered wonderland frequented by displays of the elusive northern lights , and in summer, the midnight sun makes days stretch up to 20 hours long. It’s the setting for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, made even more impactful by Indigenous-led tours ranging from northern lights hunting to guided wildlife excursions. 

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Yellowknife and chase the northern lights, or midnight sun. 

When to Visit Yellowknife

Yellowknife is an all-seasons destination, but the experience is wildly different depending on when you visit. Winter months offer frozen landscapes, snowy outdoor adventures, and prime northern lights viewing, but average lows are in the negative teens, so prepare for extremely cold weather (and pack ample layers, heavy coats, and winter boots, or rent appropriate winter clothing from a company like My Backyard Tours ). Summer brings warmer temperatures and the midnight sun, so you can enjoy long days on the nearby lakes or hiking trails. March and September are two of the best months to visit: March hosts the Snowking Winter Festival, complete with an ice castle and event lineup that includes kid-friendly activities, concerts, and comedy shows. It’s also a great month for aurora viewing. Meanwhile, September offers an ideal combination of warmer temperatures and stellar northern lights and stargazing opportunities. 

Things to Do in Yellowknife

During the summer, boating, fishing, hiking, and soaking in the midnight sun are all popular activities. And snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog sledding, riding along the ice road, and northern lights viewing are top things to do during the winter. Places to visit at any time of year include the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Bush Pilots Monument, and the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly.  

There are many opportunities for Indigenous tourism in and near Yellowknife, and these experiences are a must for anyone visiting the region. Whether on a culture-focused activity or a fishing, hiking, or northern lights experience led by a local guide, Indigenous tour operators provide ways to connect with the communities here and gain a deeper understanding of their culture and history. For example, family-owned North of 60 Aurora Adventures hosts winter dog sledding tours that offer a look into their personal traditions and culture passed down from ancestors.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife

Thanks to Yellowknife’s prime position in northern Canada, the city sees the aurora around 240 nights a year, so it’s the perfect place to go if you’ve been dreaming of witnessing this natural phenomenon. (We saw the aurora three of the four nights we were there.) Travelers seeking the northern lights should plan to take aurora excursions for several nights to maximize their chances of spotting them and to experience a few different viewing styles. Indigenous-owned North Star Adventures , run by our guide Joe, drives guests around to viewpoints around Yellowknife, relying on expert knowledge and instinct to find the aurora. Bucketlist Tour offers a cozy cabin where you can sit and snack on fish chowder and bannock while awaiting the lights. Aurora Village has heated teepees where guests can sit and sip on warm beverages between peeks outside at the night sky.

Most northern lights excursions pick up guests from their hotels and drop them off at the end of the night. If you’re worried about getting that perfect shot of the lights, ask your guide for help — they likely know all the tips and tricks to snagging the ideal photo of the aurora. Exact timing may vary, but many tours typically start in the evening and end in the early hours of the morning, so prepare for a long (and chilly) night. (Don’t worry, it’s worth it when you see those green and purple lights dancing overhead.)

What to Eat and Drink

Even though Yellowknife is a small city, there’s a range of places to eat, including Ethiopian, Vietnamese, brewpub, and seafood restaurants. Expect to see local fish like whitefish, cod, and trout on menus, plus bison or elk dishes. Bullocks Bistro is a top pick for fish and chips; Fishy People Butchery offers a delicious brunch plus a fish-centric menu with sharing plates at dinner; Sundog Trading Post is the spot for sandwiches, soup, and handcrafted ice cream; and NWT Brewing Company serves local flavor by the pint. 

Places to Stay

Most visitors stay in the heart of Yellowknife, near the city’s restaurants, bars, and attractions. Accommodations range from lakefront Airbnbs to properties like the conveniently located Explorer Hotel , where members of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, stayed during trips to the Northwest Territories. 

How to Get There

Most travelers visiting Yellowknife will need to fly into Yellowknife Airport (YZF) after connecting through another Canadian city (likely Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver). Air Canada, WestJet, and Canadian North offer regularly scheduled flights to the city. Tour operators may pick you up and drive you to day and nighttime excursions, and there are taxis readily available in town. If you want to explore beyond the city center, consider renting a car.

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