Northern Lights Adventure in Northern Canada: Whitehorse & Yellowknife - 13 Days

Highlights

• See Arctic wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
• Go snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling in the wilds of Northern Canada
• Warm up from your winter escapades at local hot springs
• Learn about Northern Canada's rich First Nations heritage
• Search for the northern lights from some of the country's best vantage points

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse (Yukon)

Welcome to Northern Canada! You'll land in the remote city of Whitehorse, the Yukon province's capital and largest settlement, where your private driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your accommodation. This charming and historic city has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, so you'll hit the ground running—you only have six hours of daylight in the dead of winter, but you're here to see what the cold months are like this far north and there's a surprising amount of things to do in such a small place!

Start your adventures at the MacBride Museum to learn more about the history of Whitehorse during some of its most important eras, including the gold rush. Stroll through the Aurora Hall and its Northern Lights Icicle art installation or the Gold Rush Gallery. In total, the museum houses 40,000 objects. The historic SS Klondike is another important element of Whitehorse history and an interesting look at how settlers traveled up and down the Yukon River. Round out your day in Whitehorse by stopping by Winterlong Brewing Co. for a craft beer.

Day 2: Snowshoeing Excursion, Soak in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Today is all about taking part in Canadian winter fun! With the help of a private guide, you'll head out on a snowshoeing excursion through the Yukon's pristine wilderness, learning firsthand why this awkward footwear is ideal for covering long distances in heavy snow. Traipse through dense forest and across snow-covered meadows, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife like the snowshoe hare and spruce grouse. The trip is punctuated by a stop to enjoy a warm beverage and snacks with beautiful views of the rugged landscapes. 

After your adventures in the wilderness this morning, warm up at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. Previously known as the Takhini Hot Springs, the naturally occurring, mineral-rich water is channeled into the pools, including a large outdoor pool and several smaller, more private pools with temperatures ranging from 96.8°F (36°C) to 107.6°F (42°C). They use a combination of both Japanese and Scandinavian methods geared toward rejuvenating the body. The spa also offers saunas, steam rooms, cold pools, and meditation rooms, along with yoga classes and tasty treats at the Hot Rock Cafe.

Day 3: Skiing Day at Mount Sima

Head to Mount Sima this morning for a day on the slopes. With expansive views of the surrounding mountains and untouched winter landscapes, this is the premier winter sports area in Whitehorse. Even if you're not a seasoned skier or snowboarder, Mount Sima offers gradual hills and both private and group lessons. You'll find plenty of gear rentals at the shop, so don't worry about lugging any equipment along. For all your après ski needs, make a beeline for The Lodge to grab cocoa or a glass of wine at the full bar.

Because you're visiting in winter, you'll also have the opportunity to try out ice climbing. Choose between climbing the human-made Equinox Ice Towers at Mount Sima or heading out to one of the nearby frozen waterfalls. While the 40-foot (12 m) ice towers are fun, heading out on a waterfall ice tour is a whole other level of adventure. You'll try your hand at using ice axes and crampons to summit these behemoth pillars of ice and snow.

Day 4: Yukon Wildlife Preserve Tour

Your fourth day in Whitehorse kicks off with a group tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. You'll hop on a bus with your expert wilderness guide, who knows exactly where to find the creatures that call the preserve home. Keep your eyes peeled for animals like the Arctic fox, wood bison, woodland caribou, moose, musk ox, and Canada lynx, among many others. Aside from learning all about the wildlife in Yukon, you'll also discover more about the different ecosystems throughout this territory. The preserve also provides unique ways to explore, such as fat bike rentals designed for the snowy terrain.

Make sure to bring your camera, as there will be plenty of opportunities to safely capture a picture or two along the way. After the tour, stop by the Wildlife Research and Rehabilitation Center to learn more about their efforts to aid injured and orphaned animals. You'll have the chance to meet some of the critters who are currently being rehabbed or who can't be returned to the wilderness, including a friendly mountain goat.

Day 5: Visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center, Dogsledding Excursion

Start day five by discovering more of Whitehorse's history at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center. Learn more about First Nations heritage and culture in Northern Canada, which spans across the Yukon, although the focus at KDCC is centered on the Kwanlin Dün peoples. Walk through the permanent exhibit, which features culturally important artifacts like clothing, artwork, instruments, ceremonial objects, and more. They also hold workshops and various programs throughout the year that help both visitors and residents connect with Kwanlin Dün culture.

This afternoon, partake in the centuries-old tradition of dogsledding. You'll be put in charge of your own dog team and learn the ropes from a local guide, but ultimately, these canine companions know exactly what to do as you sit back and enjoy the ride. Watch as the frozen scenery passes you by, taking in the pristine wilderness and looking out for wildlife along the trail. Celebrate your status as a dogsledding pro with hot cocoa at the end and a chance to ask your guide any burning questions. 

Day 6: Day Trip to Northern Lights Resort & Spa

You're almost at the halfway point of your trip through Northern Canada. Celebrate by focusing on rest, relaxation, and seeing the northern lights! Head out to your cabin at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa this morning. While it's not hard to guess what these cozy glass retreats are great for by night, by day, you'll have the opportunity to relax at the spa, indulge in a delicious meal, and take part in activities like snowmobiling. Whether you decide to head back out into the cold or hole up for a massage and sauna session, today is sure to be all about rejuvenating both body and soul. 

