Northern Lights of the Northwest Territories

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS OR AURORA BOREALIS: The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, are magical, mystical, and mesmerizing. The scientific explanation lies with the sun and the output of energy particles from sunspots. These energy particles, which take the form of free electrons and protons, leave the sun as plasma and create solar wind. When these particles reach Earth's atmosphere, contact with atmospheric gases excites the particles, causing them to emit light. The magnetic poles cause the particles to become unstable and concentrated, thereby becoming visible on earth as dancing lights. Folklore has always surrounded the aurora phenomenon. In Scandinavia, the lights were called ‘herring flash’, caused by the reflections cast by large swarms of herring onto the sky. Norse legend refers to "the fires that surround the North and South edges of the world", and this has been put forward as evidence that the Norse ventured as far as Antarctica. In Inuit folklore, Northern Lights were the spirits of the dead demonstrating that they don’t feel pain anymore, appropriately named Pathway to Heaven. Many prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush believed that the Northern Lights were the reflection of the mother lode of all gold. Whatever the explanation, the sight of the Northern Lights fills one with awe and childlike wonder, as though we are witnessing a magical event as curtains of ever-changing light dance across the sky. The best time of year to view the Northern Lights is in mid-winter when the nights are longest and darkest. Although it is not possible to predict auroral activity very far in advance, chances of viewing increase dramatically when you go out four nights in a row, as on this tour. The most active region of the auroral oval typically becomes visible around local midnight, and this region is also the widest part of the oval. Our evenings of viewing begin between 9 and 10 pm and last 3-4 hours to catch the darkest hours of the night. However, please be aware that the Northern Lights are unpredictable. We have increased odds in every way possible, but there is no guarantee that we will actually witness a spectacular show.

Flexible Itinerary: Much of this itinerary is dependent on the weather for the most enjoyment of activities. Therefore, treat this tour as an adventure in travel and allow maximum flexibility for changing conditions. If an activity is cancelled one day due to inclement weather, we will try to reschedule during our stay. We plan to visit Aurora Village on four evenings, starting between 9 and 10 pm, but cloudy skies could interfere with one or more of these viewings. You can opt out of any of the planned viewings, but no refund can be provided. Wells Gray Tours cannot guarantee that the Northern Lights will be active any night or every night.

Clothing: Dress warmly, no matter what weather forecast you see for Yellowknife. You will be outside at night watching the Northern Lights and it is easy to get chilled, even if there is a warm teepee to retreat to. Bring a warm coat, warm pants, sweatshirt, sweater, warm underwear, snow boots or hiking boots, toque, and warm gloves. If you don’t want to pack your own winter clothing, a winter gear rental is offered. Includes boots, snow pants, parka (all rated for minus 60°C), mittens, and a branded facemask (yours to keep). Cost is $145 per person plus GST. Keep in mind that this tour is in mid-March, so extreme cold would be unusual. Daytime temperatures may range from minus 22°C to 3°C, with colder temperatures possible at night.

Flight seating: We are unable to take seating requests of any kind in any class. The airline will not accept them, as group seating is assigned as a block. If this is important to you, we suggest you take the “No Flight” option with a fare reduction of $890 and book your own flight which allows seat selection. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more information on the “No Flight” option.

Flight delays or cancellations: In the event flights are delayed or cancelled by airlines due to weather or other reasons, there may be additional costs to you. Wells Gray Tours will not pay for hotel rooms and meals during the delay. Most travel insurance policies cover expenses incurred for flight delays.

Payments: A deposit of $300 per person is requested at the time of booking and the balance is due January 13, 2027. By paying the deposit, you agree to the Terms and Conditions, Company Policies, Activity Level, and Cancellation Policy outlined. Payments can be made by online banking or cheque (3% discount on tour fare), or by Visa or Mastercard.

Early Booking Bonus: Receive a $200 discount on the first 8 seats and $100 on the next 4 seats for booking early with deposit. The discount is not offered after January 13, 2027.

Cancellation Policy: • Up to December 10, 2026, the cancellation charge is $100 per person. • From December 11, 2026 to January 13, 2027, the cancellation charge is $200 per person. • From January 14 to February 12, the cancellation charge is 70% of the tour fare. • After February 12, there is no refund.

Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Insurance policy is available through Wells Gray Tours and coverage is provided by Travel Guard until September 8, 2026 and Battleface after that. Policies purchased at deposit include a waiver of the pre-existing condition clause for medical and cancellation claims, otherwise policies can be purchased no later than at final payment. This tour stays in Canada, but medical costs can vary a lot from one province/territory to another. While your BC Services Card may partly cover you for a medical issue that arises during the tour, you will probably benefit from trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage in case of illness or a mishap before or during the tour. Many other benefits such as luggage insurance are included. Medical questionnaire is not needed. Please contact us for details. If you have your own travel insurance, please read the policy carefully to be sure that you are adequately covered for medical, cancellation, interruption, and luggage. Insurance premiums are not refundable whether or not you make a claim.

Photo Credits: Adobe Stock (Aurora Village page 1 and 4) and Wikimedia (Snowkings’ Winter Festival, Yellowknife).

Experience Points or E-points: This tour earns 104 Experience Points or e-points. Redeem up to 104 of your earned e-points from a previous tour until January 13, 2027. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information about e-points.

Consumer Protection BC Licences: Kamloops 178, Vernon 655, Kelowna 588, Penticton 924, Victoria 65842

Additional Information: For information on itinerary and fare changes, food allergies, and more, please see our Terms, Conditions, and Company Policies.