Canada's Yukon Territory is a vast, sparsely populated wilderness that offers one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena: the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. In winter, when darkness dominates for up to 20 hours a day, the night skies come alive with dancing ribbons of green, pink, and purple light. This remote northern territory, with its pristine wilderness, Gold Rush history, and vibrant First Nations culture, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Understanding the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are created when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, causing them to emit light. The different colors result from interactions with different types of atoms:
- Green (the most common) comes from oxygen molecules about 100 km above Earth
- Red (rarer) is produced by oxygen at higher altitudes (300-400 km)
- Blue and purple come from nitrogen
The Yukon sits under the "auroral oval," a ring-shaped area around the North Pole where aurora activity is most intense and frequent. While the lights can appear year-round, they're only visible during dark hours—making the long winter nights of Canada's north the prime viewing season.
Best Time for Aurora Viewing
Northern Lights viewing in Yukon is possible from mid-August to mid-April, but the prime season runs from December to March when nights are longest and skies tend to be clearer. The optimal viewing time is typically between 10 PM and 3 AM, with peak activity often occurring around midnight.
Whitehorse: Your Base for Northern Adventures
Whitehorse, the capital and largest city in Yukon (population approximately 25,000), serves as the ideal base for your Northern Lights adventure. Despite its remote location, the city offers modern amenities while maintaining its frontier town charm:
Accommodations
Whitehorse provides a range of accommodation options:
- Hotels and Lodges: Several hotels in town offer comfortable rooms and Northern Lights packages
- Aurora Viewing Cabins: Properties outside the city limits specifically designed for aurora viewing, with north-facing windows or outdoor viewing decks
- Wilderness Lodges: For a truly immersive experience, consider remote lodges accessible only by bush plane or snowmobile
Cultural Attractions
Between aurora viewings, explore Whitehorse's cultural and historical sites:
- Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre: Learn about the ancient landscape and megafauna that once roamed this region during the last Ice Age
- MacBride Museum: Explore Yukon's gold rush history and First Nations heritage
- Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre: Discover the culture and traditions of local First Nations people
- SS Klondike National Historic Site: Tour a restored sternwheeler that once plied the Yukon River
Aurora Viewing Locations
Guided Tours
For first-time aurora viewers, guided tours offer convenience and expertise:
- Tours typically depart from Whitehorse in the evening and take you to prime viewing locations away from city lights
- Guides provide photography tips, historical context, and scientific explanations
- Most tours include warm drinks, snacks, and heated shelters or yurts where you can warm up between viewings
- Multi-night packages increase your chances of seeing the lights, as aurora activity and weather conditions vary
Self-Guided Viewing
If you prefer independence, consider these popular viewing spots:
- Fish Lake Road: About 15 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, offering dark skies and open views
- Chadburn Lake Road: Another nearby option with minimal light pollution
- Takhini Hot Springs Road: Combines possible aurora viewing with access to relaxing hot springs
- Lake Laberge: About 50 km north of Whitehorse, this lake made famous in Robert Service's poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee" offers panoramic views
Beyond the Northern Lights: Winter Activities
While the aurora is the star attraction, Yukon offers numerous other winter experiences:
Dog Sledding
Experience the traditional mode of transportation in Canada's north by embarking on a dog sledding adventure. Options range from short introductory rides to multi-day expeditions. Most operators allow guests to try their hand at "mushing" (driving the sled) under the guidance of experienced handlers. The connection formed with these passionate sled dogs is often as memorable as the ride itself.
Snowmobiling
Cover more ground on a guided snowmobile tour through Yukon's wilderness trails. Tours cater to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders, and typically include all necessary gear. Some operators offer combination packages with ice fishing or hot springs visits.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Explore Yukon's stunning winter landscapes on foot. Miles Canyon, just outside Whitehorse, offers accessible trails with dramatic frozen waterfalls and ice formations. Kluane National Park, about two hours from Whitehorse, provides more challenging backcountry experiences amid some of Canada's highest peaks.
