Indigenous cultural trip to the Auroras

Immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of Yellowknife and look forward to a unique winter experience! In addition to several Northern Lights hunts, you will take part in exciting activities such as a dog sled ride and gain unique insights into the lives of the indigenous population. Let yourself be enchanted by the impressive landscapes and get ready for a journey between mystical lights and interesting culture.

Indigenous cultural trip to the Auroras: the itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Yellowknife!
After your arrival in Yellowknife, you will be taken to your hotel by shuttle. Check-in in your comfortable room and rest from the journey until dinner awaits you at Bullock's Bistro. Then, it's off on your first, approx. 4-hour Northern Lights hunt in a small group. Together, you will search for the fascinating natural spectacle, gain background knowledge about their formation and can take unique photos. While you admire the twinkling stars and lights, Canadian maple cookies and hot chocolate are served. As you drive from one place to another you'll come across some native wildlife if you're lucky. Please note that we can't guarantee the sighting of the Northern Lights. Finally, return to your hotel for the night. You will receive your winter equipment during the course of the day, in time for your first Northern Lights tour.

Day 2: Yellowknife and Northern Lights dreams
Today, you will embark on a 2-hour sightseeing tour of Yellowknife. The tour is led by lifelong residents who will show you the city's history and best spots. You will visit historic Old Town, where Yellowknife was founded in the 1930s. In addition to background information about the indigenous cultures and history of the people, you will learn about the best restaurants and souvenir stores. After a stop for hot chocolate at Tim Horton's, you will continue to the "Welcome to Yellowknife" sign and learn the meaning of the city's name. In the afternoon, you will have free time before being transferred to Copperhouse Restaurant for dinner. Another Northern Lights hunt through the area follows.

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Day 3: On the dog sled
Your day begins with a transfer to a husky kennel to take part in a 2-hour dog sled tour. After getting to know the friendly huskies, the musher will guide you through the snow-covered wilderness while you sit comfortably in the sled. You will soon feel the speed as you glide across frozen lakes and Canada's enchanting winter wonderland. Warm up in a traditional trapper's cabin afterward and enjoy bannock (a type of flatbread) and hot drinks. The guides will tell you stories about the importance of dogs and their role in the survival of the indigenous people. You will return to the hotel at midday and can relax until dinner at the Trader's Grill Restaurant. Then, you will once again go in search of the Northern Lights.

Day 4: Insights into the indigenous culture
Joe, your Dene guide, brings you closer to his personal history and the heritage of the indigenous culture today. You will visit the Prince of Wales Heritage Museum and learn about both the challenges faced by the indigenous people and how they practice their traditions in today's world. After this special tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Yellowknife at your own pace. There are also some optional activities at an additional cost. Take part in an interesting Dene culture workshop or a mining heritage tour. If you have booked the 6-day trip, you will go on another Northern Lights hunt tonight.

Day 5: Free day or departure
Those who have booked a 6-day trip can prepare for another day in Yellowknife. Take it easy or book optional activities again to round off your stay. How about an excursion to the ice road, a nature hike or traditional ice fishing? You can find all the options under "Extras".

For everyone else, it's time to say goodbye today. You check out of your hotel and return your winter equipment. A shuttle will then take you to the airport so that you can continue your journey home from there.

Day 6: Goodbye and see you next time
Today is the departure day for the 6-day variant and you will be taken to the airport. You will leave Yellowknife with many unforgettable memories of your adventures with the Northern Lights and the indigenous population of the North West Territories. See you next time!

Accommodation:
During your trip, you will stay in one of the double rooms with bathroom of the Chateau Nova Hotel in Yellowknife (price is per person, based on a double occupancy). Single rooms are available for an additional charge. Hotel amenities include a fitness centre, steam room, sauna and free Wi-Fi. You will also find a restaurant and a lounge in the building.

You can also stay at The Explorer Hotel instead for an extra charge. Just contact us if you are interested!

Meals:
Dinner is included on three days. The remaining meals are not included and must be organized by yourself. You will find a variety of restaurants in Yellowknife that are easily reachable from both hotels.

Getting to Yellowknife:
You can fly to Yellowknife via the major Canadian cities of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto.
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