Indigenous-led Northern Lights Experiences in Canada Provide Stunning Aurora Viewing Alongside Rich Cultural Insights

During autumn, winter, and spring, the skies near the Earth’s geomagnetic poles burst with a breathtaking display of nature’s light. In the Northern Hemisphere, vibrant streams of color dance across the dark sky in an enchanting spectacle known as the northern lights or aurora borealis. This phenomenon was named in 1619 by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, who combined the name of the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas. However, long before Galileo's scientific naming, Indigenous peoples in the northern regions had been marveling at these magical lights. Today, Indigenous guides and tour operators take visitors on tours to view the auroras on ancestral lands that have been cherished for generations. Here are some of the top Indigenous-led northern lights experiences in Canada.

What creates an aurora, and where can it be experienced?

The enchanting display of an aurora occurs when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are directed towards the geomagnetic poles, and as they collide with atmospheric gases, they release colors, forming glowing rings known as auroral ovals. While the northern lights can be seen in many northern regions, areas within the auroral oval offer the most vivid and frequent displays. Northern Canada, northern Alaska, and portions of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland fall within this zone.

Northwest Territories, Canada

The Northwest Territories is renowned as one of the premier destinations for aurora viewing. With clear, dark skies, low humidity, and its prime location beneath the auroral oval, the northern lights can be observed for up to 240 nights each year. Travelers visiting Yellowknife have an impressive 95 percent chance of witnessing the auroras during the season. This area also hosts numerous Indigenous-owned tour companies, each providing a distinctive aurora-viewing adventure.

Cozy Heated Seats With Panoramic Views

Located just outside Yellowknife, Aurora Village has been a premier spot for witnessing the northern lights since its inception in 2000. This Indigenous-owned destination features 21 traditional teepees and scenic hilltop viewpoints surrounding a crystal-clear lake. On chilly northern evenings, guests can stay cozy inside the teepees, gather around bonfires, or relax on heated outdoor seating that rotates for 360-degree views—offering one of the most comfortable ways to experience the auroras.

Dog Sledding for Aurora Viewing

Dog sledding has long been a traditional winter transportation method for those living in the far north. Long before cars and snowmobiles became prevalent, people relied on dog sleds for travel. Today, owning a dog sled is rare—except for tour operators offering dog sledding experiences. North of 60 Aurora Adventures Inc. in Yellowknife allows guests to journey by dog sled across a serene frozen lake to witness the aurora. They also feature a skydome structure specifically designed for aurora viewing, with hot beverages and bannock served at the conclusion of the tour.

A Warm Cabin, Dinner, and Entertainment

Bucketlist Tours provides an intimate aurora-viewing experience that includes Indigenous storytelling alongside a delightful midnight meal in a cozy cabin outside Yellowknife. The meal features traditional homemade fish chowder, hot bannock, coffee, and tea, including several northern herbal varieties. Guests can also try on traditional northern attire for photo opportunities while they await the northern lights. The company offers a range of other Indigenous tours throughout the year.

Discover the Myths of the Northern Lights

Numerous legends exist surrounding the northern lights—humanity’s way of making sense of this awe-inspiring phenomenon. Exploring these legends can be nearly as captivating as witnessing the lights themselves, and it’s an integral part of the experience when participating in an aurora-viewing tour with B. Dene Adventures. "Our aurora tours are special because they feature traditional drumming, cooking fish over an open fire, and sharing our language and culture," explains Bobby Drygeese, the owner. "Guests enjoy conversing with our Elders and hearing Dene legends and stories." While waiting for the aurora to appear, guests can unwind in a cozy cabin or teepee on Akaitcho Bay along the shores of Great Slave Lake near Yellowknife.

Aurora Searching

While most aurora-viewing tours operate from a fixed base camp, North Star Adventures takes a different approach. Rather than waiting in one spot for the northern lights to appear, they embark on aurora hunting. "Aurora hunting resembles storm chasing," stated company owner Joe Bailey. "It's thrilling and boosts your chances of witnessing an aurora." If the skies are cloudy in one area, they relocate to find clearer conditions for better views. Bailey named his tours "aurora hunting" to honor his Dene heritage. As guests await the aurora, Indigenous guides share Dene stories and legends.

Aurora Viewing from a Voyageur Canoe

Narwal Northern Adventures provides a distinctive early-season aurora-viewing experience aboard a 29-foot, 12-person voyageur canoe. During the fur trade era, these waterways served as highways, with voyageurs using canoes to transport goods and people. This special aurora-viewing tour immerses guests in the spectacle, as the lights above are beautifully reflected on the water. A traditional meal of soup, bannock, and drinks is also included.

Cozy Up in a New Aurora Teepee Lodge

Experience the warmth and comfort of winter aurora viewing at a newly built aurora teepee lodge with Aurora Tours.Net. This venue features several traditional teepees and a spacious trapper-style tent complex. Guests can try on traditional attire and furs, enjoy captivating storytelling, and comfortably wait for the northern lights to illuminate the skies outside Yellowknife.

Yukon, Canada

The Yukon is renowned for its dark skies, plenty of clear nights, skilled guides and tour operators, all located perfectly beneath the auroral oval.

Just Steps from Kluane National Park

Nestled at the edge of Christmas Lake near Kluane National Park, Shakat Tun Adventures' Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Southern Tutchone culture while witnessing the northern lights in the traditional lands of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Owner James Allen, a former Chief and captivating storyteller, not only guides you to the best aurora viewing spots but also shares Southern Tutchone legends related to the lights. The company provides a variety of cultural experiences as well.

Manitoba, Canada

Churchill, Manitoba lies directly beneath the auroral oval and features a sparse population, resulting in minimal light pollution. This prime location makes it an excellent spot for northern lights viewing, with several Indigenous-owned companies available to enhance your experience.

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights Viewing

Wapusk Adventures offers daytime dog sledding and nighttime northern lights viewing right on their property outside Churchill. Guests can stay cozy inside a teepee or cabin as they await the magical dance of the aurora across the night sky. Founded in 2001 by David Daly, who has Indigenous roots tracing back to a Métis community in the Red River Valley in the 1500s, Wapusk Adventures has received numerous awards for its services.

An Indigenous Tour Company Led by Women

Beyond Boreal Expeditions invites guests to explore handpicked aurora-viewing locations just outside Churchill in a comfortable vehicle. During the journey, participants gain insights into Churchill's culture and receive guidance on photographing the northern lights. Additionally, individuals, couples, and families have the chance to capture professional aurora portraits.