Yellowknife Tours – Aurora by bus

Imagine sitting comfortably on a luxury bus, wrapped in warm blankets, with a hot drink in hand, watching the night sky dance with the Aurora Borealis. That’s what you get with the Yellowknife Tours Aurora by Bus experience. Priced at around $101.60 per person, this 4-hour adventure takes you to several scenic lakes around Yellowknife, Canada—each offering the perfect reflective surface for the mesmerizing lights. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an authentic wilderness experience, blending natural beauty with expert insights, photography help, and a cozy atmosphere.

What we love about this tour is how it combines practical comfort with authentic Northern scenery. First, the choice of lakes—Prelude Lake, Prosperous Lake, and Yellowknife River—offers some of the best chances to catch the Aurora in all its glory. Each spot is carefully selected for its low light pollution and tranquil surroundings, giving you the best possible view. Second, the expert guides, like Janet or Floris, are highly praised for their enthusiasm, patience, and photography skills, making sure everyone leaves with stunning images of the lights.

A potential consideration is the group size—with some reviews mentioning full buses and crowded seats, it’s worth booking early or being prepared for a lively, social atmosphere. Also, since the Aurora is naturally unpredictable, there’s always a chance clouds might obscure the view, but the tour’s flexibility to visit multiple lakes maximizes your chances of seeing the displays.

This tour suits travelers who value expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and the chance to capture professional-quality photos. If you’re a first-timer or a photography enthusiast, this experience offers plenty of support and opportunities to learn. It’s also ideal for those wanting a stress-free way to experience the Northern Lights without the hassle of self-driving in icy conditions.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with luxury buses for a cozy and stress-free experience.
• Expert guides help locate the Aurora and teach you how to photograph it.
• Multiple lakes visited for optimal viewing conditions, especially in autumn or winter.
• Snacks, hot drinks, and biscuits keep you warm and energized throughout the night.
• Flexible booking or joining other scheduled tours if minimum guests aren’t met.
• Authentic experience with knowledgeable guides and beautiful, low-light pollution locations.

Exploring the Aurora by Bus: A Closer Look

What’s Included and How It Works

For just over a hundred dollars, you get a 4-hour journey filled with scenic lakes, expert guidance, cozy amenities, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. The tour includes hotel pickups—an important detail that ensures you don’t need to worry about navigating in the dark or cold. The bus picks you up from your hotel, taking you to carefully selected lakes where the chances of Aurora sightings are high.

The itinerary typically includes stops at three lakes: Prelude Lake, Prosperous Lake, and the Yellowknife River area. Each of these locations is chosen for their reflections on the water—which can turn your Aurora viewing into a kind of natural mirror, doubling the visual pleasure. During the winter months, the stops might involve venturing onto the lakes themselves, giving you a unique perspective in the middle of a winter wonderland.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

What we appreciate most is the personalized attention from guides like Janet and Floris. As one reviewer said, Floris was “bubbly and informative,” often taking photos with patience and sharing tips on how to capture the Aurora on your own camera. This is a huge benefit if you’re into photography or want to take home high-quality memories.

Another highlight is the warmth and comfort. The tour provides hot drinks and biscuits, which become especially important when the thermometer drops well below freezing. The buses are described as luxury and well-maintained, giving you a warm refuge when you need a break from the cold.

The Aurora Hunting Strategy

Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity, but this tour’s strategy is to visit multiple lakes—each one offering a different vantage point. As one reviewer noted, “We went to three lakes to hunt the aurora,” which increases the chances of catching the lights. Guides are experienced at locating the Aurora, often outside taking professional photos for guests, capturing moments that might be elusive for amateur cameras.

The Social and Educational Aspect

Many reviews highlight the friendly, enthusiastic guides who go beyond just driving and spotting the lights—they teach guests how to use their cameras effectively and share in-depth knowledge about the Northern Lights and polar regions. This educational element adds value for those curious about the science behind the phenomenon.

The Experience at Each Stop

Prelude Lake Territorial Park

Often the first stop, Prelude Lake offers a quiet, reflective surface ideal for mirror-like Aurora views. Guests mention the stark beauty of this location and how it feels like being in a winter postcard. The lake’s openness and minimal light pollution make it a favorite among travelers, especially if the Aurora is dancing overhead.

