Canada Yellowknife Dream Aurora Experience 5-Day Tour (Yellowknife)

Itinerary details

Depending on your arrival time, a representative will meet you at Yellowknife Airport. The meeting point is near the polar bear statue in the baggage claim area. Our representative will be wearing a red Canada Goose down jacket with a polar bear logo on the chest and holding a “Welcome, Yellowknife Aurora VIP” sign. Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, lies at a high latitude: 62°31′60″ north and 114°12′7″ west. Thanks to its prime location directly beneath the Aurora Oval, Yellowknife has earned the title “Aurora Capital of the World.” Just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle, it enjoys aurora displays on more than 240 days a year, making it one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Statistics show that if you stay for three nights, your chances of seeing the aurora are as high as 98%, a figure that has also earned Yellowknife high praise from NASA. The aurora is an electrical phenomenon caused by solar winds colliding with Earth’s magnetic field high in the atmosphere, but beneath Yellowknife’s night sky, science becomes magic. Watching ribbons of green light flow across the starry sky is not only a visual delight, but also a precious good-luck charm bestowed upon us by nature. Some say seeing the aurora brings good luck and happiness; others believe that women who wish to become pregnant will conceive if they see it. The aurora sparks boundless imagination and is steeped in myths and legends—it is a must-see at least once in your lifetime! August to the end of November (fall): Today, fly from your home city to Yellowknife. Upon arrival at Yellowknife Airport, a private vehicle will take you to your hotel to check in, where a staff member will provide a brief orientation. You can rest at the hotel or explore downtown on your own. After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board your vehicle for an aurora tour. (In autumn, tours run approximately from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The actual schedule may change depending on the weather.) Aurora hunting is one of the best ways to see and photograph the northern lights. An experienced driver takes you through the wilderness like a hunter, visiting lakeside locations and catching fleeting displays of the aurora in breaks between the clouds. The Arctic Igloo is a panoramic stargazing cabin modeled after an Inuit igloo and made from 166 glass panels. You can take photos outdoors at your leisure. December to April (winter): Today, fly from your home city to Yellowknife. Upon arrival at Yellowknife Airport, a private vehicle will take you to your hotel to check in, where a staff member will provide a brief orientation and help you try on and rent cold-weather clothing and snow boots (November to March). You can rest at the hotel or explore downtown on your own. After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board your vehicle for an aurora tour. (In winter, tours run approximately from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The actual schedule may change depending on the weather.) You can enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks in the warmth of a cozy cabin while waiting for the aurora to appear. Don’t forget your camera so you can capture the aurora’s dazzling dance when it appears! Aurora hunting is one of the best ways to see and photograph the northern lights. An experienced driver takes you through the wilderness like a hunter, visiting lakeside locations and catching fleeting displays of the aurora in breaks between the clouds.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Nova Inn or Quality Inn or equivalent

