Canada’s Best Private Northern Lights Viewing Lodges for Discerning Travelers

For many, witnessing the Northern Lights—also known as the Aurora Borealis—is a bucket-list experience. The ethereal dance of vibrant green, purple, and pink lights across the Arctic sky is an awe-inspiring spectacle that attracts travelers from all corners of the world. While this celestial phenomenon can be viewed in a number of places, few experiences rival the exclusivity, comfort, and luxury that private lodges in Canada offer for viewing the Northern Lights.

Canada, with its vast northern territories, is one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights in all their glory. Many of these lodges offer the ultimate escape for discerning travelers seeking an intimate and unforgettable connection with nature. From remote luxury lodges nestled in the wilderness to chic, eco-friendly retreats, these accommodations provide unparalleled access to the vibrant Northern Lights.

In this guide, we will explore Canada’s best private lodges for Northern Lights viewing, offering a closer look at what makes each of these destinations unique. From personalized services to exceptional accommodations, these lodges cater to those seeking comfort, privacy, and extraordinary natural beauty.

1. Blachford Lake Lodge – Northwest Territories

Located 30 minutes by floatplane from Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, Blachford Lake Lodge is one of the most exclusive Northern Lights viewing locations in Canada. Set against the backdrop of pristine forests and crystal-clear waters, the lodge offers a secluded environment perfect for discerning travelers.

What Makes Blachford Lake Lodge Special?

• Exclusive Access: The lodge offers complete privacy, with only a limited number of guests at any given time. This ensures an intimate experience, with personalized attention from staff.

• Aurora Viewing Dome: The lodge features a dedicated aurora viewing dome, providing guests with a panoramic, unimpeded view of the sky.

• Remote Location: The isolation of the lodge guarantees minimal light pollution, ensuring optimal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.

• Winter Activities: In addition to Aurora viewing, guests can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, dog sledding and snowmobiling are also available.

Best For:

• Luxury travelers seeking a private and exclusive Northern Lights experience.

• Couples desiring a romantic and intimate setting.

• Adventurers looking for a remote getaway with outdoor activities.

2. Aurora Village – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Aurora Village offers one of the most famous Northern Lights viewing experiences in Canada. Located just outside Yellowknife, the village offers a unique blend of luxury and cultural immersion. Guests stay in heated teepees or log cabins while being treated to a front-row seat to the most spectacular auroral displays.

What Makes Aurora Village Special?

• Private Aurora Viewing Pods: Each guest can enjoy personalized aurora viewing experiences from the comfort of heated teepees or private viewing pods equipped with reclining chairs and blankets.

• Northern Lights Chase: Aurora Village offers guided Aurora chases, where guests are taken by snowmobile to the best viewing spots for the night’s aurora activity.

• Charming Accommodations: Choose between cosy heated teepees, luxury cabins, or even remote ice cabins. Each offers comfort, privacy, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

• Gastronomic Delights: The lodge serves up locally sourced meals, with an emphasis on northern delicacies like reindeer and fish.

Best For:

• Travelers seeking a mix of luxury and cultural immersion.

• Guests interested in a more interactive and guided Aurora experience.

• Couples and families who want a comfortable, yet unique, stay.

3. The Northern Lights Resort & Spa – Whitehorse, Yukon

For those seeking a luxury resort experience combined with the chance to view the Northern Lights, The Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Whitehorse is an ideal destination. This exclusive retreat offers a blend of wilderness and wellness in a picturesque setting.

What Makes The Northern Lights Resort & Spa Special?

• Personalized Aurora Viewing: The resort provides private, secluded viewing spots with a clear view of the Northern Lights. Guests can also choose to have private guided excursions for the ultimate experience.

• Luxurious Accommodation: The resort offers deluxe suites, luxury cabins, and even an Aurora Chalet for the ultimate Northern Lights experience. Each room is designed for maximum comfort, offering scenic views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes.

• Aurora Viewing Concierge: Guests can avail of the Aurora Viewing Concierge Service, which monitors the aurora forecasts and will notify guests when the conditions are perfect for viewing.

