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Home Story Solar Maximum: A Northern Lights Spectacular
Aurora/ Northern lights from above.

Solar Maximum: A Northern Lights Spectacular

Get ready to see even more spectacular Aurora Borealis light shows in the Northwest Territories. That’s thanks to the Solar Maximum event now affecting the Earth’s upper atmosphere. 

The NWT usually experiences Aurora, also known as Northern Lights, up to 240 nights a year. The territory can now expect to witness even more frequent and intense Northern Lights due to the current Solar Maximum, which is likely to continue into 2026.

Astronomers suggest this solar maximum may be even more intense than previous events, which take place roughly every 11 years when the Sun’s magnetic pole flips.

These flips produce more solar activity, such as sunspots and solar flares, which shoot  super-charged energy particles out from the Sun. These collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and produce those distinctive and incredibly bright rainbow-coloured Northern Lights.

The northern lights put on a beautiful display above teepees at Aurora Village in the Northwest Territories. Photo Kwon O Chul

Green, the most common Aurora colour that can be  seen from the ground, is produced when charged particles collide with oxygen molecules at altitudes of 100 to 300 kilometres. But you may also spot pink and dark red hues, produced by nitrogen molecules, or even red Aurora from oxygen molecules a bit higher up in the atmosphere (from 300 to 400 km). 

Sometimes, intense activity on the Sun also produces slower-moving shock waves of magnetism, called Coronal Mass Ejections, which have been likened to atmospheric tsunamis. When these strike, they can produce more powerful Northern Lights that are even visible in the lower latitudes, as happened  in May 2024.

Interestingly, a major Coronal Mass Ejection took place in 1859. Called the Carrington event, its magnetic load disabled telegraph communications in North America and Europe. Experts say the chance of this happening again is slim. However, during a Solar Maximum, powerful geomagnetic storms in the atmosphere can lead to radio blackouts, cause satellite upheavals, disrupt GPS or long-range aircraft communications, and affect power grids.

Even without a Solar Maximum event underway, on nights when the starry sky is clear, Yellowknife boasts more nights of visible Northern Lights than most northerly locations. The NWT capital is optimally located directly beneath the atmosphere’s band of maximal Auroral activity, called the Auroral oval.

The best Northern lights in the Northwest Territories captured from a plane

AuroraMAX is primed to capture the moment

It’s no wonder the AuroraMAX observatory, a project developed to track Aurora activity, is located just outside Yellowknife. The observatory operates a digital All-Sky Imager that collects full-colour images of the night sky every six seconds, capturing a 180-degree field of view. Online since 2009, the camera’s live feed turns on automatically as soon as the sun sets in Yellowknife during the Aurora season, from August through April.

The AuroraMAX project helps scientists keep their eyes on the skies; the project is led by the University of Calgary and supported by the Canadian Space Agency, Astronomy North and the City of Yellowknife. It’s also part of Canada’s contribution to NASA’s THEMIS mission to study the Aurora and the European Space Agency’s SWARM satellite mission measuring the Earth’s magnetic field.

Northern lights dance behind a teepee at Aurora Village in the NWT

Traditional Knowledge

While scientific research aims to focus on the connection between Aurora and high-speed release of charged particles from the Sun, Indigenous traditional knowledge has other explanations for the Northern Lights.

In Dene culture, the origins of Northern Lights lie in a fire built by the world’s creator,  as a reminder that the creator is still watching over us. Cree tradition considers Northern Lights to be the spirits of the dead who remain in the sky, trying to communicate with their loved ones below. For the Inuvialuit, Northern Lights are the shades of those once living, playing ball in the skies with a walrus skull — or a human head.

If you would like to learn more about traditional knowledge, you can have an Aurora experience with a knowledgable Indigenous tour operator.

Chart showing best viewing times of the Aurora Borealis in the Northwest Territories

In the Northwest Territories, two seasons for the best Aurora-viewing await you: fall (late summer) from mid-August until the end of September, and winter, from mid-November until early April. This means you won’t have any trouble getting a close-up view of the Northern Lights across the NWT.

 Many lodges specialize in providing accommodations for Northern Lights experiences, and if you’re in the Western Arctic Region, you can even drive down the Invuik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway to chase the Aurora.

Licensed NWT tour operators also provide a wide variety of Aurora day trips , many of them based out of Yellowknife.

Bucket List Tours - Aurora

Cozy Cabin Aurora Tours

Bucket List Tour Company

Activities

Aurora Aurora Day Trips Fall Aurora Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

We are local with plenty of Northern stories to share. Our tours are small and the cabin is cozy. This tour gives guest the opportunity to ‘hunt the aurora from the cabin’ while enjoying northern stories, a midnight lunch of fish chowder and hot bannock, and enjoy an assortment of teas. Guests are invited to […]...

