There's no doubt that summer time in Yukon, with its blazing sun that never sets, is hard to beat. But as the locals will tell you, winter is equally beautiful and abundant with outdoor adventure. Here are three compelling reasons to visit Yukon in winter.

1. Behold the northern lights

Yukon offers the best seats in the house to the world's most incredible light show. Feel your heart stir as you bear witness to the shimmering aurora borealis, its magical green and pink ribbons dancing in glory across the night sky.

2. Stay in a cozy wilderness lodge

There's nothing more romantic than snuggling up with a hot chocolate, snowflakes drifting by the window of your private lodge, surrounded by glistening white forests, as though drenched in vanilla ice-cream, howling wolves serenading in the distance.

3. Outdoor adventure!

Embrace the outdoors like a Yukoner with wilderness adventures on offer for all ages and abilities. Spend the day whizzing through the trees and across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, learn how to mush your own team of sled dogs, or explore on snowshoes. At the end of an exhilarating day, soak in the Takhini Hot Springs, a natural mineral outdoor hot spring on the outskirts of Whitehorse.

Northern Lights - As bright winter sun gives way to dark starry skies, the stage is set for a show you'll never forget.

If mesmerizing ribbons of colour swirling across the sky sounds like a must-see, we have you covered. Come to the Yukon and experience the northern lights, one of the great natural wonders of the world.

In the Yukon, the northern lights can appear as soon as dark night skies begin to return. That means you'll often see dancing, shimmering lights before the first snowfall. Winter brings many months and plenty of ways to view this natural phenomenon. Shed your winter layers and sink into an outdoor hot tub to watch for the jades, greens and purples to appear. Curl up by the window of a cozy cabin, or tuck into a welcoming lodge with amenities, exceptional dining and lots of activities. Tour operators can also take you by snowmobile or dogsled out to the remote wilderness, where you can watch by the warmth of a crackling campfire. And there's no need to worry about getting too cold. Many tour operators rent winter outerwear or provide it with their viewing packages.
The northern lights can be viewed from mid-August through to mid-April, so depending on when you come, you may not need a cozy coat at all.

While there are no guarantees in life but elk and taxes, Aurora forecasting technology does increase your odds of catching the lights. The higher the activity level, the higher the probability of northern lights appearing. 

Cabins & Lodges

Finish writing the great American novel in a secluded cabin or just put your feet up with an Irish coffee on the patio of your lodge. Whatever kind of get away you dream about, you'll find it here.

Relax at the lodge during the evenings and play in the quiet Yukon winter during the day. Explore the winter wonderland on your own dog team. Embrace the solitude while snowshoeing through the tree-lined paths. Endless mountain peaks, scenic river valleys and legendary local hospitality make the Yukon the perfect destination for your next winter retreat.

Outdoor adventure

Part of the fun of visiting in winter is experiencing some distinctly northern activities. Travel through a frosty winter landscape in the back of a dogsled, or for more speed, try a snowmobile. Make the catch of the day on an ice fishing trip or strap on some snowshoes and wander through the boreal forest or perhaps the Yukon Wildlife Preserve where you can get up close and personal to the wildlife.

You can try skating on Tagish Lake or join in the fun at one of Yukon's lively wintertime events and festivals: 

Available Light Film Festival (31 January - 9 February, 2020) - Canada's largest feature film festival North of 60. yukonfilmsociety.com

Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race (1 - 15 February, 2020) - Experience the thrill of the world's greatest sled dog race. yukonquest.com

Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival (7 - 23 February, 2020) - Celebrating Yukon's tenacious, frontier spirit. yukonrendezvous.com

Artisan Travel  offer a 7-night 'Dog sledding in the Yukon – following the Yukon Quest' trip from £2,395 per person. Other lodge based packages also available. For more information contact 01670 785085, info@artisantravel.co.uk or visit: artisantravel.co.uk