Skip to main content

Find out more about the wildfire and wildfire-related concerns in the NWT.

Experience the Magic of the Aurora Borealis

Imagine spending your evenings watching the breathtaking Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your own cottage. At Castaways Cottages & Campground in Hay River, Northwest Territories, this dream can become a reality. Located along the south shores of the Great Slave Lake, this is the perfect destination for a serene and picturesque getaway.

Castaways Cottages & Campground is pleased to offer our Aurora Viewing Cottage packages for guests from near and far! This package includes a 4 night stay in a three bedroom fully equipped cottage, airport pickup and drop off, shuttle transportation to restaurants and shopping, full access to the wilderness lodge & sliding hill, snow tubes, kick sleds, stops at the visitor center & gift shop, and more!

We are conveniently located 10 minutes from the historic town of Hay River in the Northwest Territories. Our area is renowned for the breathtaking northern lights, and Castaways is the perfect location to witness their captivating displays almost every night from the comfort of your own cottage!

Book the 4 night – 3-bedroom – Aurora Package for 2 and add a max of 4 more guests. Each cottage has 3 queen beds, a full bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and the cottage’s outdoor deck is the perfect place to watch for northern lights. Enjoy hunting the aurora from the cottage windows and sharing the view with just your select party.

Let Castaways Cottages & Campground be your home north of the 60th parallel! Welcome to your new favorite vacation spot!  All cottages are also available on a nightly or weekly basis, year round.

*When booking please ensure to select the correct package for your group size*

Cottage Features:

  • Bedrooms: Each bedroom cottage is equipped with 3 queen beds, providing ample space for families or groups.
  • Kitchen: Enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen with cooking & dining utensils provided. 
  • Laundry: A washer and dryer is included to meet your laundry needs during your stay. 
  • Entertainment: Relax with a TV featuring a full satellite package. Starlink WIFI is available throughout the property. 
  • Comfort: Bedding and towels are provided to ensure a comfortable stay.

Additional Amenities:

  • Large Driveway: Ample parking space is available for your vehicles.
  • Viewing Spaces: Enjoy the northern views from the cottage windows, deck, or even the wilderness lodge nearby.
  • Wilderness Lodge: Enjoy hunting the Aurora from the lakeside lodge. Stay toasty with the warmth of a wood burning stove and enjoy hot chocolate and tea while you watch the sky. A fire pit is located outside for those with a sweet tooth for marshmallows. Games and cards are also available in the lodge. 

4-night Winter Vacation Package in a Spacious 3-bedroom Cottage

Castaway Cottages_Hay River_2025_4

Experience the Magic of the Aurora Borealis

Imagine spending your evenings watching the breathtaking Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your own cottage. At Castaways Cottages & Campground in Hay River, Northwest Territories, this dream can become a reality. Located along the south shores of the Great Slave Lake, this is the perfect destination for a serene and picturesque getaway.

Castaways Cottages & Campground is pleased to offer our Aurora Viewing Cottage packages for guests from near and far! This package includes a 4 night stay in a three bedroom fully equipped cottage, airport pickup and drop off, shuttle transportation to restaurants and shopping, full access to the wilderness lodge & sliding hill, snow tubes, kick sleds, stops at the visitor center & gift shop, and more!

We are conveniently located 10 minutes from the historic town of Hay River in the Northwest Territories. Our area is renowned for the breathtaking northern lights, and Castaways is the perfect location to witness their captivating displays almost every night from the comfort of your own cottage!

Book the 4 night – 3-bedroom – Aurora Package for 2 and add a max of 4 more guests. Each cottage has 3 queen beds, a full bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and the cottage’s outdoor deck is the perfect place to watch for northern lights. Enjoy hunting the aurora from the cottage windows and sharing the view with just your select party.

Let Castaways Cottages & Campground be your home north of the 60th parallel! Welcome to your new favorite vacation spot!  All cottages are also available on a nightly or weekly basis, year round.

*When booking please ensure to select the correct package for your group size*

Cottage Features:

  • Bedrooms: Each bedroom cottage is equipped with 3 queen beds, providing ample space for families or groups.
  • Kitchen: Enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen with cooking & dining utensils provided. 
  • Laundry: A washer and dryer is included to meet your laundry needs during your stay. 
  • Entertainment: Relax with a TV featuring a full satellite package. Starlink WIFI is available throughout the property. 
  • Comfort: Bedding and towels are provided to ensure a comfortable stay.