$135

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Aurora Package_Gord_Yellowknife_Aurora_1

Aurora Package

Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

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Aurora Aurora Lodges Fall Aurora Fishing Nature and Wildlife Snowshoeing Tours Wilderness Lodges Winter Activities

Packages Include Accommodations – main lodge rooms Bush Plane charter or snowmobile transportation – return All home made meals All home baked snacks Complimentary coffee, tea hot chocolate, juice, water Paddling equipment: kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, paddle boards, float tubes Self guided paddling and nature trail hiking Satellite WiFi, satellite TV, satellite telephone, movies, games, […]...

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$2,143

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Nahanni, NWT, Canoe, Nahanni Park_2024_Nahanni River Adventures

Nahanni Canyons from Virginia Falls - 12 Day Rafting Trip

Nahanni River Adventures

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Arctic Char Arctic Grayling Aurora Birding Boat Tours Camping Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling Fall Aurora Fishing Fly Fishing Hiking Tours Inconnu Lake Trout Nahanni to Dehcho Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Nature Tours Northern Pike Novice Paddling Paddling Rafting Road Trips Tours White Water

This trip takes you through some of the iconic features for which this historic river is renowned, including Canada's deepest canyons and Nailicho / Virginia Falls - twice the height of Niagara! Our Nahanni River 12-day trip covers the same distance as our seven day trip but allows more time for additional hiking and exploring, as well as savouring the beauty of the Nahanni Valley area because… why rush if you don’t have to?...

$10,595

CAD + 5% GST + $220.48 CAD National Park fees.
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Enoch Pokiak_Region_Western Arctic_Polar Pack Arctic Adventures_Aurora_Witner_2024_2

Winter Package – Northern Lights Tour

Polar Pack Arctic Adventures

Activities

Aurora Aurora Day Trips Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Nature and Wildlife Road Tours Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Experience the Northern Lights on the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Join us for a breathtaking tour along the stunning Mackenzie River, where we embark on an adventure to chase the mesmerizing northern lights. As we traverse the icy landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife! Tour Details: Time: 9 PM to […]...

Starting at

$500

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Dancing Skies Aurora Tours_Yellowknife_2024_1A

Intimate Aurora Chasing Adventure

Dancing Skies Photo Tours

Activities

Aurora Fall Aurora Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Unlike conventional tours, which often involve large groups and crowded spots, our tours focus on intimate experiences in small groups of no more than 5 people. This approach ensures tranquility and allows for a deep, personal connection with the starry sky and the mesmerizing auroras. Silence is key to embracing the beauty of the Northern […]...

$150

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Beaufort Sea Adventures - Arctic Luxury Experience

Arctic Luxury Experience - 3 nights, 4 days

Beaufort Sea Adventures

Activities

Aurora Boat Tours Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Fall Aurora Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Step into a world where the Arctic’s beauty and culture come to life in ways few have ever experienced.  In Tuktoyaktuk, every moment is an invitation to connect with the land and its people on a deeper level. The vast tundra stretches endlessly before you, offering a sense of peace and wonder that can only […]...

Inquire for price

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Winter Aurora Package

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Aurora Aurora Lodges Cross-Country Skiing Cultural Demonstrations Ice Fishing Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Wilderness Lodges Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. 2025 New Moon dates: January 29, February 27, March 29, April 27 Opening in December, 2024 will be our 5 newly renovated cabins. We are adding more comfort, beauty, and overall enhancements to your experience with us. Winter outdoor activities include cross-country skiing on 20 kilometers of groomed trails, snowshoeing, sliding, ice skating, […]...

Starting at

$3,597

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package
Blachford Lake Lodge - Aurora

Autumn Aurora Package

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Aurora Aurora Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Cultural Demonstrations Fall Aurora Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Stand up Paddling Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. Aurora watchers and stargazers agree there are few better places to see the Aurora than Blachford Lodge. From mid-August, when night skies turn a velvety black to late October when the lake begins to freeze, Blachford guests can be treated to late night shows of the northern lights. On calm nights […]...

Starting at

$3,597

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package
Okpik Arctic Village_Western Arctic_Winter_2024_3

Okpik Arctic Village Winter Package

Tundra North Travel

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Arts and Culture Aurora Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Nature and Wildlife On the Land Tours Western Arctic Wilderness Lodges Winter Activities Winter Aurora

DAY 1 Arrive at Okpik Arctic Village. Start off by settling into your home away from home. We’ll show you around our Eco-Village where you will learn about our local manufacturing and food production programs and why they are so important for Northern food security, economic leakage, as well as providing culturally relevant jobs in […]...

Starting at

$3,500

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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North Star Adventures group of tourists huddled under the green aurora in the dark sky in Yellowknife NWT.

Amazing Aurora Hunting Packages

North Star Adventures

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Day Trips City Tours Fall Aurora Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

If you’re looking for the complete Yellowknife Aurora experience then North Star Adventures is for you! As one of the world’s leading Aurora tour companies, we will go above and beyond to make sure your Yellowknife visit is a trip of a lifetime. We are 100% Indigenous owned. We know Yellowknife, we know Aurora....

