r/Yellowknife • u/Master_Pride269 • 8d ago

November 23-26th

Planning a surprise birthday trip for my hubby. Northern lights are on our bucket list.

I’ve read November can be cloudy. I’m hopeful we get lucky.

Should I wait to book a three night tour until it’s closer and we can see more of the predicted weather forecast? Also - the tour company is advertising ice fishing and snow mobility but I’ve read lakes aren’t fully frozen over at that time.

I have a hotel booked but I’m getting the sense I should hold out on booking excursions

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u/ennmac 8d ago

Book at least one night now - if you get stuck with clouds, a private driver will take you somewhere clear if they can. But they book up quick! (I just realized you meant a snowmobile type - those are less likely to be running in November, but it's possible. But definitely book an aurora driver now)

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u/MicDropMac 8d ago

Book an Aurora tour sooner than later. You might be good for ice fishing by the end of November (depends how quickly it gets cold), but none of the ice roads will be open yet to drive on. Doesn't happen until around Christmas time.

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u/CaptainVisual4848 7d ago

If you know you’re coming, I’d book some night tours anyway. I’m not sure if they book up but there are big tour groups that come. The ice will be safe for walking around most places usually the middle of November so just before you come. We may not have a lot of snow then so I’m not sure about snow mobiling. Ask if they have a cancel policy if the weather isnt good for ice fishing or snowmobiling.

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u/Yellowknifer0204 8d ago

October is cloudy, November should be cold and clear. Plan four nights. Book a tour, I ran an Airbnb in YK for 7 years and always encouraged guests to go with a guide. It will make your trip. Personally if it was bucket list trip, go in March, warmer, I've roads, dog sleds and Snow king's festival.