Aurora Viewing in the Yukon - 4 Days
Highlights
- Spend three nights searching for the northern lights in Canada's vast wilderness
- Bring your camera gear and learn how to take aurora photos from an expert
- Explore daytime scenery with dog sledding, skiing, and/or snowshoeing
- Discover the capital of Yukon's range of shops, cafés, and restaurants
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Whitehorse | Whitehorse |
| Day 2 | Whitehorse City Tour & Northern Lights Viewing | Whitehorse |
| Day 3 | Dogsledding, Hot Springs & Northern Lights Viewing | Whitehorse |
| Day 4 | Depart Whitehorse |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse
Welcome to the Yukon! Your adventure begins in Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's northwest city and the largest city in northern Canada. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the city, not far from the banks of the Yukon River.
Whitehorse is compact and easy to explore on foot or by vehicle. Check out the streets and pop into one of the cozy cafés and bakeries for a hot beverage. For a meal, the town offers several great restaurant options, including an upscale steakhouse, as well as more casual options ranging from seafood (including local-caught salmon) to Japanese and Mediterranean.
Later in the evening, set out for the AuroraCentre, where you’ll search for the northern lights.
Day 2: Whitehorse City Tour & Northern Lights Viewing
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you'll have time to discover Whitehorse on a city tour. Visit the SS Klondike National Historic Site, among the last of the great paddle-wheelers that plied the Yukon River system until the 1950s. Another important site is the Old Log Church, the oldest building in Whitehorse. There's also the Log Cabin Skyscraper, a unique three-story tower made completely out of logs. When you’ve accomplished those, Main Street is perfect for strolling with its shops, galleries, and cafés.
Your afternoon is free for optional sightseeing and touring. In the winter, you'll have the option to try various outdoor activities, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or ice fishing. After a relaxed dinner in Whitehorse, get on the road for another night of searching for the stunning northern lights. Relax in sheltered comfort or under the starry sky beside a warm fire at one of the tailor-made aurora viewing locations.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Dogsledding, Hot Springs & Northern Lights Viewing
Today is a free day for sightseeing and touring the natural grandeur of northwest Canada. Like yesterday, you'll have the option to try one of the many Yukon winter activities, including the region’s most popular sport: dogsledding!
After an introduction with the huskies and a detailed safety briefing, you'll soon be on your way along the shores of a frozen alpine lake, surrounded by snowy mountains. Films like "Buck" and "White Fang" will spring to mind as you feel the power and endurance of the loveable Alaskan huskies, with their steamy breath curling above their ears, along with the hiss of the sled whisking over the trail.
Another option is to visit the Takhini Hot Springs, a series of natural mineral hot pools near downtown Whitehorse. Beyond the pools, the Takhini Hot Springs is part of 200 acres of land you can explore on foot or cross-country skis. Give your muscles a little workout before relaxing in the pools.
Later in the evening, you'll travel once more to the AuroraCentre for your last chance at capturing the northern lights.
Day 4: Depart Whitehorse
It's time to say farewell to Whitehorse! Enjoy your last moments in this pristine, unpopulated part of the world before you transfer to the airport for your departing flight home.
More Great Canada Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Canada? Check out these other Canada itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and northern lights tours to hit the highlights.
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