Yellowknife: Aurora Cabin Night Tour with Midnight Lunch

Summary

Small group aurora night with local stories, midnight snack, and cozy cabin warmth near Yellowknife

You’ll step straight from your arrival in Yellowknife into a warm cabin lit by firelight, sharing local fish chowder and bannock as northern lights dance overhead. Try on fun northern clothes for photos, sip spruce tip tea or your own bubbly under the aurora, and swap stories with locals who know every winter sound by heart.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the Yellowknife airport when the van turned off onto a snow-packed road — I could still feel the plane’s hum in my chest. The driver, I think her name was Marie, laughed about how short the ride was (“You’ll see, it’s closer than you think!”). It was already dark but not silent; there’s this hush out here that makes every boot crunch sound huge. When we got to the cabin, someone had already stoked the fire — that dry-wood smell hit me before I even noticed the northern lights starting to flicker through the window.

Inside felt like walking into someone’s living room after a long trip. Our guide (Li? Lee? I wish I’d asked how to spell it) handed around mugs of spruce tip tea and told us about growing up here — apparently her grandma made bannock that could “stop a moose in its tracks.” We all tried on these wild fur hats for photos; I looked ridiculous but everyone was laughing so hard nobody cared. The main keyword here is aurora tour Yellowknife, but honestly it felt more like a night at a friend’s place than a tour. At some point Li pointed outside and we all rushed out — no shoes, just socks on icy steps — because the sky just exploded green for maybe two minutes. My phone couldn’t catch it right but it didn’t matter.

Sometime after midnight they brought out hot fish chowder (smelled like dill and smoke) with fresh bannock that steamed when you tore it open. There were maybe eight of us total, swapping stories over food while someone poured tea and another guy popped open champagne he’d brought (they said you can bring your own drinks). It’s funny — I can still taste that soup if I close my eyes. We finally piled back into the van, cheeks burning from cold and laughter. If you’re thinking about booking an aurora tour from Yellowknife, this is probably what you want: real people, real food, and those weird little moments you remember later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aurora cabin experience

• Pass airport to Aurora cabin
• Arrive at warm, cozy cabin
• Enjoy light midnight lunch
• Drink coffee and northern teas
• Dress in Northern clothing for photos
• Celebrate under the aurora

Top questions

Is pickup included for late arrivals at Yellowknife airport?

Yes, pickup from Yellowknife airport is included even for late arrivals.

What food is served during the aurora tour?

A light midnight lunch with local fish chowder and hot fresh bannock is served.

Can we bring our own drinks to the cabin?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own beverage such as champagne to celebrate under the aurora.

How many people are on each tour?

Tours run with small groups; minimum 5 guests required to operate and private bookings available for up to 12 guests.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Is this aurora tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals permitted in the cabin?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Do we get to try on traditional northern clothing?

Yes, fun northern clothing is available for photo opportunities during the evening.

What’s included

Your night includes pickup from Yellowknife airport or nearby locations, a warm welcome at a private aurora-viewing cabin just outside town, all teas (including local varieties), coffee throughout the evening, a midnight snack of fresh bannock and local fish chowder—and you’re invited to bring your own celebratory drink if you like before heading back late at night.