The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most spectacular displays—a celestial dance of light that has captivated humans for centuries. When it comes to experiencing this breathtaking phenomenon in Canada, the Yukon Territory stands out as one of the premier destinations in the world.
I had long dreamed of witnessing this magical light show, and when I finally got the chance to visit Yukon last winter, the experience exceeded all my expectations. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know about planning your own Northern Lights adventure in Canada's magnificent Yukon Territory.
Why Yukon is Perfect for Northern Lights Viewing
The Yukon offers ideal conditions for Aurora viewing for several reasons:
- Location: Situated in the perfect latitude of the "Aurora Oval"—the zone with the highest Aurora activity
- Dark skies: Low light pollution across much of the territory
- Clear weather: Frequently clear winter nights due to low humidity and precipitation
- Long viewing season: Potential sightings from late August through April
- Accessibility: Comfortable viewing opportunities even close to Whitehorse
When to Go
The prime viewing season runs from mid-August to mid-April, with the darkest skies and maximum viewing hours occurring from November to March. During winter months, you can often start spotting Auroras as early as 10 PM, with peak activity typically between midnight and 3 AM.
September and March are considered ideal months by many: temperatures are milder than deep winter, and the equinox periods tend to have increased geomagnetic activity.
Best Viewing Locations in Yukon
While the Northern Lights can potentially be seen throughout Yukon, these locations offer particularly good viewing opportunities:
1. Whitehorse and Surrounding Areas
Yukon's capital city serves as an excellent base for Aurora hunting. Just a 20-30 minute drive outside the city will bring you to areas dark enough for spectacular viewings. Popular spots include:
- Fish Lake Road: About 15km from downtown, offering open views and minimal light pollution
- Lake Laberge: Made famous by Robert Service's poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee," this location offers beautiful reflections of the Aurora over water when not frozen
- Takhini Hot Springs: Combine Aurora viewing with a dip in steaming hot springs for a truly magical experience
2. Dawson City
This historic gold rush town provides a unique backdrop for Aurora viewing. The Midnight Dome viewpoint just outside town offers panoramic views perfect for Northern Lights photography.
3. Kluane National Park
For the adventurous traveler, Kluane offers remote viewing opportunities with stunning mountain backdrops. The park is home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, and massive ice fields that create dramatic foregrounds for Aurora photographs.
My Personal Experience
I arrived in Whitehorse in late February, when temperatures hovered around -15°C (5°F) at night. After settling into my cabin accommodation outside the city, I joined a guided Aurora viewing tour for my first night.
Our guide took us to a purpose-built viewing area about 30 minutes from Whitehorse. Equipped with a warming cabin, hot drinks, and comfortable seating, it was the perfect introduction to Aurora viewing without the stress of finding my own spot.
We waited patiently as the sky darkened, cameras ready on tripods. Around 11:30 PM, it began—first as a faint green glow on the horizon that gradually expanded and intensified. Before long, ribbons of green light were dancing across the entire sky, occasionally pulsing with hints of purple and pink.
Words fail to describe the feeling of watching these ethereal lights dance overhead. The silence of the wilderness, broken only by occasional gasps of awe from our small group, created a profound sense of connection with the natural world.
Photography Tips
To capture the Northern Lights, you'll need:
- A camera with manual mode (DSLR or mirrorless preferred)
- A sturdy tripod
- A wide-angle lens with wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider if possible)
- Extra batteries (cold depletes them quickly)
- Starting settings: ISO 1600, f/2.8, 15-second exposure
Guided Tours vs. Independent Viewing
Both approaches offer unique advantages:
Guided Tours
Several excellent operators in Whitehorse offer guided Aurora viewing experiences:
- Northern Tales: Offers comfortable viewing facilities with warm-up cabin and hot drinks
- Arctic Range Adventure: Combines Aurora viewing with cultural experiences
- Aurora Centre: Purpose-built viewing facility with photography assistance
The advantages of guided tours include local expertise in finding clear skies, comfortable facilities, transportation, and often photography assistance.
Independent Viewing
For those with a rental vehicle and a sense of adventure, independent viewing allows flexibility and privacy. You can:
- Choose your own viewing times and locations
- Stay as long as you wish
- Create a personalized experience
For independent viewing, I recommend downloading Aurora forecast apps like "Aurora Alert" or "My Aurora Forecast" to track activity.
Beyond the Lights: Other Winter Activities in Yukon
While the Northern Lights are the star attraction, Yukon offers many other exceptional winter experiences:
- Dog sledding: Connect with Yukon's traditional transportation and experience the thrill of mushing
- Ice fishing: Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling or lake trout
- Snowshoeing: Explore pristine wilderness on traditional snowshoes
- Soaking in Takhini Hot Springs: Relax in steaming mineral waters while your hair freezes into sculptural shapes—a classic Yukon photo opportunity
- Yukon Wildlife Preserve: Spot native wildlife including caribou, lynx, moose, and arctic foxes in their natural habitat
- Visiting the Yukon Quest: If timing aligns, watch the famous international sled dog race
Practical Tips for Your Northern Lights Adventure
Packing Essentials
Winter in Yukon demands serious cold-weather gear:
- Insulated winter boots rated to at least -30°C
- Multiple layers (base layer, mid layer, insulated outer layer)
- Insulated snow pants
- Down parka with hood
- Merino wool socks (multiple pairs)
- Thermal underlayers
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
- Heat packs for hands and feet
Accommodation Options
For the full Yukon experience, consider:
- Aurora viewing cabins: Many properties outside Whitehorse offer cabins with large windows or glass ceilings for viewing the Aurora from your bed
- Wilderness lodges: Remote lodges offer exclusive viewing away from all light pollution
- Hotels in Whitehorse: Convenient base with Aurora wake-up calls offered by many properties
Final Thoughts
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Yukon is more than just a visual spectacle—it's a deeply moving encounter with one of nature's most mystical phenomena. The combination of pristine wilderness, dark skies, comfortable amenities, and Canadian hospitality makes Yukon an ideal destination for this bucket-list adventure.
During my week in Yukon, I was fortunate to see the Aurora on four nights, each display unique and mesmerizing. Beyond the lights, I discovered a territory of incredible natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm, welcoming people.
If you're dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights, I can't recommend Yukon highly enough. This remote corner of Canada offers not just the opportunity to see the Aurora, but to experience it in a setting of unparalleled wilderness beauty.