• Spa and Wellness: In addition to Northern Lights viewing, the resort features a spa, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Guests can enjoy saunas, hot tubs, and massage therapy, creating the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.

Best For:

• Couples looking for a luxurious, intimate winter escape.

• Wellness and spa lovers who want to combine relaxation with adventure.

• Travelers who prefer an all-inclusive experience with personalized services.

4. Takhini River Lodge – Whitehorse, Yukon

Takhini River Lodge is a private retreat located in the Yukon, offering guests an exceptional opportunity to view the Northern Lights in a remote, peaceful environment. The lodge is small and intimate, catering to those who prefer a more low-key, yet luxurious, stay.

What Makes Takhini River Lodge Special?

• Northern Lights Viewing from Private Cabins: Guests enjoy Aurora viewing from the comfort of their own private cabin with large windows that allow unobstructed views of the sky.

• Eco-Friendly Accommodations: The cabins are designed with sustainability in mind, using natural building materials and powered by solar energy.

• Outdoor Hot Tubs: The lodge features outdoor hot tubs where guests can relax under the stars while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

• Winter Activities: Guests can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding to fully immerse themselves in the winter wilderness.

Best For:

• Travelers seeking a quiet and intimate stay in a sustainable, eco-friendly lodge.

• Couples or small groups who prefer a low-key experience without sacrificing luxury.

• Those who want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Northern Lights experience.

5. The Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge – Cunningham Inlet, Nunavut

The Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located far north in Nunavut, just off the Arctic Circle. This exclusive eco-lodge is a hidden gem for those wanting a truly remote and unique experience. The lodge is surrounded by dramatic Arctic landscapes and offers guests access to some of the best Northern Lights views in the world.

What Makes Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Special?

• Extreme Northern Location: As one of the northernmost lodges in the world, Arctic Watch offers one of the most pristine and untouched views of the Northern Lights.

• Luxury in the Arctic: The lodge offers luxurious, polar-friendly cabins with views of the Inlet and the ice floes. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

• Unique Activities: Guests can participate in wildlife viewing and polar bear safaris, as well as enjoy winter hiking and dog sledding. The remoteness of the lodge provides an opportunity to disconnect from the world and fully immerse oneself in nature.

• Northern Lights Viewing: The lodge’s location, away from light pollution, allows for the best Northern Lights viewing, which can be observed directly from the lodge or during specialized Aurora excursions.

Best For:

• Adventurous travelers who are looking for an extreme Arctic experience.

• Those who want seclusion and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in their purest form.

• Wildlife enthusiasts interested in exploring the farthest reaches of the Arctic Circle.

6. Kluane Wilderness Lodge – Haines Junction, Yukon

For those looking for a combination of luxury, wilderness, and adventure, Kluane Wilderness Lodge is an exceptional choice. This lodge sits at the base of the stunning Kluane National Park, offering not only prime Northern Lights viewing but also a chance to explore the wild beauty of the Yukon.

What Makes Kluane Wilderness Lodge Special?

• Private Lodges: Guests are accommodated in comfortable, fully equipped private cabins with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The cabins offer the perfect retreat after a day of exploration.

• Aurora Viewing and Photography: The lodge’s remote location offers unparalleled Northern Lights viewing, with no light pollution. Guests can enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their cabin or on guided photography tours to capture the auroras.

• Guided Winter Tours: Guests can enjoy a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

• Culinary Delights: The lodge serves delicious meals, often featuring locally sourced ingredients, to ensure a gastronomic experience to match the stunning surroundings.

Best For:

• Travelers seeking an active and immersive wilderness experience.

• Those who want the combination of luxury and adventure.

• Photography enthusiasts looking to capture the perfect shot of the Northern Lights.

Conclusion

Canada offers some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious Northern Lights viewing experiences, making it the ideal destination for discerning travelers who want to witness this magical phenomenon in comfort and style. Whether you choose a secluded lodge in the Yukon, a charming teepee village in Yellowknife, or an eco-lodge in the Arctic Circle, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Each of these lodges provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, offering the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and adventure.