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Sean Norman – Aurora Chaser

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As we leave behind the city lights of Yellowknife, the best game of hide and seek begins. Using a variety of earth weather and space weather information, we’ll travel the highways in search of the renowned and mystical northern lights. Arriving into clear, dark skies, we’ll begin our evening star gazing before turning our attention to the aurora overhead. We’ll touch on the science of the aurora, and of course some of the beautiful tales that follow her too.

While we will not be travelling to a cabin, we will always have the van for shelter when we want to warm back up inside. You can choose your own warm drink in an individual thermos, and we’ll have homemade baking for a sweet snack.

I have a few tripods you may borrow for the night, including adapters for use with your cell phone. Guests will receive a small collection of photos I take through the night, along with a few portraits of you with the aurora when possible.

This is a quieter and more personal tour with a maximum group size of just 6, and our chase is not limited in time or distance. Our priority is the giving ourselves the best chance possible to see the aurora.

Dehcho Dene Cultural Experience – Summer Indigenous Culture Tour

Experience Genuine Dene Culture

6 Days 5 Nights Dehcho Dene Cultural Experience

Why North Star Adventures?

Join Joe and his team at North Star Adventures Ltd. on a culturally immersive journey into Dene lands, history and community life. As a 100% Indigenous-owned company, we’re proud to welcome you to our home — not through scripts or textbooks, but through the stories passed down by our Ancestors. These teachings come from lived experience and a deep connection to the land we call Denendeh (Northwest Territories).

On this immersive 6-day experience, you’ll:
  • Discover Dene History & Traditions
    Learn about Dene spirituality, laws and our special connections to the land through visits with Elders, knowledge keepers and community leaders.
  • Reflect on the Residential School Legacy
    Stay in Fort Providence, where the first residential school (est. 1860) in Denendeh once operated. Visit the Memorial to honour survivors and remember those lost – an emotionally powerful and healing experience
  • Travel the “Dehcho” – Mighty Mackenzie River by boat
    Visit a traditional culture camp, enjoy local food and hear stories told by respected Dene Elders about life in the old days. In the evening, we may witness a sacred Dene Drum Dance celebration.
  • Connect with Kakisa Village Life
    Visit the small Indigenous community of Kakisa (pop. 37). Enjoy a fresh, local-harvested fish lunch, connect with residents and learn village life in a truly authentic Indigenous community.
  • Visit Behchokǫ̀ – Northwest Territories’ Largest Dene Community
    Meet a traditional family who are master artisans. Watch them create the Dene drum, hear the stories behind the Drum.

At North Star Adventures, you’re not just taking a tour, you’re on a journey that connects you with the land, the people and the history of Dehcho Dene.

Why Book This Tour?
  • Authentic Cultural Immersion
  • Deep History & Reconciliation
  • Scenic Nature & Wildlife
  • Artisan led Experience
  • Small Group, Big Memories
What’s Included?
  • VIP Personal Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service
  • Experienced Indigenous Guides
  • Comfortable Accommodations in Yellowknife and Fort Providence
  • Storytelling and Culture Activities
  • Traditional Culture Camp Experience
  • All Meals & Snacks Included
  • Buffalo Viewing Experience
  • Boat Ride on the Mighty Mackenzie River (Dehcho)
  • NSA Memory Package – Free Professional Photos
    **Please advise us of any food allergies
Important Notices
  • Moderate Physical Activity
    Includes boat travel, hiking and community visits – appropriate for active individuals.
  • Cultural & Emotional Respect
    Include visits to solemn sites; we ask participants to listen deeply and respect local customs.
  • Travel Insurance Required
    Due to the remote nature and limited group size of this experience, we strongly recommend purchasing personal travel insurance. Please note that flight delays, cancellations, or personal changes of plans are not covered by our cancellation policy. Travel insurance will help protect your investment and offer peace of mind.
Ready to Join?

Spaces are limited and fill quickly. Book your Dehcho Dene Experience today to connect deeply, learn meaningfully and journey into the heart of Canada’s North.

Contact us: info@northstaradventures.ca

We are proud to offer Yellowknife’s top-rated cultural experiences and Aurora Hunting tours and we can’t wait to share them with you! Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor page and see why guests love exploring the North with us!

