Why Should You Travel with Calgary Tours?
Since 1994, Calgary Tours has been providing high-quality travel services throughout Western Canada and the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks. With over 30 years of industry experience, we serve thousands of travelers annually.
We have professional tour guides in multiple languages (English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese) and our own fleet of vehicles (7 to 56 seats). Calgary Tours joined JTB Group in 2019, providing global professional travel services while maintaining local expertise.
What Makes Northern Canada Perfect for Your Next Adventure?
Northern Canada offers some of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena, with Yellowknife and Whitehorse positioned directly beneath the aurora oval for exceptional northern lights viewing. This remote wilderness region features pristine boreal forests, expansive tundra landscapes, and indigenous cultural experiences unique to Canada's Arctic territories. The Northwest Territories and Yukon provide year-round outdoor adventures, from winter aurora chasing to summer midnight sun experiences.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Northern Canada?
- Winter (November-Early April): Prime aurora viewing season with dark, clear skies and the highest chances of witnessing the northern lights. Temperatures drop significantly, but winter activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing are accessible.
- Summer (May-July): Midnight sun season with near-24-hour daylight, perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring northern landscapes. Aurora viewing is not possible due to continuous daylight.
- Fall (August-October): Aurora season returns with comfortable temperatures and fall colors. Fewer crowds and excellent photography opportunities as the northern lights reappear in darkening skies.
What Are the Most Popular Northern Canada Activities?
Witness the spectacular aurora borealis dancing across Arctic skies in Yellowknife, one of the world's premier northern lights destinations. Experience traditional indigenous culture, explore vast wilderness areas on guided snowshoe expeditions, and photograph the midnight sun during summer months. Winter visitors can enjoy dog sledding, ice fishing on frozen lakes, and visiting unique northern communities accessible only by winter ice roads.
For detailed aurora viewing tips and photography guidance, see our Northern Lights Viewing Guide (link placeholder).
What Tour Options Do We Offer for Every Schedule?
Whether you have three days or a full week, we offer flexible tour options including focused aurora viewing packages, extended northern wilderness expeditions with multiple nights under the lights, and combination tours that pair northern lights viewing with Canadian Rockies experiences. Select tours feature comfortable heated aurora viewing facilities and professional photography assistance.
How Do You Get Around Northern Canada on Our Tours?
Most Northern Canada tours include transportation between destinations and to prime aurora viewing locations, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than Arctic navigation. Our guided tours feature knowledgeable northern specialists who share insights about Arctic ecology, indigenous cultures, and optimal aurora viewing strategies.
For comprehensive travel planning tips, check out our Northern Canada Travel Guide for detailed itineraries and packing recommendations.
Where Do Our Tours Depart From?
Main Departure Cities: Vancouver - Multiple tour options with convenient departure services for western Canada travelers
Yellowknife - Extensive aurora viewing packages departing from the aurora capital
Whitehorse - Yukon wilderness tours with northern lights viewing opportunities
Additional Departure Locations: Calgary Airport - Select combination packages connecting Rocky Mountains with northern aurora experiences
Airport Transfer Services: Calgary Airport - Complimentary pickup and drop-off service available for combination tour packages
Yellowknife Airport - Transfer services included for most aurora viewing tours
All departure times and meeting locations will be confirmed in your booking details. Airport transfer services must be arranged at time of booking and are subject to flight schedule coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to explore Northern Canada?
We recommend at least 3-4 days to maximize aurora viewing opportunities, as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon that may not appear every night. Extended 5-7 day packages provide multiple viewing opportunities and time to explore northern communities and wilderness areas. Shorter tours are available but offer fewer chances to witness the aurora.
What's included in Northern Canada tour packages?
Most packages include transportation, professional guide services, aurora viewing sessions, and accommodation in Yellowknife or Whitehorse. Many tours provide heated aurora viewing facilities and hot beverages during evening viewing sessions. Specific inclusions vary by tour—check individual tour details for complete information about meals, activities, and optional experiences.
Do I need to be physically fit for Northern Canada tours?
Our tours cater to various fitness levels. Aurora viewing typically requires minimal physical exertion, though you'll be standing or sitting outdoors in cold temperatures for extended periods. Optional activities like snowshoeing or dog sledding require moderate fitness levels. Winter tours demand tolerance for extreme cold weather conditions.
What should I pack for a Northern Canada tour?
Pack extreme cold weather gear including insulated parka, snow pants, insulated boots rated to -40°C, thermal layers, warm gloves, and face protection (rental is available from December to April). Camera equipment should include spare batteries, as cold temperatures drain battery life quickly. Detailed packing lists specific to your travel dates are provided with your booking confirmation.
Are Northern Canada tours suitable for anyone?
Absolutely! Our Northern Canada tours welcome travelers of all types—families with children, seniors, solo adventurers, couples, and group travelers. We design our itineraries to be inclusive and enjoyable for guests with varying interests and mobility levels. Winter tours do require tolerance for extreme cold, so guests should consider their comfort level with sub-zero temperatures.
When do I need to book my Northern Canada tour?
We recommend booking 8-12 weeks in advance, especially for peak aurora season (December-March) when demand is highest. Accommodation in Yellowknife and Whitehorse is limited, and prime aurora viewing tours fill quickly. Early booking ensures better availability and often provides access to early booking discounts.
