Explore the Northwest Territories: One of the Best Places in the World to See the Northern Lights
Some places glow with adventure—and in Yellowknife, that’s not just a turn of phrase. As one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, this remote northern city promises unforgettable encounters with the night skies. But there’s more to”Somba K’e” (its Dene nickname translated as “Where the money is,” reflecting its gold-mining history), than just the Aurora.
From soaring over frozen lakes by helicopter to sledding through snowy trails behind a team of eager huskies, this is a place where winter isn’t endured, it’s embraced with open arms and warm spirits. And when the lights do come, dancing in ribbons of green and violet across the endless sky, you’ll understand why people travel thousands of miles just to stand beneath them.
Read on as we experience two extraordinary days in Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories, and the stark beauty of Blachford Lake Lodge with our very own Canada expert Jeanette Dembrey.
- Discover A Place Where Adventure & Wonder Go Hand in Hand
- Snowking Winter Festival: Where Fun Meets Frost
- Northern Lights: Cosy Cabin Aurora Experience
- Winter’s Best Ride: Dog Sledding
- Summit Scenery & Old Town Artisans
- Blachford Lake Lodge: Where Nature Takes Centre Stage & the Sky Dazzles
- From Auroras to Adventures, the North delivers More Than Wonder
Discover A Place Where Adventure & Wonder Go Hand in Hand
Some destinations feel like stepping into another world, as does Yellowknife. Famed for its aurora viewing for up to 240 nights a year and located in Chief Drygeese territory, the traditional land of the Dene First Nation, this remote metropolis is enriched by the indigenous history and cultural events.
Our adventure began with a helicopter tour over the city. The sun shone brightly as we lifted off, soaring over the frozen expanse of Great Slave Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in North America. Below us, the infamous ice road stretched across Yellowknife Bay, connecting the city to the Indigenous community of Dettah and the Snowking village. Our pilot gave us a thrilling ride, swooping low over frozen waterfalls and rapids, revealing a side of Yellowknife few get to see. It was a spectacular way to take in the vast, wild beauty of the region.
Back on solid ground, we explored YK’s past and present before visiting the Yellowknife Historical Museum. Nestled near the site of the old gold mines, this small but fascinating museum captures the social, cultural, and economic history of the region. It’s a labour of love by the local community and a wonderful introduction to the stories that shaped this part of Canada.
Snowking Winter Festival: Where Fun Meets Frost
In the afternoon, we made our way to the Snowking Winter Festival, an annual highlight of the winter season. Since 1994, Anthony Foliot—better known as the Snowking—and his team have built an extraordinary snow castle on Great Slave Lake. Stepping inside feels like entering a dream world of shimmering ice, its intricate ice carvings and sculptures, creating a truly magical setting. The event plays host to musicians, artists, and performers on the “Ice Stage”, the coolest stage in the Great White North, throughout March.
Northern Lights: Cosy Cabin Aurora Experience
Of course, no visit to Yellowknife is complete without witnessing the Northern Lights, and we spent the evening enjoying a Cosy Cabin Aurora experience. Set in a warm, inviting log cabin, this experience was far more than just an Aurora viewing tour, it was an evening of stories, culture, and warmth. Our host, Tracey, welcomed us with freshly baked bannock and steaming bowls of fish chowder, sharing tales of the land and her Indigenous heritage.
Then, the lights came, which you can choose to view from out of the window or, for the ultimate thrill, step outside. At first, a subtle green shimmer rippled across the sky, but soon the colours intensified, swirling in ribbons of green, purple, and pink across the vast northern night. We stepped into the crisp air, mesmerised as the aurora danced above us. It was a humbling, magical moment—one that my photographs could never truly capture.
Winter’s Best Ride: Dog Sledding
The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast at The Explorer Hotel, we explored New Town, stopping at the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, a unique building with an interesting story that makes it well worth the visit. Then it was time to change the pace, as we were off for a thrilling afternoon of traditional dog sledding.
Beck’s Kennels’ energetic huskies took us on a five-mile trail ride around frozen Grace Lake. Wrapped up warm, we glided through the snowy landscape, the only sound the steady rhythm of the dogs pulling us forward. It was a truly exhilarating way to experience Yellowknife’s wilderness.
