The Northern Lights of Yukon – when, where and best ways to see them

Seeing the iconic emerald-green northern lights in Yukon is on many travellers’ bucket lists. Much of the territory sits directly beneath the auroral oval, enjoying high aurora frequency and one of the world’s longest viewing seasons. With clear dark skies, almost non-existent light and air pollution, along with year-round direct flights between Vancouver and Whitehorse, it comes as no surprise that Yukon is a premier aurora viewing destination.

If you are planning a holiday to Yukon in Canada, our guide on seeing the northern lights in Yukon will help you find out everything you need to know ahead of your journey, from the best time to visit and the most popular viewing spots to the best ways to see the aurora and how to make the most of your day when not chasing the lights.

Watch this video from Travel Yukon to get inspired:

Excited? Read on to find out how you could spot the aurora borealis on a holiday to Yukon…

Best time to visit Yukon to see the northern lights

November to March is widely considered the best time to visit Yukon for the northern lights, as then the territory enjoys its longest and darkest nights. The time of night is also very important. The prime aurora viewing window is generally between 10pm and 3am.

Visiting Yukon in winter though comes with one disadvantage and this is the extremely cold weather. January is the coldest month to visit with low temperatures dropping to -22°C (occasionally to -40°C).

Fortunately, the territory is blessed with one of the longest aurora viewing seasons in the world which runs from mid-August to mid-April, and autumn is a great alternative.

Lisa C. from Tourism Yukon says:

“Fall (late August to October) is a fantastic, often underrated, time as the weather is milder, the autumn colours are stunning, and the nights are dark enough for a great show.”

She also shared with us a key piece of local wisdom:

“We recommend visitors stay for at least three nights. This significantly boosts their chances of catching a clear night with active lights. Mother Nature doesn't do reservations, so building in a buffer is the best way to avoid disappointment."

Did you know…

The aurora borealis are active year-round, but you can only see them when it’s dark. As Yukon enjoys the midnight sun in summer (a natural phenomenon where the sun stays visible for 24 hours) travellers need to visit in autumn or winter to see them.

Where to see the northern lights in Yukon

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to trek for days in Yukon’s remote wilderness to catch a glimpse of the iconic aurora borealis. There is a plethora of easily accessible places in Yukon where you can witness the shimmering emerald greens as they spill like ink in the dark purple skies.

Here are the best places to see the northern lights in Yukon:

1. Whitehorse

Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse, serves as a primary base for aurora viewing. It is easy to get to with year-round direct flights from Vancouver and offers ample viewing sites just a short driving distance from the city. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Fish Lake – a wilderness spot providing wide-open views of the night skies, a beautiful water or ice reflection of the dancing lights overhead and an amazing mountainous foreground.
• Schwatka Lake - just 5 kilometres south of downtown Whitehorse, this lake offers skies darker than those in the city centre and is a great alternative when remote, pitch-black viewing spots are unsafe to reach due to severe weather conditions.
• Grey Mountain – praised for being a much quieter and darker place for aurora viewing near Whitehorse, viewers can enjoy a high vantage point and unobstructed views of the night sky away from the city glare.

2. Dawson City

Dawson City sits deeper beneath the auroral oval (64.06° N) and with minimal light pollution offers a front row seat for the sparkling lights show. If you are lucky enough, you can see them without leaving the town.

Those seeking the perfect picture spot should drive to the Midnight Dome viewpoint. It offers elevated, panoramic views of the city, the Yukon River and valley below, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing the magnetic northern lights in Dawson City.

3. Carcross desert and Bennett Lake

It might be hard to believe, but Yukon is home to the “world’s smallest desert”, and it is a great place to catch the dancing aurora lights. Carcross is approximately a one-hour drive south of Whitehorse and the sand dunes, when covered in a crisp snow blanket in winter, alongside the adjacent Bennett Lake, provide brilliant photo opportunities.

4. Kluane National Park and Reserve

Kluane National Park & Reserve is celebrated as one of the best sites to see the northern lights in Yukon, and for good reason. Its towering mountain peaks and vast, untamed wilderness provide the perfect backdrop for iconic images capturing the majesty of the glowing green night skies.

Kathleen Lake, just a short drive from Haines Junction, is an easily accessible spot in the park for aurora enthusiasts.

ALSO READ: What is Yukon famous for?

Best ways to see the northern lights in Yukon

Guided aurora viewing tours

Venturing out in Yukon to see the northern lights requires careful planning, from monitoring the aurora forecast and understanding the complex terminology behind it, to researching the best spots, checking road conditions and dressing for the weather (winters in Yukon are freezing, with occasional drops reaching - 40°C).

That is why joining an aurora viewing tour is widely considered as one of the best ways to see the lights. Expert guides will be able to offer you weather-watching advice to help you choose a clear night to head out, and they’ll take you to somewhere they know is truly dark. They also provide warm outdoor gear which is essential if you’re spending a few hours out in the snow. They’ll often provide a yurt shelter and a campfire with drinks, snacks and storytelling. Warm your hands around a mug of hot chocolate by the fireside and listen to First Nations legends of how the northern lights came to be.

From a hot tub

For a unique, warm and romantic way to view those ribbons of colour, head to an outdoor hot tub or a hot springs pool.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs near Whitehorse offer the perfect retreat with their outdoor naturally hot pool, just a short 30-minute drive north of the city.

If you are chasing the northern lights in Dawson City, then visiting the Yukon Spa & Café is a must. Its rooftop hot tubs provide the perfect place to relax while taking in the views.

RECOMMENDED HOLIDAY: Northern Lights of the Yukon holiday

Why Yukon is such a popular aurora viewing destination?

There are many reasons why you should choose to visit Yukon for the northern lights over popular European aurora viewing destinations.

Yukon is blessed with one of the longest aurora seasons in the world, sees far fewer crowds, offers reliable cloud-clear skies and high aurora frequency, as much of its territory sits right beneath the auroral oval. In addition to exhilarating daytime winter activities to keep visitors busy when not chasing the lights.

This territory is one of the best-kept secrets in North America, with pristine wilderness, secluded national parks, empty roads and mountains for days. Here are the top day-time winter activities to try in Yukon:

• Dogsledding - Glide silently through Boreal forests with only the sounds of paws on snow as you go. Dogsledding is a signature Yukon experience.
• Snowshoeing - Winter hiking takes on a whole new level of adventure when you strap on a pair of snowshoes. This is a fun way to enjoy your wintery surroundings and is also a great way to quietly observe wildlife like deer and elk.
• Snowmobiling – Adrenaline seekers should try snowmobiling along Yukon’s backcountry mountain trails and through forests and frozen lakes.
• Flightseeing - This is one of our favourites. Those dramatic glaciers are best viewed from above from a plane or helicopter ride. There’s no thrill like it.
• Ice-fishing - Feel the thrill of standing on up to one-metre-thick ice while trying to catch gigantic northern pike, lake trout, or hard-fighting Arctic grayling.

ALSO READ: Things to do in Yukon

Ready to see the northern lights in Yukon for yourself?

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