HOME — YELLOWKNIFE — AURORA VIEWING
Overview
Seamless Travel Upgrade: For tours departing between August 19, 2026, and March 5, 2027, guests selecting eligible departure dates have the option to add a convenient one-way flight between Vancouver and Yellowknife (Vancouver to Yellowknife OR Yellowknife to Vancouver) during checkout for only CA$280 + 5% GST per person!
(Please refer to the "Addition" section below for a detailed list of applicable dates. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Calgary Tours customer service team.)
Arrival in Yellowknife – The Aurora Capital of the World & First Night of Aurora Hunting
**Depending on your flight schedule, our dedicated representatives will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at the Yellowknife Airport (Instruction: Yellowknife Airport Pick Up Meeting Point).
Look for our friendly guides dressed in signature red Canada Goose down jackets featuring a polar bear logo, holding a "Yellowknife Aurora Tour VIP" welcome sign.
As the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, Yellowknife proudly holds the title of the "Aurora Capital of the World." Situated perfectly beneath the Aurora Oval at a high latitude of 62° North, the city is just a stone's throw from the Arctic Circle. This prime geographic location boasts over 240 nights of Northern Lights displays annually, making it one of the absolute best places on Earth for aurora viewing. Statistics show a staggering 95% chance of witnessing the aurora over a three-night stay—a phenomenal probability highly praised by NASA. Beyond the science of solar winds interacting with the Earth's magnetic field, the aurora borealis is pure magic. Watching the glowing emerald ribbons dance across the starry sky is not only a visual feast but also a legendary symbol of good fortune and happiness in many cultures. It is an awe-inspiring, bucket-list natural wonder you must experience at least once in your lifetime!
Autumn Itinerary (August to Late November):
After arriving from your departure city, you will be comfortably transferred to your hotel for check-in and a brief orientation. You may spend the afternoon resting or independently exploring the downtown area. After dinner, gather in the hotel lobby at the designated time to embark on your highly anticipated Aurora Hunting tour (approximately 22:00 to 02:00, subject to weather conditions).
Led by our expert local drivers acting as true "aurora hunters," we will navigate the wilderness and various lakesides to find the clearest skies and capture the most brilliant, fleeting lights. During the tour, you will also enjoy exclusive access to our panoramic glass igloo—a breathtaking structure built with 166 glass panels—providing the ultimate warm and immersive environment for outdoor astrophotography.
Winter Itinerary (December to April):
Upon your arrival, enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel for check-in and a brief orientation. For guests traveling between late November and March, our team will assist you with the fitting and rental of professional winter gear and snow boots to ensure your maximum comfort. You may spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the snowy city center. After dinner, meet in the hotel lobby to begin your spectacular Northern Lights excursion (approximately 21:00 to 02:00, subject to weather conditions).
You will await the magical aurora borealis in the comfort of a warm, cozy wilderness cabin while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks. Have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking dance of the Northern Lights! To maximize your chances, this tour also features dynamic Aurora Hunting, where our experienced drivers expertly navigate the wilderness to find cloud-free skies and the best possible viewing spots. Meals
★Breakfast: Own Arrangement/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Nova Inn or Quality Inn or Similar
YELLOWKNIFE CITY TOUR — AURORA VIEWING
Overview
Yellowknife City Tour & Second Night of Aurora Hunting
Today, you will embark on a comprehensive guided Yellowknife City Tour (approximately 2 hours). Please refer to your Calgary Tours guide's instructions from the previous evening for the exact meeting time. Your curated city itinerary includes:
【Welcome to Yellowknife Sign】
Located on the main route from the Yellowknife Airport (YZF) to downtown, the Welcome to Yellowknife Sign is the ultimate first photo stop for every visitor. This prominent landmark signals your arrival in the heart of Canada's Northwest Territories. Its design highlights the region's rich mining heritage, set against a quintessential northern backdrop of boreal forests and rocky Canadian Shield landscapes. Do not forget to capture this iconic photo to document your footprint in the Aurora Capital of the World!
【Yellowknife Visitor Centre】
Situated in the downtown core, the Yellowknife Visitor Centre is an essential hub connecting travelers to this Arctic city. For many, it is more than just a place to grab maps; it offers a highly ceremonial experience. Here, you can collect the legendary "North of 60 Certificate" and a signature Yellowknife knife pin as the perfect souvenirs of your epic northern journey. The center also features engaging exhibits that condense the ecological and cultural essence of the region, making it the perfect starting point for your Yellowknife adventure.
【Old Town (Drive-through & Sightseeing)】
The historic Old Town is not only the birthplace of Yellowknife but also a living museum of the Northwest Territories' 1930s Gold Rush era. Built along the rocky shores of Great Slave Lake—the tenth largest lake in the world—this settlement retains a strong frontier vibe. As we pass through its winding streets, you will see a charming mix of colorful traditional wooden cabins and modern architecture, each telling a legendary story. Old Town is also home to historic landmarks like the Wildcat Cafe and the renowned Bullock's Bistro. It is a vibrant community where history and local Arctic life seamlessly intertwine.
【Bush Pilots Monument】
No trip to Yellowknife is complete without visiting the Bush Pilots Monument in Old Town. As the highest elevation point in the city and Yellowknife's premier observation deck, it offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the magnificent Great Slave Lake. Beyond being a highly popular photo spot, the monument carries profound historical significance; it is dedicated to the brave bush pilots who lost their lives opening up the vast, uncharted wilderness of the Northwest Territories.
Autumn (August to October):
After dinner, please gather in the hotel lobby at the designated time for the highlight of the evening: your second Aurora Hunting tour (approximately 22:00 to 02:00, subject to weather adjustments). We will transport you away from city light pollution to our exclusive aurora camp. Here, you will wait for the Northern Lights in the warmth and comfort of our panoramic glass igloo, constructed from 166 glass panels. You can step outside at any moment to capture stunning astrophotography and create dreamy memories of your Yellowknife escape.
Winter (November to April):
After dinner, please meet in the hotel lobby at the designated time to embark on tonight's spectacular Northern Lights excursion (approximately 21:00 to 02:00, subject to weather adjustments). We will take you far from the city lights to our prime aurora viewing camp. Inside a warm and cozy wilderness cabin, you can relax with complimentary hot coffee, tea, and snacks while peacefully awaiting the Aurora Goddess. Have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking, colorful dance of the aurora across the starry winter sky!
Meals
★Breakfast: Own Arrangement/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Nova Inn or Quality inn or Similar
YELLOWKNIFE — HOME
Overview
After a restful night's sleep, we will provide a comfortable, dedicated transfer to Yellowknife Airport (YZF) for your flight home. As you head to the terminal, you can reflect on the spectacular memories made during your Aurora hunting adventure. This concludes your tour of the Northwest Territories.
(Please note: The specific pick-up time will be confirmed by your tour guide the day prior.)
Meals
★Breakfast: Own Arrangement/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
N/A