best places to see northern lights in Canada

Top 5 Places to See the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada

Have you ever wanted to experience one of the world’s most beautiful natural phenomena? Well, now is your chance! If you want to see an awe-inspiring display of the Northern Lights in all its glory, look no further than Yukon in Canada.

These mysterious lights are also known as Aurora Borealis and create a magical show for all those lucky enough to witness them. With their undulating dance and luminous colors, it’s easy to be captivated by their beauty. It doesn’t take much to get swept away by the mesmerizing sight!

That said, there are certain places in Yukon where you can increase your chances of catching a glimpse of this incredible natural lightshow. In this article, I’ll tell you all about the top five spots that you should visit if you want to experience the Northern Lights first-hand. Read on to learn more!

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

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best places to see northern lights in Canada

Introduction to the Northern Lights in Yukon

Have you ever wanted to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights? Well, look no further than Yukon, Canada! This province is home to some of the best places to see this mesmerizing natural light show.

Whether you’re looking for a remote experience or something a little more accessible, there’s a spot in Yukon that can offer you a unique experience. From the snow-covered mountains in Whitehorse to the tranquil lakes in Kluane National Park and Reserve, here are our top five places to truly appreciate the Northern Lights in Yukon:
best place in Canada to see the northern lights
  1. Whitehorse: Located within Canada’s Yukon Territory and known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” Whitehorse is an amazing spot for Northern Lights viewing.
  2. Dawson City: With its charming gold rush history and spectacular views of the surrounding nature, Dawson City is also an excellent pick for Northern Lights hunting.
  3. Kluane National Park and Reserve: Here is where you can get up close with nature and enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys, glaciers, forest and rivers—all while experiencing amazing light shows from above.
  4. Tombstone Territorial Park: This wild park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures as well as viewing some incredible auroras! The park is known for its impressive tundra landscape that changes with each season.
  5. Carcross Desert: If you're looking for a truly remote experience without sacrificing comfort, head to Carcross Desert—the smallest desert in Canada—to watch the waves of colored lights stretch across this incredible night sky!
best place in Canada to see the northern lights

Whitehorse – A Popular Viewing Spot for the Northern Lights

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is a popular spot to see the Northern Lights and a great base for exploring the area's natural wonders. From here, you can take trips out to nearby mountain ranges - or better yet, set up camp far from the city lights and cities for optimal viewing conditions.

The Whitehorse area offers unique perspectives of the Aurora Borealis in so many ways - from ice caves to frozen lakes that sparkle with light reflections in wintertime. And if you're feeling adventurous, why don't you hike up one of its numerous mountains? You'll be rewarded with a stunning view and some of the clearest night skies imaginable!

Whitehorse has become increasingly known as an Aurora-viewing destination, so if crowds are not your thing, it's best to get here early and book a guide who knows all the best spots. Whether you've come alone or with family and friends, Whitehorse will provide a memorable experience you won't soon forget!
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Dawson City – Get Spectacular Northern Lights Views

Dawson City is a great option if you want to get the best views of the Northern Lights. Located at the heart of Yukon’s historic Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City is a great place to explore its cultural history. Not to mention, it boasts some of the darkest skies in North America, meaning visitors are treated with a spectacular show from Mother Nature.

Apart from admiring the Northern Lights, there are plenty of other things to do in Dawson City. You can take a leisurely stroll around town and explore the historical sites and charming boutiques. You can even head out on a day-trip to Tombstone Territorial Park or fishing on Lake Laberge!
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When it comes to where exactly you should go in Dawson City to get your best Northern Lights experience, your best bet would be head up Dempster Highway—a scenic drive that heads towards Inuvik—or take a short boat trip down Yukon’s iconic Yukon River. Both offer vast open spaces with fewer light pollution and offer incredible views of the aurora when lights show up – you will have your camera ready!

So don't miss out on the chance to see one of nature's most beautiful gifts when you come visit Yukon – Dawson City is one of the top 5 places where you can witness breathtaking shows of Northern Lights!
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Kluane National Park – Find Solitude and Aurora Borealis

Number three on the list of amazing places to see the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada is Kluane National Park. Located in the southwest corner of Yukon, Kluane National Park is home to some incredibly diverse landscapes and wildlife. Not only will you get to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, but you’ll also get to experience seclusion, mountains and glaciers.

Kluane National Park is one of the best places in Canada where you can catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis dancing through the night sky without competition from light pollution. It’s also known for its incredible views; with its vast array of lakes, mountains and glaciers, it's no wonder why this spot was made a Canadian Heritage Site.

So if you’re looking for a place to find peace and solitude while admiring one of nature's most beautiful phenomena, be sure to check out Kluane National Park!
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Tombstone Territorial Park – Experience Nature and Stunning Scenes

Tombstone Territorial Park is one of the top 5 places to visit if you're looking for the Northern Lights. Located in central Yukon, this is Canada's highest-elevation park, and it's a place to be experienced in all its glory.

The magical landscapes here offer a range of mesmerizing views that could easily make you forget where you are. You'll be able to witness the highest mountain peak in Yukon – Mount Monolith – with the amazing Northern Lights dancing up in the sky!

Here are some of the best spots for witnessing this incredible light show:
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  • Talus Lake: Experience serene, picturesque views of Talus Lake with the glittering Northern Lights over it. This area is known for its stunning scenes and is one of the best spots for capturing photos of them.

  • Grizzly Lake: Take in magnificent views of Grizzly Lake with flickering lights of auroras above it. This picturesque spot provides an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

  • Divide Lake: Be amazed by dazzling displays over Divide Lake, which is situated at an elevation higher than Talus and Grizzly Lakes. Here, the lights will appear brighter and more vibrant, making sure that everyone captures captivating shots that they can treasure forever.
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How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights

Here are some tips to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Yukon:

  1. Look out for clear nights and good weather forecasts—clouds can obscure an otherwise beautiful view of the Aurora Borealis.
  2. Try to catch the Northern Lights during peak activity periods, which usually occur during the fall and winter months (September-April).
  3. Choose a location with few light sources, as artificial lights can reduce your visibility of the Northern Lights. Head out of town to darker spots for more uninterrupted views.
  4. Look for a spot with an open view of the northern horizon—at least partially free from trees and mountains that can block your view.
  5. Arrive early, as some spots will get crowded with photographers wanting to get the perfect shot!
  6. Take a time-lapse photo if you have a camera—it’s a great way to capture an amazing show in action!
If you follow these tips and do your research on when and where is best to catch a glimpse, you're sure to have an amazing experience watching one of nature's most extraordinary wonders!

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

  1. Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.

  2. The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.

  3. Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.

  4. Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.

  5. Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.

  6. If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

best places to see northern lights in Canada

Conclusion

Planning a trip to view the beautiful Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada is an experience like no other. While there are a few places to see the Northern Lights, the top five spots featured in this article will give you the best chance at enjoying this spectacular natural light show. Whether you choose to view the lights from the shore of Kluane Lake, the banks of Tagish Lake, the summit of Mount Logan, the city of Whitehorse, or the cozy town of Dawson City, you'll be in for a treat! So, why not embrace the winter chill this season and take a trip to one of these stunning destinations for the experience of a lifetime.

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