Skydome Aurora Viewing

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights, the Skydome Aurora Viewing tour in Yellowknife promises to deliver a memorable experience without sacrificing comfort. This tour, offered by North of 60 Aurora Adventures, combines the thrill of aurora spotting with a cozy, weatherproof setting just minutes from the city.

What we really like about this experience is its flexibility and comfort—you’re not stuck outside in freezing temperatures, and you can move between three different domes and outdoor spaces for the best possible views. The price of around $92 per person makes it a fairly accessible way to tick off a bucket list item, especially given the quality of the experience.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency—since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, clear skies are key. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour offers options for rescheduling or refunds, which adds some reassurance for travelers.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comfortable, social way to see the aurora, particularly if you’re new to Northern Lights chases or prefer not to venture into extreme cold. It’s suitable for most travelers, including service animals, making it a practical choice for a wide range of visitors.

Good To Know

• Comfortable setting: Warm skydomes keep you cozy while waiting for the aurora.
• Flexible viewing options: Multiple domes and outdoor space allow guests to choose their preferred viewing spot.
• All-inclusive: Price includes transportation, pick-up/drop-off, and admission.
• Small group atmosphere: Max 40 travelers, with options for larger or more intimate experiences.
• Weather contingency: Cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or reschedulable.
• Convenient timing: Starts at 9:00 pm, aligning with prime aurora viewing hours.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Your Night with Convenience

The tour begins with a pick-up from your Yellowknife accommodation around 9:00 pm. The transportation is generally straightforward—most guests report smooth arrangements, and the small coach bus takes you about 15 minutes north of the city to the aurora venues. This proximity means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the lights.

The Skydomes: A Cozy Viewing Hub

Once at North of 60 Aurora Adventures, you’ll find a large skydome that can hold about 20 guests, plus two mini domes that accommodate around 10 each. Guests are often encouraged to move freely between all three domes and the outdoor space. Reviewers mention that this flexibility is great because it allows you to find the best spot for viewing, which can be crucial under changing weather conditions.

The domes are heated and comfortable, providing a stark contrast to the often-cold nights outside. Guests have appreciated that they can stay warm without missing out on the night sky, a key advantage over traditional outdoor aurora tours.

The Aurora Viewing Experience

Guests often describe the experience as relaxing and social, with plenty of opportunities to chat, take photos, or simply marvel at the sky. Since the tour is designed to maximize comfort and flexibility, you’re not stuck outside in frigid conditions waiting for the lights to appear.

One reviewer noted that “we loved the way you could move between domes” and that the outdoor space offered unobstructed views when the skies cleared. The dome’s panoramic windows seem to be well designed, giving everyone a good chance to see the aurora even if it’s faint or shifting.

The Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the lights without feeling rushed. With a maximum of 40 guests, it remains a relatively intimate experience, preventing the chaos often associated with larger tours. This size is manageable, allowing guides to give more personalized attention.

Additional Details

• Confirmation is immediate at booking, which is helpful if you’re planning on a specific night.
• Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with pets.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate, unless weather conditions are poor or specific health issues arise.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $92.13 per person, this tour is priced competitively considering the inclusions—transport, admission, and the cozy viewing environment. You’re paying for a stress-free experience, where comfort and flexibility take priority, rather than risking the discomfort of waiting outside in cold weather.

The small group setting and the ability to move freely between domes make it a more personalized experience, likely increasing your chances to see the aurora clearly. Plus, the contingency plans for bad weather ensure that your investment isn’t wasted—rescheduling or full refunds help mitigate the unpredictability of nature.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pickup and Transit

The pickup from your Yellowknife hotel or residence usually occurs around 9:00 pm. The journey to North of 60 Aurora Adventures takes about 15 minutes, meaning you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the lights. Many reviews highlight how seamless this part of the process is, with friendly guides handling logistics smoothly.

Arrival at the Skydomes

Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to the three domes and outdoor viewing area. The large dome, with room for about 20 guests, serves as the main gathering space, while the mini domes offer more intimate viewing opportunities. Guests often find the heated interiors welcoming, especially after brief outdoor moments.

The Viewing Experience

Once settled, you’re encouraged to move around freely—a feature many guests find valuable since aurora activity can vary significantly from one part of the sky to another. The domes are designed with panoramic windows, ensuring excellent visibility regardless of where you are inside.

Some travelers mention that guides like Derek and Sara are friendly and informative, often providing tips on photographing the aurora or explaining the science behind the phenomenon. The outdoor space is also well-maintained, with clear pathways and minimal light pollution, allowing for fantastic night sky views.

End of the Tour

After approximately four hours, the guides will arrange for your return to your hotel. Many guests note that the experience leaves them feeling both relaxed and awe-inspired, with memories of the dancing lights and the cozy setting.

Practical Tips for Your Aurora Tour

• Dress warmly—layers, hats, gloves, and insulated boots are recommended as you’ll spend some time outside.
• Consider bringing a tripod for better photography, as the lights can be fleeting and require longer exposure times.
• Arrive at the pickup point on time to optimize your evening.
• Be flexible—aurora sightings are weather dependent, but the tour’s contingency plans help you maximize your chances.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience appeals most to travelers who want a comfortable, hassle-free way to see the northern lights. If you prefer not to endure extreme cold or long outdoor waits, this cozy skydome setup is a great choice. It’s perfect for families, first-timers, or those with mobility concerns—the facilities and flexible arrangement make the experience accessible.

Also, if you’re traveling with a group, this tour’s size and social atmosphere make it a fun, engaging way to spend an evening. It’s suitable for anyone looking for a relaxing, scenic, and social aurora viewing experience without compromising comfort.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own equipment for viewing the aurora?
No, the tour provides the viewing domes and outdoor space. However, bringing a tripod for photography might improve your photos, as auroras often require long exposures.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and admission to the skydomes. It does not specify if meals or beverages are included.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 9:00 pm.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues or am traveling with a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the experience is suitable for most travelers, though it’s good to confirm specific needs with the provider.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If the weather prevents viewing, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families or groups with children.

Are there size restrictions for the domes?
The large dome holds about 20 guests, and the mini domes hold around 10 each, allowing for a flexible and intimate experience.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including hats, gloves, and insulated boots, as you’ll spend time outside waiting for the lights.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Many guests bring tripods to capture the aurora, and guides often share tips for photography.

How do I book or get more information?
You can contact North of 60 Aurora Adventures directly at +1 867-446-6061 or via email at [email protected].

Final Thoughts

The Skydome Aurora Viewing tour offers a comfortable, flexible, and social way to experience the Northern Lights near Yellowknife. Its cozy heated domes, outdoor viewing options, and proximity to the city make it a practical choice for many travelers.

While weather plays a part in aurora sightings, the tour’s contingency plans and small-group setup add to its appeal. If you’re after a relaxed yet authentic northern lights adventure, this experience might just be what you’re looking for—especially if you want to avoid the cold and enjoy the spectacle in style.

For those who value ease, comfort, and excellent value, this tour is a solid pick, promising a memorable night under the dancing skies of the North.