Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? If not, you're missing out on one of the most spectacular natural wonders. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are mesmerizing lights that dance across the night sky.The best place to witness this celestial show is in Yukon, Canada, located in the northern part of the country. Yukon's pristine landscapes, clear dark skies, and remote wilderness make it an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Here are the top 5 must-see places in Yukon to catch a glimpse of the shimmering Aurora Borealis. Get ready to be dazzled by the spectacular show Mother Nature puts on.
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
1. Whitehorse, Yukon
As Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse is an ideal base for viewing the Northern Lights. With minimal light pollution, the dancing lights often illuminate the night sky. Head to Fish Lake or Gray Mountain for panoramic views of the Aurora Borealis.
2. Kluane National Park and Reserve
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights. The park’s immense size and minimal human activity mean pitch-black nights perfect for watching the celestial spectacle. Find an isolated spot along the Alaska Highway or Haines Road and wait for the sky to erupt in color.
3. Dawson City
Travel back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era and view the Northern Lights from the hills surrounding Dawson City. For the best views, head to the Midnight Dome or Moosehead Lookout. The historic town’s remoteness guarantees minimal light pollution so you can observe the Aurora in all its glory.
4. Dempster Highway
This epic 736 km highway winds through tundra and mountains with not a single stoplight along the way. Pull over anywhere along the road, turn off your headlights, and wait for the Northern Lights to dance across the sky. The highway’s isolation makes it ideal for viewing the celestial spectacle.
5. Tombstone Territorial Park
Yukon’s largest park spans over 2,200 square miles of wilderness. Its pristine natural setting is perfect for watching the Northern Lights. Hike to a scenic spot like Grizzly Lake or Summit Lake and wait for the sky to erupt in color. You’ll feel like the only people on earth watching this natural wonder.
Before going out for your first Aurora hunt it's a smart move to take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
Viewing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many, and Yukon, Canada offers some of the best seats in the house for this spectacular show. Here are 5 fascinating facts about catching the Aurora Borealis in Yukon:
1. Yukon’s location in the Northern Hemisphere
Yukon’s position in the Northern Hemisphere means it’s located directly under the Auroral Oval, the ring-shaped region around the North Pole where the Northern Lights are most visible. This prime location allows for frequent, vivid displays of the Aurora Borealis that dance across the sky.
2. Low light pollution
Yukon’s sparse population and lack of major cities mean there’s little artificial light to interfere with your view of the night sky. The territory’s remote wilderness offers pitch-black nights, allowing the Northern Lights to shine through brightly.
3. Best viewing season
The Northern Lights are often most active around the equinoxes in March and September. Yukon’s long winter nights during these months provide optimal viewing opportunities, especially away from city lights.
4. Popular spots for catching the show
Head to Kluane National Park, Tombstone Territorial Park, or Herschel Island for epic views with little light pollution. Or try spots like Fish Lake, Tagish Lake, and Marsh Lake which offer open skies and reflective water views.
5. Fascinating science behind the lights
The Northern Lights are caused by solar particles entering Earth's atmosphere. They excite gasses like oxygen and nitrogen, causing them to emit light. The colors depend on which gas is being excited. Pinks and greens are common, creating a dazzling, rippling effect across the sky.
Have you ever wondered why the Northern Lights seem to dance across the sky? The Aurora Borealis, as they are also known, are caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. The colors you see depend on which gasses are present and the altitude of the lights.
Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Yukon?
Some of the top spots are:
Whitehorse - As the capital city, Whitehorse has minimal light pollution so the lights can be quite vibrant here. Head to Gray Mountain or Mount Sima for panoramic views.
Kluane National Park - This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest parks in the world. Its massive size and lack of development make it ideal for Aurora viewing.
Dawson City - This historic gold rush town offers many secluded viewing spots with little ambient light. Head to the Midnight Dome or drive down the Dempster Highway.
Haines Junction - Near Kluane National Park, Haines Junction is a popular spot for Aurora chasers. Check out Kathleen Lake or Dezadeash Lake.
Watson Lake - The town of Watson Lake, in southern Yukon, sees frequent Northern Light activity. Pull off on the Alaska Highway or head to the Watson Lake airport runway.
What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Yukon?
The Aurora season runs from late August through April, especially around the equinoxes in September and March. The long winter nights mean more opportunity to see a show.
Can I photograph the Northern Lights?
Yes, with the right camera equipment, you can take stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis. Use a DSLR camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and a long exposure. A tripod is essential to keep the camera still.
With the right location and timing, you'll be dazzled by the spectacular celestial show in the Yukon night sky. The Northern Lights are a breathtaking phenomenon you'll never forget.
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.
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.
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.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
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.
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.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.
So there you have it, your guide to the top spots to witness the dazzling Northern Lights show in Yukon. Bundle up, grab your camera, hop in your car or RV and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. As the vibrant colors dance across the night sky, you'll be left in awe at the beauty of nature. The memories of gazing up at the sky, surrounded by the wilderness, will stay with you long after you return home. If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, what are you waiting for? The Yukon is calling your name. Get out there and experience the magic for yourself!