Summit Scenery & Old Town Artisans
Back in town, we climbed 100-plus steps to the top of the rock to reach Bush Pilots Monument, which honours the pioneering pilots who opened up the North. From the summit, we spied, Great Slave Lake, Back Bay and the northern reaches of the city, a breathtaking view of the landscape we had spent two days exploring. It’s also a great spot to watch the floatplanes taking off and landing.
Before leaving Yellowknife, we took time to explore Old Town, stopping at Old Town Glassworks to create a unique sandblasted souvenir from recycled glass. A draw for creatives, the area is home to independent shops, galleries, and craft stores, filled with local artworks and handmade gifts.
And, for a final toast to our adventure, we headed to The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery, home to NWT Brewing Co., where we sampled craft beers before rounding off our trip with a famous fish and chips dinner at Bullocks Bistro (said to be the best in Canada), an iconic Yellowknife eatery known for its no-frills charm and incredibly fresh fish.
More than just a destination, Yellowknife is an experience that lingers long after you’ve left. Here, the sky dances, the snow whispers, and the warmth of the people rivals the crackling of a cabin fire. You’ll come for the Northern Lights, but you’ll leave with something more—a sense of awe, a story to tell, and the feeling that, in this vast northern wilderness, you were part of something truly extraordinary.
Blachford Lake Lodge: Where Nature Takes Centre Stage & the Sky Dazzles
There are some places so remote, so untouched, that simply arriving feels like an adventure. Blachford Lake Lodge is one of them. Tucked away in the wilds of Canada’s Northwest Territories, this off-grid retreat is accessible only by bush plane, with no roads, no noise, and no artificial lights to dull the night sky. It’s just you, the great outdoors, and the Northern Lights.
We left Yellowknife and checked in with Air Tindi. The de Havilland Twin Otter may not be the most luxurious mode of transport, but it certainly offered a front-row seat to the breathtaking scenery below. As we soared over snow-covered lakes and endless boreal forest, the land stretched out in every direction, untouched and impossibly vast.
Then, appearing in the wilderness, Blachford Lake Lodge came into view, the property located in the Dry Geese territory, the traditional land of Yellowknife’s Dene First Nation Akaitcho. Perched on a rocky knoll, the lodge is framed by frozen stretches of water and deep evergreen forests, a world away from everyday life. We touched down smoothly on the snow-covered Blachford Lake, because, naturally, at this time of year, runways are made of ice.
Stepping inside felt like entering a friend’s (very well-located) cabin. The Trappers Cabin, our home for the next few nights, was rustic yet spacious, its large windows perfectly positioned to capture the sweeping views. As we settled in, it became clear that Blachford is a place designed for slow, immersive travel. At this retreat, the biggest decision of the day is whether to warm up by the fire, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or don a pair of snowshoes and explore the frozen landscape beyond.
And explore we did. Over the next few days, we hiked through snow-draped trails, crossed frozen lakes by snowmobile, and even tried our hand at igloo building and ice fishing—the latter requiring more patience than skill. But nighttime is when the real magic happens, the team even waking you when the aurora is visible.
The sky slowly transforms. First, a whisper of green shimmered through the darkness, then another, until suddenly the entire sky was ablaze with swirling ribbons of emerald and violet light. Seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory is something no photograph can truly capture, it’s a fantastical dance across the heavens. Each evening, we gathered around the teepee, watching the lights shift and swirl as the fire crackled beside us. One night, we were even treated to an eclipse of the moon. We watched mesmerised as it glowed behind the dancing auroras. An utterly surreal experience.
On reflection, there’s a certain magic in the solitude of this place, in the way time slows down. The frost might have melted from my boots and the northern winds are a world away, I can still bring to mind the quiet magic of Blachford.
From Auroras to Adventures: The North delivers More Than Wonder
While you might come for the Northern Lights, we can promise you’ll leave the Northwest Territories with something deeper—a renewed sense of self, a story etched in snow, and the knowledge that in the heart of Canada’s north, the world still evokes a sense of wonder.
Talk to our dedicated team of travel experts on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier Canada at Canada@frontier-travel.co.uk and start planning your tailor-made Canada holiday today. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.
