Rotary Centennial Waterfront Park : Yellowknife : Seek The Aurora

Yellowknife

Home / Yellowknife

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is renowned for its breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. Nestled on the shores of Great Slave Lake, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and stunning natural beauty.

Yellowknife is located directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, particularly from late August to mid-April. The region’s cold climate often results in clear nights, enhancing your chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon.

Visiting Yellowknife to see the Northern Lights is truly a bucket-list experience, combining the magic of the aurora with the warmth of local hospitality. Yellowknife is home to Aurora Village. Are you ready to plan your adventure under the stars?

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

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

3%

There is a 3% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 11:02pm UTC)

Kp 2.67

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.

Bz 6 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 auroral activity.

Density 0.30 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 centimeter (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 494.5 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.

Clear

24°C Feels like 24°C

High: 24°C
Low: 13°C

Precipitation: 0%
Cloud cover: 8%
Wind: 5 km/h

Moon

Waxing gibbous

Sun rises at: 5:03am
Sun sets at: 10:23pm
Moon rises at: 6:26pm
Moon sets at: 10:22pm

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

4D3N Aurora Package Including 3-Nights stay Chateau or Explorer

4.6 (19)

4 days From £497.17

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. Note: This tour is not primarily conducted in English but is suitable for English-speaking tourists who are flexible with language.
Yellowknife Winter 5 Days 4 Nights: Aurora and Day Activities

5.0 (26)

5 days From £715.83

At least 1 day time activity per day. Flexible aurora tour to allow comfort and maximum chance of viewing. 3 Included meal. Early Bird Special: Free 4 piece winter clothing rental if bundle is booked at least 45 days before Arrival Day. Winter Clothing includes Parka, Snow Pants, Winter Boots, Winter Mitts. Amazing price compared to individual bookings. No hassle and no worry. Optional Hotel booking arrangement.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4.8 (284)

4 hours From £55.37

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.
Free cancellation

Cameron Falls Hiking Tour from Yellowknife

5.0 (8)

4 hours From £58.72

Enjoy this 4-hour hiking day tour at Cameron falls and reconnect with nature and wildlife at its best. On this tour you will encounter some northern wildlife, take in stunning views, and learn about the region and wildlife!
Free cancellation

City and Culture Tour of Yellowknife

4.8 (17)

3 hours From £72.70

A small group of intimate experience. The tour is full of culture, lore and amazing history. The tour will visit all the major landmarks of Yellowknife, Prince of Wales Heritage Centre, Legislative Assembly, Ragged Ass Road, Pilot Monument,, Bristol Monument and more. Guests will be engaged throughout the tour. The best way to learn about the city of Yellowknife and the Spectacular Northwest Territories.
Yellowknife 4 Days 3 Nights Aurora Tour Package - Accommodation not included

5.0 (2)

4 days From £276.83

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. Note: This tour is not primarily conducted in English but is suitable for English-speaking tourists who are flexible with language.