Yellowknife

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Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, sitting at 62°N on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, one of the deepest lakes in North America. The city lies directly beneath the auroral oval and is widely considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. NASA data suggests that aurora is visible from Yellowknife on an average of around 240 nights per year, and the region’s dry, continental climate produces clear skies more often than coastal locations at similar latitudes.

Aurora Village, a dedicated viewing site on the outskirts of the city, is one of Canada’s best-known aurora tourism operations. Visitors sit in heated teepees and step outside when the lights appear. Other popular viewing spots include Prospector’s Point, the Ingraham Trail corridor and the frozen expanse of Great Slave Lake itself, where the flat ice provides unobstructed 360-degree horizons.

Yellowknife has a frontier character that sets it apart from southern Canadian cities. The Old Town, built on rocky outcrops along the lakeshore, is a jumble of houseboats, log cabins and colourful buildings. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre covers the history and culture of the region’s Dene and Métis peoples. Dog sledding, snowmobile tours, ice fishing and ice road driving are popular winter activities.

The city has a domestic airport with regular flights from Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa. It’s remote, the nearest city of any size is Edmonton, around 1,500 km to the south, but that remoteness is precisely what makes the aurora viewing so reliable. For those willing to make the journey, Yellowknife delivers some of the most consistent Northern Lights experiences available anywhere.

Credit: Ken Cheung
Credit: Ken Cheung
Credit: kwan fung
Credit: kwan fung
Credit: Ian Keefe
Credit: Sydney Haws
Credit: Luke Moore

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Yellowknife. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

There is a 7% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 26 August 2026 at 5:20am UTC)

Kp 0.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 13 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 1 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 3 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 1.85 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 312.7 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Moon

Waxing gibbous 84%

Sunrise 6:07am

Sunset 9:12pm

Moonrise 9:04pm

Moonset 1:54am

Clear

13°C Feels like 13°C

High: 17°C
Low: 8°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 7%
North-Westerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 9 km/h

Aurora season in Yellowknife

The aurora season in Yellowknife runs from August to April, with the best viewing conditions in September, October, February and March.

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Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Yellowknife.

4D3N Aurora Package (Chateau/Explorer Stay)Taiwan Mandarin Guide

4.4 (22)

4 days From £535.57

Note: This tour is not primarily conducted in English but is suitable for English-speaking tourists who are flexible with language. Stay at the top-rated Explorer Hotel or Chateau Nova. Our Aurora Lodge offers a spacious and cozy indoor area where you can comfortably wait for the Aurora without facing the cold or crowded vehicles. Package includes: ️24-hour airport pickup ️A city tour featuring must-see landmarks such as Pilots Monument, the Visitor Centre (where you can receive a certificate and a small knife), Ndilo, and Old Town. ️✅During the winter, enjoy the Ice Road, and in March, experience the Ice Castle. ️Free Aurora photos delivered via a drive link, allowing you to cherish the memories of your trip forever. ️Warm and cozy Aurora Lodge viewing, plus Aurora hunting. ️Experienced drivers and guides, with commercial vehicles equipped with $2 million in insurance, ensuring a safe and worry-free journey.
2 - Night Aurora Quest with Glass Tipi Experience

5.0 (3)

3 days From £174.91

Witness the Northern Lights in Yellowknife from the comfort of a heated cabin or a stunning glass tipi. This two-night guided adventure includes an aurora hunting tour and a second night at the Arctic Aurora Camp, where you can enjoy cozy amenities while marveling at the night sky. With a knowledgeable local guide, learn about the science and myths of the auroras, and capture stunning photographs with expert tips. Enjoy complimentary snacks and hot beverages throughout your journey, ensuring a warm and inviting experience. - Two nights of guided aurora viewing with expert local guides - First night includes an aurora hunting tour by bus - Second night at Arctic Aurora Camp with cozy amenities - Free airport pickup/drop-off and complimentary snacks included
Free cancellation

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Tours by Bus

5.0 (51)

4 - 5 hours From £52.53

Our expert guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing their love for the Northern Lights with you. They know the best spots for viewing and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience. We also prioritize comfort and convenience by picking you up directly from your hotel, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without any hassle. Additionally, our small group sizes allow for a more intimate and immersive experience, ensuring that you get the most out of your aurora hunting adventure. Finally, safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and are equipped to handle any situation that may arise, giving you peace of mind as you embark on this incredible journey.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4.8 (400)

4 hours From £53.61

Wonderful and Amazing experience while going through the famous Ingraham trail to view the Northern Lights in our bus. There are lakes with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes on this trail for you to See Experience & Enjoy this wonderful Northern Lights tour with a tour guide who will click pictures for you. This type of tour is an amazing style of tour that increases your chances to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) with spectacular backgrounds and landscapes in your pictures at various lakes with amazing Northern Lights. This is the only Northern Lights tour in Yellowknife where you get "Your" free Pictures and complimentary snack. This tour is cost-effective and provides Pictures, Snacks, Pick & Drop. Important Info: This is a Nature tour. During winter months, Please make sure to dress warm or rent winter clothing from any Tour Operator in Yellowknife.
Yellowknife 4 Days 3 Nights Aurora Hunting with Airport Service

4.0 (1)

4 days From £189.53

⭐ Why This Itinerary Works • Three nights = higher aurora success rate • Flexible routes based on real-time sky conditions • Wilderness locations with minimal light pollution • Designed around late arrivals & early departures
Free cancellation

Yellowknife: Aurora Chasing + Aurora Lodge

4.7 (132)

4 hours From £73.85

The best of both worlds, Aurora Chasing and Aurora Lodge! This is the Aurora Tour that allow you to have the cake and eat it too! On a cold and clear night, guests will spend more time in a spacious and warm Lodge near Madeline Lake and wait for the aurora show to begin. While waiting, there will be a display of various furs and animal products, guests will also have access to board games, cards, majong, arcades, foosball, and basket ball shooter. Light snacks and hot beverages are also provided. View the aurora in comfort, go to proper washrooms without freezing your butts off in comfort. On a night with roaming cloud, Guests will spend more time driving to clearer location to have better chance to see the Aurora. If the location of the Aurora Chasing is near the lodge, guests may use the lodge to rest and recuperate. Professional photographer will take guests photos and provide original digital photos to all guests at no additional charge.