Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Yellowknife Northern Lights?
You’re not alone! 58% of Canadians dream of seeing the spectacular Northern Lights and visitors from around the world come to Canada to see them. This January I was invited by Expedia to head to beautiful Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. While our adventure-seeking was around chasing the glorious Aurora Borealis herself, we were fortunate enough to soak in some other adventures in Yellowknife making for a perfect Arctic adventure.
I was excited to craft this article and share all of the behind-the-scenes tips on how to plan your own trip to experience the Yellowknife Northern Lights. Perhaps they will bring you to tears like they did to me. My hope is that not only will you get multiple days of lit-up skies but you’ll also get a healthy dose of Northern experiences that will have you too dreaming of your next trip to Canada’s beautiful North.
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission if you choose to book your stay. Money goes to help fund Adventure Awaits and keep more informational and educational articles coming your way!
When is the Best Time of Year to go and See the Northern Lights?
According to the local experts, the City of Yellowknife, the best time to go and see the Northern Lights is between mid November and April. This offers visitors long winter nights with clearer skies. Although Winter in Canada’s North is not for the faint of heart, you can also go during the summer months for a completely different experience, let’s break it down.
Traveler Tip: The optimal time to see the northern lights is between 11 pm – 1 am, so expect late nights with lots of time planned to sleep in before heading back out again.
Yellowknife Northern Lights in Winter
On our January adventure, we were bundled up in rented gear and it all came to good use as we faced -40°C (-40°F) on our cheeks. As someone who loves the outdoors this didn’t phase me as I had all of the gear and enjoyed being outside. However, it was hilarious to me (as a Canadian) to see some of the Mexican guests experience Canada’s Arctic cold for the first time, same as it would be for them to see me experience their hot and humid climate as a Canadian!
If you go during the winter, essential gear is mandatory and will be needed for you to have a great experience. You can rent gear in Yellowknife, which guarantees the best quality and saves you from having to pack it. I’ll put a complete packing list at the bottom of this article along with my favourite comfort items that I recommend you bring.
Yellowknife Northern Lights in Summer
After falling in love with the lights in the Winter, I do think it would be incredible to see them in the Summer. Staff at Aurora Village said it’s a really cool experience as you don’t have to be bundled up and manage all of the gear (like keeping camera and phone batteries warm). Rather you can snuggle around a campfire and wait until the Aurora comes out to showcase her beauty. So while I LOVED my winter experience I do look forward to experiencing something a little different with a summer adventure.
Yellowknife Northern Lights Tours
Our tour was a customized itinerary that was designed for National and International Journalists, meaning that we had an action-packed schedule that wanted to showcase the best of Yellowknife, day and night. There were a LOT of activities to choose from so I want to include them all and then you can choose what works best for you.
When booking an experience you too can go with one of the providers and do a fully catered experience, or you can book your own adventures a la carte. Depending on your adventure style and the level of support you want on the ground, you can choose the travel style that best suits you.
This article will showcase each experience and how you can schedule your own adventures based on your time, interests, and budgets.
Yellowknife Northern Lights Village – Aurora Village
Professional Tip: I recommend you build your itinerary around booking time at Aurora Village, a premier Aurora viewing resort. They offer one, two, and three day packages and you can add pick-up from your hotel for ultimate convenience. I recommend doing at least two days incase you get cloudy skies or no Aurora.
Imagine walking through the forest at midnight, with glimmers of lights in the distance. A short walk and the lights start to get stronger, a glow coming from tipis in between the trees. Your guide will welcome you into your tipi and get you comfortable before you can head out on the property for a tour. With five viewing hills and 360 degree viewing seats, you can get a dark sky experience as the backdrop for the Northern lights show.
Throughout the village you’ll hear other guests speaking a variety of languages, this is the place where people come from all around the world to experience the Northern Lights in Canada. Groups are given their own tipis and you can store all of your gear inside while you go back and forth from inside to outside.
Pro tip – Plan to be outside and don’t spend much time inside your tipi. With all your gear on you’ll have to keep taking clothes on and off which is a pain! Spend your time outside taking photos of the surroundings.
