There's something profoundly humbling about standing beneath a sky painted with swirling ribbons of green, purple, and blue light. The Northern Lights have captivated humans for millennia, inspiring mythology, art, and a sense of wonder that transcends cultural boundaries. For many travelers, witnessing this celestial phenomenon ranks high on their bucket list—and Canada's Yukon Territory offers some of the best viewing opportunities on the planet.
Understanding the Northern Lights
Before embarking on a Northern Lights adventure, it helps to understand what creates this magical display. The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, causing them to emit light. These particles are directed toward the Earth's poles by our planet's magnetic field, which is why the auroras are visible primarily in high-latitude regions.
The colors you see depend on the type of gas particles colliding:
- Green: The most common color, produced by oxygen molecules about 100 km above Earth
- Red: Produced by oxygen at higher altitudes (over 300 km)
- Blue and purple: Created by nitrogen molecules
When to Visit Yukon for the Northern Lights
The prime viewing season for the Northern Lights in Yukon spans from late August to mid-April, with the darkest winter months (December through February) offering the most viewing hours due to the long nights. However, these months also bring extremely cold temperatures, often dropping below -20°C (-4°F).
For a balance of reasonable temperatures and good aurora viewing potential, consider visiting during these shoulder seasons:
- Late August to early October: Milder temperatures and the possibility of viewing auroras reflected in lakes before they freeze
- March to mid-April: Warming temperatures while still offering dark night skies
Regardless of when you visit, plan to stay for at least 3-5 nights to increase your chances of clear skies and solar activity coinciding.
Pro Tip
Download an aurora forecast app like "Aurora" or "My Aurora Forecast" to track the KP index (a measure of geomagnetic activity). A KP index of 3 or higher typically means good viewing conditions in Yukon.
Top Northern Lights Viewing Locations in Yukon
1. Whitehorse and Surrounding Areas
Yukon's capital city serves as the perfect base for aurora expeditions. While you'll need to venture a bit outside the city limits to escape light pollution, you don't have to go far. Popular viewing spots include:
- Fish Lake Road: Just 15 minutes from downtown, this area offers expansive sky views
- Lake Laberge: About 50 km north of Whitehorse, this site of Robert Service's famous poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee" offers beautiful foreground elements for aurora photography
- Takhini Hot Springs: Combine aurora viewing with a soak in natural hot springs—an unforgettable experience!
2. Dawson City
This historic Gold Rush town located further north than Whitehorse offers exceptional aurora viewing opportunities. The Midnight Dome, a lookout point just outside town, provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape and sky.
3. Tombstone Territorial Park
For the truly adventurous, this remote park along the Dempster Highway offers some of the darkest skies in Yukon. The jagged mountain peaks create dramatic silhouettes against the dancing lights.
The aurora borealis as seen from Tombstone Territorial Park
Guided Tours vs. Independent Viewing
Guided Aurora Tours
For first-time aurora hunters, a guided tour offers numerous advantages:
- Local knowledge of the best viewing spots based on current weather conditions
- Transportation to remote viewing locations
- Expert guidance on camera settings for aurora photography
- Heated facilities or vehicles to warm up during the wait
- Cultural context and stories about the Northern Lights
Several reputable companies in Whitehorse offer nightly aurora tours during the viewing season. These typically depart around 10:00 PM and return in the early morning hours, with prices ranging from $120-200 CAD per person.
Independent Aurora Hunting
If you prefer independence or are on a budget, renting a vehicle and finding your own viewing spots can be rewarding. Benefits include:
- Flexibility to choose your viewing hours and locations
- Often more peaceful and private experience
- Potential cost savings for groups
However, independent aurora hunting requires more preparation. You'll need to research viewing locations, monitor weather and aurora forecasts, and ensure you have appropriate winter gear and emergency supplies if traveling in cold months.
Safety First
Yukon winters are extremely cold. If viewing independently, always let someone know where you're going, carry a fully charged phone, dress in layers, and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle including blankets, snacks, and a flashlight.
Photographing the Northern Lights
Capturing the aurora borealis requires some specific equipment and techniques:
Essential Equipment
- A camera with manual settings (DSLR or mirrorless preferred)
- A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
- A sturdy tripod
- Extra batteries (cold temperatures drain them quickly)
- Remote shutter release (optional but helpful)
Recommended Camera Settings
- Mode: Manual
- Aperture: As wide as possible (lowest f-number)
- Shutter speed: 5-15 seconds (shorter for bright, fast-moving auroras; longer for fainter displays)
- ISO: Start at 1600 and adjust as needed
- Focus: Manual focus set to infinity
- White balance: Auto or between 3000-4000K
Remember to compose your shots with interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or cabins to add context and scale to the aurora display.
Beyond the Lights: Daytime Activities in Yukon
While the Northern Lights are spectacular, Yukon offers plenty to do during daylight hours as well:
- Dog sledding: Experience this traditional mode of northern transportation
- Ice fishing: Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling or lake trout
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Explore Yukon's wilderness trails
- Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve: See northern wildlife like caribou, moose, and lynx
- Explore Indigenous culture: Learn about Yukon First Nations at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Yukon range from standard hotels to unique northern experiences:
In Whitehorse
- Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Cozy cabins with large windows for aurora viewing from your bed
- Inn on the Lake: Rustic luxury on the shores of Marsh Lake with excellent aurora viewing potential
- Best Western Gold Rush Inn: Comfortable downtown option close to amenities
Unique Accommodations
- Aurora Glass Chalets: Glass-roofed cabins designed specifically for Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of your bed
- Bombay Peggy's Inn: A historic brothel turned boutique inn in Dawson City
- Sky High Wilderness Ranch: Stay in a rustic cabin or yurt at this working dog sledding ranch
Final Thoughts
A Northern Lights expedition to Yukon is more than just a trip—it's a pilgrimage to witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena. The moment when the sky erupts in moving color is one that stays with travelers forever, often drawing them back to the north time and again.
While there's never a guarantee you'll see the aurora (nature operates on its own schedule), proper planning and patience significantly increase your chances. Even if the lights don't make an appearance during your visit, Yukon's pristine wilderness, rich cultural heritage, and warm northern hospitality ensure an unforgettable adventure.
As the Yukon tourism slogan aptly puts it: "Larger than life." Both the territory and the dancing lights that grace its skies certainly live up to that promise.
