Skip to main content

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

Home Package

Blog Archives

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Winter Getaway

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Winter Getaway_Yellowknife_1

Situated on the northern tip of Great Slave Lake in Canada’s North, Yellowknife is an ideal destination for an unforgettable winter retreat.

Discover the city’s unique charm during the day and, at night, head out to witness the spectacular Northern Lights dance across the sky. Toast with locals at the Woodyard Brewhouse, enjoy arctic char sashimi at a cozy sushi spot, and take a ride along one of the famous ice roads of the Northwest Territories. A highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the nightly Aurora viewing tours, led by Indigenous guides, offering an authentic and awe-inspiring experience.

Sample Itinerary (subject to weather and availability)

Day 1: Arrive in Yellowknife & First Aurora Glimpse

After settling in, get ready for your first exciting Aurora Hunting Tour! Guides will take you to a fantastic, clear-sky spot away from city lights, where you can kick back and watch the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky—an absolutely magical experience.

Accommodation: Chateau Nova (or similar)

Day 2: Yellowknife City Tour & More Aurora

Kick off your day with a fun Yellowknife city tour, exploring Old Town’s charm and downtown’s vibe, with cool stories from your local guide about its gold rush past and northern life. The afternoon is all yours to relax or explore. In the evening, chase the Northern Lights again on your second Aurora Tour.

Accommodation: Chateau Nova (or similar)

Day 3: Dogsledding + final Aurora hunt

Today’s highlight is an exciting Indigenous Dogsled Tour! Meet the friendly sled dogs, hear stories about their cultural significance, and enjoy a peaceful ride through snowy trails. In the evening, chase the Northern Lights one last time on your final Aurora Tour.

Accommodation: Chateau Nova (or similar)

Day 4: Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning, then check out and hop on the free shuttle to the airport. Say goodbye to Yellowknife, taking home unforgettable memories of the Northern Lights.

Classic Aurora Package

  • Roundtrip airfare (Vancouver ↔ Yellowknife)

  • 3–4 nights at Chateau Nova

  • 3 Aurora Hunting Tours

  • Yellowknife City Sightseeing Tour

  • Traditional Dogsled Tour

  • Hotel-airport shuttle & all tour transfers

  • Taxes included

Signature Aurora Package (Smaller groups, up to 10 people)

  • Roundtrip airfare (Vancouver ↔ Yellowknife)

  • 3–4 nights at The Explorer Hotel

  • 3 Aurora Hunting Tours

  • City Sightseeing & Dogsled Tour

  • Indigenous Storytelling Tour

  • 3 local dinners

  • Photo Memory Package

  • Winter Clothing Rental

  • Hotel-airport shuttle & all tour transfers

  • Taxes included

For more information and our Terms and Conditions please click here.

Yellowknife and the Northern Lights Package

Yellowknife and the Northern Lights Getaway_Yellowknife_2

Located beneath the Auroral Oval, Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights!

Rich in gold rush history and Indigenous culture, it offers unique shops, local cuisine, and stunning Aurora views at Aurora Village.

All packages are fully customizable to suit your travel preferences. Air North is pleased to assist with connections to Air North Yukon flights, no matter where your journey begins.

Sample Itinerary (Subject to weather and availability)

Day 1: Arrival & First Aurora Viewing
Arrive in Yellowknife and transfer to your downtown hotel. Explore the local shops and restaurants at your leisure. Winter gear will be delivered to your hotel. In the evening, head to Aurora Village to watch the Northern Lights from cozy heated teepees.

Accommodation: Explorer Hotel (or similar)

Days 2–4: Discover Yellowknife & Chase the Aurora
Spend your days exploring Yellowknife at your own pace—shop, relax, and sample local cuisine like Arctic char sushi and craft brews. Each night, return to Aurora Village for another chance to see the Northern Lights (95% chance over three nights).

Accommodation: Explorer Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Departure
Enjoy any remaining time in Yellowknife before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

For more information and our Terms and Conditions please click here.

Yellowknife Explorer Culture by Day, Aurora by Night Package

Yellowknife Explorer Culture by Day, Aurora by Night Getaway_Yellowknife_3

Discover the Spirit of the North & Chase the Northern Lights

Experience a unique blend of culture and wilderness in Yellowknife. Explore local shops, history, and icy winter roads by day; by night, unwind in cozy wilderness cabins with warm drinks and local treats as you watch the Aurora Borealis dance overhead.