The Spirit in the Sky – A Lesson from an Indigenous Leader and Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife
Aurora Village is an Indigenous-owned business and one of my favourite experiences at the resort was on a cloudy night when we were waiting for Aurora to show up. One of the Indigenous guides, Arvin Landry, came into our tent. Arvin shared some traditional songs and musical pieces on his drum, and then helped us learn what Aurora meant to him and his people. His Dad had recently passed away and they believe that the Aurora are the spirits from the other side, coming back to check on us.
One of the lessons he said that Aurora teachers us is that when we lose someone we are often angry, and we clench our fists, and hold that anger. Aurora tells us to open our hands and carry the weight of all of the amazing memories, lessons, and laughter that that person gave us. To live with the joy that they left behind, and that the Aurora is their way of showcasing this to us.
The next night we were out on one of the viewing hills and there had been about a 2 hour break between Auroras. Everyone else had gone inside, but we were determined not to miss anything so my friend and I stayed outside in the darkness. I started sharing a story about a good friend of mine who passed away but was interrupted when suddenly the skies lit up. A full rainbow across the whole sky, a green dance like I had never seen before. We stopped our conversation and ran down to our cameras, mesmerized and inspired by what we were seeing. It only lasted about 8 minutes but it was magical.
We came back together with a tangible excitement for what we had just witnessed and my friend looked and me and said, “You know what that was, don’t you?” and I paused. He said, “It was your friend, Kristine.” I burst into tears, and it was -40°C, so they pretty much froze right on my face. But he was right, she had come to share a dance, some light, and remind me to carry the joy she had given me wherever I go.
Yellowknife Northern Lights – Small Group Tours
If you are looking for a real intimate Aurora viewing experience, an excursion with Bucket List Tour would be a great fit as they have a maximum guest capacity of 16 people. Locally owned and operated by Tracy Therrie, her business is based out of a private, cozy cabin where you can stay warm and refuel between Northern Lights viewings. Inside you’ll find an eclectic gathering of animal furs, teapots, and local art. One of the favourite experiences that our group loved was the midnight lunch, where hot Bannock and fish chowder was served! (a local classic cozy meal).
I loved this adventure as it offered us an intimate experience because we were the only ones on the property. This allowed us to connect with Tracy, and hear her personal stories and experiences. Outside you can roam the property and soak in the 360-degree views.
This allowed us to spread out across the property and have our viewing area under the black canvas sky all to ourselves. And when we were in between lights we could head to the fire and warm up our hands (and keep our batteries warm).
Book your Intimate Aurora Experience with Bucket List Tour Here!
Day Time Adventures In Yellowknife
While you come for the magnificent skies, Yellowknife offers lots of adventures during the day that are worth checking out. I recommend booking in the afternoon though, as you’ll have late starts to your day since you’ll be Aurora viewing late into the night. Most of our nights went into the early morning house (usually around 2 am!), so we didn’t start our days until 11am at the earliest.
Snowshoe Tour at Aurora Village
While a magical place at night, Aurora Village also has a lot of other great things to do during the day that can take your Canadian Arctic experience to the next level.
One of my favourite things to do is go snowshoeing and so when invited to take part in a tour on traditional snowshoes I signed up right away.
After getting suited up in our traditional snowshoes, our guide took us into the woods around Aurora Village, sharing knowledge about the local flora and fauna on the way. She even taught us how to start a fire at -40°C, an essential survival skill from past times. We were fortunate enough to see pawprints and footprints in the snow.
Upon our return to base camp, we were greeted with warm drinks and marshmallows around a hot campfire. It was neat to meet with the other travelers from different groups and hear about their experiences, where they were from, and exchange stories around the campfire. Something as classic to Canada as beavers and hockey!
Giant Slide at Aurora Village
My favourite part about daytime at Aurora Village is their giant slide, where my fellow travelers were making fun of me for being “12 years old again” as I hauled the inner tubes up the stairs only to launch myself down the gigantic slide, again and again.
Having fun in the snow is a requirement if you’re experiencing winter in Canada’s Arctic!
Dogsledding Tour at Aurora Village
Have you ever wanted to go dog sledding? You can do this at Aurora Village in Yellowknife. A dog team ride experience awaits where you’ll meet the dogs, climb aboard a sled, and enjoy the whip at start off as you launch around a guided lap on the property. Guides will teach you all about the dogs, their care, and share stories from the past when Indigenous people used their dogs to traverse across the land to hunt and gather food, as well as for companionship and safety.
