Yellowknife: Aurora Lodge Night Tour & Aurora Chasing Combo

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.68 (135 reviews) 86% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/17

Duration4h

GroupUp to 38

LanguagesEN · CM

PickupAt your hotel

Warm lodge comforts meet wild aurora chasing outside Yellowknife

You’ll settle into a warm lodge near Madeline Lake with snacks, games, and space to relax before heading out to chase the aurora with a local guide. If clouds roll in, you’ll drive further afield for better chances—and always have a cozy spot waiting if you need to warm up again. Expect laughter, real conversation, pro photos, and maybe even a new favorite snack.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aurora viewing at Madeline Lake Lodge

Visit Madeline Lake Lodge
Enjoy lodge amenities and warm seating
View aurora from lodge decks
Use washrooms comfortably in lodge
Play board games and arcade games
Have light snacks and hot beverages
Photographer takes guest photos
If clouds appear, board bus to chase aurora
Drive to territorial parks for aurora viewing
Return to lodge to rest if nearby

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the hush—like the whole world was holding its breath out by Madeline Lake. We’d just stepped into the Aurora Lodge, shoes crunching on snow, and inside it was all warmth and chatter. Our guide, Li, waved us in with a grin and handed out mugs of something steaming (honestly, I don’t remember what it was—just that my fingers stopped aching). There were furs draped over benches, board games scattered around, and this faint smell of pine mixed with coffee. Someone had already started up the foosball table; I lost badly but nobody cared.

I kept sneaking glances out the big windows—half hoping for a flicker of green. But Li said not to rush. “Sometimes you wait,” he shrugged. “It’s part of it.” So we waited, swapping stories and trying snacks (the dried berries were weirdly good). When clouds rolled in, we bundled up again and piled onto the bus. The heater rattled while we drove through the dark to chase clearer skies—Li knew all these backroads near Yellowknife, like he could smell where the aurora might show up next. It felt like an odd little adventure gang, passing thermoses around.

When we finally saw the lights—just a shimmer at first—I almost missed it because I was busy trying to pronounce something in Mandarin (Li laughed so hard he nearly dropped his camera). The cold bit at my cheeks but I didn’t care; there was this strange silence except for someone quietly gasping behind me. The photographer snapped photos for everyone—no fuss about extra charges or anything—and later sent them over. I still look at mine sometimes when city life feels too much.

What’s included

Your night includes time relaxing at Madeline Lake Lodge with access to games and WiFi plus light snacks and hot drinks.
If clouds appear, you'll ride in a heated bus to chase clearer skies nearby.
A professional photographer captures your experience and shares digital photos free of charge before you return late at night.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Destination NWT Ltd.