Frame lake to Bristol Monument Hike Return

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A scenic hike through Yellowknife’s beautiful trails, leading to an iconic piece of aviation history! This 2.5–3 hour guided hike follows the Frame Lake Trail to the Bristol Monument, where a Bristol Type 170 Freighter stands as a tribute to the North’s pioneering aviation past.
This historic aircraft, once flown by Max Ward’s Wardair, made history in 1967 as the first wheel-equipped plane to land at the North Pole. Retired in 1968, it now stands as a rare aviation relic.

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Prospectors Trail

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Explore the rugged beauty of Prospector’s Trail, a 4.4 km loop winding through the rocky terrain outside Yellowknife. This 1.5- to 2-hour hike offers a glimpse into the region’s geological history, with stunning views of the boreal landscape shaped by ancient forces.

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Hike and a Pint

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Experience Yellowknife’s best trails and a well-earned pint!

This 3-4 hour guided hike takes you on a scenic 7-8 km loop, starting at City Hall and looping west around Frame Lake, continuing to Niven Lake, and winding through Old Town to the iconic Pilot’s Monument for breathtaking views. The adventure ends at NWT Brewing, where you can relax with a refreshing post-hike beer—included in the tour!

Hiking Yellowknife customers also get 10% off any food purchases!!

When: Saturdays, 10 AM – 1:30 PM 

Total Cost:
  • $250 for two people
  • $350 for groups of 3-6 (max)
Difficulty: Moderate – involves uneven terrain; hiking boots required
Meeting Point: City Hall

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Makerspace YK

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MSYK’s mandate is to drive sustainable economic diversification and community self-reliance through sharing, collaboration, and empowering the already innovative and resilient residents of Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories with the tools (in the broadest sense of the word) they need to grow their economy and community. MSYK’s vision is to empower and provide a space for individuals to gain confidence, build practical skills and grow creatively so that we can build a stronger, more resilient, and vibrant community together. We deliver our mandate through programming and access to our facility which houses a fully-outfitted wood workshop, digital fabrication space (Hackspace), and multimedia art and event space (Artspace).

Aurora Oasis Luxury Rentals Ltd.

Experience unparalleled luxury at Aurora Oasis, the only luxury rentals in town offering breathtaking lake views, premium bedding, a heated garage, and unforgettable Northern Lights viewing directly from the property. Enjoy all the modern-day amenities for an unforgettable stay.

Contact for inquiries or book directly from our website.

Premium Indigenous Aurora & Culture Package (Winter & Summer) with Hotel

100% Indigenous Owned – The World’s First Aurora Hunting Tour Company

Join North Star Adventures for a premium, intimate journey into the heart of the North. As Indigenous locals, we provide more than a tour—we offer a personal connection to our land and culture. We are proud to be the world’s First Aurora Hunting tour company that offers Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages in Yellowknife!

Our expert guides will take you to top viewing locations, capture FREE professional photos of you with the Aurora, explain the science, and share Indigenous stories that connect us to the lights. Discover why Yellowknife is the ultimate destination to see the Northern Lights.

WINTER ITINERARY

December 01 – April 15

  • 3-Night or 4-Night Aurora Hunting Tours – Small Group Tour
  • Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour
  • Indigenous Dogsledding Tour
  • Traditional Ice Fishing Tour
  • Indigenous Storytelling Tour (From 4-Night Package)
  • Indigenous Ice Road Tour (From 5-Night Pacakge)
  • Canada Goose Winter Clothing 

Winter Rates (Double Occupancy):

  • 2 Night Package: $1889.00*+GST/person
  • 3 Night Package: $2769.00*+GST/person
  • 4 Night Package: $3339.00*+GST/person
  • 5 Night Package: $3789.00*+GST/person

*Price may vary depending on the occupancy.

SUMMER ITINERARY

August 15 – October 15

  • 3-Night or 4-Night Aurora Hunting Tours – Small Group Tour
  • Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour
  • Indigenous Storytelling Tour
  • Scenic Drive & Nature Hike Tour
  • Scenic Drive & Buffalo Viewing Tour (From 4-Night Package)

Summer Rates (Double Occupancy):

  • 2 Night Package: $1589*+GST/person
  • 3 Night Package: $2089*+GST/person
  • 4 Night Package: $2689*+GST/person
  • 5 Night Package: $3239*+GST/person

*Price may vary depending on the occupancy.

What’s included?
  • Accommodation: Stay at The Explorer Hotel (2-Night, 3-Night, 4-Night or 5-Night)
  • Dining: 3 or 4 dinners at local restaurants included
  • Airport Transfer: Complimentary airport shuttle service (provided by the hotel)
  • Tour Transport: Free transport between your hotel and all scheduled tours
  • North Star Memory Package: Professional full-resolution Aurora photos
  • Expertise: Professional guides and drivers
Ready to book your adventure?

Don’t miss out on the ultimate Aurora experience in Yellowknife! Our booking team is ready to help you plan your unforgettable Northern journey. Whether you have questions about the best dates to visit or are ready to secure your spot:

5 Day Arctic Variety Package

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Discover the wonders of the Arctic Ocean, witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis far from city lights, and embark on thrilling adventures with dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing along breathtaking scenic trails!

Sunday: We will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the Arctic Chalet where you will check into your cozy cabin, followed by a tour of the town of Inuvik which will include a short drive on the Mackenzie River ice road. On this tour you get lots of
information from your guide about the people, the land, aboriginal land claim agreements, the climate, building methods, the water, heat and sewer systems that make such a town work in this extreme environment, and much more.

Monday: After breakfast in your room, we will take you on a fun dog sled tour out into the Mackenzie Delta. This tour takes you across lakes and through scenic forests and creeks. You will experience a delightful time with our beautiful huskies as you travel through the pristine countryside. At Picnic Lake we will serve a hot lunch around a campfire and spend an hour or more there while the huskies relax and pose for pictures. This is a good way to photograph the dogs up close and enjoy interacting with them individually after lunch.

Tuesday: Today you will drive a snowmobile to the Arctic Loon Cabin on a guided overnight tour to our secluded outpost cabin a little way out of town located in some beautiful hills above a lake. The drive out is only about one hour. This cabin is off the grid, but very comfortable with warm bedding and an indoor toilet! Dinner, breakfast and lunch are provided. Snacks and hot drinks are available at anytime. Tonight, you can look for the Aurora Borealis away from all artificial lights.

Wednesday: In the morning you can accompany Judi and Yannik, her trusty Husky boy, for some snowshoeing on a scenic trail or enjoy reading some northern books in front of the relaxing wood stove in the cabin. After lunch we will prepare for the trip back to
the Arctic Chalet by snowmobile.

Thursday: Today we will take you to the Arctic Ocean and explore the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. There is a lot of knowledge to be gained when you take a road tour with our guide explaining what you are seeing. Once you arrive in Tuk we will give you a village
tour and include a stop at the Arctic Ocean so you can walk on the frozen water. A beautiful Arctic Ocean Certificate is included. There might be the option to add on a cultural side tour that includes a visit of an Inuit home where the host will serve you a traditional lunch. You will get to see Inuit clothing and discuss the Inuit lifestyle and wildlife. The minimum requirement for the side tour is 4 people at $200.

Friday: Today you check out and we will take you to the airport to see you off. We enjoyed having you at the Arctic Chalet and showing you our home town.

Note:

  • Meals are not included at the Arctic Chalet or on the tour to Tuk,
    but your cabin will have a kitchen where you can prepare and
    cook your own food. We will take you to the grocery store
    whenever you like.
  • We do not include Saturdays in any of our tour packages.
    Otherwise, our dates are quite flexible and we can modify or
    customize a package to suit your interests (more dogsledding,
    longer ice road tour, short drive on the Dempster Highway, more
    nights at the Arctic Chalet, …)

Casting North Fly Fishing Company

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Based out of Yellowknife, Casting North Fly Fishing Company offers unforgettable half-day and full-day guided fly fishing trips, using boats or float tubes to access some of the best waters around Yellowknife. Whether you are looking for a quick evening excursion or a full day on the water, our nearby lakes allow us to tailor a trip to suit your needs. Our favorite species to target are lake trout, northern pike and whitefish, often catching all three in a single outing.

We also provide fly fishing lessons and classes tailored for individuals, groups, and even guides and outfitters. So, if you are new to flyfishing or have never cast a fly line, we also offer customized packages which include dry land training and time on the water.

Our online store is fully stocked with rods, reels, lines and gear for all types of fly-fishing including fly tying gear, making us your one-stop shop for adventure, education, and equipment. Whether you are looking for a small 3-weight or the largest of rods that can handle big northern pike and lake trout, we have many options available in Yellowknife.