Yellowknife stands out as one of the top places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Its prime location under the auroral oval, combined with long winter nights and relatively clear skies, makes it a magnet for aurora enthusiasts. Whether you want expertly guided aurora chasing or a cozy lodge experience, Yellowknife offers a range of tours that cater to different tastes and budgets. We especially love tours that combine local insights, like the ones that include visits to Old Town or the Bush Pilot’s Monument, with flexible options for photography and cultural exploration. These experiences turn a simple aurora viewing into a memorable trip full of stories and photos.
While many travelers aim for a once-in-a-lifetime display of the northern lights, some tours promise a higher probability of seeing the phenomenon — like the 95% chance offered by certain tours — making them a safer bet for your limited vacation time. If you’re a budget traveler, the Yellowknife Aurora Lodge package offers great value, including accommodations. For those who want a more immersive experience, some tours include city sightseeing and local wildlife encounters.
Quick Overview
This list features 4-day tours ranging from luxury packages with hotel stays to budget-friendly options without hotel accommodation. Some tours focus mainly on aurora hunting, like the 4D3N Aurora Package, while others combine city tours and outdoor adventures, such as visits to Great Slave Lake or Old Town. Several options include professional photography and local storytelling, perfect for creating lasting memories. Here’s a detailed look at each choice.
1. 4D3N Aurora Package – Chinese Tour (Chateau/Explorer Stay)
At number one, this all-inclusive 4-day tour offers a hassle-free experience with three nights of aurora chasing and accommodations at the Yellowknife Chateau Nova or Explorer Hotel. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your chances of seeing the lights without worrying about logistics. The tour guides are experienced at finding clear skies, driving to optimal viewing spots, and even capturing professional photos of your Northern Lights adventure. The tour is highly rated, with a 4.5/5 from 21 reviews, highlighting its organized approach and friendly guides.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of comfort and convenience. You’ll be picked up from the airport, transported to prime aurora viewing locations, and enjoy the warmth of the aurora lodge with snacks and hot drinks when not outside. The itinerary includes visiting the Bush Pilot’s Monument and the Yellowknife Visitor Centre, adding a touch of local history and insight. The “hot chocolate and snacks” offerings and the complimentary aurora photos are small touches that make a big difference.
Bottom line: If your priority is a relaxing, guided experience with great odds of seeing the aurora, this package delivers. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate comfort and seamless organization.
2. 4-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing
At number two, the 5-star-rated 4-day guided tour offers a more personalized experience with a focus on aurora photography and local insights. This tour is ideal for those who want to learn about the science of the aurora, with your guides explaining how charged particles create the green, purple, and sometimes red ribbons across the sky.
Over four days, you’ll explore Great Slave Lake, visit Old Town, and enjoy city highlights like the Pilot Monument and Yellowknife Visitor Centre. The tour includes multiple aurora viewing sessions starting around 10 pm, with transportation to scenic lakeside spots and roadside parking areas. The guides are well-versed in finding clear skies, and the reviews confirm that nightly aurora sightings are common.
What makes this tour stand out is its educational component and the opportunity to capture stunning photos with guidance. Guests describe the guides as diligent and friendly, with some noting they saw the aurora all three nights. Its value is clear, with a higher price point at $889.27 but reflecting the personalized service and scientific explanations.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers eager to understand the science behind the aurora and ensure photography tips are part of the experience. Ideal if you want a comprehensive, well-rounded tour.
3. Yellowknife 4D3N Aurora package– Chinese Tour (No Hotel)
Number three on our list is a cost-effective option for those who prefer to arrange their own accommodations. This Chinese-guided tour provides the essentials: airport pickup, experienced drivers, and aurora hunting in secluded locations. The package includes hot chocolate and snacks, along with professional photos of your Northern Lights experience, which are delivered via a drive link afterward.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on the aurora itself, with highly efficient nightly hunts led by guides who understand the best spots to see the lights. The reviews praise the value for money — at around $367.43 per person — and the smooth logistics. It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind finding their own hotel and want a budget-friendly but reliable aurora experience.
The tour has a strong emphasis on safety and comfort, with warm lodges as part of the experience, and is especially popular among Chinese-speaking travelers. If your main goal is to see the aurora with minimal fuss, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom line: A smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who are comfortable making their own accommodation arrangements and want a focused aurora chase.
4. From Yellowknife: 4-Day Aurora Viewing Tour with Hotel Pickup
At number four, this tour combines aurora chasing with city exploration. For around $912 per group, it offers a 4-day experience including hotel pickup, Yellowknife city tour, and aurora hunting. Its strength lies in providing a personalized experience with hotel accommodations and the flexibility to enjoy Yellowknife’s local scene during your free time.
The itinerary features a city tour of Yellowknife, including the Big Slave Lake, Old Town, and the Indian and Métis cultural sites. The aurora viewing is scheduled for the late evening, with transportation to lakeside locations to maximize your odds of seeing the lights. You also get free time for optional activities like ice fishing or dog sledding if you extend your trip.
This tour is great for travelers who want a balanced mix of urban exploration and aurora viewing. The personalized transportation and local insight make it ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Suitable for visitors looking for a comprehensive package that combines city highlights with aurora hunts, especially if comfort is a priority.
$912 per group up to 1
5. 4 Days 3 Nights Yellowknife Aurora Hunting and Viewing Experience
Number five offers a cheaper alternative at just over $288 per person, with four days of flexible Aurora viewing. This tour stands out for its freedom during daylight hours, allowing you to explore Yellowknife at your own pace, with guided aurora outings each night. The plan includes secluded locations and a cozy cabin viewing experience on one night, adding a rustic charm to your trip.
Each evening, local guides lead 4-hour outings to spots selected for clear skies, sharing stories and legends to deepen your understanding of the Northern Lights. The tour’s informal style makes it suitable for travelers who prefer independent exploration but want expert-led night excursions.
Guests love the personalized approach, and the hot drinks and snacks provided add warmth during chilly nights. The main downside is the lack of hotel accommodation included, so you’ll need to arrange your stay separately.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for budget travelers who want flexibility, local craftsmanship, and multiple chances to see the aurora.
$288.32 per person
6. 4-Day Aurora Viewing Tour in Yellowknife, Canada
Finally, this mid-priced option at $595 per person emphasizes that Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world for aurora viewing, with a 95% probability of seeing the lights. It offers hotel pickup, a city tour, and several aurora viewing sessions over four days, including visits to Great Slave Lake and Old Town.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on comfort and convenience, plus the opportunity to try winter activities like dog sledding or ice fishing as optional add-ons. It provides a good balance of guided aurora hunts, local sightseeing, and free time to explore Yellowknife.
Though reviews are sparse, the emphasis on high success rates in seeing the lights makes this a reliable choice. Its value for money is solid, considering the inclusions and the prime location.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded, comfortable experience with good chances of aurora sightings.
$595.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Choosing among these options depends on your priorities. If comfort and maximized aurora sightings matter most, the 4D3N Aurora Package or the 4-Day Guided Tour are top contenders. For travelers on a budget, the Chinese-guided no-hotel tour offers great value, especially if you’re comfortable arranging your own lodging. If you prefer a blend of city exploration and aurora hunts, the From Yellowknife tour provides a nice balance.
Think about whether you want photography guidance, local stories, or outdoor winter activities as part of your trip. Also, check if hotel accommodations or flexibility during daytime is important. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak aurora seasons from late fall to early spring.
Final Thoughts
Yellowknife’s diverse tour options mean there’s something for every type of traveler — whether you want a luxury, all-inclusive experience or a budget-friendly adventure. Options like the 4D3N Aurora Package shine for their seamless organization and high success rate, while tours like the Aurora Hunting Experience offer more flexibility and immersion.
If witnessing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, booking early and choosing a tour that aligns with your comfort and curiosity will ensure a memorable trip. Remember, in winter’s long nights, the aurora’s dance is never guaranteed, but with the right tour, your odds are much better.
Happy aurora hunting!