Soaking in Hot Springs
The Takhini Hot Springs, located about 30 minutes from Whitehorse, offer the perfect remedy for cold winter days. The natural mineral waters maintain a temperature between 36°C and 42°C year-round. During winter, the contrast between the steaming pools and the surrounding snow-covered landscape is particularly magical. If you're lucky, you might even catch the Northern Lights while soaking.
Ice Fishing
Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling, lake trout, or northern pike through the ice. Guided experiences typically include transportation to prime fishing locations, equipment, warm drinks, and often a shore lunch featuring your fresh catch, cooked over an open fire.
Exploring Beyond Whitehorse
Dawson City
About a 6-hour drive north of Whitehorse (or a short flight), Dawson City offers a living museum of Gold Rush history. In winter, the town embraces its frontier heritage with events like the International Yukon Quest sled dog race and the quirky Sourdough Rendezvous festival. The surrounding mountains and Klondike Valley provide excellent aurora viewing opportunities.
Tombstone Territorial Park
Located along the Dempster Highway north of Dawson City, this remote park features jagged mountain peaks and pristine wilderness. While backcountry access requires experience and proper equipment in winter, the park's entrance area offers spectacular views and aurora viewing possibilities.
Kluane National Park
Home to Canada's highest peak (Mount Logan) and the world's largest non-polar ice field, Kluane becomes a winter wonderland from November to April. The park's visitor center in Haines Junction (about 1.5 hours from Whitehorse) provides information on accessible winter activities and viewing areas.
Practical Tips for Northern Adventures
Dressing for Success
Yukon winter temperatures typically range from -15°C to -30°C, with extremes reaching -40°C. Proper clothing is essential:
- Layer System: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with windproof and waterproof outer shells
- Extremities: Invest in quality insulated boots rated for extreme cold, insulated mittens (warmer than gloves), and a warm hat that covers your ears
- Face Protection: Bring a balaclava or face mask for extreme cold, especially for activities like snowmobiling
- Hand and Foot Warmers: Disposable heat packs can provide extra warmth during extended outdoor sessions
Many tour operators provide Arctic-grade outerwear for their guests, but confirm this when booking.
Aurora Photography Tips
Capturing the Northern Lights requires specialized techniques:
- Equipment: A camera with manual settings capability, a sturdy tripod, extra batteries (cold depletes them quickly), and a remote shutter release
- Settings: Start with ISO 1600-3200, aperture f/2.8-4, and exposure times of 15-30 seconds, adjusting based on aurora intensity
- Composition: Include landscape elements like trees or mountains to provide context and scale
- Preparation: Set up your camera before dark to get comfortable with its location in the dark
- Smartphone Options: Modern smartphones with night mode capabilities can capture basic aurora images, but dedicated cameras yield better results
Getting There and Around
- Air Canada and Air North offer flights to Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport from Vancouver, Calgary, and other Canadian cities
- Rental cars with winter tires are available at the airport, though SUVs or 4WD vehicles are recommended for winter driving
- Consider guided tours or local transportation for longer journeys if you're uncomfortable with winter driving
- The Alaska Highway connecting Whitehorse to British Columbia is maintained year-round but can experience challenging conditions
Communications
Cell coverage outside urban areas is limited. For safety:
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Consider renting a satellite phone or emergency communication device for backcountry adventures
- Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time
Respecting the North
Cultural Awareness
Yukon is home to 14 First Nations, each with distinct languages, traditions, and territories. Many communities welcome visitors and share their culture through guided experiences, cultural centers, and events. When visiting Indigenous communities or sites, follow posted guidelines and participate in tours led by community members when available.
Environmental Responsibility
Yukon's delicate northern environment requires special care:
- Follow Leave No Trace principles, packing out all waste
- Respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances and never feeding animals
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile vegetation
- Consider carbon offset programs for your flights to this remote destination
A winter journey to Yukon to witness the Northern Lights offers more than just spectacular skies—it provides immersion in a unique northern culture, connections with pristine wilderness, and the rare experience of true silence found only in remote places. Whether you're mushing a dog team across a frozen lake, soaking in steaming hot springs under the aurora, or simply standing in awe as the night sky dances with color, Yukon offers winter experiences that remind us of nature's wonder and our small place within it.