If you’re dreaming of witnessing the northern lights dance across the night sky, Yellowknife’s Aurora by Bus tour might just be what you’re looking for. This experience promises to take you beyond the city lights, hunting for the best spots to catch those shimmering ribbons of green (or sometimes pink and purple) in a comfortable, well-organized setting. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it looks like a solid choice for anyone wanting a hassle-free, immersive aurora chase.
What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines expert guidance with strategic locations—driving to lakes that act like natural mirrors for the aurora, especially in autumn when the water’s still and the reflections are stunning. Plus, they offer hot drinks and snacks on the bus, which makes waiting under the cold, clear skies much more bearable. One potential downside is that if fewer than four people sign up, you might need to join another scheduled tour or wait for a different night. But if you’re flexible and booking during peak aurora season, that shouldn’t be a big deal.
This tour seems perfect for travelers who value professional guides that help with camera skills and share insights about the northern lights, rather than just a simple bus ride. It’s well-suited for those who want a comfortable, informative experience that maximizes their chances of seeing the lights, even if the weather isn’t perfect. If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this setup offers a good blend of adventure and convenience.
Key Points
- Strategic Lake Locations: The tour visits multiple lakes that reflect the aurora beautifully, providing excellent photo opportunities.
- Expert Guides & Photography Tips: Guides are praised for their experience and helpfulness, especially in teaching camera techniques.
- Comfort & Amenities: The luxury bus is equipped with hot drinks, biscuits, and warm blankets, making the cold nights more enjoyable.
- Flexible Booking Options: If not enough guests sign up, you’ll be offered the chance to join other tours or reschedule.
- Good Value for Money: Priced around $101.60 per person, the experience offers a lot—including transportation, expert advice, and the chance to see the lights.
- Weather & Aurora Dependability: As with all northern lights tours, seeing the aurora depends on clear skies, but the tour’s strategic stops improve your odds.
An Honest Look at the Aurora by Bus Tour
Planning a trip to Yellowknife with the hope of witnessing the aurora borealis is exciting, but it’s also a bit of a gamble. The weather, cloud cover, and geomagnetic activity all play roles in whether you’ll see the lights on any given night. That’s where this tour’s approach shines—by moving from lake to lake, they maximize the chances of clear, reflective views, especially in autumn when the lakes are calm and mirror-like.
The tour lasts about four hours, making it a good evening activity without feeling rushed. It starts around late morning and runs until late evening, giving plenty of flexibility depending on your schedule. The pick-up service is a thoughtful addition, saving you from cold walks or complicated transportation arrangements. The stops at Prelude Lake, Prosperous Lake, and the Yellowknife River are chosen for their scenic and reflective qualities—ideal spots when the aurora appears.
From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Janet, Floris, and Iris know their stuff. They’re praised for their enthusiasm, patience, and ability to locate elusive auroras. One reviewer loved how Janet helped set up their camera and shared her knowledge about the northern lights, making the experience both fun and educational. Another noted that the guide took professional photos for everyone, and those photos were emailed to guests the next morning—a huge plus for capturing memories.
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What to Expect During the Tour
The journey begins with a hotel pickup, which is pretty convenient for travelers staying in Yellowknife. Once on the bus, you’ll head to your first stop—Prelude Lake Territorial Park. Here, the reflective surface of the lake often amplifies the aurora’s beauty, especially if the sky is clear. The buses are equipped with warm blankets, hot drinks, and biscuits, a thoughtful touch that keeps the cold at bay while you wait for the lights to appear.
Throughout the night, guides monitor aurora forecasts and cloud cover, adjusting their locations as needed. Multiple reviews mention that the guides are skilled at locating the aurora even when clouds threaten to obscure the sky. One guest said, “The guide was very experienced at locating the Aurora and she took excellent pictures to share with everyone,” which highlights how dedicated guides are to making sure guests see something spectacular.
If the aurora doesn’t show up at the first stop, don’t worry—you’re moving to different lakes, increasing your chances. The reflective lakes really add to the experience, creating mirror-like images that make the lights feel even more magical. And if the weather is poor or the aurora remains elusive, the team offers alternative options like joining other tours or rescheduling, which adds flexibility and peace of mind.
