'The Aurora Escape' View the Northern Lights in Comfort

Seeing them, however, requires certain conditions -- namely darkness, clear skies, a particularly active sun and finding oneself under one of the “Aurora Ovals”, located in the atmosphere in the areas surrounding the Earth's magnetic poles.

Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, boasts one of the world's highest percentages of Aurora sightings. Yellowknife is situated in an advantageous position under the Northern Aurora Oval. It is far from the ocean with a flat geographical landscape, meaning a high percentage of clear skies. These factors, combined with latitudinal position, equals a high probability of Aurora Borealis sightings. To make things even better, scientists say 2014 will be a prime period for Northern Lights viewing.

“The Aurora Escape” is a getaway package offered by The Great Canadian Travel Company, providing either a five or eight-day itinerary to Yellowknife and subarctic Canada.

On this package, there is no being awakened in the wee small hours to get dressed and travel to a favored viewing spot. At Blachford Lake Lodge, a luxurious fly-in vacation getaway (quite literally) that lies north of the 60th parallel, you can enjoy nature's fabulous light show without even leaving the premises. You can settle comfortably in the lodge's dining room or in one of the lounges. You can soak outside in the bubbling hot tub or snuggle in bed while you watch the lights.

The adventure begins after you fly north to Yellowknife and transfer to your hotel. This vibrant city, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, offers plenty of excellent diversions. These include exploring Old Town, packed with eateries and one-of-a-kind shops, and views from Bush Pilot's Monument.

Blachford Lake Lodge, your home for the next two to five nights, is a 20-minute charter flight away. Located on a remote jewel of a lake set in Precambrian rock, this spacious hand-crafted log lodge offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Gourmet meals are prepared by talented chefs and a cozy lounge beckons as an evening retreat.

For the five-day program, Thursday departures are scheduled between August 20 and October 13, 2014. Eight-day programs depart on Saturdays.

Included in the package are two nights' accommodation in Yellowknife, round-trip on float plane from Yellowknife to Blachford, and two or five nights' all inclusive accommodation at Blachford Lodge. Also included at the lodge are gourmet meals and snacks, a two hour interpretive tour, use of lodge facilities and gratuities.

Cost for the five-day program is $2,099 Canadian (app. $1,895 US), based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $656 Canadian (app. $590 US). The eight-day program price: $3,975 Canadian (app. $3,590 US), based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $1,139 Canadian (app. $1,030 US).

More information: https://greatcanadiantravel.com/tours/canada/aurora-escape