With its gold rush historical past, huge wilderness, and rugged allure, Canada’s Yukon territory is arguably some of the fabled items of land in North America—and it’s simply as epic in particular person.

Some come to fish in pristine glacial lakes, others to hunt elk, and others to discover the territory’s literary historical past à la Jack London. However there’s one factor that continues to attract vacationers from all over the world through the center of the Yukon’s frigid winters: the northern lights.

The Yukon is a primary place to witness the northern lights, since elements of the territory lie instantly beneath the auroral oval, a area of the ambiance situated close to the poles, the place the aurora borealis is more than likely to happen. Although you could possibly catch nature’s most dazzling mild present anytime between late August and early April, peak season spans between November and March.

As a born-and-raised Texan, seeing the northern lights at all times appeared like an expertise that may be relegated to tv. However there I used to be, someplace exterior of Whitehorse, curled up subsequent to a campfire with sizzling chocolate and a heavy flannel blanket, watching as moody, grey clouds slowly started parting to disclose swirling arms of ghostly inexperienced and yellow mild dancing throughout the sky.

“Typically, I take it with no consideration that I grew up seeing them in Dawson Metropolis and the way magical that was,” says Concord Hunter, the supervisor of tourism improvement on the Yukon First Nations Tradition and Tourism Affiliation. “After I see them now, I attempt to take a second to pause and admire their true magnificence. After which I remind myself how blessed I’m to see them. As an alternative of ‘lights, digicam, motion,’ it is extra like ‘lights, pause, breathe, and revel in.’”

Right here’s how one can plan an epic journey to see the northern lights within the Yukon.

Northern Tales: Whitehorse

Since 2001, Northern Tales has helped numerous guests catch the aurora borealis. The wilderness clothing store hosts experiences throughout the territory, from Dawson Metropolis to the Southern Lakes area. Considered one of its hottest choices is the Fundamental Aurora Borealis Package deal, which could be your finest wager for those who’re staying in Whitehorse. After being picked up at your resort, you’ll be whisked to Northern Tales’ non-public northern lights viewing website, situated about half-hour exterior metropolis limits. There, you’ll discover a fireplace pit, numerous seating, and a cabin you possibly can heat up in if the climate will get too nippy. Snacks and heat drinks like sizzling chocolate are additionally accessible for max coziness (as I can personally attest). If you’d like much more pleasure, add canine mushing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing to your expertise with Northern Tales.

Nomada Excursions: Whitehorse

If you wish to virtually assure seeing the northern lights throughout your Yukon journey, ebook an aurora searching tour. Quite than hanging out in a single location, aurora hunters zip throughout the Yukon to catch the pure phenomenon. If the lights aren’t dancing within the sky over Whitehorse, they could be making an look an hour away in Carcross. Some of the passionate guides within the territory is Sandra Peña, proprietor of Nomada Excursions, who has been professionally aurora searching since 2006. Peña is from the Tagish space, however will lead company all around the Yukon primarily based on favorable aurora situations, forecasts, and her expertise. She initially hails from Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, so she will ship excursions in Spanish in addition to English. 

Mount Logan EcoLodge: Haines Junction

Seeing the northern lights doesn’t essentially must contain late, red-eyed nights; it may be fairly luxurious. Visitors staying on the Mount Logan EcoLodge simply exterior of Kluane Nationwide Park and Reserve, can obtain an aurora wake-up name, if and when the lights seem. That’s proper, you possibly can merely roll away from bed, put in your slippers, and step exterior your door to see the pure surprise. Alternatively, you possibly can go for one of many property’s winter packages, which incorporates non-public, guided aurora experiences plus perks like picnic lunches and airport transfers. 

The Klondike Expertise: Dawson Metropolis

Typically, the farther north you get, the better your possibilities of seeing the northern lights. In the event you make it as much as Dawson Metropolis, take into account reserving with The Klondike Expertise. The family-owned operation presents all the things from afternoon excursions to multiday adventures exploring locations like Tombstone Territorial Park and the previous gold fields. Their aurora borealis excursions embrace midnight snacks in addition to espresso and tea, plus entry to a comfortable campfire and a heated yurt. As you watch the enchanting show, you’ll even be handled to tales of native historical past and lore.

Josie’s Outdated Crow Adventures: Outdated Crow 

For adventurous vacationers, there’s maybe no higher place to go to than Outdated Crow, a city that is solely accessible by air. The inhabitants right here hovers round 250, and there’s only one grocery retailer—however intrepid company will discover themselves in beautiful, rugged landscapes with few folks round. Guide one of many night time excursions with Josie’s Outdated Crow Adventures to get the insider’s lay of the land. Whereas witnessing the cosmic spectacle, you possibly can hear tales of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the importance of the northern lights to the group.

Hunter shares, “I did the three-day winter package deal a couple of years in the past, and it was the most effective tour experiences of my lifetime.”