Tonight, you'll have the chance to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Grab a front-row view of the sky inside your glass chalet, which offers wraparound windows that surround the bed, so you don't even have to leave your room to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime light display. For a 4D view, head out to the front porch to experience completely unobstructed views of the northern lights dancing across the star-studded sky. 

Day 7: Ice Fishing & Snowshoeing Excursion

Today is another chance to be immersed in Canadian winter in the far north. Head back out into the rugged tundra with your private guide. You'll strap on snowshoes again—they might feel more comfortable this time around—and hike through the forest, eventually crossing a frozen lake. 

After this brief workout, you'll arrive at a hole in the ice, carved out using an ice drill. Gather around this portal into a freezing, watery world and start your second phase of this winter excursion—ice fishing. If you're lucky, you might snag a fresh lake trout or cod. When you've had your fill of fishing, you'll head back to Whitehorse to enjoy your final night in town.

Day 8: Fly to Yellowknife (Northwest Territories)

This morning, you'll hop a plane to an even more remote locale—the city of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. After a two-hour journey, you'll land in this isolated outpost of about 20,000 people that sits right on the edge of the Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in North America. Don't forget to take in the views over the barren and unpopulated landscapes along the way. 

You'll have the afternoon to get acquainted with this charming capital. Despite its location in the remote Canadian wilderness, Yellowknife has a surprising amount of amenities and fun things to do. Kick off your first day by visiting the Bush Pilots Monument for beautiful views and to pay homage to the brave pilots who serve these isolated territories. Yellowknife is also known for its fresh fish, caught straight from the Great Slave Lake. Stop into Bullock's Bistro for their famous fish and chips, where you can try whitefish, cod, trout, or arctic char, all cooked to order.

Day 9: Self-Guided Tour of Yellowknife

Head out today on a self-guided tour of Yellowknife. As you probably noticed yesterday, Yellowknife isn't a big city by any means, and you can drive across town in less than 10 minutes. Make your first stop at Birchwood Coffee Co., a family-run café with delicious baked goods and craft coffees, to fuel up for your adventures around town. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is also a must-stop. You'll learn more about the culture, peoples, and landscapes of the Northern Territories here by exploring exhibits like the Taiga Gallery. 

Yellowknife is an artsy enclave with tons of funky galleries and emporiums to walk through. Pop into Down to Earth Gallery, Gallery of the Midnight Sun, or Aurora Emporium to search for a piece of art to take home that's been handcrafted by a local. If you're more of an outdoorsy type, head off to explore Cameron Falls. You can hike out to the impressive, frozen cascade via a 20-minute trail that winds its way through captivating winter scenery. Back in town, head to a local watering hole like NWT Brewing Company for a craft brew and delicious food options.

Day 10: Backcountry Snowmobile Excursion

This morning, head off on your first winter excursion in the Northwest Territories—snowmobiling through the wilderness outside of Yellowknife. You'll get picked up from your accommodation and taken to the starting point for your adventure, bundling up in winter gear that's rated for well below-freezing temperatures. Drive through pristine forests with beautiful views of the lake on this 1.5-hour excursion. There will be plenty of time to stop and take photos as you cut across the taiga landscapes. 

Head back to your accommodation to warm up and then hit the ground running again this afternoon. If you want to keep the winter adventures going, don your warmest winter gear and head out on one of the city's trails, like Frame Lake Trail, or go cross-country skiing, a favorite method of transportation in this snow-covered town. You can also drive along one of the community's ice roads, only open from December to March, which connect the more remote outposts like Dettah, a Dene First Nation settlement. If you do decide to visit, you'll learn more about their way of life along the lake. 

Day 11: Aurora Borealis Tour

Today is completely free to explore Yellowknife however you please. Whatever you decide to do, try to sneak in a nap somewhere in your busy schedule because tonight is the real star of the show! This is your last chance to see the aurora borealis in all its glory. Head out on a four-hour tour in a heated vehicle, taking you straight to your base for the evening, a cozy cabin in the woods. The cabin's location, just far enough outside the city center, provides unparalleled conditions for spotting the elusive northern lights. 

Yellowknife is one of the best places to see the phenomenon in Canada, as they're visible for 240 nights of the year. As you wait for them to appear, your guide will let you in on local history and folklore about the aurora borealis. The Cree people believed that this was a line of communication between their departed loved ones and those still left on earth. You'll also get the opportunity to try on traditional First Nations clothing. Around midnight, tuck into a mouthwatering meal of fish chowder and freshly baked bannock. 

Day 12: Visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Free Afternoon

Start your last full day in Northern Canada at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. You'll learn more about the culture, peoples, and landscapes of the Northern Territories here by exploring exhibits like the Taiga or Tundra Gallery, the Ice Age Bison Discovery, and the This Land is Our Home: Wıìlıìdeh Yellowknives Dene First Nation display. All visitors leave with a better understanding of what makes the Northwest Territories so special. 

This afternoon is your last chance to see anything you missed the last few days in Yellowknife. Dive back into the art scene at the Old Town Glassworks or uncover more of what makes this part of Canada tick at the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. If you just can't get enough, go out in search of the aurora borealis one last time tonight. The Aurora Village, located on the outskirts of town, is a great place to do so with authentic tipis that you can gather around for warmth and hot cocoa while you wait for the lights to appear. 

Day 13: Depart Yellowknife

It's time to wave goodbye to Yellowknife and the winter wilds of Northern Canada. Hop in your private transfer and head to the airport to catch your flight home—or elsewhere. Safe travels!

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