Here are some of the best Indigenous-led northern lights tours in Canada.

Meet the Expert

What causes an aurora, and where can you see it?

The magical phenomenon of an aurora is caused when charged particles from the sun collide with Earths atmosphere.

The aurora, glowing over Yellowknife city

Credit:Geng Zhang/Getty Images

These rings are known as auroral ovals.

The destination is also home to many Indigenous-owned tour companies each offering a unique aurora-viewing experience.

Long before the invention of automobiles and snowmobiles, people traveled by dog sled.

Left: a teepee in the snow Right: A woman walking through snow

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

They also have a skydome structure that they use for aurora viewing.

Hot beverages and bannock are served at the end of the tour.

The company offers a variety of other Indigenous tours year-round.

A snow covered tent

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Guests love speaking with our Elders and hearing Dene legends and stories.

Aurora Hunting

Most aurora-viewing tours are offered from a base camp, butNorth Star Adventuresdoes things differently.

“Aurora hunting is kind of like storm chasing, explained company owner Joe Bailey.

A person looking up at the northern lights

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

It’s exciting and it can increase your chances of seeing an aurora.”

Bailey called his tours aurora hunting to pay homage to his Dene ancestors.

While guests wait to see an aurora, Indigenous guides share Dene legends.

Multi colored northern lights in the night sky

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

A traditional meal of soup, bannock, and beverages is also provided.

There are several traditional teepees as well as a large trapper-style tent complex.

Owner James Allen is a former Chief and an incredible storyteller.

Father and son owners of Aurora Tours.net

Courtesy of AuroraTours.net

This company also offers several other cultural experiences.

Along the way, they learn about Churchills culture and receive coaching on how to photograph the northern lights.

There is also the opportunity for individuals, couples, and families to get professional aurora portraits taken.