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$1,699

CAD+ 5% GST + Per Person
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Petersons Point Lodge - Aurora Experience

Aurora Experience

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge

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Aurora Lodges Fall Aurora Nature Photography Wilderness Lodges

Approximately every 10 years the northern lights are stronger than any other time and that time is now. Book a special trip this autumn miles away from city lights and crowds of people, right under the auroral oval. Our remote fly-in lodge provides the ideal location to see the northern lights with viewing opportunities right […]...

$4,159

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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North of 60 Aurora Adventures

Skydome

North of 60 Aurora Adventures

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Aurora Aurora Day Trips Fall Aurora Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Experience the amazing auroras from our Skydome.  The geodome offers the comforts of a hot wood burning stove, couches, lounge chairs and tables for eating fresh bannock and hot beverages, while you take in the dancing auroras from above.  Book your seat or group up to 20 people. Ask us about our 15% discount when […]...

Starting At

$125

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Arctic Tours Canada

5 Days 4 Nights Explorer Hotel Winter Holiday Package

Arctic Tours Canada

Activities

Aurora Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Immerse yourself in the wintry wonders and snowy scenery of Yellowknife during 5 days 4 nights action-packed 5 days of subarctic winter outdoor adventure. Spend the daylight hours dog sledding, learn Yellowknife history, visit tourist attractions on guided Yellowknife sightseeing tour and soak in the splendor of the Northern Lights show after-dark aurora-hunting-viewing excursions. End […]...

Starting At

$1,076

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Arctic Tours Canada

5 Days 4 Night Package

Arctic Tours Canada

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Aurora Fall Aurora Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Let the Northern Lights enchant you in Yellowknife Experience an unforgettable adventure with our Yellowknife 5 Days 4 Nights Aurora Viewing package! Spend your nights under the stunning Northern Lights, each evening offering a unique spectacle. Enjoy comfortable hotel accommodations and thrilling Aurora hunting expeditions. Immerse yourself in cultural richness with a night at an […]...

Starting At

$835

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Trail Blazer Tours aurora trip with the purple and green aurora in the sky over the lake and trees in Yellowknife NWT.

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Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......

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With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......

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Andrew Lake and Lynx Tundra Lodges

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Offering four-hour Aurora tours including the ice road and City of Yellowknife. Pick-up and drop-off available. Small groups. Service in......

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Destination NWT Ltd.

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Destination NWT Limited is a tourism operator located in Yellowknife, Canada. DNWT specializes in outdoors adventures, aurora photography, and cultural experiences: Best rated Snowmobile Tour, winter gears included, exciting trail riding Aurora Tour in a Luxurious lakeside Lodge Unique Aurora tour while Ice Fishing indoors Full panoramic moonroof vehicle for Aurora Viewing DNWT’s tours allow […]...

Explore Yellowknife Year - Round Adventures

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DISCOVER A MOMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME. Aylmer Lake Lodge is located in Rocknest Bay, which is on the Barren......

Green aurora shooting across the dark Yellowknife sky picture by Aurora Dream tours.

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Our professional tour guides will take you on amazing Aurora viewing tours, city tours, ice road tours and much more.......

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Join us on an Aurora hunting adventure. Our skilled tour guides know all the best places around Yellowknife to capture......

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Dancing Skies is a new tour operator in Yellowknife, led by an experienced northern lights chaser and photographer with a passion for contemplation. Specializing in private tours and small groups of up to 5 people, we prioritize silent, serene observation and photography of the aurora, far from the crowds. With expertise in Space Weather data, […]...

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Yellow Dog Lodge is a comfortable lodge with 3 private cabins for our guests. The lodge is a short (15 minute) floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Located on Duncan and Graham Lakes, the lodge is your hub for adventure. Choose from an additional 5 lakes for guided day trip excursions. Each lake is unique and offers unspoiled first class fishing. We are the only lodge that operates guided trips on each of these remote lakes located in the NWT taiga wilderness. Packaged trips feature superb sport fishing and safe outdoor adventure. The lakes and streams offer the finest Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Arctic Grayling in the region. As an added bonus, our guests will enjoy the midnight sun and may even catch the northern lights later in the fall or early spring....

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We are a local Aboriginal tour company based in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Our focus is on......

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Peterson's Point Lake Lodge

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......

aurora village tipi yellowknife

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Pehdzeh Ki First Nations picture of picnic benches on a cloudy day in Wrigley with the Mackenzie mountain range in the background in the NWT.

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Yellowknife Online logo - Aurora Tours in the Northwest Territories.

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Northwest Territories Tourism acknowledges that we are located in Chief Drygeese territory. From time immemorial, it has been the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and more recently, the homeland of the North Slave Métis Alliance. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of Inuit, First Nations, Metis, and all First Peoples of the NWT and Canada, whose presence and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant communities.

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