The greatest aurora tour in yellowknife

Yellowknife, often called the “Aurora Capital of the World,” has long been a magnet for travelers eager to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. This particular tour, offered by Jiguang Tour, promises a multi-day adventure that combines Aurora viewing with engaging daytime activities like ice fishing and scenic hikes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, the detailed itinerary and traveler feedback suggest it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience that balances awe-inspiring sights with authentic cultural encounters.

What we love about this tour is its comprehensive approach—combining multiple days of Aurora chasing with daytime fun, native-led activities, and stunning natural scenery. Plus, the convenience of hotel or Airbnb pickup makes it accessible, and the inclusion of free hot drinks and professional photography during the nights adds extra value. On the flip side, potential travelers should consider that this tour is quite popular, booked on average 112 days in advance, and costs around $498 per person, which is a significant investment but one that promises a full Arctic experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want more than just a quick Aurora outing. If you’re looking for a mix of culture, outdoor adventure, and multiple opportunities to see the lights in their full glory, this could be a perfect fit. Families, solo explorers, or couples who prize guided expertise and authentic local activities will likely find this tour offers a memorable Arctic escape.

Good To Know

• Multi-day itinerary combines Aurora viewing with daytime activities like ice fishing and scenic hikes.
• Comfortable pickup from any hotel or Airbnb in Yellowknife simplifies logistics.
• Authentic experiences led by native guides offer cultural insights and unique local activities.
• Evening Aurora tours include free snacks, hot drinks, and professional photography.
• Limited group size (max 100 travelers) helps maintain an intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect From Each Part

Day 1: Aurora Night and City Pickup

The journey kicks off with a late-night pickup at 10:30 pm, either from your hotel, Airbnb, or the airport. The focus here is on maximizing your chances to see the Aurora Borealis—and based on reviews, guides are often praised for their knowledge, helping guests find the best viewing spots in real-time. The tour lasts around four hours, and during this time, you’ll be served free hot drinks and snacks while waiting under the Arctic sky. Photographers will appreciate the opportunity to capture professional-quality images, as the guides are known to assist with photography tips. With a small group size, you’ll get a more personalized experience, avoiding the chaos of large tours.

Day 2: Cultural and Outdoor Activities

The second day varies depending on the season, but in winter, it’s all about ice fishing with native people, which adds an authentic touch. Expect to see locals demonstrating traditional methods, and enjoy a fresh fish lunch cooked by native friends—an experience that adds cultural flavor missing from typical tour packages. Afterward, a city tour takes you through Yellowknife’s Old Town and bush piloting sights, giving you a glimpse of the area’s history and rugged beauty. Travelers find this part enriching, with guides often praised for their local knowledge and ability to make the stories come alive.

Day 3: Autumn Adventures and Nature Hikes

For those visiting in autumn, the tour offers a Cameron Falls hike—a scenic trek showcasing the icy beauty of frozen lakes and waterfalls. You might also have the chance to track wild caribou, adding a wild, unfiltered element to your Arctic experience. The guides’ expertise makes these excursions informative and engaging, and the natural scenery, especially with fall foliage and frozen water, makes for stunning photos.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The transportation is via coach, with pickups arranged from any location within Yellowknife. The maximum number of participants is 100, but many reviews suggest the experience feels intimate thanks to knowledgeable guides and small group sizes. The late-night start time ensures optimal aurora viewing, but it also means you’ll need to be prepared for potentially cold, dark conditions.

Duration and Timing

Total tour duration spans approximately three days, with the nighttime aurora chase lasting around four hours each evening. Daytime activities are generally 8 hours long, providing ample time to explore and enjoy local culture and natural beauty. The timing aligns well with the aurora season, but booking 112 days in advance indicates high demand, so plan ahead.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $498.74 per person, this tour isn’t exactly cheap, but it covers much more than just chasing lights. It includes transportation, activities, native-led experiences, snacks, hot drinks, and professional photography. When you add in the convenience of hotel pickup and the chance to combine Aurora viewing with cultural and outdoor adventures, many travelers find the cost justified. It’s a full-package experience designed for those who want both comfort and authenticity.

Authenticity and Expert Guidance

One of the standout features of this tour is the emphasis on native-led activities. Like the native friends who prepare your fish and guide you on the ice, the guides are often praised for their local knowledge and ability to enhance the experience. Reviews mention that guides are “knowledgeable,” which is crucial when you’re in such a remote, natural environment where safety and understanding of the land are vital.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour is booked on average 112 days in advance, it’s clear how popular it is. The flexible cancellation policy is a plus—full refunds if canceled 24 hours before the experience. Be prepared for cold nights and potentially long hours outside. Also, keep in mind that this tour suits travelers who value a well-rounded Arctic adventure rather than a quick, superficial experience. If you enjoy outdoor activities, learning about local culture, and capturing incredible photos, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This multi-day Aurora adventure is ideal for travelers who want a full, immersive experience in Yellowknife. If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights in a natural setting, enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking or ice fishing, and appreciate guides with local expertise, this tour delivers. It’s also well-suited to those who value culture—native-led activities add depth to the trip.

While the price is on the higher side, the range of activities, expert guidance, and emphasis on authentic experiences make it a compelling choice. Families, couples, or solo travelers with a sense of adventure will all find value here, especially if they’re prepared for the chilly nights and early mornings that come with Arctic exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup from your hotel or Airbnb, nighttime Aurora viewing, daytime activities like ice fishing or hikes, snacks, hot drinks, and professional photography during the nights.

How long does each Aurora tour last?
The Aurora night tour lasts around four hours, starting at 10:30 pm, allowing ample time to see the Northern Lights in the dark Arctic sky.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is provided via coach, with pickups from any location in Yellowknife. The group size can be up to 100 travelers.

What kind of daytime activities are offered?
In winter, expect ice fishing with native guides and a city tour including Yellowknife’s Old Town. In autumn, there’s a scenic hike to Cameron Falls and wildlife tracking.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides as being well-informed and friendly, often helping with photography and providing insights into local culture.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal wear, waterproof outer layers, gloves, and a hat, especially for nighttime Aurora viewing.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, making it a good option for families with older children who can handle outdoor winter activities.

How far in advance should I book?
Given the average booking notice of 112 days, early planning is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak Aurora season.

What is the overall value of this tour?
Considering the comprehensive nature, guided expertise, cultural activities, and included photography, many find the $498 price point to be justified for a full Arctic adventure.

In essence, this tour offers a carefully curated mix of Aurora chasing, cultural experiences, and scenic outdoor pursuits—perfect for those who want to make the most of their time in Yellowknife and truly enjoy the Arctic environment.