There are few natural phenomena as captivating as the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). These dancing lights in the night sky have fascinated humans for millennia, inspiring myths, legends, and an endless stream of bucket-list travelers. Canada's Yukon Territory, with its pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution, offers some of the best Aurora viewing opportunities in the world.
Understanding the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions emit light of varying colors – typically green, but occasionally pink, red, and purple – that dance across the night sky. The scientific explanation, however, does little to diminish the wonder of witnessing this natural light show firsthand.
The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Yukon
The prime Aurora viewing season in Yukon runs from mid-August to mid-April. However, the peak months are February and March when days grow longer but nights remain dark enough to see the lights clearly. During these months, you'll typically have viewing opportunities from around 10 PM until 3 AM.
Pro Tips:
- Plan to stay for at least 3-4 nights to maximize your chances of a clear sky
- The new moon phase offers the darkest skies for optimal viewing
- Aurora activity tends to peak around the spring and fall equinoxes
- Download an Aurora forecast app to track activity levels
Top Viewing Locations in Yukon
1. Whitehorse Area
Yukon's capital city serves as the primary base for most Aurora seekers. While you'll want to get away from the city lights for optimal viewing, several excellent locations are just a short drive away:
- Fish Lake Road: Just 15 minutes from downtown, this area offers unobstructed northern views
- Chadburn Lake: A popular local spot with minimal light pollution
- Takhini Hot Springs: Combine Aurora viewing with a soak in natural hot springs
2. Kluane National Park
About two hours west of Whitehorse, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the darkest skies in Canada. The Aurora reflecting off Kathleen Lake creates a particularly stunning vista.
3. Dawson City
Further north and with an even smaller population than Whitehorse, Dawson City offers excellent viewing opportunities. The Midnight Dome viewpoint just outside town provides 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and sky.
Northern Horizons Travel Tip: Our "Northern Lights Adventure" tour includes guided Aurora viewing with professional photographers who can help you capture the perfect shots of this elusive phenomenon.
What to Pack for Aurora Viewing
Yukon winters are extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Proper preparation is essential:
- Insulated, waterproof boots rated for extreme cold
- Multiple layers of clothing (base layer, mid-layer, outer shell)
- Insulated parka with hood
- Thermal underwear
- Wool socks (pack extras)
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Warm hat that covers ears
- Face mask or balaclava
- Hand and foot warmers
- Thermos for hot beverages
Photography Tips
Capturing the Northern Lights requires specific camera equipment and techniques:
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings
- A sturdy tripod (essential)
- A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower is ideal)
- Extra batteries (cold weather depletes them quickly)
- Remote shutter release
Recommended camera settings to start with:
- ISO: 1600-3200
- Aperture: f/2.8 (or as wide as your lens allows)
- Shutter speed: 15-30 seconds
- White balance: Auto or 3500K
- Focus: Manual focus set to infinity
Beyond the Aurora: Other Winter Activities in Yukon
While the Northern Lights are the main attraction during winter months, Yukon offers numerous other activities to fill your days:
- Dog Sledding: Experience the traditional mode of Arctic transportation
- Snowshoeing: Explore winter trails through pristine forests
- Ice Fishing: Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling or lake trout
- Snowmobiling: Cover more ground on guided snowmobile excursions
- Indigenous Cultural Experiences: Learn about the rich heritage of Yukon's First Nations peoples
- Sourdough Rendezvous Festival: If visiting in February, don't miss this winter celebration
Our Recommended Yukon Northern Lights Itinerary
Based on our years of experience organizing Northern Lights adventures, here's our recommended 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Whitehorse
- Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation
- Winter clothing and gear orientation
- First night Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting)
Day 2: Whitehorse Exploration
- Morning visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
- Afternoon soak at Takhini Hot Springs
- Evening Northern Lights viewing at Fish Lake
Day 3: Dog Sledding Adventure
- Full-day dog sledding excursion with local mushers
- Learn to drive your own team
- Evening Northern Lights photography workshop
Day 4: Winter Activities
- Morning snowshoeing through boreal forest
- Afternoon visit to MacBride Museum
- Special Northern Lights viewing with Indigenous storytelling
Day 5: Departure
- Morning at leisure
- Airport transfer
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Yukon is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of pristine wilderness, minimal light pollution, and high-latitude location makes this Canadian territory one of the best places on Earth to view this spectacular natural phenomenon. While there's never a guarantee you'll see the Aurora (they are, after all, a natural phenomenon), visiting during peak season and staying for several nights will maximize your chances of success.
Ready to embark on your own Northern Lights adventure? Contact our team at Northern Horizons Travel to book our "Northern Lights Adventure" tour, or let us create a custom Yukon experience tailored to your interests.
