The Woodyard : Yellowknife : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

100%

There is a 100% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 10 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 0.47 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 662.5 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 36%

Sunrise 8:01am

Sunset 7:32pm

Moonrise 8:23am

Moonset 10:48am

Weather Forecast for Yellowknife

Clouds

-30°C Feels like -37°C

High: -20°C
Low: -30°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 81%
North-Westerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 6 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

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

Alaskan Husky Dog Sledding at Yellowknife Enodah Kennel

5.0 (46)

3 hours From £87.80

Join us on a dogsledding odyssey traversing untouched frozen lakes and picturesque forested portages. Our professional dog mushers will take you step-by-step through this unique northern experience, from setting up the dog team, riding on a sled through the trails, and thanking our amazing furry athletes afterward with some well-deserved cuddle time. After your journey, share your stories from the trail and warm up with a hot beverage in our heated Aurora Station! ***Please message us to confirm your activity pick-up time, as it varies by location.
2 - Night Aurora Quest with Glass Tipi Experience

5.0 (2)

3 days From £181.80

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

Traditional Dog Sledding Adventure in Yellowknife

4.7 (15)

2 hours From £61.91

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.
Free cancellation

City and Culture Tour of Yellowknife

4.9 (23)

3 hours From £73.17

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.
Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

4.9 (281)

4 hours From £80.35

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*********
Dog Sledding

4.8 (36)

1 hour From £89.49

A fun Winter Activity, Dog Sledding! One of the fun things to do in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Dog Sledding! This is a Quality tour with Northern experience and warm hospitality. Meet a team of friendly dogs. Feel the energy of your dog team while they pull you through snow filled trails in between of a fresh and beautiful nature. Dog Sledding Tour includes Dog Sled, bannock and tea in the cabin, with storytelling and sharing of history, traditions and fur display. Focusing on Indigenous history, traditions in a non-rushed tour. Feel free to click pictures with your dog team or with your favourite dog.