FAQ

Can you guarantee that we will see the Northern Lights?

The short answer is no, I cannot. In fact, no one can guarantee that. If someone tells you otherwise, do not believe them. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that depends on various factors. It is a very dynamic and fleeting spectacle. I do not control nature. What I can guarantee is that I have experience reading a range of satellite data that helps us act accordingly to increase our chances. I am skilled in the art of aurora hunting, managing the wait, and predicting with a reasonable degree of accuracy when the lights will appear. Another important point: in Yellowknife, if the skies are clear, the chances of seeing the auroras are quite high. I have chased auroras in northern Finland, Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta, and I consider Yellowknife to be the best place of all for the auroras. That is why I moved here years ago.

What are the best times to see the auroras?

We can see auroras whenever it is dark. In Yellowknife, we have dark skies from mid-August to late April, which we consider the aurora season. The lights can appear on any night, but statistics show that the best months are September, March, February, April, October, January, and the second halves of August and December. I do not recommend November, as it often brings clouds and snowfall. That said, it might be wise to avoid the days around the full moon. The full moon can affect aurora viewing, as its brightness can reduce the contrast with the auroras, making weaker displays harder to see. While it is possible to see auroras on a full moon, I generally prefer the nights around the new moon. In short, it is best to plan your trip during the phases from the new moon to the first quarter and from the third quarter back to the new moon. If this sounds confusing, feel free to message me with the dates you are considering, and I can provide recommendations.

Where will you take me? Will we have a lodge, cabin, or tent?

I will take you to remote spots under the open sky, away from city lights and other people. We will be surrounded by trees and lakes, not crowds of tourists. We will move to different locations throughout the night. We will not have a cabin, lodge, or teepee because the most important thing is to have a clear sky and serenity to contemplate the dancing lights. My priority is to give you the best chance of seeing the lights and enjoying a serene sky-gazing experience. You will join me in what I have been doing for years: pure aurora chasing.

Why should I go with you instead of renting a car and going on my own?

If you have no prior experience chasing auroras, I genuinely believe it will be easier with me. I know where to go and how to avoid crowds. I can interpret space weather to decide when to wait and when to move. I know how to spot auroras in the sky, even when they are faint and almost invisible. Moreover, I have experience driving in winter, and our roads can be treacherous for those unfamiliar with icy conditions. I also have experience in aurora photography (and the right equipment), so you will receive photos after the tour. If you have your camera, I can teach you the best settings to capture the lights based on the conditions. I have heard many stories of people coming here, renting a car, and failing to see the auroras because they did not know how to wait for the right moment or made other mistakes. I do not want that to happen to you.

if i have photography equipment, what should i bring?

An essential item is a tripod for your camera or smartphone. We will be using long exposures, and it is crucial that the camera remains still for several seconds. If you do not have a tripod, let me know in advance, and I can try to find one for you. Regarding cameras and smartphones, any device will do as long as you can use Manual Mode to adjust the exposure, aperture, and ISO. DSLRs or Mirrorless cameras work great. The lenses are more important than the camera itself: I recommend wide-angle lenses (like 20mm or 14mm) with a fast aperture (at least f/2.8). During winter months, it is also important to bring extra batteries, as they drain quickly in the cold.

I can not find any reviews of your company online. Why is that?

It is simple: I am new to this business. I recently founded the company and am starting operations in late August 2024. I worked three seasons as an Aurora Guide for a major company but left because I believe the auroras should be enjoyed away from large groups of people. After leaving, I spent some time chasing auroras on my own and with friends. Now, I am launching this project so that you can experience the magic of capturing auroras away from the noise of civilization. I hope to have some reviews in the coming weeks.

UPDATE (Sept 22 2024): I have already started receiving some reviews on Google: https://g.co/kgs/pAKYXef