The Northern Lights
Yellowknife, Canada sits directly under a halo-like ring called the aurora belt, making the Northern Lights the city’s star-attraction. With its clear weather and lack of light pollution and mountains, special aurora-viewing lodges and excursions make it one of the best places in the world to see this spectacular natural light show. Another option is Kakslauttanen, Finland, a hotel in Lapland 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Incredible en-suite glass or snow igloos add an exciting dimension for anyone’s bucket list. There’s no guarantee the aurora borealis will come out to play during your visit, but visiting either destination during the right season stacks the odds in your favour.
Length of Trip : 2 nights+
Cost : Here is the latest price list from Kakslauttanen, Finland. Here is the latest price list from Yellowknife's Aurora Village. Another option is Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures, which offers snowmobiling under the lights excursions.
Best time to go : August until end of April
Wheelchair friendly : Contact the hotel/operators to make inquiries.
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Yellowknife: Head over to Bullocks Bistro in Old Town, a famous fish shack that offers local catches and grilled wild meats. My favourite pub in the city is the Black Knight Pub. Kakslauttanen: Two on-site restaurants offer traditional Lapland cuisine. The West Village Aurora Restaurant has an igloo bar. There's also a smoke sauna restaurant, where you can tick off another bucket list experience at the same time.
Official Site : Canada: www.auroravillage.com or www.yellowknifeoutdooradventures.com Finland: http://www.kakslauttanen.fi/en/
Where to Stay : Kakslauttanen: The glass and snow igloos are a must. There are also log cabins available. More information about your accommodation options can be found here. Yellowknife: The Explorer Hotel is the go-to hotel in town. Another option is The Discovery Inn
Getting There : Yellowknife: There are regular, direct flights to Yellowknife available from Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa. Aurora Village is located 30 minutes outside the city, with shuttles picking up and dropping off guests at their hotels. Kakslauttanen: FinnAir and Norweigan Airlines fly from Helsinki to Ivalo International Airport, located 30 minutes from the resort. Airport transfers can be arranged when booking.
Note from Robin : There is NO guarantee you will see the Northern Lights. Much like wildlife, the lights dance to their own tune, but if you're flexible with your travel dates, you can check the excellent Aurora Forecast online and see if the solar flares are firing. If it's cloudy, or rainy, no dice. If it's dark, it's also freezing, so bring layers and appropriate winter clothing. Capturing the lights on camera is no easy talk. Do some research online if you want to nail that magical photo. Here's a good place for photographers to start.
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen
Photo Credit: Ryan Bray
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen
Photo Credit: Ryan Bray
Photo Credit: Ryan Bray
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen
Photo Credit: Kakslauttanen
PRESENTED BY FORD OF CANADA
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It’s a rare occasion when the name of a car aligns so perfectly with what I’ve used it for. Whether rocketing along the notorious Trans-Labrador Highway, or cruising among the mountainous candy of one of the world’s most beautiful drives, the Ford Escape has indeed lived up to its name. It has stood up to some pretty epic challenges, and that includes taking a 6-month baby on a 30-day cross-country book tour. Compact yet spacious, powerful yet fuel efficient, and loaded with features you’ll soon wonder how you did without, the Ford Escape more than lives up to its moniker. – Robin Esrock |