The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is one of nature's most spectacular light shows. For many travelers, witnessing this magical phenomenon is a bucket-list experience, and Canada's Yukon Territory offers some of the best viewing opportunities in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure in the Yukon.
Why Yukon is Perfect for Northern Lights Viewing
Located in Canada's northwest, the Yukon offers ideal conditions for aurora viewing for several reasons:
- Prime Geographic Location: Sitting beneath the "Auroral Oval," a ring-shaped zone over the Earth's magnetic north pole where aurora activity is most intense.
- Low Light Pollution: With a population of only about 40,000 people spread across a vast territory, Yukon offers pristine dark skies untainted by city lights.
- Reliable Activity: The Northern Lights are visible on average 240 nights per year in the Yukon.
- Extended Viewing Season: While many northern destinations are prohibitively cold in winter, Yukon offers comfortable viewing opportunities from August through April.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Yukon
The prime aurora viewing season in Yukon runs from August to April. Here's what to expect during different periods:
- August to Mid-October: Early season viewing with milder temperatures and the chance to combine your aurora experience with summer/fall activities. The lights can often be reflected in lakes before they freeze.
- Late October to February: Peak season with the longest nights, providing maximum viewing opportunities. The landscape is covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland setting for the lights.
- March to April: Late season viewing with improving weather conditions and longer daylight hours for additional activities. Spring auroras over the snow-covered landscape can be particularly striking.
Top Viewing Locations in Yukon
While you can potentially see the Northern Lights from anywhere in Yukon with clear, dark skies, some locations offer particularly excellent viewing opportunities:
1. Whitehorse
Yukon's capital is a convenient base for aurora viewing with several benefits:
- Easy access via international airport
- Comfortable accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to cozy cabins
- Guided aurora tours departing directly from the city
- Just a short drive to excellent viewing locations away from city lights
2. Dawson City
This historic Gold Rush town offers a unique backdrop for aurora viewing:
- Authentic frontier atmosphere with well-preserved historic buildings
- Smaller population means less light pollution
- Viewing directly from the frozen Yukon River offers spectacular reflections
- Combine aurora viewing with rich cultural experiences and Gold Rush history
3. Tombstone Territorial Park
For the true wilderness experience, this remote park delivers:
- Absolute darkness with zero light pollution
- Dramatic mountain peaks providing stunning foreground elements for aurora photography
- Pristine wilderness setting approximately 1.5 hours from Dawson City
Planning Your Aurora Viewing Trip
What to Pack
Proper preparation is essential for comfortable aurora viewing in the cold Yukon nights:
- Insulated, waterproof boots rated for cold temperatures
- Thermal layers: Merino wool or synthetic base layers, mid-layers, and a heavy insulated outer layer
- Insulated pants or snow pants
- Accessories: Warm hat, insulated gloves/mittens, warm socks, neck gaiter or scarf
- Hand and foot warmers for extra comfort on particularly cold nights
- Headlamp with red light mode (to preserve night vision)
- Camera equipment: DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens, tripod, extra batteries (cold drains batteries quickly)
Guided Tours vs. Independent Viewing
Both options have advantages depending on your experience and preferences:
Guided Tours:
- Expert guides who know the best viewing locations based on current conditions
- Transportation to optimal sites away from light pollution
- Heated viewing facilities or vehicles to warm up between aurora displays
- Photography assistance and tips
- Cultural context and scientific explanation of the aurora phenomenon
- Hot beverages and snacks often provided
Independent Viewing:
- Complete flexibility with timing and locations
- More intimate, personal experience
- Often more economical
- Ability to combine with camping or other wilderness experiences
Recommended Aurora Tours in Yukon
- Northern Tales Aurora Viewing: Offers comfortable heated viewing facilities about 20 minutes from Whitehorse
- Arctic Range Adventure: Combines aurora viewing with other winter activities like dog sledding
- Aurora Centre at Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Luxury accommodation with purpose-built aurora viewing facilities
- Sundog Retreat: Private cabins with aurora wake-up calls when the lights appear
Photography Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights
Capturing the aurora requires specific camera settings and techniques:
Essential Equipment
- Camera with manual mode (DSLR or mirrorless)
- Wide-angle lens with fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
- Sturdy tripod
- Remote shutter release or self-timer
- Extra batteries (keep spares in an inside pocket to stay warm)
Recommended Camera Settings
- Aperture: As wide as possible (f/2.8 or lower)
- ISO: Start at 1600-3200 (adjust based on aurora brightness)
- Shutter Speed: 5-15 seconds (shorter for bright, fast-moving auroras; longer for dimmer displays)
- White Balance: Auto or 3500-4500K
- Focus: Manual focus set to infinity (focus on a bright star first)
Composition Tips
- Include interesting foreground elements (trees, mountains, lakes)
- Apply the rule of thirds for balanced images
- Shoot in RAW format for better post-processing flexibility
- Try both landscape and portrait orientations
Other Activities to Combine with Aurora Viewing
Make the most of your Yukon trip by experiencing these complementary activities:
Winter Activities (November-April)
- Dog Sledding: Experience the traditional mode of Arctic transportation
- Snowmobiling: Cover more ground and reach remote viewpoints
- Ice Fishing: Try catching Arctic grayling or lake trout
- Snowshoeing: Explore pristine winter landscapes at your own pace
- Soaking in Hot Springs: Visit the Takhini Hot Springs near Whitehorse
Fall Activities (August-October)
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot moose, caribou, and bears in their natural habitat
- Fall Foliage Tours: Witness the tundra's spectacular autumn colors
- Hiking: Explore Yukon's trail systems before the snow
- Canoeing/Kayaking: Paddle on crystal-clear lakes with potential aurora reflections
Cultural Experiences
- Indigenous Cultural Centers: Learn about First Nations perspectives on the aurora
- Yukon Arts Centre: Explore local art inspired by the northern landscape
- Dawson City Historical Tours: Discover the fascinating Gold Rush history
- Local Culinary Experiences: Try northern specialties like Arctic char and bison
Final Tips for a Successful Northern Lights Adventure
- Be Patient: Aurora viewing requires patience and sometimes multiple nights of attempts
- Watch the Forecast: Use aurora forecast apps like Aurora Forecast or My Aurora Forecast
- Adjust Expectations: The naked eye sees auroras differently than cameras - often more subtle, but no less magical
- Plan for Multiple Nights: To increase your chances of successful viewing
- Disconnect: Take time to simply enjoy the experience without always viewing through a camera
The Yukon offers one of the world's most accessible and reliable Northern Lights experiences. With proper planning and a spirit of adventure, your aurora journey will likely become one of your most treasured travel memories. The dancing lights against the vast northern sky create a profound connection to our planet's natural wonders and remind us why Canada's north remains one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers.