Chasing the Northern Lights: A Yukon Adventure

October 25, 2023 Sarah Johnson Destinations 8 Comments

There are few natural phenomena as captivating as the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. These dancing ribbons of color across the night sky have inspired awe and wonder for centuries. While they can be viewed from several northern locations around the world, Canada's Yukon Territory offers some of the most spectacular Northern Lights viewing opportunities on the planet.

On my recent expedition to the Yukon, I set out to experience this bucket-list phenomenon firsthand. What followed was an unforgettable adventure through one of Canada's most pristine wilderness areas, culminating in nights spent beneath skies illuminated by nature's most spectacular light show.

Understanding the Northern Lights

Before diving into the details of where and when to see the Northern Lights in Yukon, it's worth understanding what causes this magical display. The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions produce energy that appears as colorful light. The most common color is green (caused by oxygen molecules), but red, blue, and purple can also appear depending on the altitude of the collision and the type of gas molecules involved.

"The first time you see the Northern Lights dance across the sky is a moment you never forget. It's as if the universe is putting on a personal light show just for you." — Local Yukon guide

When to Visit Yukon for Northern Lights

Timing is crucial when planning a Northern Lights expedition to the Yukon. The ideal viewing season runs from late August to mid-April, with peak visibility occurring during the winter months when the nights are longest.

During my trip in mid-February, I experienced nearly 18 hours of darkness each day, providing ample opportunity for aurora viewing. However, if you're not a fan of extreme cold (temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower in midwinter), consider the shoulder seasons:

Pro Tip

The Northern Lights are most active around the fall and spring equinoxes (late September and late March) due to the alignment of Earth's magnetic field with the solar wind. Plan your trip during these periods for increased chances of spectacular displays.

Best Locations for Aurora Viewing in Yukon

The Yukon offers numerous prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights, each with its own unique charm. Here are the standout spots from my journey:

1. Whitehorse and Surroundings

The capital city of Whitehorse serves as an excellent base for Northern Lights expeditions. While the city lights can diminish visibility, you need only drive 15-20 minutes outside the city to find perfect viewing conditions. Several tour operators offer nightly excursions to purpose-built viewing cabins with amenities like heated shelters, hot drinks, and photography assistance.

I stayed at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, located about 20 minutes from downtown Whitehorse. Their special aurora-viewing chalets feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing north, allowing you to watch the display from the comfort of your bed if you wish.

2. Takhini Hot Springs

For a truly magical experience, combine your aurora viewing with a soak in the Takhini Hot Springs, located about 30 minutes from Whitehorse. There's something surreal about floating in steaming mineral waters while the Northern Lights dance overhead. The facility sometimes offers special nighttime soaking sessions during aurora season.

3. Lake Laberge

Made famous by Robert Service's poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee," Lake Laberge offers spectacular aurora viewing opportunities about 50 kilometers north of Whitehorse. In winter, the frozen lake provides a vast open space with minimal light pollution and stunning 360-degree views of the sky.

4. Dawson City

For those wanting to venture further afield, Dawson City in the northern Yukon offers excellent Northern Lights viewing with the added charm of this historic Gold Rush town. The Top of the World Highway outside of Dawson provides some of the most dramatic viewing locations in all of Canada.

Photography Tips for Capturing the Aurora

One of the greatest challenges of a Northern Lights expedition is capturing this ephemeral phenomenon in photographs. During my trip, I learned several valuable techniques from local photographers:

Essential Equipment

Camera Settings

While settings may vary depending on the intensity of the aurora and ambient light conditions, these settings provide a good starting point:

Pro Tip

Before darkness falls, find a distant object and focus your lens on it. Then switch to manual focus and tape the focus ring in place to prevent accidental adjustments in the dark. This ensures your aurora photos will be sharp.

Beyond the Aurora: Other Yukon Winter Activities

While the Northern Lights may be the star attraction, the Yukon offers numerous other activities to fill your days and early evenings:

Dog Sledding

One of the highlights of my trip was a half-day dog sledding expedition with Muktuk Adventures. There's nothing quite like gliding through snow-covered forests behind a team of enthusiastic huskies. Many operators offer experiences ranging from short rides to multi-day expeditions.

Wildlife Viewing

Winter is an excellent time to spot wildlife in the Yukon. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve, just outside Whitehorse, offers guided tours where you can see caribou, lynx, muskoxen, and other northern species against a snowy backdrop.

Ice Fishing

Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling or lake trout through a hole in the ice. Local guides provide all necessary equipment and often prepare your catch for a fresh wilderness lunch.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

The Yukon maintains excellent trail networks for winter activities. Miles Canyon near Whitehorse offers stunning snowshoe trails along the frozen Yukon River, while the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club maintains over 85 kilometers of groomed trails.

Practical Tips for Your Yukon Aurora Adventure

Dressing for Success

Proper clothing is crucial for enjoying the Northern Lights in comfort. Remember, you'll be standing relatively still in potentially extreme cold for extended periods. Dress in layers:

Guided Tours vs. Independent Viewing

While it's possible to view the aurora independently if you have a vehicle, there are significant advantages to booking with a local guide or tour company:

I opted for a combination approach—booking guided tours for my first few nights to learn the ropes, then exploring independently thereafter.

Aurora Forecasts

Several resources can help you track aurora activity:

Look for a Kp index of 3 or higher for good viewing conditions in the Yukon.

Final Thoughts

My Yukon aurora adventure was truly the experience of a lifetime. There's something profoundly moving about standing beneath a sky alive with dancing light, surrounded by pristine wilderness. The silence, broken only by occasional gasps of awe from fellow viewers, creates a sense of connection with both nature and humanity that's hard to find elsewhere.

Whether you're a photographer, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who wishes to witness one of nature's most spectacular displays, a Northern Lights expedition to the Yukon should be high on your bucket list. The combination of world-class aurora viewing, diverse winter activities, and genuine northern hospitality makes for an unforgettable Canadian adventure.

Northern Lights Yukon Winter Photography Canada Aurora Borealis

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Sarah Johnson

Sarah is an adventure travel writer and photographer specializing in Canadian wilderness experiences. When not exploring remote locations, she can be found kayaking on Ontario lakes or planning her next expedition.