There's something truly magical about standing beneath a dark sky as it erupts into a dance of colorful lights. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have captivated humans for centuries, inspiring myths, legends, and nowadays, countless bucket lists. After years of guiding tours in Canada's north, I'm excited to share my insights on experiencing this natural wonder in one of the world's best viewing locations: the Yukon Territory.
What Makes the Yukon Special for Aurora Viewing
The Yukon offers several key advantages for Northern Lights chasers. First, its northern latitude places it directly under the "aurora oval" - the zone where auroral activity is most concentrated. Second, the territory's low population density means minimal light pollution, providing those inky-black skies that are essential for optimal viewing. Finally, the Yukon experiences relatively stable weather patterns during winter, with many clear nights perfect for aurora spotting.
When to Visit
The prime viewing season runs from mid-August to mid-April, when the nights are dark enough to see the lights. However, for the optimal combination of decent temperatures and good aurora activity, I recommend visiting between late September and early April. February and March are particularly excellent months, offering increasingly longer days for daytime activities while maintaining dark nights for aurora viewing.
Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed. I always advise my clients to plan at least 3-4 nights in the region to maximize their chances of a sighting. The auroras are typically most active between 10 PM and 2 AM, though they can appear any time during dark hours.
Top Viewing Locations in the Yukon
1. Whitehorse Area
The Yukon's capital makes an excellent base for aurora adventures. Just a 20-minute drive from the city center will take you to several prime viewing spots:
- Fish Lake Road: A local favorite with minimal light pollution and stunning views over Fish Lake when the lights appear.
- Schwatka Lake: The reflections of the aurora on the lake create a double light show when conditions are right.
- Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre: The parking lot here offers good viewing with the convenience of being close to the city.
2. Dawson City
This historic gold rush town sits even further north, potentially increasing your chances of aurora sightings. The Midnight Dome, a viewpoint overlooking the town, is the perfect spot to set up for the night.
3. Kluane National Park
For the truly adventurous, Kluane offers a wilderness backdrop that makes aurora viewing even more spectacular. The massive mountains silhouetted against the dancing lights create unforgettable scenes.
Photography Tips
Capturing the aurora can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Here are my key tips for photographing the Northern Lights:
- Equipment: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is essential. Bring a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release to avoid camera shake.
- Settings: Start with ISO 1600, aperture f/2.8 (or the widest your lens allows), and a 15-second exposure. Adjust based on the aurora's intensity.
- Composition: Include interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or lakes to add scale and interest to your photos.
- Focus: Set your focus to infinity in daylight and tape the focus ring to prevent accidental adjustments in the dark.
- Battery life: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body.
What to Pack
Yukon winters are seriously cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Proper preparation is essential:
- Layers: Thermal base layers, mid-layers of fleece or wool, and a windproof/waterproof outer layer.
- Extremities: Insulated boots rated for extreme cold, wool socks, insulated gloves/mittens, and a warm hat that covers your ears.
- Face protection: A balaclava or face mask for very cold nights.
- Hand/foot warmers: These chemical heat packs can be lifesavers during long nights outdoors.
- Thermos: Bring hot drinks to warm yourself from the inside.
Beyond the Lights: Other Winter Activities
While the Northern Lights are the star attraction, the Yukon offers many other amazing winter experiences:
- Dog Sledding: Connect with the territory's rich history by mushing your own team of sled dogs through snowy forests.
- Ice Fishing: Drop a line through the ice and try to catch Arctic grayling or lake trout.
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Explore pristine winter landscapes at your own pace.
- Soaking in the Takhini Hot Springs: There's nothing better than relaxing in natural hot springs while watching for the aurora overhead.
- Yukon Wildlife Preserve: See northern wildlife like caribou, moose, and lynx in their natural winter habitat.
Cultural Connection
The Northern Lights hold deep significance for the Indigenous peoples of the Yukon. The Gwich'in people traditionally believe the lights are the spirits of their ancestors, dancing in the sky and trying to communicate with the living. Others see them as spirits of animals or the movement of celestial giants playing a game with a walrus skull. Learning about these cultural perspectives adds rich depth to the aurora viewing experience.
Guided Tours vs. Independent Adventures
At Canada Explorer, we offer specialized Northern Lights packages that handle all the logistics while providing expert guides who know exactly where and when to go for optimal viewing. However, the Yukon is also well-suited for independent travelers with a sense of adventure. Rental cars with winter tires are readily available, and many accommodations offer aurora wake-up calls if the lights appear during sleeping hours.
Whether you join one of our guided tours or create your own northern adventure, witnessing the aurora borealis dance across a Yukon sky is an experience that stays with you forever. There's a certain perspective that comes from standing beneath these cosmic lights - a humbling reminder of our place in the universe and the incredible natural wonders our world has to offer.
Have you seen the Northern Lights, or is it on your bucket list? We'd love to hear your experiences or help you plan your own aurora adventure. Contact us at [email protected] or check out our Winter Wonderland package.