Attraction details

Northern Lights viewing

Northern Lights viewing

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Itinerary details

Today, enjoy a tour of downtown Yellowknife (approximately two hours). Please follow your guide’s instructions from the previous day regarding the meeting time. The itinerary includes: 【Welcome to Yellowknife Sign】 Located on the main route from Yellowknife Airport (YZF) to downtown, the Welcome to Yellowknife Sign is the first popular photo spot visitors encounter upon arriving in Yellowknife. This prominent sign marks your arrival in the heart of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Its design incorporates elements of the region’s rich mining history, set against a backdrop of northern coniferous forests and rocky terrain. Whether you’ve just landed or are wrapping up your trip, be sure to stop here for a classic “I was here” photo and capture a memory of your visit to the Aurora Capital of the World. 【Yellowknife Visitor Centre】 The Yellowknife Visitor Centre is in a prime location downtown and serves as a key hub connecting visitors with this polar city. For most travelers, it’s not just a place to pick up maps and transportation information, but also a destination in its own right. You can collect the highly symbolic “60th Parallel North Arrival Certificate” and a custom Yellowknife-shaped pin as keepsakes from your adventure. The centre’s wide array of exhibits showcases the ecological and cultural highlights of the Northwest Territories. Whether you’re asking about the best time to see the Northern Lights or looking for scenic hiking routes, the Visitor Centre is an essential starting point for your Yellowknife adventure. 【Old Town】 (drive by) Yellowknife’s Old Town is not only the birthplace of the city, but also a living museum where you can experience the glory of the 1930s Gold Rush in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Fearless pioneers built this settlement along the rocky shores of Great Slave Lake, the world’s tenth-largest lake, and the area still retains the atmosphere of the pioneering era. As you stroll along its winding, hilly streets, you’ll see colorful traditional wooden buildings alongside modern styles, with every cabin telling a story of the past. More than a testament to history, this is a vibrant Yellowknife community where, alongside your Northern Lights adventure, you can get a deeper sense of the unique way local residents live alongside nature. The area is also home to the historic Wildcat Cafe and the well-known fish-fry restaurant Bullock's Bistro. From distinctive architecture to local cuisine, Old Town is full of surprises and a wonderful place to capture Yellowknife’s northern character through your lens. 【Bush Pilots Monument】 A trip to Yellowknife wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Bush Pilots Monument in Old Town. One of Yellowknife’s highest points and a well-known lookout, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and Great Slave Lake, the world’s tenth-largest lake. The monument is not only a popular photo spot but also a place of deep historical significance, commemorating the brave pilots who gave their lives helping to open up Canada’s Northwest Territories. Every view from here pays tribute to these aviation heroes. August to the end of November (fall): After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board a private vehicle for your Northern Lights excursion (in fall, approximately 22:00 to 02:00; exact times may change depending on the weather). The Arctic igloo is a panoramic glass dome modeled on an Inuit igloo and made from 166 glass panels. You are free to take photos outside. December to April (winter): After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board a private vehicle for your Northern Lights excursion (in winter, approximately 21:00 to 02:00; exact times may change depending on the weather). You can relax in the warm cabin with coffee, tea, snacks, and more while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Don’t forget your camera so you can capture the lights’ dazzling dance when they appear!

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Nova Inn or Quality Inn or equivalent

