29 Jan 2025
The Solar Cycle 25, a periodic 11-year change in the sun's activity, is set to reach its peak between this winter and the winter of 2025/2026, meaning there will be a substantial increase in Aurora activity on Earth, offering even more incredible northern lights viewing opportunities in the Yukon.
Situated in Canada's Northwest corner, up near the Arctic Circle, the Yukon is an untamed wilderness that turns into a picturesque, snow filled winter wonderland each year, under the glow of the greatest light show on Earth, the Northern Lights. One of North America's most undiscovered destinations, close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness, the Yukon boasts one of the longest to view the northern lights viewing season mid-August to mid-April and optimal viewing times are between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Here are the top ways visitors can view the phenomenal Aurora in the Yukon:
From the air: Aurora 360 Flight Returns
The Aurora flight is back following a five year absence in February 2026 with Air North offering a Aurora 360 Flight to the Arctic Circle, offering a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights in their full celestial splendour. Northern Lights Resort and Spa is offering a special Aurora 360 fight package offering three-nights in an Alpine Chalet or Aurora Glass Chalet (12-17 February 2026) and two nights at the Best Western Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse, three course gourmet meals daily, winter clothing, airport pick ups, a guaranteed window seats on the Aurora 360 flight and internal flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse. Cost from £3755 per person
From a private island:
Terre Boreale is offering fly-in winter escapes to private island. Just 45 minute flights from the Yukon's capital city Whitehorse, guests are taken for remote log cabins stays and can experience the Northern Lights as well as snowshoeing, kicksledding, ice fishing, building snow lanterns, relaxing in the sauna, trying new crafts, or reading by the cosy fireplace
From a rooftop in Gold Rush Town: Dawson City's new Urban Spa
Yukon Spa was opened by Yukon Spaces (the owners of Dawson Lodge - Dawson City's highest rated accommodation for 2022 and 2023) in June 2024 in Dawson City. Yukon Spa is the northernmost spa in Canada and the only 'urban' Aurora viewing experience from the spa's rooftop. Treatments include massage therapy, acupuncture, clinical facials and skin remedies, microneedling, laser and light therapies, and manicure and pedicures. Facilities include steam rooms, a dry sauna, an infrared sauna, an ice plunge bath, a sensory deprivation flotation tank and a hot tub.
From the water: Canoe under the Northern Lights
Terra Riders offers a one of a kind experience on Lake Laberge canoeing under the Northern Lights. Laberge, named after the first French- Canadian to explore the Yukon in 1866, is fifty kilometers long and ranges from two to five kilometers wide. The local Southern Tutchon First Nations refer to the lake as Tàa'an Män. After canoeing down the glistening waters, visitors are greeted to a fire pit, hot chocolate and marshmallows at one of the extraordinary Aurora viewing areas. Canoeing tours run from the beginning September through till mid March-April. Tours cost from $179 per person and require a minimum of two people.
From snowy tracks: Fatbiking Northern Lights tour
Known for their stocky cumbersome tyres, 'Fat-bikes' are one of the best ways to experience adventure and thrill in the Yukon under the magic of the Northern Lights. Bike shops are available throughout Whitehorse offering advice for all skill-set travellers. Grey Mountain, Mount McIntyre and the Multi-use Millennium trail all offer incredible sights including the Yukon River. https://www.travelyukon.com/en/see-and-do/activities/hit-trails-fat-biking-winter
From the top of the Midnight Dome: Dawson city
Dawson city is a small community located in the center of the Aurora oval which is a perfect viewing location. As there is such little light pollution, the lights are easily visible from anywhere in town. The Midnight Dome is a spectacular viewing spot, 10-15 minute drive outside of town. Klondike Experience, based in Dawson city, provides incredible Aurora viewing tours for custom and group bookings with up to 24 passengers.
From a dog sled: Northern Lights and huskies
Mutuk Adventures offers a variety of different tours including half & full day packages and three-eight day itineraries. Experiencing the Northern Lights by dog sled will show visitors how truly unique Yukon winters are. Away from the city, surrounded by wildlife and nature, visitors can relax and stay cosy after being drawn across the frozen rivers with untouched snow, by man's best friend. The experience also includes snow mobiling, ice fishing as well as the northern lights on display. Cost from $1599 per person, running from mid November to late March.
About Yukon:
Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada's highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet's largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of North America's most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, the Yukon is home to more than 220,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 46,000.
For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com
