There are few natural phenomena as captivating as the aurora borealis. These dancing lights have fascinated humans for centuries, inspiring myths, legends, and a sense of wonder that transcends time. In Canada's Yukon Territory, the northern lights aren't just an occasional visitor—they're a regular guest, painting the dark winter skies with their ethereal glow almost 240 nights per year.
Understanding the Northern Lights
The science behind the northern lights is as fascinating as their appearance. These colorful displays occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. The result? Waves of green, pink, purple, and blue that seem to dance across the night sky.
While the aurora can be seen throughout the northern hemisphere in places with dark skies and minimal light pollution, the Yukon's location under the "auroral oval"—a ring-shaped region around the Earth's geomagnetic north pole—makes it one of the best places in the world to witness this natural light show.
Did You Know?
The colors of the northern lights are determined by the type of gas particles colliding. Green auroras, the most common, result from oxygen molecules about 100 kilometers above Earth, while rare red auroras come from even higher-altitude oxygen, over 300 kilometers up.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Yukon
The ideal time to chase the northern lights in Yukon is during the winter months, from August to April. During this period, the nights are longest, providing ample darkness for the lights to shine against. The prime viewing months are considered to be September/October and February/March when the nights are dark but temperatures are not at their most extreme.
For the best chances of success:
- Plan to stay at least 3-4 nights in the region
- Check aurora forecasts before your trip (websites like Aurora Forecast or the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute provide reliable predictions)
- Be prepared to stay up late—the best displays often occur between 10 PM and 2 AM
- Schedule your trip around the new moon when the sky is darkest
Top Viewing Locations in Yukon
While the northern lights can be spotted from Whitehorse (Yukon's capital city), the most breathtaking views come from locations further away from city lights.
Whitehorse Area
Just a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Whitehorse can take you to excellent viewing spots like the Takhini Hot Springs Road area or Fish Lake Road. For a truly unique experience, combine your aurora viewing with a soak in the Takhini Hot Springs.
Lake Laberge
About 50 kilometers north of Whitehorse, this large lake offers wide-open views of the northern sky with the added bonus of seeing the lights reflected in the water (if it's not frozen).
Dawson City
Further north in the territory, this historic Gold Rush town offers darker skies and better chances of aurora viewing. The Midnight Dome viewpoint provides a spectacular panorama for watching the lights dance across the sky.
What to Pack for Northern Lights Viewing
Yukon winters are serious business, with temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing. Proper preparation is essential for a comfortable aurora viewing experience:
Clothing
- Insulated winter parka
- Snow pants
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Mid-layer fleece or wool sweater
- Insulated winter boots rated for cold temperatures
- Wool socks (bring extras!)
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Warm hat that covers ears
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Hand and foot warmers
Photography Gear
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Tripod (essential for long exposures)
- Wide-angle lens
- Extra batteries (cold depletes them quickly)
- Remote shutter release
- Headlamp with red light mode
- Camera bag with insulation
Photography Tip
To capture the northern lights, start with these settings: aperture f/2.8 or wider, ISO 1600-3200, and shutter speed 15-30 seconds. Adjust as needed based on the brightness and movement of the aurora. Remember to focus to infinity and use a sturdy tripod!
Guided Tours vs. Independent Viewing
When it comes to experiencing the northern lights in Yukon, you have two main options:
Guided Tours
Pros:
- Expert guides who know the best viewing locations
- Transportation provided (no need to drive on unfamiliar winter roads)
- Often include heated shelters, hot drinks, and snacks
- Photography assistance
- Cultural and scientific information about the aurora
Cons:
- More expensive
- Less flexibility with timing
- Group setting may not appeal to all travelers
Independent Viewing
Pros:
- More flexibility with timing and location
- Cost-effective
- Privacy and personalized experience
- Freedom to stay as long as you want
Cons:
- Requires rental car and comfortable winter driving skills
- Need to research viewing locations
- No expert guidance
- Must provide your own warm drinks and shelter
For first-time visitors or those uncomfortable with winter driving, a guided tour is highly recommended. Several companies in Whitehorse offer northern lights packages, from simple viewing excursions to multi-day tours that combine aurora viewing with other winter activities.
Beyond the Lights: Other Winter Activities in Yukon
While the northern lights are the star attraction, Yukon offers plenty of other winter experiences to fill your days while waiting for nightfall:
- Dog Sledding: Experience the traditional mode of Arctic transportation with a team of eager huskies guiding your sled through snowy forests.
- Ice Fishing: Try your hand at catching Arctic grayling, northern pike, or lake trout through a hole in a frozen lake.
- Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: Explore Yukon's winter wonderland on well-marked trails through boreal forests.
- Snowmobiling: Cover more ground and access remote areas on guided snowmobile tours.
- Indigenous Cultural Experiences: Learn about the traditional winter lifestyles of Yukon's First Nations peoples through workshops, storytelling, and art.
Local Tip
The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous is a lively winter festival held in Whitehorse each February. If your aurora trip coincides with this event, you'll be treated to quirky competitions, music, food, and a genuine taste of northern culture.
Cultural Significance of the Northern Lights
For the Indigenous peoples of the North, the aurora borealis holds deep cultural significance. Many First Nations in Yukon have their own stories and beliefs about the dancing lights:
- Some believe the lights are spirits of the ancestors watching over the living
- Others see them as spirits playing a celestial ball game with a walrus skull
- Some traditions hold that whistling at the lights will cause them to come closer (though others warn against drawing their attention)
Learning about these cultural perspectives adds another dimension to your aurora viewing experience. Consider attending a cultural presentation or workshop at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse to deepen your understanding.
Final Tips for Your Northern Lights Adventure
- Be patient and persistent—sometimes the lights appear briefly, fade away, and then return stronger later in the night
- Give your eyes at least 15-20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best viewing experience
- Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea to keep warm during your wait
- Consider booking accommodation with aurora wake-up calls or northern lights viewing packages
- If possible, avoid scheduling your viewing attempts during a full moon, as the bright moonlight can diminish the visual impact of the aurora
- Put your phone and camera down occasionally to fully experience the magic with your own eyes
Standing beneath a sky alive with swirling colors is a profoundly moving experience that many travelers place high on their bucket lists. The Yukon's combination of dark skies, northern latitude, and accessible viewing locations makes it one of the world's premier destinations for witnessing this magical phenomenon.
Whether you're a serious photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking wonder in our world, a northern lights adventure in Yukon is sure to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of Canada's wild north.
