Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

Planning a trip to Yellowknife to see the mesmerizing aurora borealis? You’re not alone—this Northern Lights tour consistently earns high praise for its professionalism, stunning vistas, and thoughtful touches. Based on hundreds of reviews, we’re here to give you a detailed look at what makes this experience stand out—and whether it’s right for you.

We love the multiple scenic stops that maximize your chances of witnessing the lights in different settings, as well as the expert photography assistance that turns fleeting moments into lasting memories. The tour’s value for money is another big plus, especially given its inclusions like warm beverages, cookies, and free photo downloads. A potential drawback? The tour is entirely weather-dependent, so cloudy nights could mean missed aurora sightings. That’s an inherent risk with any northern lights experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized, comfortable, and authentic way to see the aurora. If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply eager to maximize your chances of a spectacular display, this trip is worth considering. But if your expectations demand a guaranteed sighting, remember it’s all about luck—and cloud cover.

Key Points

• Multiple stops at scenic lakes increase your chances of seeing the aurora from different viewpoints
• Professional photographer guides help you capture the best shots, with free images afterward
• Warm beverages and cookies keep you cozy on chilly nights
• Pickup from your hotel or the airport simplifies logistics
• The tour is weather-dependent, so sighting cannot be guaranteed
• It offers good value for a 4-hour experience with inclusions like photos and refreshments

An Overview of the Experience

The Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife is a carefully curated experience designed to increase your odds of catching the aurora and to make the journey comfortable and memorable. For around $73.42 per person, you get approximately four hours of dedicated Aurora hunting, with the convenience of hotel or airport pickup, multiple scenic stops, and a knowledgeable guide with a professional camera.

The tour is run by Yellowknife Vacations, a reputable outfit with a strong record of positive reviews and guaranteed departures, meaning they stick to scheduled times regardless of weather conditions—up to a point. Many travelers appreciate that the tour is capped at 16 participants, ensuring a cozy atmosphere without feeling crowded.

The Itinerary

Pickup and Introduction

Your night kicks off with pickup from your hotel, bed and breakfast, or the Yellowknife airport around 9:30 pm. The driver-guide, often described as friendly and well-informed, provides a quick briefing about the Northern Lights, local conditions, and safety tips. Several reviews mention their guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and readiness to answer questions—even if they’re not locals, they’re very experienced in Aurora tourism.

Scenic Lakes Stops

The highlight of this tour is the three different lakes the group visits during the night. These locations are outside the city, away from light pollution, offering darker skies and clearer views of the sky’s spectacle. As one reviewer said, “We checked multiple locations to get the best view of the Lights,” which underscores the effort to optimize your viewing experience.

Each stop offers unique backgrounds, helping you diversify your photos and avoid the “been there, seen that” feeling. These lakes are accessible by coach, and the stops are usually around 15-20 minutes—long enough to soak in the scenery, take photos, and wait for the aurora to appear.

Photography and Photo Stops

One of the tour’s standout features is the inclusion of professional photography. A guide with a serious camera joins the group, ready to click your photos with the Northern Lights as a backdrop. Multiple reviews praise the guide’s skill: “Pei took awesome pics of everyone,” and “Her photography skills and camera were excellent.” This is a genuine bonus, especially since cell phones often struggle in low-light conditions.

Guests are encouraged to step out of the coach at each stop to get different angles and backgrounds. The guide’s tips for taking photos help even amateur photographers improve their results—an invaluable service in such a fleeting display.

Warm Drinks and Comfort

Chilly nights are inevitable, but the tour crew keeps guests comfortable with hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and cookies served inside the coach. Several reviews mention how these small touches make a big difference—“The hot tea and cookies were a nice treat towards the end,” said one guest.

Return and Drop-Off

After the Aurora viewing, the coach returns you to your hotel or accommodation, typically within four hours of departure. The process is smooth, and many travelers remark on how punctual and friendly the service is.