Attraction details

Northern Lights viewing

Northern Lights viewing

Close

Itinerary details

During the day, you can visit the following attractions on your own if interested: 【Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre】 Known as the “Smithsonian of the North,” the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is an authoritative resource for learning about Canada’s Northwest Territories. Set on the picturesque shores of Frame Lake, this museum offers free admission and serves not only as the official archives, but also as the home of tens of thousands of precious artifacts. Its exhibitions weave together stories of nature and people, from ecological changes since the Ice Age and specimens of Arctic wildlife to the time-honored knowledge and crafts of Indigenous peoples, including the Dene, Inuit, and Métis. The centre also documents Yellowknife’s early gold rush and the legendary bush pilots. It is a must-visit landmark where you can round out your understanding of Arctic cultures while enjoying the natural spectacle of the aurora. 【Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly】 Located in downtown Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly building is a key place to learn how this vast Arctic territory is governed. This imposing building showcases a distinctive design that combines modern craftsmanship with Indigenous traditions and stands as a proud symbol of the Northwest Territories’ “consensus government.” Visitors can join a guided tour to enter the solemn circular Chamber and see the mace, made with a 1.3-carat diamond and a narwhal tusk, as well as the polar bear-skin rug that symbolizes authority. The many exhibits provide an in-depth look at the contributions of Indigenous peoples, including the Dene, Inuit, and Métis, and the political evolution of the Northwest Territories from frontier settlement to self-government. More than just a tourist attraction, this living museum adds an intellectually enriching dimension to your aurora trip. 【NWT Diamond Centre】 Many people know Yellowknife as an aurora destination, but fewer know that it is also known as the “Diamond Capital of North America.” Since deposits were discovered here in 1991, the Northwest Territories has become one of the world’s most important diamond-producing regions. At the Diamond Centre, you can learn how the city transformed from a gold rush town into a modern diamond hub. Through its exhibits and commentary, you’ll discover the entire process, from extracting rough stones at the mines to precision cutting and polishing. Canadian diamonds are renowned for ethical mining and exceptional purity. Each one holds a geological history stretching back millions of years in the Arctic Circle, making it a more enduring testament to the Arctic than the aurora. 【Fur Display】 Long before diamonds and gold were discovered, the fur trade was the economic lifeblood of Canada’s Northwest Territories and a major force drawing European explorers deeper into the Arctic Circle. This fur display is like a time capsule, preserving important memories of that history. Visitors can learn about the differences between traditional hunting and modern fur management, and how strict regulations help ensure the sustainable development of local wildlife populations. Looking at the various pelts and hunting tools displayed on the walls, you’ll gain a deeper understanding that hunting is not only a continuation of traditional ways of life for Indigenous communities, but also an important link to their economic and cultural identity. This is an enriching journey combining history, economics, and conservation. August to the end of November (fall): Today is free time for you to explore at your leisure. If you’d like to experience the autumn charms of Canada’s Northwest Territories in depth, we highly recommend joining an optional boating and fishing excursion on Great Slave Lake. Canada’s deepest lake, reaching 614 metres, and its second-largest, Great Slave Lake boasts breathtakingly vast waters. You’ll take a boat into the lake with an Indigenous guide, looking out for the area’s abundant wildlife—from soaring gulls and startled ducks to teams of sled dogs living on nearby islands. The lake’s pristine, frigid waters are also a paradise for anglers, home to giant Northern Pike and Whitefish. Try fishing with your own rod and experience the thrill of battling a big fish amid the lake and mountain scenery, while discovering the traditional wisdom of local people living in harmony with the water. (Space is limited; please book early.) After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board a private vehicle for your Northern Lights excursion (in fall, approximately 22:00 to 02:00; exact times may change depending on the weather). The Arctic igloo is a panoramic glass dome modeled on an Inuit igloo and made from 166 glass panels. You are free to take photos outside. Winter: December to the end of April: Make the most of today’s free time and explore Yellowknife’s distinctive local character at your own pace. A top recommendation is to visit Old Town and dine at the internationally renowned Bullock's Bistro, a restaurant synonymous with Yellowknife cuisine. Known for its distinctive decor and warm service, its most popular dishes are signature fish and chips and pan-seared fish fillets made with fresh catches from Great Slave Lake and served with the restaurant’s special sauce—must-try favorites that draw a line of visitors. After your meal, browse the nearby specialty shops for unique Yellowknife souvenirs. If you’d like a break from the snowy outdoors, visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre or the distinctive Legislative Assembly in the city center. The museum’s extensive collections make it an ideal place to learn about Indigenous cultures, the gold rush history, and Arctic ecology, making your free time both enriching and memorable. After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board a private vehicle for your Northern Lights excursion (in winter, approximately 21:00 to 02:00; exact times may change depending on the weather). You can relax in the warm cabin with coffee, tea, snacks, and more while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Don’t forget your camera so you can capture the lights’ dazzling dance when they appear!

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Nova Inn or Quality Inn or equivalent