Prosperous Lake Territorial Park

This stop is praised for its tranquil setting, and many guests comment on the beautiful reflections on the water, which amplify the natural spectacle. The low light pollution here is key—guides often position the bus to maximize the view, and they’re quick to adapt if the Aurora starts to fade or clouds roll in.

Yellowknife River Territorial Park

The third stop often becomes a backup if earlier lakes aren’t giving clear views. Its wider landscape offers expansive skies, and the guides are quick to move the group if cloud cover appears. Several reviews mention how guides like Janet or Floris go above and beyond in helping guests with their cameras and sharing knowledge about the night sky.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Value

The luxury buses are crucial—they keep you warm and comfortable, especially important given the long night hours. Pickups are punctual, with reviews praising the reliability of the service, like one reviewer mentioning the punctual pickup at the hotel.

The duration of approximately four hours balances enough time to chase the lights without it becoming tiresome. Since the Aurora is unpredictable, visiting multiple lakes increases your chances of witnessing a display, making the experience feel more like a well-planned adventure than just chance.

At $101.60 per person, many find this to be good value, especially considering the included transportation, guiding, photography assistance, and hot drinks. Reviews consistently mention how professional and dedicated guides make the experience worthwhile, with some guests noting that guides like Florence or Janet send professional photos afterward, allowing you to relive the moment again.

Who Will Love This Tour

This tour is ideal for first-time Aurora viewers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience. If you’re someone who values guidance and comfort over rugged, solo adventures, this experience offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and practical support. It’s also suitable for travelers of most ages and fitness levels, provided you’re okay with cold weather and outdoor stops.

Summary

In essence, the Yellowknife Tours Aurora by Bus offers a well-organized, comfortable, and educational way to witness the Northern Lights. It balances scenic lake stops, expert guidance, and cozy amenities—all within a reasonable price point. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the spectacular views, making it one of the most reliable ways to see the Aurora near Yellowknife.

While weather conditions can always be unpredictable, this tour’s multiple locations and experienced guides greatly improve your odds of witnessing the Aurora in its full glory. It’s perfect for those who want a stress-free, memorable Northern Lights experience with the added bonus of professional photos and good company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers transportation on a luxury bus, hotel pickups, visits to several lakes, hot drinks, biscuits, and guidance on Aurora viewing and photography.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately four hours, giving ample time to hunt for the Aurora, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Can I join the tour if I don’t have a group of four?
Yes. If there aren’t enough guests for a private tour, you’ll be offered the chance to join another scheduled Aurora tour that night.

What locations does the tour visit?
Stops include Prelude Lake Territorial Park, Prosperous Lake Territorial Park, and the Yellowknife River Territorial Park, each offering scenic, low-light pollution settings.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures can be well below freezing at night, especially in winter. The tour provides some warmth, but guests should prepare for cold outdoor exposure.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, hot drinks and biscuits are provided on the bus to keep you warm and energized during the hunt.

Is photography support available?
Absolutely. Guides like Janet or Floris assist guests with camera setup and teach techniques to capture the Aurora effectively.

What happens if the Aurora isn’t visible during the tour?
Since Aurora viewing is weather-dependent, if the lights aren’t visible, guides will do their best to visit other lakes or schedule a future trip. Some reviews mention going out multiple nights to maximize chances.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, be prepared for outdoor stops and cold weather.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through the provider’s website or a platform like Viator, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to see the Northern Lights without the hassle of self-driving or roughing it in wilderness camping, this bus tour balances value, comfort, and expertise. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through in reviews, making the experience more than just a chase—it’s a chance to learn, photograph, and simply enjoy one of nature’s most magical displays.

This tour is particularly well-suited for first-timers, photography lovers, and those who appreciate a well-organized, guided experience in the stunning wilderness surrounding Yellowknife. The combination of scenic lakes, low light pollution, and expert support makes it a trustworthy choice for a memorable Northern Lights adventure.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a group, this Aurora by Bus tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring phenomena—an investment in memories that will last long after the lights have faded.