Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Yellowknife

Home / Canada / 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
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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 5% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 12:01pm UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 10 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 0 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 4 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 4.26 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 367.2 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 82%

Sunrise 5:29am

Sunset 9:39pm

Moonrise 6:19pm

Moonset 4:54am

Weather Forecast for Yellowknife

Clouds

-8°C Feels like -12°C

High: 1°C
Low: -8°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 70%
Southerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 5 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

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

Free cancellation Private tour

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Tour

4.4 (9)

4 hours 30 minutes From £53.73

Get ready for an unforgettable 4-hour Aurora Hunting adventure! This isn't a one-stop tour—we're chasing the Northern Lights across multiple remote locations, guided by real-time forecasts and our expert local guide. Every stop brings a new chance to witness the aurora in full glory. You'll enjoy warm drinks, tasty snacks, and engaging stories that bring the North to life. Don’t just hope to see the lights—go out and find them with us. Spots fill fast—book now and let the chase begin!
Free cancellation

Aurora Chasing + Aurora Lodge

4.7 (129)

4 hours From £75.54

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.
Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

4.9 (286)

4 hours From £79.07

We are local with plenty of Northern stories to share. Our tours are small and the cabin is warm and cozy. We offer a great light midnight lunch that includes hot bannock and local fish chowder. Coffee and several varieties of teas including northern teas. teas is included, you are invited to bring a beverage of your choice such as champagne to celebrate under the aurora. We have fun Northern clothing to dress up for photo ops. Small groups can book entire cabin for private use. Cost is based on price of 12 guests. ******** We must have a minimum of 5 guests to operate tour*********
Free cancellation

Yellowknife Aurora Full Day Tour

3.0 (2)

8 hours From £54.84

Yellowknife offers travelers a one-of-a-kind northern adventure, combining natural wonders with rich cultural history. Known as one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis, the city’s location under the auroral oval and clear night skies create perfect conditions for this unforgettable experience. Outdoor adventures await year-round: hike the scenic Cameron Falls Trail, relax at Fred Henne Territorial Park, or explore the vast beauty of Great Slave Lake, from kayaking and fishing in summer to ice roads and dog sledding in winter. Cultural highlights include exploring the historic Old Town and visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, which showcases Indigenous traditions and northern history. With guided tours, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters, Yellowknife is the ultimate destination to experience Canada’s North. Book your tour today for memories that last a lifetime!
Free cancellation Private tour

Yellowknife Cameron Waterfalls Nature Hiking

5.0 (18)

4 hours From £53.73

Hike through ancient rock and boreal forest to scenic Cameron Falls. Spot northern wildlife like ptarmigan, whisky jacks, and ravens. Enjoy laughs, snacks, and stories with your guide on a trail full of northern charm and natural beauty
Free cancellation Private tour

Yellowknife 2 Night Aurora Combo Hunting Cabin No Hotel

4.0 (1)

2 days From £160.64

Chase the Northern Lights one night, then relax beneath them the next. On Night 1, we pick you up from your hotel and head beyond the city lights in search of clear skies. Your guide tracks real-time aurora data to choose the best viewing spots while sharing northern legends, tips for photography, and warm drinks and snacks. On Night 2, settle into a heated cabin at our private Arctic Aurora Camp — a cozy and quiet space surrounded by boreal forest. Watch the lights through panoramic windows or step outside for photos near the traditional tipis and glass-roofed shelters. This 2-night combo offers the perfect mix of movement and comfort, all guided by locals who know the land, the lights, and how to keep your aurora dreams alive. Hotel pickup and drop-off included each night. Your journey to the aurora starts here — come chase, then stay.