Glass Etching Workshop In Yellowknife
Old Town Glassworks is a unique mix of artistry, upcycling, and ingenuity that invites you to come and be an artist in their shop. Locally owned and operated they have a motto of “transforming yesterday’s waste into tomorrow’s art” and you get to be a part of it.
The glass etching workshop invites you to learn the art of glass etching where you take the upcycled discarded glass and transform it into “exquisite functional art” that showcases Canada’s northern wildlife and natural beauty. I made a set of blue glasses that I etched with scenes and now use on a daily basis at home!
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is home to the territory’s museum and archives. They showcase Northern art and cultures, help visitors explore the past, and share the vision for the future. They are open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm and display collections, exhibitions, and programs for you to take part in.
Tips for Photographing Yellowknife Northern Lights
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture amazing photos of the Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife. If you have an iPhone (or other smartphone), you can get incredible images. Having a tripod will help increase the quality of your photos no matter what device you’re using, so I would have that as an essential item.
If you’re bringing a digital camera, here are the settings recommended to me by Dave Sanford, Professional Photographer:
- FStop: 4.0
- Shutter Speed: 1-6 seconds
- ISO: 800-1200 (normal)
- ISO: 3200 ISO (for darker lights)
Where to Stay – Yellowknife Northern Lights Hotel
If you’re looking for the perfect Yellowknife Northern Lights hotel I recommend The Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife. With a gigantic polar bear greeting you in the lobby, you’ll experience Northern hospitality as soon as you walk through the front doors. Experts in welcoming guests from around the world, your stay is sure to include all of the essentials like clean rooms and on-site restaurants, as well as great hosts to help connect you to the city. They also offer work with local service providers, such as having winter clothing rentals delivered right to your room. They have an on-site restaurant called Trader’s Grill, which has plentiful food as well as Sunday buffets! I loved the location of The Explorer Hotel as it was easy to walk around town, although don’t forget to bundle up as even a short 5-minute walk can get pretty chilly at -40°C (plus the windchill!).
Book Your Stay at The Explorer Hotel Here!
Where to Eat – Yellowknife Breakfast Restaurants
Barren Ground Coffee
If you want to go for a nice morning walk and grab a coffee, head over to Barren Ground Coffee (or BGG as the locals call it), as it’s only 12 minutes from The Explorer Hotel. With coffee/espresso waiting for you (and a great way to warm up after a chilly walk) you can grab and go pastries and other light take-out breakfast items.
Where to Eat – Yellowknife Restaurants
Get to know the culture of Yellowknife and check out the food scene at as many different restaurants as you can. From hometown pubs to elevated dining experiences there are many options to explore, many being walkable from the Explorer Hotel (but if it’s too cold you can hop in a cab quickly).
Traveler Tip: Be sure to call and check the restaurant hours to ensure they are open when you want to visit.
Trader’s Grill
Located in The Explorer Hotel, Trader’s Grill offers elevated Northern Canadian cuisine. If you are there on a Sunday, be sure to check out their brunch buffet as it’s an incredible spread! And if you can, grab a view by the window, especially pretty after a fresh layering of snow.
The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery (NWT Brewing Co.)
If you want to go where the locals hang out, then be sure to check out The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery. Located in the heart of Yellowknife’s historic Old Town you can enjoy beer brewed on-site, cocktails, and of course my favourite, mocktails. The menu is filled with comfort items like burgers, pasta, and appetizers that are perfect for sharing.
Copperhouse Eatery + Lounge
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience in Yellowknife, then Copperhouse Eatery + Lounge is the place to go. With a modern menu, they focus on service, comfort foods with a twist, and are passionate about using fresh and local ingredients. I was surprised at the atmosphere and decor in this restaurant as it was quite different than the more casual places that we had visited, so I highly recommend it.
The Black Knight Pub
Straight out of a gold rush or western movie, The Black Knight Pub is a classic pub in the heart of Yellowknife. They offer uniquely Canadian comfort foods including pulled pork poutine, lobster mac and cheese, and of course the classic burger.
Bullock’s Bistro
A four-minute drive from The Explorer Hotel, Bullock’s Bistro is an iconic Yellowknife fish restaurant that has been serving local, wild-caught fish from Great Slave Lake for 30+ years. Located in a log cabin on the shores of Great Slave Lake, a visit to Bullock’s Bistro will have you enjoying fresh cooked food made from scratch right in front of you. Indulge in their homemade breads and sauces, fish and chips, and grilled fish.