Why This Tour Works Well

The combination of multiple viewing points, professional photo assistance, and convenient logistics makes this tour a solid choice. The small group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guaranteed departure promises that you won’t be left stranded, even if the skies are cloudy.

Several reviews highlight the professionalism of the staff: “They were very considerate of our convenience and safety,” and “Our guide Pei was very helpful, caring, and energetic.” It’s clear that the team strives to make this a memorable experience, regardless of the aurora’s appearance.

The Reality of Aurora Tours: Weather and Expectations

A handful of reviews, notably from guests who encountered cloudy nights or poor weather, remind us that Northern Lights viewing is inherently unpredictable. As one reviewer pointed out, “It rained almost all day, then was mostly cloudy all night,” and they didn’t see the aurora. The tour company’s guarantee is primarily about taking you out and providing the best chance, but they cannot control cloud cover or solar activity.

It’s worth noting that the tour is not a guaranteed sighting—but the company’s efforts to move locations and provide professional photography help you get the most out of the experience. Several guests appreciated that even in less-than-ideal conditions, the staff kept spirits high and provided warm drinks and good company.

The Value Proposition

For $73.42, you get a well-organized, professional experience that includes multiple scenic stops, warm refreshments, and free photographs, all within a four-hour window. Compared to other tours in Yellowknife, this offers a competitive price with a focus on quality and guest comfort.

The reviews show a high level of satisfaction, with many travelers citing the knowledgeable guides and beautiful views as highlights. While it doesn’t promise a sighting, the overall value, especially considering the inclusions and ease of logistics, makes it a worthwhile option—particularly for first-timers or those with limited time.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who value convenience and professionalism. If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights with minimal fuss, this trip’s pickup service, scenic stops, and expert photography support are excellent. It’s also perfect for those who want a comfortable, social environment without sacrificing the chance to photograph the aurora.

However, if you are highly optimistic or expect a 100% guarantee of seeing the lights, you should understand that weather plays a significant role. This tour is about maximizing your chances, not ensuring a sighting. For anyone interested in a relaxing, well-organized evening with good value, this tour checks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts

In Yellowknife, a city known as one of the best places on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis, this tour offers a reliable, thoughtfully curated experience. The combination of multiple viewing locations, professional photography, and warm treats makes it stand out for many travelers.

It’s a tour that balances value and comfort with a genuine chance to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary displays. The guides’ professionalism and the small-group atmosphere ensure you won’t just be a number—you’re part of an intimate adventure.

If you’re visiting Yellowknife during aurora season and are after a well-reviewed, hassle-free way to see the lights, this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check—nature is unpredictable, but with the right team, you’ll have the best shot possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel or airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from all hotels and B&Bs in Yellowknife, as well as the airport, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The excursion lasts approximately 4 hours, starting around 9:30 pm and returning to your accommodation roughly around 1:30 am.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guided tour, pickup and drop-off, warm beverages (hot chocolate, tea, coffee), cookies, and free photos taken by a professional guide.

Are winter clothing provided?
No, winter clothing is not included, so be sure to dress warmly with layers, proper boots, hats, and gloves.

Can I see the northern lights every night?
No, aurora viewing depends heavily on weather and solar activity. Cloudy nights might mean no lights, despite the best efforts of the guides.

What if I don’t see the aurora?
While the tour is guaranteed to depart, a sighting isn’t guaranteed due to weather. Guests often appreciate the effort and scenery, even without lights.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour caps at 16 travelers, which promotes a more personal experience and easier communication with guides.

Can I join multiple nights?
Yes, many reviews mention booking multiple nights for a better chance, especially if the weather forecast isn’t clear.

To sum it up, this Yellowknife Northern Lights tour offers a well-rounded, friendly approach to chasing the aurora. It’s best for those who want a comfortable, organized experience with excellent photographic support and scenic stops, all at a reasonable price. While it’s weather-dependent, the professionalism and care of the guides make it a strong contender for your aurora adventure.