Additional Amenities:

  • Large Driveway: Ample parking space is available for your vehicles.
  • Viewing Spaces: Enjoy the northern views from the cottage windows, deck, or even the wilderness lodge nearby.
  • Wilderness Lodge: Enjoy hunting the Aurora from the lakeside lodge. Stay toasty with the warmth of a wood burning stove and enjoy hot chocolate and tea while you watch the sky. A fire pit is located outside for those with a sweet tooth for marshmallows. Games and cards are also available in the lodge. 

Nailicho Extended Flight Seeing Tour

Simpson Air_Flight Seeing Adventure_2025_3
Embarking on a day of adventure with your floatplane, exploring some of the most stunning sights in the Northwest Territories, promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Starting with a flight to Nailicho (Virginia Falls), you’ll have the opportunity to join a guided day hike to the top of the falls with Parks Canada interpreters. The hike offers breathtaking views and insights into the natural and cultural significance of this majestic waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also venture to the bottom of the falls on your own, ensuring you return within the allotted time to continue the journey.

Continuing north of the falls, you’ll soar over Gahnihthah Mie (Rabbitkettle Lake), home to one of Canada’s largest and oldest tufa formations. The aerial perspective will provide a unique view of this geological wonder, showcasing its intricate formations and natural beauty.

​Passing the tufa mound, the journey takes you into the Ragged Range, where you’ll marvel at the famous Cirque of the Unclimbables from the air. This iconic landmark is a sight to behold, with its sheer granite walls and rugged terrain captivating adventurers from around the world. A stop at Glacier Lake, with its aqua-colored waters contrasting against the surrounding landscape, offers a moment of tranquility and awe.

​Before returning to Fort Simpson, a stop at Nahanni Mountain Lodge on Little Doctor Lake provides a chance to relax on the sandy beach, perhaps even taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply soaking up the sun’s warmth. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration before heading back to civilization.

​Overall, this day trip promises to be filled with adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, showcasing the best that the Northwest Territories have to offer.

Cessna 1853 pax max850 lbs. payload
1 passenger$3,654.00All prices include GST
2 passengers$1,827.00(each pax)
3 passengers$1,218.00 (each pax)
DHC-2 Beaver6 pax max1100 lbs. payload
1 passenger$7,308.00All prices include GST
2 passengers$3,654.00 (each pax.)
3 passengers$2,436.00 (each pax)

​

6 Night Aurora Viewing Package

Brabant Lodge_Hay River_2025_Aurora Package_6

Brabant Lodge operates from August to September for Aurora Viewing Trips

Included in Aurora Packages

  • All excursions, events, activities and Aurora tours
  • Professional guides
  • Fishing equipment (rods, reels, lures, etc.)
  • All meals
  • All alcoholic beverages & soft drinks inside the main lodge
  • Accommodations and housekeeping services
  • Float plane flight to and from Brabant Lodge from Yellowknife, NT

6 Night Trip Schedule

  • Day 1 – Arrive at Brabant Lodge, acquire fishing license, lunch at 12pm, daily activities until Aurora Viewing
  • Day 2 – 6 – Daily activities until Aurora Viewing
  • Day 7 – Morning float plane flight returning to Yellowknife, NWT

Activities may include

  • Forest bathing – immerse yourself in pristine old growth forest, basking in the grandeur of 200-year old black spruce trees
  • Boat tours – explore Canada’s largest river, reaching over 6 miles wide at its widest point
  • Scenic flight with incredible arial view of the remote North, landing on Canada’s largest river
  • Bird watching – there are over 200 recorded species of birds in the area
  • Wildlife Safari – Bison, Moose, Caribou, Black Bear, and more are commonly spotted
  • Handicraft and photography workshops
  • Meditation and wellness collective
  • Fly tying and fly fishing lessons – catch a fish on a fly you tie yourself!
  • Northern pike, arctic grayling, walleye and more await!

Additional Details

  • Aurora trips operate with a min of 6 guests, max 12 guests
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance
  • Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
  • Large group rates available
  • All rates in USD & subject to 5% GST tax
  • 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve
  • Full balance is due 45 days before trip date
  • Cancellations made within 90 days of trip dates are non-refundable
  • Single occupancy subject to a 25% surcharge
  • There is no extra charge for activities at Brabant Lodge
  • Rod and reel rental included

3 Night Aurora Viewing

Brabant Lodge_Hay River_2025_Aurora Package_2

Brabant Lodge operates from August to September for Aurora Viewing Trips

Included in Aurora Packages

  • All excursions, events, activities and Aurora tours
  • Professional guides
  • Fishing equipment (rods, reels, lures, etc.)
  • All meals
  • All alcoholic beverages & soft drinks inside the main lodge
  • Accommodations and housekeeping services
  • Float plane flight to and from Brabant Lodge from Yellowknife, NT

