Seeing the magical Northern Lights dance across the night sky is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Witnessing this natural phenomenon in Yukon, Canada, is an extraordinary way to experience the beauty of the Aurora borealis. With proper planning, you can have an unforgettable Northern Lights Tour Yukon. Here are some tips for planning the perfect Yukon Northern Lights adventure.
- Choose the right time of year.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Yukon is from late August to early April, when the skies are darkest. However, peak aurora borealis activity happens from December to March. If your goal is to see the most brilliant light show, plan your Northern Lights tour in Yukon for these winter months. Just be prepared for cold temperatures!
- Pick a location away from light pollution.
To see the Northern Lights, you need dark skies devoid of light pollution. Some of the best places in Yukon to spot the aurora borealis include rural areas outside of Whitehorse and communities like Dawson City. Parks like Kluane National Park offer pristine night skies perfect for Northern Lights viewing as part of a Yukon Northern Lights tour.
- Join a guided Northern Lights tour.
Booking a guided Northern Lights tour takes the guesswork out of the experience. Reputable Yukon tour companies have expert guides who know the best spots for catching the Northern Lights based on weather forecasts and solar activity. They take care of the driving so you can focus on admiring the magical lights dancing overhead during your Northern Lights tour of Yukon.
- Have flexibility in your itinerary.
The Northern Lights are entirely weather-dependent, so having flexibility built into your Yukon itinerary is key. If the forecast looks good on a certain night, your guide may opt to take your group on an impromptu Northern Lights hunt. Go with the flow and stay up late if needed to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora on your Yukon Northern Lights tour.
- Prepare for cold, long nights outdoors.
When chasing the Northern Lights in Yukon during the winter months, you’ll need to rugged up. Wear thermal underlayers, thick socks, warm boots, a parka, a hat, and gloves. Hand and foot warmers can prevent your extremities from getting numb during long periods outside observing the night sky. Bring a thermos with a hot drink to help keep you warm on your Yukon Northern Lights tour.
- Book Lodging with Northern Lights Views
To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, book a hotel room with windows facing north. Many Yukon lodges cater to aurora hunters with rooms specially designed for viewing the Northern Lights. For the best experience, consider staying at a wilderness lodge offering nightly Northern Lights wake-up calls when activity is spotted.
Conclusion
With the right timing and location, plus a bit of luck, you’re nearly guaranteed to experience the magic of the Northern Lights on a Yukon tour. As a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, witnessing the aurora borealis should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Follow these tips to make the most of your Canada Northern Lights Tour in Yukon.
