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Aurora Bus Tours

Aurora Bus Logo_Yellowknife_2026

Aurora Bus Tours is a locally owned and operated tour company based in Yellowknife, specializing in Northern Lights viewing experiences. We focus on small to mid-sized group aurora chasing tours that maximize guests’ chances of seeing the lights by actively driving to clearer skies when needed.

Our tours are designed to provide a comfortable, guided, and educational experience. Guests enjoy heated transportation, hot beverages, photography assistance, storytelling about aurora science and Indigenous legends, and personalized support throughout the evening.

In addition to aurora viewing, we offer daytime cultural and sightseeing experiences that highlight the unique landscapes and history of the Northwest Territories.

Aurora Viewing In our Traditional Cabin

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Stay warm in our unique log cabin while you come in and out watching the Northern lights on the frozen lake less than a minute walk from our cabin.

Yellowknife is known as the aurora borealis capital of North America. At Tugáh Northern Experiences you can enjoy the beauty of these lights in a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. We are situated in an ideal location for aurora viewing. Our camp is only ten minutes from downtown Yellowknife, so you won’t miss a moment of aurora viewing driving to your location. Yet, we are far enough away from the bright city lights so they won’t interfere with your ability to see the aurora.

Step into our cozy traditional log cabin, surrounded by untouched wilderness and just moments away from a frozen lake—your front-row seat to the stunning northern lights. Each night brings the chance to snowshoe out onto the lake, leaving city lights behind for a true wilderness aurora experience.

Between adventures, unwind by the fire – enjoy fresh bannock, and endless cups of warming drinks. Whether you’re sharing stories with fellow travelers, putting the snowshoes on for a walk on frozen lake, our camp is designed to make every minute memorable. Here, adventure meets comfort: you’ll experience the North as locals do and leave with new friendships, epic tales, and memories you’ll cherish forever.

Helpful Info

  • Transportation is included with this tour
  • Where: Kam Lake

What to Bring

  • Please dream warm! Cameras and recording devices are encouraged

Aurora Viewing by Dogteam

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Sit in a cozy toboggan, bundled in blankets with the aurora overhead and the peaceful sound of the dogs’ paws hitting the snow.

This experience begins with a 30 minute dogsled ride on a frozen lake that takes you away from the city lights. Sit in a cozy toboggan, bundled in blankets with the aurora overhead and the peaceful sound of the dogs’ paws hitting the snow. Upon return, you can warm up in our traditional log cabin heated by a woodstove and filled with Indigenous artifacts and furs, while listening to our guides’ storytelling.

Enjoy fresh bannock, and hot beverages throughout the evening. If you missed the aurora during the dogsled ride, there is still a chance to catch them on the lakeshore.

Tugáh has a viewing area minutes from our log cabin – ready for you to prepare your tripod, set your camera’s timer, and take a seat to marvel in the beauty of the lights.

Helpful Info

  • Transportation is included in this tour
  • Maximum 20 people per tour
  • Each toboggan may carry up to 5 passengers. Sled rides will run every half hour back to back
  • Location: Kam Lake

What to Bring

  • Please dress warm! Cameras and recording devices are encouraged

Aurora Hunting Tour Yellowknife – Small Group Tour (SGT)

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting: The Original Experience

100% Indigenous-Owned | Small Groups (Max 12 Guests)

Join the team that pioneered the concept of Aurora Hunting in Yellowknife. As an Indigenous-owned company, we take pride in sharing our home with you. We don’t just wait for the lights; we use our deep local knowledge and real-time weather data to find the clearest skies, adapting our route every night to give you the best possible opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis.

Why Choose North Star Adventures?
  • The Original Pioneers: We established Aurora Hunting in the North. Our local knowledge allows us to identify hidden viewing spots and weather patterns that others miss.
  • Truly Intimate Groups: Unlike operators that pack guests into large buses, we limit every tour to a maximum of 12 guests. This ensures a quiet, personalized, and crowd-free experience.
  • Focus on the Moment: Don’t worry about camera settings in the cold. Our expert team captures free professional Aurora photos of you, so you can focus entirely on the experience.
  • Authenticity & Comfort: Experience the North through a local lens. Stay warm between viewing spots with hot chocolate and traditional maple cookies in our heated vehicles.
What’s Included
  • Professional Guides: Expert storytelling and local knowledge.
  • Free Photography: High-resolution professional Aurora portraits
  • Transfers: Complimentary pickup/drop-off from your Yellowknife hotel or B&B.
  • Warm Refreshments: Hot chocolate and traditional maple cookies.
  • Gear: Free tripod and headlamp rentals (limited availability).

*Free Photography: Includes N+12 photos per group (Where N is the number of people in your group). If you would like to receive additional photos in their original high resolution, please purchase the North Star Memory Package. 

Upgrade Your Adventure

Looking for a Seamless Experience? If you want a hassle-free trip that includes premium accommodations at The Explorer Hotel and delicious dinners, explore our Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages. We take care of the travel arrangements so you can simply enjoy your journey.

Stay Warm Yellowknife winters are famously cold. For your comfort and safety, we highly recommend our Winter Clothing Rentals. Our kit features genuine Canada Goose Parkas, ski pants, and professional Arctic boots—designed to keep you warm so you can stay outside longer.

Ready to experience the magic of the Northern Lights like never before?

Book your spot on our Aurora Hunting Tours Yellowknife today and join us for an unforgettable journey under the breathtaking Arctic sky. Don’t just take our word for it — check out our glowing TripAdvisor reviews to see why travelers love exploring the Aurora with us.

We can’t wait to share the wonder of the Aurora with you — see you soon in Yellowknife!

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Winter Getaway

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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

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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 Package

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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

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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.

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.