How to See the Northern Lights in the Yukon, Canada

With its gold rush history, vast wilderness, and rugged charm, Canada’s Yukon territory is arguably one of the most fabled pieces of land in North America—and it’s just as epic in person.

Some come to fish in pristine glacial lakes, others to hunt elk, and others to explore the territory’s literary history à la Jack London. But there’s one thing that continues to draw travelers from around the world during the middle of the Yukon’s frigid winters: the northern lights.

The Yukon is a prime place to witness the northern lights, since parts of the territory lie directly beneath the auroral oval, a region of the atmosphere located near the poles, where the aurora borealis is most likely to occur. Though you may be able to catch nature’s most dazzling light show anytime between late August and early April, peak season spans between November and March.

As a born-and-raised Texan, seeing the northern lights always seemed like an experience that would be relegated to television. But there I was, somewhere outside of Whitehorse, curled up next to a campfire with hot chocolate and a heavy flannel blanket, watching as moody, gray clouds slowly began parting to reveal swirling arms of ghostly green and yellow light dancing across the sky.

“Sometimes, I take it for granted that I grew up seeing them in Dawson City and how magical that was,” says Harmony Hunter, the manager of tourism development at the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association. “When I see them now, I try to take a moment to pause and appreciate their true beauty. And then I remind myself how blessed I am to see them. Instead of ‘lights, camera, action,’ it’s more like ‘lights, pause, breathe, and enjoy.’”

Here’s how you can plan an epic trip to see the northern lights in the Yukon.

Northern Tales: Whitehorse

Since 2001, Northern Tales has helped countless visitors catch the aurora borealis. The wilderness outfitter hosts experiences across the territory, from Dawson City to the Southern Lakes region. One of its most popular options is the Basic Aurora Borealis Package, which might be your best bet if you’re staying in Whitehorse. After being picked up at your hotel, you’ll be whisked to Northern Tales’ private northern lights viewing site, located about 30 minutes outside city limits. There, you’ll find a fire pit, lots of seating, and a cabin you can warm up in if the weather gets too nippy. Snacks and warm drinks like hot chocolate are also available for maximum coziness (as I can personally attest). If you want even more excitement, add dog mushing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing to your experience with Northern Tales.

Nomada Excursions: Whitehorse

If you want to almost guarantee seeing the northern lights during your Yukon trip, book an aurora hunting tour. Rather than hanging out in one location, aurora hunters zip across the Yukon to catch the natural phenomenon. If the lights aren’t dancing in the sky over Whitehorse, they might be making an appearance an hour away in Carcross. One of the most passionate guides in the territory is Sandra Peña, owner of Nomada Excursions, who has been professionally aurora hunting since 2006. Peña is from the Tagish area, but will lead guests all over the Yukon based on favorable aurora conditions, forecasts, and her experience. She originally hails from Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, so she can deliver tours in Spanish as well as English. 

Mount Logan EcoLodge: Haines Junction

Seeing the northern lights doesn’t necessarily have to involve late, red-eyed nights; it can be quite luxurious. Guests staying at the Mount Logan EcoLodge just outside of Kluane National Park and Reserve, can receive an aurora wake-up call, if and when the lights appear. That’s right, you can simply roll out of bed, put on your slippers, and step outside your door to see the natural wonder. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the property’s winter packages, which includes private, guided aurora experiences plus perks like picnic lunches and airport transfers. 

The Klondike Experience: Dawson City

Generally, the farther north you get, the greater your chances of seeing the northern lights. If you make it up to Dawson City, consider booking with The Klondike Experience. The family-owned operation offers everything from afternoon excursions to multiday adventures exploring places like Tombstone Territorial Park and the old gold fields. Their aurora borealis tours include midnight snacks as well as coffee and tea, plus access to a cozy campfire and a heated yurt. As you watch the enchanting display, you’ll also be treated to tales of local history and lore.

Josie’s Old Crow Adventures: Old Crow 

For adventurous travelers, there’s perhaps no better place to visit than Old Crow, a town that’s only accessible by air. The population here hovers around 250, and there’s just one grocery store—but intrepid guests will find themselves in stunning, rugged landscapes with few people around. Book one of the night tours with Josie’s Old Crow Adventures to get the insider’s lay of the land. While witnessing the cosmic spectacle, you can hear stories of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the significance of the northern lights to the community.

Hunter shares, “I did the three-day winter package a few years ago, and it was one of the best tour experiences of my lifetime.”