The Social & Educational Aspects
One of the things we liked reading in reviews was how guides don’t just focus on pointing out lights—they also teach you how to take your best photos. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just trying to get a decent shot with your phone, their tips can make a difference. Guests felt that the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.
On top of that, the camaraderie among guests can turn the tour into a memorable night, even if the sky remains stubbornly cloudy. Many reviews mention the friendly atmosphere created by guides like Floris and Sheldon, who check in regularly to ensure everyone is comfortable and having fun.
The Value of the Experience
At around $101.60 per person, this tour offers a good deal considering what’s included—transportation, expert guidance, hot drinks, snacks, and professional photos. The cost reflects the quality of the experience and the effort guides put into maximizing your chances of catching the aurora.
Compared to other tours, the focus on lakes that reflect the lights and the personal touches, like photography help, make this a worthwhile investment. Plus, the flexibility in booking and the option to join other tours if the minimum guest count isn’t met add to the overall value.
Downsides & Considerations
No experience is perfect, and with aurora chasing, luck plays a role. Clouds can obscure the sky despite the best efforts of guides, and the aurora itself is an unpredictable phenomenon. Some reviews mention that the weather was too cold or that clouds blocked the view, but most agreed that the guides did everything possible to find clear skies.
Another point to keep in mind is that if you’re traveling with children, you should consider their tolerance for cold and late-night outings. The tour duration and outdoor waiting time are suitable for most, but very young kids might find the chilly nights challenging.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This Aurora by Bus tour is ideal for travelers who want a reliable, guided experience with good chances of seeing the northern lights without the stress of planning every detail. If you value expertise and comfort, this tour’s focus on cozy amenities and strategic locations makes it a smart choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to learn more about the aurora, improve their photography skills, or simply enjoy the wonder of the night sky in a friendly, well-organized setting.
It also works well if you’re traveling solo or in a small group, as the tour provides a social environment and personalized guidance. If your main goal is to capture beautiful photos or share the experience with others, guides like Janet or Floris seem dedicated to helping guests succeed.
However, keep in mind that the success of spotting the lights still depends on the weather and aurora activity. If you’re after a guaranteed show, you might need to consider multiple nights or alternative tours, but overall, this tour offers a solid, value-packed chance to witness the northern lights in a scenic setting.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts about four hours, giving plenty of time to hunt for the aurora without it feeling rushed.
Do I need to bring my own camera?
While the guides help with camera settings and teach you how to photograph the lights, bringing your own camera or smartphone is encouraged to capture your memories.
What’s included in the price?
Transportation, expert guides, hot drinks, biscuits, and professional photos are included. The tour also involves visiting multiple lakes.
What happens if I don’t see the aurora?
If the weather is poor or the lights don’t appear, the guides will do their best to find a better spot or may offer the chance to join other scheduled tours. Refunds are available if the tour is canceled due to weather.
Is the tour suitable for families or children?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but consider the cold and late hours if you’re bringing very young children.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund.
Do I need to worry about the weather?
Yes, the tour depends on clear skies. If weather conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered an alternative.
Are there other tours similar to this?
Yes, there are other aurora and northern lights tours available, but many reviewers find this one offers great value, good guidance, and scenic stops.
Yellowknife Tours – Aurora by bus
“Although the weather was too cold, I could see the beautiful aurora. Plus, I appreciate the support of the guide.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a well-organized, friendly, and knowledgeable way to experience the northern lights, Yellowknife’s Aurora by Bus tour is a strong contender. The emphasis on lakes that reflect the aurora, combined with professional guidance and cozy amenities, makes it a convenient choice for travelers who want to optimize their chances of seeing this natural wonder without the hassle of planning every detail.
While no tour can guarantee an aurora sighting due to the unpredictable nature of the phenomenon, this experience’s strategic locations and dedicated guides maximize your odds. It’s also a great pick for anyone keen on learning more about the lights and capturing stunning photos.
Ultimately, this tour best suits travelers who value comfort, expertise, and a relaxed but adventurous atmosphere. If you’re willing to be flexible with weather and appreciate the company of friendly guides, you might find this to be a highlight of your trip to Yellowknife—and a story you’ll tell for years.
Note: Always check the weather forecast and aurora predictions for your travel dates to enhance your chances. And don’t forget warm clothing—nights can get quite cold!