Sundog Trading Post
Craving a lighter meal? Sundog Trading Post specializes in panini sandwiches, salads, and bowls, making it the perfect place for lunch or a healthy dinner. After checking out their menu online, this is one of the places I wish I had time in our schedule for, so definitely check it out. They are great at labelling and adapting to allergies too, which as a GF, DF consumer, I sincerely appreciate!
Where To Shop – Yellowknife Artisans and Artwork
I’m not a huge consumer and don’t often take home souvenirs from trips, with one exception, local art! I love supporting local artisans and whether it’s a piece of art, a sculpture, beadwork, or clothing, I love walking through galleries and finding something special to remind me of my trip.
There are two main galleries in downtown Yellowknife, both offering a collection of artwork from local artisans.
Gallery of the Midnight Sun
I was telling a friend, who grew up in Yellowknife, that I was heading up North for a trip and she said, “You have to go to the Gallery of the Midnight Sun” and she was right! Featuring the largest collection of locally sourced artwork, the Gallery of the Midnight Sun is a great place to find the perfect treasure to take home. Whether you’re looking for something small, like a piece of jewelry, or a large stone carving, you’ll find a wide selection of local and Indigenous art at the Gallery of the Midnight Sun.
Down to Earth Gallery
Located right next door is Down to Earth Gallery, another collaborative collection where local artisans work is on display. Down to Earth Gallery has more prints and canvas work so if you’re looking for wall art this may be a great first stop.
What To Pack For your Yellowknife Northern Lights Adventure!
Be sure to check the weather and prepare for extreme cold if you are travelling in the Winter months. For our trip in January, we received the warning, “It’s also going to be extremely cold (lows can reach -34°C/-30°F)” and they rented winter clothing for us to ensure we were warm and comfortable. Learning how to dress for the weather and avoid things like overheating inside is important and the local tourism board shared this video with us. Here’s a list of what was provided to us that you either need to rent or bring:
Rented Gear:
- Coat (rented)
- Snowpants (rented)
- Boots (rented)
- Gloves (1 pair rented, 1 to keep)
- Neck gaiter (yours to keep)
- Wool socks (1 pair, yours to keep)
- Beanie (yours to keep)
- Disposable hand and shoe warmers
What to Pack (items brought from home):
- Thermal underlayers
- Warm sweaters/fleece vest
- Coat for to/from the airport
- Boots for to/from the airport
- Travel size sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Sunglasses
How to Save Money When Booking Your Northern Lights Trip
Shout out to Expedia who invited me on this amazing adventure! I wanted to share some insight on how you can use their tools to save money. According to Expedia’s recent survey, 58% of travelers have not taken a trip to see the Northern Lights due to financial reasons. These tips help travelers save without compromising on experience:
💰 Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 24%. Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 17% on domestic flights and 24% on international flights.
💰 Expedia’s Price Tracking feature on the app eliminates the uncertainty involved in choosing the right time to book a Northern Lights trip by notifying travellers when flight prices change and using exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book.
💰 Bundle and Save: Traveling to a remote destination doesn’t have to be complicated. Travelers can save hundreds of dollars on average when they book their flights, hotel and activities all in one place on the Expedia app.
Book Your Yellowknife Vacation Package Here!
Yellowknife Northern Lights FAQs
Is Yellowknife, Canada worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Northern hospitality is something that is unique to Canada’s Arctic and I think everyone should experience it. There’s also something quite magical about exploring an area in extreme weather conditions and learning how the locals have welcomed the Arctic way of life.
What is the best month to see the spectacular Northern Lights in Yellowknife?
According to the local tourism department mid November to April is the best time for viewing
What are the odds of seeing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife?
According to Canadian Geographic, if you spend three nights in Yellowknife between November and April you have a 98% chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis at least once.
Can you see the Northern Lights every night in Canada?
Unfortunately, for those of us who live in the Southern part of the country (so that’s most of Canada’s population), we don’t see the Northern Lights that often, as that’s a special treat for those who live in the North. In Vancouver, for example, the average person may see them a couple of times in their lifetime, so seeing them is quite rare for most Canadians.
I hope that by sharing all of these behind-the-scenes tips on how to plan your trip to experience the Aurora Borealis, you book your own Yellowknife Northern Lights adventure trip soon!
