Aurora Viewing

The incredible spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, listed among the planet's greatest natural wonders, will be unveiled for you on a night you'll never forget.

Thanks to our prime spot below the auroral oval, Yellowknife is one of the best places in the North, and the world, to view the Aurora Borealis, also called the Northern Lights. The auroral activity which lights the sky is actually between 100 and 500 kilometres overhead and the most commonly viewed lights are various shades of green. Pink, red and lavender are rarer.

There are two main aurora viewing seasons in Yellowknife – autumn, when the land and lakes are warm, and winter, when all is dark and frozen. The autumn season starts in late August, once the midnight sun vanishes, and you can camp or canoe beneath the spectral glow. The winter season launches in December, when the nights are brittle, clear and 18 hours long. The two seasons Autumn (mid August until early October) and Winter (early December until early April) add up to 28 weeks when the Aurora casts its magic spell over Yellowknife.

Whatever season you choose, we have dozens of tour operators offering Aurora experiences for every taste and budget. Some operate comfortable aurora viewing facilities away from the city, while others will take you on an evening "hunt" for the Aurora over ice roads, or along darkened trails.

Our near-nightly magic show has an additional special season - the Romance Season.

When the Aurora dances in the sky, romance is in the air. The setting is beautiful, peaceful and relaxing – an ideal place to cuddle up with the person you love and watch the light show of a lifetime. Mid February and Valentine's Day attract the aurora/romance seekers.

Auroral Activity Forecast

Aurora Boreals is from the Roman name Aurora, goddess of dawn, and the Greek word "Boreas, the north wind". Despite this supernatural name, the Aurora is purely chemical. When charged particles eject from the sun and crash into the Earth's magnetosphere, atoms are set aglow, just like in a neon sign. To track the probability of active aurora (periods of unsettled geomagnetic field conditions) check out Astronomy North's aurora forecast. astronomynorth.com/aurora-forecast

For information on aurora experiences check out the operators below. Just click on the name for more information on their offerings.

Things to Do in Yellowknife
Aurora Viewing

The North is a majestic place where you can make your dreams come true. Our professional tour guides will take you on Aurora viewing, city tour, ice road tours, ice fishing, dog sledding,...

Aurora photography tours for groups of 20 or less, available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Our tours offer specialized knowledge in aurora photography. We don't just photograph the aurora for...

Aurora Village is a place for visitors to experience the magic and wonder of the North. Located in on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories - it is the best place in...

Beck's Kennels has been hosting visitors in Yellowknife since 1989. Based on this extensive experience, we offer flawlessly coordinated, quality tourism products with friendly, professional service...

Teaching the Dene way of life through our history, language, and unique connection to the land. Camp is just outside of Dettah, across the bay from Yellowknife. 100% Aboriginal owned and operated.   

A touch of luxury in the wilderness! 30-minute’s scenic flight from Yellowknife, you’ll find a stunning eco-lodge, cozy cabins, fine dining and more. Unparalleled views of Aurora at night and...

As a local Indigenous man Bob has traditional knowledge and insight into the land that the average northerner does not possess. Thanks to a keen connection to the land, Bob is able to guide visitors...

Canadian Scenery Travel Yellowknife (since 2010) is an ADS accredited Tour Operator. We offer services including but not limited to transportation, guiding, meals, accommodation, attractions and...

Trout Rock Wilderness Lodge is a premier fly-in fishing/eco lodge on Great Slave Lake - rated as the number one trophy pike fishing lodge in the world. It is also the hot spot for aurora borealis ...

In summer, visit the commercial fishery and fish for Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Walleye/Pickerel and Lingcod. Half day to a week long tours.  Feast on a freshly cooked fish dinner accompanied by...

Aurora viewing tours, city tours, and hikes to Cameron Falls. We book all of your activities and accommodation. Korean and English spoken.  최적의 오로라 관측 도시 Yellowknife는 Canada의 10개 주, 3개의 준주 가운데 ...

Fun and informative tours guided by persons that came to Yellowknife for two years and stayed for a lifetime. Learn about Yellowknife’s history, see the City highlights, visit artisans’ studios. Our...

Offering four-hour Aurora tours including the ice road and City of Yellowknife. Pick-up and drop-off available. Small groups. English and Japanese spoken. Get outfitted with our warm winter clothing...

Chase the Aurora by snowmobile in winter, or by Voyageur Canoe in fall. Specializing in small group tours. In the winter, hop on a snowmobile or strap on your snowshoes to discover an adventure with...

North Star Adventures is a 100% Aboriginal owned, local tour company. We grew up in Yellowknife, we know Yellowknife! We are happy to share our Aboriginal culture. We offer Aboriginal Cultural Tours...

Welcome to the most mystical of evenings north of 60°. Here you'll find the forever magic of the aurora chase - focused on photography, a little bit of astronomy. With warm drinks, home baking, and...

Yellowknife Tours is the pioneer for Aurora Tourism in Chinese market. Yellowknife Tours won the Best 2015 Operator of the Year Award & 2017 Business of the Year Award! The Most deluxe and unique...