Question 1

Will I see the Northern Lights on my trip to Yellowknife?

Accepted Answer

Although Yellowknife, and the Northwest Territories in general, is a fantastic spot for Northern Lights viewing, the lights aren’t visible every night. Your chances are high over a three- or four-night stay, but because this is nature, nothing is guaranteed.

Question 2

How do I get to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to get to Yellowknife is by plane. There are direct flights to Yellowknife from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto.

Question 3

Are Northern Lights trips suitable for families with young children?

Accepted Answer

Our Northern Lights trips can accommodate children, but there may be a minimum age for some day tours. Winter clothing rentals may be harder to obtain for some ages. It’s important to note that Northern Lights viewing happens late at night, so it may be tiring for some children. Please ask one of our Vacation Advisors for your options.

Question 4

What other activities can I do on a Northern Lights trip?

Accepted Answer

As Northern Lights viewing experiences take place at night, there is plenty of time in the day for other activities. Tour and activity options depend on the season and the location. In the winter, go dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice fishing. In the fall, go hiking, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing. There are opportunities to learn about local culture and history too.

Question 5

Is this Northern Lights trip an escorted tour?

Accepted Answer

Our vacations are not typically escorted. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of independent travel.

This allows you, with the help of our travel experts, to personalize your trip to suit your interests, timeframe, and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

An exception to this is our Northern Lights vacations in Churchill. These are hosted trips. On these trips, you will be with the same group for each day of your trip and have a daily activity schedule. A local guide will be with you and almost all meals are included.

Question 6

Where do I stay on my Northern Lights trip?

Accepted Answer

We partner with a number of hotels and accommodation providers across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Northern Lights vacations include stays in small cities and remote locations, so there is not the same amount of choice as there would be in bigger cities. Choosing accommodation is based on local availability and personal preference.

Question 7

What colour are the Northern Lights?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Lights are most commonly a greenish-yellow hue, though they can appear pink, red, blue and even violet.

Question 8

Can you photograph the Northern Lights?

Accepted Answer

You can photograph the Northern Lights, but you will need a tripod and preferably a DSLR camera where you can control the shutter speed. A wide angle lens is also recommended to capture their full scope.

Question 9

What season is best for Northern Lights trips?

Accepted Answer

Either winter or fall is the best season for viewing the Northern Lights in Canada. During these seasons, there are extended periods of darkness.

Yellowknife Aurora and Rockies Fall Colours

See the aurora borealis and Canadian Rockies

Three nights of Northern Lights viewing experiences

Discover Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories

Glaciers, emerald lakes, and forests of the Canadian Rockies

Great choice of activities catered to your interests

Choose from hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and more

Top experiences and features

Enjoy three aurora viewing experiences

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I see the Northern Lights on my trip to Yellowknife?

How do I get to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories?

Are Northern Lights trips suitable for families with young children?

What other activities can I do on a Northern Lights trip?

Is this Northern Lights trip an escorted tour?

Where do I stay on my Northern Lights trip?

What colour are the Northern Lights?

Can you photograph the Northern Lights?

What season is best for Northern Lights trips?

Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Calgary

Explore Banff

Discover Banff National Park

Banff to Calgary

Into the North - Calgary to Yellowknife

Explore Yellowknife

Take to the water

Depart from Yellowknife

Trip Itinerary

Prices

View full itinerary

Accommodations

Banff Caribou Lodge

Personalize this itinerary

Spend time in Jasper

Discuss your Northern Lights tour with a Canadian travel expert

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