Yellowknife: Northern Lights Tour with Lakes & Free Photos

Summary

Chasing northern lights from Yellowknife lakes with photos and warm drinks

You’ll ride out from Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail with a local guide who knows where to find clear skies and good views of the northern lights. Expect lakeside stops for photos (free ones), hot drinks and cookies to keep you warm, plus hotel pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about anything except watching the sky.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Yellowknife just after dark — I could see my breath curling up in the bus window, which felt sort of right for a night chasing the northern lights. Our guide, Raj, had this easy laugh and kept pointing out little things along the Ingraham Trail — like how the snow squeaks under your boots when it’s really cold (it did). The bus heater was working overtime but somehow my toes still went numb before our first stop. That’s probably on me for thinking regular socks would cut it in the Northwest Territories.

The first lake was so quiet I almost whispered without meaning to. You could smell woodsmoke somewhere far off and the sky was just starting to shift — not that wild green yet, but a kind of silver haze. Raj set up his camera and offered to take everyone’s photo (“Don’t worry, you’ll look warmer than you feel,” he joked). I tried to say thank you in his language — pretty sure I butchered it because he laughed and handed me a cup of hot chocolate. Honestly, that drink tasted better than any fancy coffee back home.

We stopped at three different lakes outside Yellowknife that night. Each one felt different — one had trees huddled close to the shore, another was wide open so you could see forever. At one point, someone gasped and suddenly we all looked up: there it was, finally, that streak of green twisting over the ice. It’s weird how quiet everyone gets when something like that happens. I took about fifty blurry phone photos anyway (don’t bother — just let Raj do it). On the way back, cookies made their way down the aisle and someone started humming softly near the front. I still think about that silence under all those stars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights tour and photo stops

• Pick up from hotel or B&B
• Depart for Northern Lights tour
• Receive information about Northern Lights
• Stop at three locations outside Yellowknife
• Take free professional pictures
• Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot drinks
• View and photograph Northern Lights
• Drop off at hotel or place of stay

Top questions

How many stops are there on this Northern Lights tour?

The tour includes three different stops at lakes outside Yellowknife.

Are photos included during the Yellowknife Northern Lights tour?

Yes, your guide will take free professional photos for you during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included in this Northern Lights tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from all hotels or B&Bs in Yellowknife are included.

What snacks or drinks are provided on this tour?

You’ll get complimentary cookies and your choice of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee during the trip.

Do I need special clothing for this Northern Lights day trip?

You should dress warmly; winter clothing can also be rented from other operators in Yellowknife if needed.

How long does the Northern Lights tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but includes travel between three lake locations outside Yellowknife at night.

Are pets allowed on this Aurora Borealis tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from anywhere in Yellowknife—hotel or B&B—plus a friendly driver-guide who’ll share stories along the Ingraham Trail. You’ll stop at three different lakes for aurora viewing with free professional photos taken at each spot. Cookies and hot drinks are served throughout before being dropped back at your accommodation later that night.