The Woodyard : Yellowknife : Seek The Aurora

Yellowknife

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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
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.

10%

There is a 10% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 12 January 2026 at 12:28pm UTC)

Kp 3.67

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.

HPI 24 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 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 aurora activity.

Bt 8 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 0.46 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 549.8 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

Waning crescent 38%

Sunrise 9:51am

Sunset 3:39pm

Moonrise 4:39am

Moonset 10:44am

Snow

-17°C Feels like -24°C

High: -14°C
Low: -21°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 100%
North-Easterly winds 5 km/h gusts of 9 km/h
Snow 2 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

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

Free cancellation

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Tours by Bus

5.0 (31)

4 - 5 hours From £59.80

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

Traditional Dog Sledding Adventure in Yellowknife

4.4 (7)

2 hours From £60.35

A thrilling ride awaits on this traditional dog sledding adventure in Yellowknife, where you'll glide through a stunning winter landscape alongside energetic sled dogs. Each ride lasts about 25 minutes, allowing you to experience the deep connection between the Dene people and their dogs, a bond forged over generations. Before the journey, meet the enthusiastic dogs that are part of the family, and learn about their important roles in northern life. After your sled ride, warm up with fresh bannock and hot beverages in a cozy tent, making this a memorable day out in the North.
2 Days Aurora Experience in Yellowknife

No reviews

2 days From £109.18

This aurora experience is designed for travellers who want maximum results in minimum time. Over just two nights, you’ll chase the Northern Lights across three of Yellowknife’s most iconic viewing locations—Prelude Lake, Pontoon Lake, and Hidden Lake. Each destination offers a completely different foreground, landscape, and sky perspective, giving you a rare and diverse set of aurora memories that most visitors never get in a single trip. Unlike standard tours that stay in one spot or follow crowded routes, this experience is crafted with insider knowledge built from years of guiding in Yellowknife. You’ll visit hidden vantage points that only local guides know how to reach safely in winter conditions. Small groups mean more mobility, more flexibility, and the best chance to adapt to weather—and it also means your guide can focus on getting the perfect photos for you at every stop.
2 - Night Aurora Quest with Glass Tipi Experience

5.0 (2)

3 days From £177.21

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 City Tour

4.6 (15)

3 hours 30 minutes From £70.77

Welcome To Yellowknife! Explore the beautiful city of Yellowknife! View and click pictures of the beautiful and World famous City of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. You will be given a tour in English and we have Mandarin / Cantonese staff as well. Complete detailed knowledge regarding History, Geography, and Culture will be made available by speech during the tour by our experienced Guide. Our staff will make sure we click plenty of pictures for you to have a lifetime memory. We will pick up and drop off to and from your place of residence in Yellowknife. A Fun-filled, Interesting, In Person, Live, Guided tour. Check out the itinerary to see the list of exciting places you are going to visit in this tour. Yellowknife Vacations welcomes you to join us for a fun-filled Day in the Aurora capital of the world & Diamond Capital of North America - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Please note few locations are only available in winter months such as Frozen Great Slave Lake.
Free cancellation

The Best Aurora Tour

4.1 (26)

4 hours From £68.58

Very experienced and helpful tour guides serve all in details as your requests Free hot drinks, snacks, clean water, warm and beautiful campsite, exclusive clean water washroom Free photography and technology support Native cultural situation, different locations hunting tour also available Second-to-none wonderful tour experience you must not miss obviously!