3 Night Trip Schedule

  • Day 1 – Arrive at Brabant Lodge, acquire fishing license, lunch at 12pm, daily activities until Aurora Viewing
  • Day 2 & 3 – Daily activities until Aurora Viewing
  • Day 4 – Morning float plane flight returning to Yellowknife, NWT

Activities may include

  • Forest bathing – immerse yourself in pristine old growth forest, basking in the grandeur of 200-year old black spruce trees
  • Boat tours – explore Canada’s largest river, reaching over 6 miles wide at its widest point
  • Scenic flight with incredible arial view of the remote North, landing on Canada’s largest river
  • Bird watching – there are over 200 recorded species of birds in the area
  • Wildlife Safari – Bison, Moose, Caribou, Black Bear, and more are commonly spotted
  • Handicraft and photography workshops
  • Meditation and wellness collective
  • Fly tying and fly fishing lessons – catch a fish on a fly you tie yourself!
  • Northern pike, arctic grayling, walleye and more await!

Additional Details

  • Aurora trips operate with a min of 6 guests, max 12 guests
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance
  • Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
  • Large group rates available
  • All rates in USD & subject to 5% GST tax
  • 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve
  • Full balance is due 45 days before trip date
  • Cancellations made within 90 days of trip dates are non-refundable
  • Single occupancy subject to a 25% surcharge
  • There is no extra charge for activities at Brabant Lodge
  • Rod and reel rental included

Exclusive Wildlife & Nature Photography Workshop

Aylmer Lake Lodge_Photography Package_2025_1
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the northern barren-lands, where the wildlife is as majestic as the landscapes.

Join, Jonathan Gillingham, in collaboration with Canadian Wildlife Adventures, for an unforgettable 6-day/7-night photography workshop.

Highlights of the Experience:
  • Witness thousands of migrating caribou in their natural habitat
  • Photograph Arctic wolves, grizzly bears, and muskoxen up close
  • Marvel at the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night skies
  • Explore the vibrant tundra, filled with fall colors

 Price:

  • $8,320 USD/person + GST
  • $11,947 CAD/person + GST

Group Size: Minimum 6 | Maximum 9

What’s Included:

Professional photography guidance

Lodging and meals at a remote lodge

Charter flights to and from the lodge

Commercial flights to Yellowknife

Hotel stays before/after the workshop

A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot

Final payment is due 90 days prior to the workshop

Book your adventure today! Spaces are limited and will be filling fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to capture nature’s wonders.

Let’s create incredible memories and stunning photographs together!

Aurora Viewing Under the Dene Skies

B Dene Adventures_Yellowknife_2025_4

Experience our authentic Indigenous Aurora Tour.

Spend an evening among the Dene people, with northern lights story-telling, Dene history and legends, traditional drumming, and samples of traditional foods such as local Great Slave Lake fish and freshly made bannock. Visit our camp with a heated cabin and teepees with comfortable seating for everyone. Our camp is located on the shore of Great Slave Lake, with exceptional opportunities to see and photograph the vibrant Aurora Borealis.

Evening departures: 9pm-2am (4-5 hours)

​Includes

  • Hotel pick up at 9PM and drop off at 2AM
  • Drive to the Community of Dettah and visit to our B.Dene Adventures camp
  • Our December to April tours include a snowmobile ride from the Community of Dettah to our B. Dene Camp
  • Refreshments included

Diamond Manufacturing Tour with Retail Showroom

Diamonds De Canada_Yellowknife_2025_Diamonds Tour_3

Take part in the wondrous journey of a LANDS diamond as our master artisans demonstrate the cutting-edge technology and skills used to transform the world’s most precious gems into lifelong keepsakes for our customers.

You’ll witness how a raw diamond is mapped by our first-of-their-kind 3D scanners, ensuring cut optimization to produce maximum clarity and sparkle. Then it’s onto the cutting floor where you’ll see our powerful Da Vinci laser transform the gem into its pre-planned shape, perfectly faceted with effortless precision, and finally, you’ll join one of our master polishers where they’ll instruct you on how to refine the diamond’s new surfaces to a brilliant finish, allowing you to experience firsthand and appreciate the precision, artistry and love that is a part of every LANDS diamond’s story.

Our retail showroom has Polar Bear Diamonds, diamonds that have been mined, cut and polished in the NWT.  Lands Collection is also available in our showroom.

Lands collection features diamond jewelry from Ekati, Gahcho Kué and Diavik starting at $399 CAD.

The full tour takes 30 minutes and then you can browse in the showroom for the perfect diamond to remember your time in the spectacular north.