Attraction details

Northern Lights viewing

Northern Lights viewing

Close

Itinerary details

During the day, you can visit the following attractions on your own if interested: 【Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre】 Known as the “Smithsonian of the North,” the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is an authoritative resource for learning about Canada’s Northwest Territories. Set on the picturesque shores of Frame Lake, this museum offers free admission and serves not only as the official archives, but also as the home of tens of thousands of precious artifacts. Its exhibitions weave together stories of nature and people, from ecological changes since the Ice Age and specimens of Arctic wildlife to the time-honored knowledge and crafts of Indigenous peoples, including the Dene, Inuit, and Métis. The centre also documents Yellowknife’s early gold rush and the legendary bush pilots. It is a must-visit landmark where you can round out your understanding of Arctic cultures while enjoying the natural spectacle of the aurora. 【Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly】 Located in downtown Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly building is a key place to learn how this vast Arctic territory is governed. This imposing building showcases a distinctive design that combines modern craftsmanship with Indigenous traditions and stands as a proud symbol of the Northwest Territories’ “consensus government.” Visitors can join a guided tour to enter the solemn circular Chamber and see the mace, made with a 1.3-carat diamond and a narwhal tusk, as well as the polar bear-skin rug that symbolizes authority. The many exhibits provide an in-depth look at the contributions of Indigenous peoples, including the Dene, Inuit, and Métis, and the political evolution of the Northwest Territories from frontier settlement to self-government. More than just a tourist attraction, this living museum adds an intellectually enriching dimension to your aurora trip. 【NWT Diamond Centre】 Many people know Yellowknife as an aurora destination, but fewer know that it is also known as the “Diamond Capital of North America.” Since deposits were discovered here in 1991, the Northwest Territories has become one of the world’s most important diamond-producing regions. At the Diamond Centre, you can learn how the city transformed from a gold rush town into a modern diamond hub. Through its exhibits and commentary, you’ll discover the entire process, from extracting rough stones at the mines to precision cutting and polishing. Canadian diamonds are renowned for ethical mining and exceptional purity. Each one holds a geological history stretching back millions of years in the Arctic Circle, making it a more enduring testament to the Arctic than the aurora. 【Fur Display】 Long before diamonds and gold were discovered, the fur trade was the economic lifeblood of Canada’s Northwest Territories and a major force drawing European explorers deeper into the Arctic Circle. This fur display is like a time capsule, preserving important memories of that history. Visitors can learn about the differences between traditional hunting and modern fur management, and how strict regulations help ensure the sustainable development of local wildlife populations. Looking at the various pelts and hunting tools displayed on the walls, you’ll gain a deeper understanding that hunting is not only a continuation of traditional ways of life for Indigenous communities, but also an important link to their economic and cultural identity. This is an enriching journey combining history, economics, and conservation. August to the end of November (fall): Today is free time for you to explore at your leisure. If you’d like to experience the autumn charms of Canada’s Northwest Territories in depth, we highly recommend joining an optional boating and fishing excursion on Great Slave Lake. Canada’s deepest lake, reaching 614 metres, and its second-largest, Great Slave Lake boasts breathtakingly vast waters. You’ll take a boat into the lake with an Indigenous guide, looking out for the area’s abundant wildlife—from soaring gulls and startled ducks to teams of sled dogs living on nearby islands. The lake’s pristine, frigid waters are also a paradise for anglers, home to giant Northern Pike and Whitefish. Try fishing with your own rod and experience the thrill of battling a big fish amid the lake and mountain scenery, while discovering the traditional wisdom of local people living in harmony with the water. (Space is limited; please book early.) After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board a private vehicle for your Northern Lights excursion (in fall, approximately 22:00 to 02:00; exact times may change depending on the weather). The Arctic igloo is a panoramic glass dome modeled on an Inuit igloo and made from 166 glass panels. You are free to take photos outside. Winter: December to the end of April: Make the most of today’s free time and explore Yellowknife’s distinctive local character at your own pace. A top recommendation is to visit Old Town and dine at the internationally renowned Bullock's Bistro, a restaurant synonymous with Yellowknife cuisine. Known for its distinctive decor and warm service, its most popular dishes are signature fish and chips and pan-seared fish fillets made with fresh catches from Great Slave Lake and served with the restaurant’s special sauce—must-try favorites that draw a line of visitors. After your meal, browse the nearby specialty shops for unique Yellowknife souvenirs. If you’d like a break from the snowy outdoors, visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre or the distinctive Legislative Assembly in the city center. The museum’s extensive collections make it an ideal place to learn about Indigenous cultures, the gold rush history, and Arctic ecology, making your free time both enriching and memorable. After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time and board a private vehicle for your Northern Lights excursion (in winter, approximately 21:00 to 02:00; exact times may change depending on the weather). You can relax in the warm cabin with coffee, tea, snacks, and more while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Don’t forget your camera so you can capture the lights’ dazzling dance when they appear!

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Nova Inn or Quality Inn or equivalent

Attraction details

Northern Lights viewing

Northern Lights viewing

Close

Itinerary details

After a restful night, a private vehicle will take you to Yellowknife Airport today for your flight back home, bringing your unforgettable journey to witness the spectacular Northern Lights to a close. (Please follow your guide’s instructions regarding the airport transfer meeting time.)

Important notes

Note: All times shown on this webpage are for reference only. Actual arrival times may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, traffic congestion, traffic accidents, festivals or sporting events, civil unrest, or strikes. We appreciate your understanding. If you have onward travel plans involving other transportation to another city, we strongly recommend allowing at least 3 hours of extra time to avoid inconvenience caused by delays. Our company accepts no responsibility for losses arising from travel arrangements you make yourself without allowing sufficient extra time. Thank you for your understanding.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

None