Northern Lights in The Yukon: Everything you need to know
The Yukon is certainly a place like no other, and although there are wonderful things to do in every season, it truly comes alive in the winter. There are dozens of reasons why you should visit Yukon, such as experiencing the natural phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.
If you fancy spotting one of the great natural wonders of the world, the best place to see them is in the wilderness of northern Canada. From the ideal time of year to the location, here you will find everything you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on the famous light show in Yukon.
1. Best time of the year
The spectacular aurora borealis are relatively unpredictable, but they are visible from late August to mid-April anytime between 10 pm and 6 am. As the bright winter sun gives way to dark starry skies, the best chance of catching these mesmerising ribbons of colour swirling across the sky is during winter, when the nights are long, and the skies are clear.
2. Location
The most iconic place to see the surreal natural phenomenon is in the city of Dawson, especially the Midnight Dome. Enjoy scenic views of the Yukon River and Klondike Valley all year round. Whilst there are extraordinary landscapes during summer, you can catch the Northern Lights in winter. Also, the top regions in Yukon for watching the lights are:
- Campbell
- Klondike
- Kluane National Park
- Watson Lake Region
- Whitehorse Region
3. Weather forecast and aurora forecast
Checking the weather, to make sure it’s a clear night, and the aurora forecast will help to determine when it’s the highest chance to spot this magical natural phenomenon of colourful lights. We recommend an aurora viewing app such as My Aurora Forecast, that predicts how likely the elusive lights display will be.
4. Clothing, snacks & hot drinks
Temperatures can drop to -40 °C in winter, so if you are spending a few hours out just waiting and watching the night sky until catching the Northern Lights, it’s essential to wear warm outdoor gear which can be hired in advance and delivered to your hotel. Furthermore, we suggest bringing hand and feet warmers for extra warmth in your gloves and shoes.
Although your evenings will be kept busy with hunting for the Northern Lights, there are plenty more winter activities in Yukon to keep you entertained by the day. This territory is one of the best-kept secrets in North America and you can experience dog sledging, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, glacier flightseeing and more.
Inspired to explore this amazing destination, request our brochure here. If this article has inspired you to visit Yukon, our team of expert advisors would be happy to personalise your perfect holiday, just call us on 0161 888 5632 or click here to explore more holidays with First Class Holidays.
