Witnessing the Northern Lights dance across the night sky is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. In Canada's Yukon Territory, the Aurora Borealis puts on a spectacular show from late August to mid-April, making it one of the world's premier destinations for this natural phenomenon. If you're planning a winter adventure to chase these magnificent lights, here's everything you need to know.
When to Visit
The Northern Lights are visible in Yukon from late August to mid-April, but the prime viewing season runs from December to March when the nights are longest. During these months, the skies are dark from early evening until late morning, giving you ample opportunity to witness the aurora.
While winter temperatures in Yukon can dip to -30°C (-22°F) or lower, this shouldn't deter you. The cold, clear winter nights often provide the best viewing conditions, as the aurora appears more vivid against the crisp dark sky.
Best Viewing Locations
Whitehorse, Yukon's capital, serves as an excellent base for Northern Lights viewing. Just a short drive from the city, you can escape the light pollution and find yourself under a canopy of stars. Here are some top viewing spots:
- Fish Lake Road: Located about 15 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, this area offers unobstructed views of the northern sky.
- Lake Laberge: About 50 km north of Whitehorse, this large lake provides a stunning foreground for aurora photography.
- Takhini Hot Springs: Combine aurora viewing with a soak in natural hot springs, located 28 km from Whitehorse.
- Dawson City: For a more remote experience, head to this historic gold rush town where the Northern Lights are often visible right from the town center.
Aurora Borealis Science
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in Earth's atmosphere. When these solar particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen, they produce the vivid colors we see dancing across the sky:
- Green (the most common color): caused by oxygen molecules about 100 km above Earth
- Red: produced by oxygen at higher altitudes (about 300 km)
- Blue and purple: created by nitrogen
Photography Tips
Capturing the Northern Lights requires some preparation and specialized equipment. Here are some essential tips:
- Camera Gear: Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider), a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries (cold temperatures drain batteries quickly).
- Camera Settings: Start with ISO 1600-3200, aperture f/2.8 (or the widest your lens allows), and a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds.
- Composition: Include interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or a cabin to add depth to your images.
- Focus: Set your focus to infinity during daylight, then tape down the focus ring to prevent accidental changes in the dark.
- Dress Warmly: Layer up with proper winter gear, as you might be standing still for hours in freezing temperatures.
Aurora Hunting Tours
If you're new to aurora viewing or don't want to venture out alone in the Yukon wilderness, consider booking a guided tour. Local operators offer various experiences:
- Evening Excursions: These 3-4 hour tours take you to optimal viewing locations away from city lights.
- Aurora Cabins: Spend the night in a heated cabin with large windows or skylights for comfortable aurora viewing.
- Photography Tours: Led by professional photographers who can help you capture stunning aurora images.
- Multi-Day Adventures: Combine aurora viewing with dog sledding, snowshoeing, or ice fishing for a complete Yukon winter experience.
Where to Stay
Whitehorse offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to full-service hotels. For a unique experience, consider:
- Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Located in the Yukon wilderness, this resort offers aurora-viewing chalets with panoramic windows.
- Inn on the Lake: A beautiful lakeside property with log cabins and aurora viewing decks.
- Aurora Wilderness Camp: Sleep in heated, glass-roofed pods for 360-degree aurora viewing from your bed.
"To witness the Northern Lights is to see the world's greatest light show—a dance of cosmic energy that has captivated humans for millennia." — Yukon Aurora Guide
Beyond the Lights: Daytime Activities
While the Northern Lights are the main attraction, Yukon offers plenty of daytime adventures to round out your winter trip:
- Dog Sledding: Experience the traditional mode of winter transport with a dog sled tour.
- Snowshoeing: Explore the winter landscape on guided snowshoe excursions through boreal forests.
- Ice Fishing: Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling or lake trout through the ice.
- Yukon Wildlife Preserve: See northern wildlife like caribou, lynx, and muskoxen in their natural habitat.
- Takhini Hot Springs: Soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by snowy forests.
- MacBride Museum: Learn about Yukon's gold rush history and Indigenous cultures.
Packing Essentials
Proper preparation is essential for a comfortable Northern Lights viewing experience:
- Extreme Cold Weather Gear: Insulated parka, snow pants, thermal base layers, wool mid-layers, insulated boots rated for extreme cold
- Accessories: Insulated mittens (warmer than gloves), neck gaiter or balaclava, wool socks, hand and toe warmers
- Hot Beverages: Bring a thermos with hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
- Snacks: High-energy foods to keep you fueled during long nights outdoors
Cultural Significance
For thousands of years, the Indigenous peoples of the North have incorporated the Northern Lights into their cultural stories and beliefs. Many First Nations in Yukon have stories about the aurora representing spirits of ancestors or animals dancing in the sky. Learning about these traditional perspectives adds a meaningful cultural dimension to your aurora viewing experience.
Planning Your Trip
Winter travel to Yukon requires some advance planning:
- Flights: Air Canada and Air North offer regular flights to Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.
- Transportation: Rent a car (with winter tires) or use tour company shuttles. Many aurora tours include hotel pickup.
- Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially during peak aurora season.
- Aurora Forecasts: Check websites like the Aurora Forecast by University of Alaska Fairbanks for predictions on aurora activity.
Chasing the Northern Lights in Yukon offers not just a spectacular natural light show, but also a chance to experience the pristine wilderness, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Canada's North. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply want to witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena, a Yukon aurora adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime.