Best time to travel to Northwest Territories

Northern Lights in Yellowknife in Northwest Territories

Find out why Yellowknife is one of the best places on the planet to see aurora borealis

Best time: mid-November–early April

Northern Lights in Yellowknife

Yellowknife is the capital of Canadian Northwest Territories, located on the Northern shore of Great Slave Lake. It lies just 512 km (318 mi) from the Arctic Circle and enjoys clear weather during most of the winter. Its dark. long and crisp winter nights are perfect for viewing beautiful northern lights. Since the season runs from mid-November to early April, visitors also have a good chance to see the lights in autumn and early spring. The city of Yellowknife is equipped with special Northern Lighthouses. These are small lighthouses, scattered throughout the city, alerting residents to go out and marvel at the skies colored with dancing lights. There are plenty of spots throughout the city to watch the northern lights. If an aurora alert caught you downtown, you can head to Bush Pilots Monument, located up the hill in Raccine Park, Old Town. The elevation gives you a panoramic view of the area and the aurora over it. Tincan Hill Recreation Area is another great spot featuring a lookout over Great Slave Lake. If you have time to get out of the city, you can go to the Fred Henne Territorial Park located on Highway 3. The campground in the park suits perfectly for an aurora hunt. Prosperous Lake Territorial Park, Madeline Lake, and Prelude Lake Territorial Park are other scenic spots that can be easily reached from Yellowknife.

Practical info

What makes Yellowknife stand out for Aurora Borealis viewing?

Yellowknife offers an excellent opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis thanks to its location near the Arctic Circle. Additionally, the clear winter weather is ideal for viewing the spectacle. Throughout the town, small Northern Lighthouses are available to alert visitors when the lights are visible. These factors make Yellowknife a popular destination for Aurora Borealis viewing. Show more

When is the ideal time to view the Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife?

Visitors can see the Northern Lights any time between mid-November and early April. The best time for viewing the Aurora Borealis changes depending on the weather conditions. People can witness the lights in the autumn and early spring, as well. It's essential to check the local weather before making plans, though. Show more

What are the Northern Lighthouses present in Yellowknife, and what is their significance?

Yellowknife has small lighthouses positioned throughout the town called Northern Lighthouses. These structures play a crucial role in announcing the arrival of the Aurora Borealis to the people. The Northern Lighthouses assist in spreading awareness and excitement regarding the dancing lights in the sky, making Yellowknife a top choice for tourists to behold the Aurora Borealis. Show more

Which locations are popular spots in Yellowknife for watching the Aurora Borealis?

Bush Pilots Monument, Tincan Hill Recreation Area, and Fred Henne Territorial Park are the top three locations for viewing the Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife. The other locations include Prosperous Lake Territorial Park, Madeline Lake, and Prelude Lake Territorial Park that are also easily accessible from Yellowknife and offer scenic views for visitors to experience the Northern Lights. Show more

Apart from the downtown area, name the locations or parks that provide ideal Northern Lights viewing?

Yellowknife has multiple options for viewing the Northern Lights aside from the downtown area. Fred Henne Territorial Park and Tincan Hill Recreation Area are two such sites that offer a great view. Visitors can also head to Prosperous Lake Territorial Park, Madeline Lake, and Prelude Lake Territorial Park. These locations provide a stunning and easily accessible view of the Aurora Borealis. Show more

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