Leaving Brisbane at a balmy 29°C, I felt nothing but excitement for what I kept calling a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure – chasing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife.
Then I checked the weather. Minus 45°C. I briefly wondered if I’d survive… but what I didn’t expect was just how much I would love it.
From the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. Snow covered everything in a soft, sparkling blanket – so fine it felt like sugar in my hands.
Instead of freezing in fear, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, completely in awe.
I stayed at the Explorer Hotel and it quickly became a highlight of the trip. Perched slightly above town, it offers sweeping views of the snowy landscape, something I became obsessed with as I stood by my large window, completely mesmerised.
The hotel blends Northern charm with comfort and is one of the most established stays in the region, giving it a subtle sense of history and character.
Inside, everything is designed to make you forget the extreme cold outside. My room was warm, modern and generously sized – perfect for laying out bulky winter gear (a detail you’ll quickly appreciate in -40°C).
There are also elevated suite options, including Aurora-themed suites, ideal if you want to turn the experience into something extra special. After long nights out in the cold, coming back here felt like pure luxury.
Food-wise, it absolutely delivered. Five-star meals and a great wine selection that helped take the edge off the chill. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, warm up and relive the magic of the night.
I also checked out Nova Inn Yellowknife and Chateau Nova Yellowknife – both fantastic options for first-time travellers.
One thing I quickly noticed? All the hotels have spacious rooms, which is essential when you’re juggling suitcases and heavy winter wear.
Chateau Nova stood out with its large on-site restaurant, wide menu, plus extras like a sauna and gym, perfect for unwinding after a day in the cold. Across the board, everything is conveniently located near dining spots, grocery stores and tour pick-ups.
Now, onto the real reason I came…the Northern Lights!
I booked experiences through North of 60 Aurora Adventures and Aurora Village, and honestly, both were unforgettable in completely different ways.
At North of 60, I ticked off a major bucket list item: dog sledding – and yes, I made some very enthusiastic (and very fluffy) new friends.
Later that night, we were taken out to a cosy viewing igloo, complete with a fireplace, snacks, hot chocolate and comfortable seating. Watching the sky dance while being warm and looked after felt completely surreal.
Aurora Village offered a different kind of magic. The setup includes multiple teepees where you can share the experience with other travellers or hire one privately for something extra special.
Inside, it’s all about warmth and comfort – hearty food, hot drinks and a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show. It’s a seamless, one-stop experience for aurora viewing.
And yes, the lights did appear. Waves of green danced across the sky, shifting and glowing in a way that photos simply can’t capture.
Outside of aurora chasing, Yellowknife itself has its own charm. The locals were incredibly kind and welcoming, always ready with a smile or a tip.
I even spotted what I called “snow chickens” (officially ptarmigans), perfectly camouflaged in the winter landscape.
Visiting in March also meant I was lucky enough to see the famous ice castle, an incredible structure built entirely from snow and ice, straight out of a fairy tale.
And let’s talk food, because you must try bison. A bison burger is absolutely non-negotiable.
For first-time travellers, I’d recommend spending three to four nights in Yellowknife. It gives you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights while still leaving time to explore and try a few activities.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Because somewhere between the icy temperatures, glowing skies and the quiet beauty of this snow-covered town, Yellowknife didn’t just meet my expectations – it completely exceeded them.
Thanks to Flight Centre, Travel Associates and Air Canada Australia