All packages are fully customizable to suit your travel preferences. Air North is pleased to assist with connections to Air North Yukon flights, no matter where your journey begins.

Sample Itinerary (subject to weather and availability)

Day 1: Arrival in Yellowknife
Settle into your downtown hotel and explore the city’s walkable core, filled with local charm and diverse dining.

Accommodation: Explorer Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: City Tour & Aurora Viewing
Join a guided tour of Yellowknife’s highlights, including the Legislative Assembly, Museum, and—weather permitting—ice roads and the Ice Castle. End the evening with Aurora viewing at a cozy wilderness cabin, complete with bannock, fish chowder, and hot drinks.

Accommodation: Explorer Hotel (or similar)

Days 3–4: Free Time & Northern Lights
Discover Yellowknife at your own pace and enjoy local culinary gems like Arctic char or Bullocks Bistro. Return to the wilderness cabin each night for more chances to witness the Aurora in comfort.

Accommodation: Explorer Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Departure
Enjoy a final stroll through the city before your return flight, leaving with unforgettable memories of the North.

Accommodation: Explorer Hotel (or similar)

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip airfare (Toronto ↔ Yellowknife via Air North)

  • 4 nights at Explorer Hotel (or similar)

  • 3 nights of guided Aurora viewing in a cozy cabin with midnight snack

  • 3.5-hour Yellowknife city tour

  • Transfers for all tours and Aurora viewing

  • Complimentary airport transfers

  • All applicable taxes

Exclusions

  • Meals

  • Personal expenses

For more information and our Terms and Conditions please click here.

 

Sean Norman – Aurora Chaser

Sean Norman_Yellowknife_2025
Here you’ll find the forever magic of the aurora chase – focused on photography, and a little bit of astronomy, in a genuinely small group. Warm drinks and home baking will accompany us, tripods are available to borrow, and photography is always included. Welcome to the coziest, most mystical of nights.

Dehcho Dene Cultural Experience – Summer Indigenous Expedition

Experience Genuine Dene Culture

6 Days 5 Nights Dehcho Dene Immersion

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!

Intimate Aurora Chasing Adventure

Where the Lights Meet the Silence

Small groups, real aurora chasing

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 Lights, and our carefully chosen secluded locations, far from city lights and tourist crowds, offer the perfect setting for this peaceful contemplation.
Led by Cristiano, an experienced aurora chaser and photographer, the tour goes beyond a standard sightseeing experience. With years of expertise in interpreting space weather data and a range of satellite data, Cristiano helps guide the tour based on real-time information, ensuring we act accordingly to maximize the chances of seeing the aurora and avoid the clouds.
Photography is a central aspect of these tours, with professional-grade cameras used to capture stunning images of your experience.
Flexibility is at the heart of this experience. Unlike rigidly scheduled tours, there’s no fixed return time: guests decide when they want to head back.
This is not just a tour; it’s a personalized adventure designed to immerse you in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights.

Private Aurora Chasing and Photo Session

Just for you and your group enjoy personalized portraits and videos!

Enjoy a fully personalized experience for you and your group of up to 5 people with a single rate for the entire group in a Private Aurora Photo Session!

This session focuses on capturing you under the auroras with dozens of beautiful portraits and videos, all professionally edited and delivered to you the very next day.

You’re the model, and I’m your personal photographer, capturing you under the breathtaking northern lights. This session is designed entirely around you, with the goal of creating stunning portraits of you with the auroras dancing above.

Unlike most other tours, where quick smartphone photos are often the norm, I am committed to providing a full, personalized photo experience. With 3 to 4 professional cameras, I’ll take dozens of high-quality photos and dynamic videos, capturing the best angles and moments of the night.

You’ll return home with high-resolution photos—perfect for printing and displaying—and videos to relive the auroras in motion. Your social media will shine, too, as I’ll provide select images and videos optimized for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok reels, so you can share your unforgettable experience.

This is more than just a tour; it’s an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime while making a statement on your social media! The rate reflects the exclusivity of this session, along with the time dedicated to carefully editing and assembling your photos and videos. To make it even more special, all the digital files will be delivered to you the day after our session, ready to print or share.

Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages with Hotel

Authentic Aurora hunting tour led by /Indigenous guides in Yellowknife

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

At North Star Adventures, we are proud to be the world’s First Aurora Hunting tour company that offers Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages in Yellowknife! As Indigenous locals in Yellowknife, we know the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Our expert guides will take you to top Northern Lights viewing locations, ensuring the best chance to experience this natural wonder. We will also capture free professional photos of you with the Northern Lights, explain the science behind the Aurora Borealis, show you constellations and planets, and share Indigenous stories that connect us to the Aurora. And of course, we’ll show you why Yellowknife is the ultimate destination to see the Northern Lights.

Why Choose Our Aurora Packages?

At North Star Adventures, we offer more than just a tour – we offer a unique, personal Aurora viewing experience. Here’s why our tours stand out:

  • Exclusive Aurora Hunting: Our team knows the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife, even on cloudy nights. We’ll drive to over 100km if needed to ensure you get the best experience.
  • FREE Professional Photos: Enjoy free professional photographs of you and the Aurora Borealis, capturing the magic of your adventure.
  • Indigenous Knowledge: Learn about the science of the Aurora and hear traditional Indigenous stories that connect to this incredible natural light show.
  • Personalized Experience: Unlike large tour operators, we offer a more intimate and personalized tour experience.
  • Local Expertise: As Yellowknife locals, we know the best places to find the Aurora, ensuring you don’t miss out on the Northern Lights, even on cloudy nights.
Aurora Package Highlights:
  • Comfortable Hotel Accommodations Included: Rest easy with comfortable hotel accommodations as part of your Premium Indigenous Aurora Package. After a long day of Aurora hunting, relax and recharge.
  • Aurora Hunting Tours: Choose from our 3,4, or 5-night Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages and enjoy multiple opportunities to witness the Northern Lights
  • Yellowknife City Tour: Explore Yellowknife and visit top landmarks, scenic views, and historical sites.
  • Free Services for Package Guests:
    • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel
    • Free tripod rentals for capturing the perfect Aurora shot
    • Free chairs for comfort during the tours
    • Free professional photos with Aurora
    • Indigenous Local Snacks
    • Delicious Hot Chocolate and Canadian Maple Cookies
    • Warm and Comfortable Gear(Optional)
    • Indigenous Tour Guides
Add More Aurora Magic to Your Tour

Want to make your Yellowknife experience even more special? You can extend your stay by adding extra nights of Aurora Hunting or explore Yellowknife with our optional day tours. Discover the local wilderness and cultural landmarks for an even richer adventure.

Want to Learn More About Our Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages?

Visit our website for more information about our Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages and find out why Yellowknife is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. If you are ready to book your unforgettable adventure, send us an email today to inquire about availability and receive expert assistance from our booking team.

Ultra 11 Day Winter Package

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!

Day 1: We will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the Arctic Chalet where you will check into your cozy cabin. Afterwards we’ll take you into town for grocery shopping.

Day 2: After breakfast in your room, we will give you an interesting tour of Inuvik where you will learn about the people, the land, the climate, building methods and much more. After lunch we will take you to the kennels to meet our beautiful white huskies and introduce you to dog sledding at its best.

Day 3: We will go out again with the dogs for a dog sled tour that 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.

Day 4: At 10 am you will start your full day trip to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean and get a cultural side. 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. The cultural side tour 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.

Day 5: Today we will drive the ice road right across the Mackenzie River Delta to the little village of Aklavik and do a little exploring in the area. If you watch carefully, you might see a lynx in the willows next to the road.

Day 6: This is your day to relax around our property and enjoy our walking trails. We will arrange a courtesy car for you if you want to drive into town by yourself.

Day 7: This afternoon we will travel by snowmobile to our remote and secluded loon cabin that is surrounded by beautiful hills overlooking a lake. The ride out takes about an 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.

Day 8: 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.

Day 9: The mountains are calling! We will drive to the Richardson Mountains and cross the Yukon border to the Arctic Circle crossing. Then on to Eagle plains where we will have dinner and stay the night. The drive will be about 6-7 hours and we’ll have the opportunity to stop for pictures along the way.

Day 10: We will take our time driving back through the mountains and do some walking or snowshoeing in this beautiful remote wilderness. Day 11: This morning we will take you to town for some last-minute souvenir shopping before your shuttle to the airport and your flight back to Whitehorse. Bon Voyage!

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 can modify or customize this package to suit your interests if you have any other ideas or prefer to repeat any of the above activities.
  • Please contact us for more information.

5 Day Arctic Variety Package

Artic Chalet_western Arctic_2025_Pic 1

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, …)