Whitehorse: Luxury Northern Lights Viewing

Imagine stepping just 20 minutes outside Whitehorse, Yukon, to find yourself in a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, all while waiting for the sky to dance with the Northern Lights. This tour offers a 4-hour evening escapade for approximately $109 per person, featuring a luxurious aurora viewing cabin, a knowledgeable guide, hot drinks, and the chance to snap incredible photos of the aurora borealis.

What makes this experience stand out for us is the attention to comfort—a heated cabin, warm fire pit, and even a heated outhouse—making the cold nights in the Yukon much more bearable. Plus, the expert guidance helps you understand the science behind the lights and capture stunning images. All this makes it a fantastic choice for those wanting a comfortable, informative, and memorable Northern Lights adventure.

A small consideration to keep in mind is that, despite the expert planning, the viewing of the aurora depends heavily on solar activity and clear skies. There’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights, but with the guide’s expertise and flexibility, your chances are optimized.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love nature and wilderness but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or expert insight. Whether you’re on a romantic trip, traveling solo, or with family, the combination of cozy amenities and stunning scenery makes it a compelling option.

Key Points

• Luxurious comfort: The cabin combines rustic charm with heated interiors, perfect for cold Yukon nights.
• Expert guidance: Guides are knowledgeable and helpful, especially in taking photos and sharing facts about the aurora.
• Flexibility and safety: Includes warm drinks, snacks, a fire outside, and a heated outhouse—adding convenience in the wilderness.
• Authentic experience: Small group size and personalized attention make the experience feel intimate.
• Photo opportunities: Tripod rentals and guide assistance make capturing the Aurora accessible.
• Weather-dependent: Clear skies and solar activity influence the chance of seeing the aurora, but guides do their best to maximize your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Location and Transportation

The tour departs from Whitehorse, just a short 20-minute drive to the luxury aurora viewing cabin. This proximity means you’re out of the city’s light pollution but still close enough for comfort. The vehicle used is likely comfortable, with a scheduled pickup from your hotel lobby around 10 pm, which is perfect for an evening activity. The small group size ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd and can enjoy personalized attention from your guide.

The Cabin and Setting

Upon arrival, you’ll step into a rustic yet elegant cabin. Think warm wood interiors and large windows that frame the dark Yukon wilderness—a perfect setting to watch the sky. The cozy fireplace offers a warm spot to relax after a day of exploring. Outside, a fire pit invites you to roast marshmallows, adding that classic campfire touch. The heated outhouse might sound mundane, but it’s a thoughtful detail that ensures comfort in the extreme cold, especially in temperatures that can drop to -30°C or colder.

The Evening Itself

Once settled in, your guide will start a fire outdoors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those who want to brave the chilly air. Hot beverages and snacks, including the iconic North American treat—s’mores—are included, making the cold night a lot more enjoyable. During the night, your guide will share fascinating facts about the northern lights, helping you appreciate what you’re seeing. They’ll also assist with photography, using provided tripods for DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphones.

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Seeing (or Not Seeing) the Aurora

While the guide’s experience is invaluable, it’s important to remember that the Northern Lights depend on solar activity and clear skies. Reviews indicate that sometimes the lights hide behind clouds, but even then, guides often make the most of the night. As one reviewer noted, “Juan got a couple of pictures,” despite cloud cover. The guide’s flexibility in moving to the best spot or simply making the night fun by creating their own light pictures makes the experience worthwhile even if the aurora is elusive.

Photography and Memories

The ability to rent tripods or use your own is a significant bonus. Guides also take photos of you with the aurora, which are sent online after a few days—free of charge. This hands-on approach means you can focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about capturing it all yourself.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking comfort amidst wilderness—ideal for those who want to avoid the more rugged, less cozy options. It’s also suited for those new to aurora viewing or photography, thanks to the guide’s help. Families, couples, or solo adventurers will find the intimate group size and warm amenities appealing.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the price of $109 covers a lot of thoughtful amenities—hot drinks, snacks, guide expertise, and photo assistance—it’s the overall quality and comfort that elevate this experience. Many reviews praise the professionalism of guides like Juan, who made the night special even when the aurora was shy. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of tripod rentals and free photos adds considerable value for photography enthusiasts.

On top of that, the location close to Whitehorse means less travel time and more flexibility, which is especially important if you’re on a tight schedule. The 4-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora, but not so long that it becomes tiring in the cold.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Experience

• Bring your tripod if you want the best photos. The rental tripods are available, but bringing your own can ensure quick setup.
• Dress warmly in layers, covering your hands and face—temperatures can plunge well below freezing.
• Keep your camera settings in mind for night sky photography—your guide can help with tips.
• Be prepared for the possibility that lights might be faint or absent, but the experience of being out in the Yukon winter night is still unforgettable.
• Arrive ready in good time for pickup, and bring some extra patience—weather and solar activity are outside the guide’s control.

The Sum Up

This luxury aurora experience outside Whitehorse combines comfort, expert guidance, and a touch of Yukon wilderness magic. The cozy cabin, hot drinks, and help with photography make it accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to aurora chasing. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the knowledgeable guides work hard to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, all while making sure you stay warm and comfortable.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-organized, and authentic experience that balances nature’s spectacle with luxurious amenities, this is an excellent choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value comfort, expert insight, and memorable photos—not to mention, who enjoy a good marshmallow roast under the stars.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your downtown Whitehorse hotel and a drive to the aurora viewing cabin.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, starting around 10 pm and returning by 2 am or later depending on aurora activity.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers, including warm outerwear, gloves, hats, and face protection. Temperatures can drop below -30°C, so warmth is essential.

Can I bring my own camera?
Absolutely. Tripod rentals are included, and guides can help you with your camera settings for night sky photography.

Is there a guarantee I’ll see the aurora?
No, because aurora visibility depends on solar activity and clear skies. The guide will do their best to find the best viewing spots, but nature can be unpredictable.

What amenities are available at the cabin?
The cabin features a cozy interior with large windows, a fireplace, hot drinks, snacks, and a heated outhouse—adding comfort to your chilly night.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Yes, it suits families, couples, and solo travelers who want a relaxed, comfortable, and guided aurora viewing experience in a small group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: