From Yellowknife: Aurora Borealis Tour with Cozy Cabin Base

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights in the stunning wilderness of the Northwest Territories, this tour offers a rare blend of comfort and adventure. For around $103 per person, you’ll spend four hours in magical surroundings, hunting for the Aurora from the warmth of a well-equipped, inviting cabin just outside Yellowknife. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, this experience promises both great photo opportunities and genuine Northern hospitality.

What we really love about this tour are two things: first, the warmth and comfort of the cabin, allowing you to relax in cozy clothes without battling the cold all night, and second, the quality of photos taken by the guide with good camera phones, capturing the dance of the Aurora beautifully. A third plus is the small group size, which ensures a personalized experience — with an average of 16 guests, you’re far from the crowd.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency — since sightings of the Aurora can’t be guaranteed, your chances depend on clear skies and solar activity. But with the warm shelter and expert guidance, even a cloudy night can turn into an enjoyable experience. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic, and well-organized Northern Lights outing, especially if comfort and good photography matter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Comfortable setting: A warm, cozy cabin in the woods with ample space for photos.
Expert guidance: Local guides who know the area and can answer your questions.
Quality photos: Photos taken with high-quality phone cameras and transferred via email.
Tasty local food: Fish chowder and bannock with hot drinks served in the cabin.
Small group size: Max 20 guests, fostering a more intimate atmosphere.
Flexible timings: Tour can extend if the Aurora stays out longer, with the guide’s consent.

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An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Borealis Tour with Cozy Cabin

The Journey from Yellowknife to the Cabin

Starting just about 15 minutes from downtown Yellowknife, this tour begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel. The transport is a cozy, warm vehicle, helping you settle in comfortably as you head into the wilderness. This short drive transports you away from the city lights, setting the stage for a night of natural wonder.

The Cozy Cabin Experience

Once you arrive, you’ll find a warm, inviting cabin, surrounded by a spacious yard perfect for stretching out and capturing photos. The cabin is always toasty, thanks to good heating, and Tracy, the guide, ensures your comfort with additional amenities like fur coats, parkas, and hats — especially valuable on those freezing nights.

According to reviews, what makes this setting truly special is the balance of outdoor adventure and indoor comfort. You can step outside at your leisure to gaze at the sky or photograph the lights, then retreat into the warmth for food, drinks, or a quick nap on the coach if needed. As one traveler put it, “The cabin is cozy and warm,” making the wait for the Aurora genuinely enjoyable.

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The Food and Drinks

A highlight for many is Tracy’s fish chowder and bannock, served fresh from the oven. The late-night meal of hearty fish chowder accompanied by jams and hot bannock is not just filling but adds a touch of local flavor to the evening. The extensive selection of teas and hot chocolate helps keep everyone warm and comfortable during the long wait.

Hunting for the Aurora

Guided by Tracy and her team, the group checks the sky every few minutes, ready to dash outside when signs of the Aurora appear. The guides are well-versed in the area and in tracking Aurora activity, boosting your chances of a good sighting.

While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can never be guaranteed, reviews reflect a high success rate, especially during good solar activity periods. The guides go the extra mile, taking multiple high-quality photos with good camera phones from the moment the Aurora appears. They aim for 3 to 4 excellent images per sighting, ensuring you leave with memorable photos.

Group Size and Social Atmosphere

Keeping the group small — usually around 16 guests — allows for a more personalized experience. Reviewers praise Tracy’s hospitality and her attentiveness to guests’ comfort. Derrick, her assistant, also receives kudos for taking great photos and making sure everyone gets their shot.

Flexibility and Extended Viewing

The tour ends when everyone agrees, or if the Aurora remains visible past the scheduled time, guides are happy to stay longer for extra viewing. Guests can nap on the coach or enjoy the cabin’s warmth while waiting for the lights to dance across the sky.

Overall Value

At $103, this tour offers a great value considering the included amenities—warm meals, hot drinks, a cozy setting, and professional photos. The small group size and expert local guides amplify the experience, making it more than just a typical Aurora chase. Several travelers mention that the quality of the experience surpasses expectations — especially the warmth, homemade food, and knowledgeable guides.

What the Reviews Say

Jessie calls it a “very comfortable and easy way to view the Aurora,” highlighting the comfort and ease of pickup and the warm cabin.
Brittany appreciated Tracy’s hospitality and the warm coats provided, noting how much fun they had with personal stories and good photos.
Miriam found the fish chowder and bannock delicious, especially on a very cold night, emphasizing the thoughtfulness Tracy shows to keep guests warm.
Pearl describes the experience as “totally magical,” praising the warm, cozy cabin and Tracy’s kindness, which made the night memorable.
Deb and others highlight the local knowledge of guides and the quality of photos as standout features.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, intimate way to see the Northern Lights without sacrificing warmth or good food. If you prefer a small group and personalized attention, you’ll find this tour more satisfying than larger bus excursions. It’s also perfect if capturing good photos is a priority, thanks to the high-quality camera work of the guides.

However, if your main goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora, remember that Aurora sightings are never guaranteed. Weather conditions can affect visibility, but the overall experience — with cozy shelter and expert guidance — is bound to be memorable, regardless of the lights.

Practical Details

Duration: 4 hours (exact starting times vary, with pick-ups from around 9:10 PM)
Price: $103 per person, which covers transportation, guides, food, hot drinks, and photos
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Yellowknife, warm lunch, photo service, warm clothing, and Wi-Fi
Group Size: Max 20 guests, average about 16
Weather: Tour operates in all weather conditions; sightings depend on conditions and solar activity
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Suitability: Not wheelchair accessible, but suitable for most able travelers ready for cold nights

FAQs

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Will I see the Aurora every night?
Not necessarily. Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides will do their best, but they can’t guarantee the lights.

What should I wear?
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with layers, including warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots. The guides provide extra coats and fur gear for photos.

Is food included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy fish chowder and bannock, along with hot drinks like tea and hot chocolate.

How many photos will I get?
The guides aim for 3 to 4 good quality photos per Aurora appearance, sent via email or messaging apps later that night.

Can I stay longer if the Aurora is visible?
Yes, if everyone agrees and the guides permit, they will stay longer for additional Aurora viewing.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, pickup is in a warm vehicle, and the cabin is heated, ensuring you’ll stay comfortable throughout the night.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While generally family-friendly, it’s best for those comfortable with cold weather and able to handle a few hours outside in the dark.

Final Thoughts

This Aurora Borealis tour from Yellowknife offers a wonderful mix of comfort, authenticity, and local expertise. The cozy cabin setting makes it easier to relax and truly enjoy the spectacle, especially if you’re not keen on freezing in the open. The inclusion of warm food, hot drinks, and high-quality photos makes this a well-rounded experience, giving you tangible memories of your Northern Lights adventure.

For those craving a personalized, relaxed evening in the wilderness, combined with the chance to capture stunning images, this tour stands out as a truly worthwhile option. Its balance of small group intimacy and professional guidance makes it one of the best ways to experience the Aurora near Yellowknife.

Happy Aurora hunting, and may your night be filled with dancing lights and warm memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: