From Yellowknife: Northern Lights Bus Tour with Photos
Yellowknife’s Night Sky: Northern Lights Bus Tour with Photos
Get ready for an unforgettable night sky adventure in Yellowknife. This Northern Lights bus tour takes you away from city lights to prime viewing spots for the Aurora Borealis.
You’ll have the chance to see and photograph the magical dancing lights of the Aurora. Expert guides share tips on capturing the best shots. They also explain the science and legends behind this natural wonder.
Bundle up and enjoy hot drinks as you gaze at the starry skies. With luck, you’ll witness vibrant greens, pinks, and purples shimmering across the night. This tour offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dazzling light shows.
What to Expect during Yellowknife Northern Lights Bus Tour
Get ready for an unforgettable night of stargazing and aurora viewing on this Northern Lights bus tour from Yellowknife. You’ll journey away from city lights for the best chance to see the magical light show.
Northern Lights Phenomenon
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are colorful lights that dance across the night sky. They’re caused by charged particles from the sun hitting Earth’s atmosphere. The lights can appear in shades of green, pink, purple, and red.
You might see swirling curtains, arcs, or rays of light. The show can last minutes or hours. Yellowknife is one of the best places to see the aurora due to its location under the auroral oval.
Tour Itinerary Overview
Your Yellowknife Northern Lights Bus Tour starts with pickup from your Yellowknife hotel in the evening. You’ll board a comfortable bus and drive about 30 minutes outside the city to a dark viewing area.
The exact location may change based on weather and aurora forecasts. You’ll spend several hours at the viewing site, with breaks to warm up in the bus.
Hot drinks and snacks are provided to keep you cozy. Your guide will share info about the lights and help spot them. The tour returns to Yellowknife in the early morning hours.
Photography Inclusions
A professional photographer joins the tour to capture stunning images of you with the Northern Lights. You’ll receive digital copies of these photos after the trip.
Tips for taking your own aurora photos are also provided. Bring a camera that allows manual settings and a tripod for best results.
Night photography can be tricky, so don’t worry if your shots don’t turn out perfect. The tour photos ensure you’ll have amazing images to remember your experience.
Departure Details
Get ready for an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure. Your tour begins with important logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Meeting Point
You’ll meet your guide at the Explorer Hotel in downtown Yellowknife. The hotel is easy to find, located at 4825 49th Avenue.
Look for the tour bus parked outside the main entrance. A friendly staff member will greet you and check you in. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to avoid any rush.
Departure Time
The bus leaves promptly at 10:00 PM. This late departure time is ideal for Northern Lights viewing, as the skies are darkest around midnight.
You’ll spend about 4 hours on the tour, returning around 2:00 AM. Be sure to adjust your schedule for a late night out. A quick nap earlier in the day can help you stay alert and enjoy the experience fully.
Advisory on Dress Code
Dress warmly in layers. Yellowknife nights can be very cold, often below freezing. Wear thermal underwear, warm pants, and a heavy coat.
Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and warm boots. The tour provides warm blankets, but your own layers are crucial. Bring hand and foot warmers for extra comfort.
Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture. Opt for wool or synthetic materials that keep you dry and warm.
Onboard Experience
The Northern Lights bus tour offers comfort and safety as you travel to prime viewing spots. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with amenities and precautions to enhance your trip.
Bus Amenities
The tour bus is equipped for your comfort during the late-night excursion. Plush, reclining seats allow you to relax as you travel. Large windows offer clear views of the night sky and surroundings.
Onboard heating keeps you cozy in the chilly Arctic nights. A restroom is available for your convenience. Some buses have WiFi, letting you share your excitement in real-time.
Snacks and hot drinks are often provided to keep you energized. Blankets are usually available to keep you warm during outdoor viewing stops.
Safety Measures
Your safety is a top priority on the Northern Lights tour. Buses undergo regular maintenance checks to ensure reliable operation in cold conditions.
Drivers are experienced in winter driving and familiar with local roads. They receive special training for night-time tours.
First-aid kits are kept onboard for emergencies. Buses are equipped with communication devices to stay in touch with tour operators.
Reflective vests are provided for guests during outdoor stops. This enhances visibility in the dark Arctic night.
Traveler Tips
Dress in warm layers for your comfort both on and off the bus. Thick socks and winter boots are a must for outdoor viewing.
Bring a camera with extra batteries. Cold temperatures can drain them quickly. A tripod is useful for steady night shots.
Pack some snacks and water, even if refreshments are provided. The tour can last several hours.
Consider bringing a small pillow for added comfort during the drive. Eye masks can help you rest between viewing stops if needed.
Be ready to chat with fellow travelers. The shared experience often leads to fun conversations and new friendships.
Destination Highlights
The Northern Lights bus tour from Yellowknife offers prime viewing spots, comfortable durations, and eco-friendly practices. You’ll experience the magic of the aurora in ideal settings.
Viewing Locations
You’ll visit carefully selected sites away from city lights. These spots provide clear, unobstructed views of the night sky. Common locations include:
- Prelude Lake Territorial Park
- Vee Lake
- Cameron Falls Trail
Each site offers unique features. Prelude Lake has open fields perfect for setting up cameras. Vee Lake provides a reflective surface, doubling the aurora’s beauty. Cameron Falls Trail offers a mix of forest and clearings for varied backdrops.
Stay Duration
Your tour typically lasts 4-5 hours. This timeframe maximizes your chances of seeing the aurora. The schedule usually looks like this:
- 9:00 PM: Pick-up from your hotel
- 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM: Aurora viewing at various locations
- 2:00 AM: Return to your hotel
During the tour, you’ll have breaks to warm up in the bus. Hot drinks and snacks are often provided to keep you comfortable in the chilly night air.
Environmental Considerations
The tour prioritizes minimal impact on the delicate northern ecosystem. You’ll be asked to follow Leave No Trace principles:
- Stay on designated paths
- Pack out all trash
- Avoid disturbing wildlife
Tour groups are kept small to reduce environmental impact. Buses use fuel-efficient engines to lower emissions. Your guide will share information about the local environment and how climate change affects the aurora.
Booking Information
Reserving your spot on the Northern Lights bus tour from Yellowknife is straightforward. You’ll find key details about the reservation process, cancellation policy, and how to get support if needed.
Reservation Process
To book your Northern Lights bus tour, visit the tour operator’s website. Click on the “Book Now” button and select your preferred date. Choose the number of adults and children in your group. Fill out the required personal information and payment details.
You’ll need to pay a deposit to secure your spot. The full payment is due 30 days before the tour date. After booking, you’ll get a confirmation email with your tour details.
Remember to book early, especially during peak season (December to March). Tours often sell out quickly.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your Northern Lights bus tour, do it as soon as possible. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel 30 days or more before the tour date. For cancellations 15-29 days before, you’ll get a 50% refund.
No refunds are given for cancellations less than 15 days before the tour. This includes no-shows on the day of the tour. In case of bad weather, the tour operator may cancel and offer a full refund or reschedule.
Travel insurance is recommended to cover unexpected cancellations.
Contact Support
If you have questions or need help with your booking, contact the tour operator’s support team. Their office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM local time, Monday to Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Northern Lights bus tour in Yellowknife involves several key considerations. Here are answers to common questions about timing, duration, photography, clothing, packages, and customer experiences.
What is the best time of year to go on a Northern Lights bus tour in Yellowknife?
The best time for Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife is from mid-August to mid-April. Winter months offer longer nights, increasing your chances of seeing the aurora.
Peak viewing occurs from December to March. These months have the darkest skies and coldest temperatures, creating ideal conditions for aurora spotting.
How long does the Northern Lights bus tour typically last?
Most Northern Lights bus tours in Yellowknife last about 4 to 5 hours. Tours usually start in the late evening and end in the early morning hours.
Some companies offer longer tours that can last up to 8 hours. These extended tours may include additional activities or multiple viewing locations.
Are photography services included in the Yellowknife Northern Lights bus tour?
Many Yellowknife Northern Lights bus tours include basic photography services. Tour guides often take photos of guests with the aurora in the background.
Some tours offer professional photography packages for an extra fee. These may include high-quality cameras and expert guidance on aurora photography techniques.
What should I wear for a Northern Lights bus tour in Yellowknife?
Dress in warm, insulated layers for your Northern Lights tour. Start with thermal underwear, add fleece or wool mid-layers, and top with a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
Wear warm boots, thick socks, insulated gloves, and a hat that covers your ears. Hand and foot warmers can provide extra comfort on very cold nights.
Can you recommend some all-inclusive Northern Lights tour packages in Canada?
Several companies offer all-inclusive Northern Lights packages in Yellowknife. These often include accommodation, meals, and daytime activities along with aurora viewing.
Aurora Village and Blachford Lake Lodge are popular choices. They provide multi-day experiences with comfortable lodging and guided aurora tours.
How do customer reviews rate the Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife?
Northern Lights tours in Yellowknife generally receive positive reviews. Guests often praise the knowledgeable guides and the magical experience of seeing the aurora.
Some reviews mention that aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed. Tour companies that offer multiple viewing nights or flexible rescheduling options tend to get higher ratings.
