Canada’s North is one of the world’s best destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. With low light pollution, frequent clear skies, and locations directly beneath the auroral oval, guests have a high chance of seeing the lights dance across the sky.

 

Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, offers one of Canada’s most accessible and rewarding aurora experiences. Located under the auroral oval, the city sees frequent displays from mid-August through to April. With low light pollution just outside town and a thriving tourism infrastructure, Whitehorse is ideal for those seeking comfort with adventure. Activities pair perfectly with aurora viewing—like hot springs, snowmobiling, and Indigenous cultural experiences.

 

Yellowknife is widely regarded as the aurora capital of the world, offering some of the most consistent Northern Lights viewing, with up to 240 nights per year of visibility. The city’s clear skies, dry climate, and location directly under the auroral oval make it a top destination globally. The best time to visit is late August to early April, when vivid displays light up the northern skies. Visitors are recommended to stay a minimum of 3-4 nights to witness this natural phenomenon.

 

Yellowknife’s prominent viewing location is indigenous owned Aurora Village, located approximately 20 minutes from downtown, avoiding the city lights for optimum Aurora viewing. The facility features multiple heated teepees for guests to gather, whilst waiting for the Aurora to glow in the night sky, or a VITeepee Experience including a three course meal in a private Teepee. Aurora Village also features a licensed restaurant, gift shop and 360 degree swivel heated chairs on a viewing platform, allowing guests to spin to face the Aurora’s direction.

 

Aurora Village provide required clothing rental for Aurora viewing on the cold nights delivered to guest’s hotels. A private coach operated by Aurora Village collects guests from their hotel in the evening to travel to facility, and return them in the early hours of the morning.

 

Downtown hotel options range from three to four-star properties that line the city streets of Yellowknife including The Explorer Hotel, Chateau Nova, Days Inn & Suites, and Capital Suites Apartments.

 

Travellers looking for an off-grid experience in the Northwest Territories, can take a 25 minute bush plane flight beyond Yellowknife to Blachford Lake Lodge. Many miles from civilisation this eco lodge is completely sufficient, unpolluted by artificial light or noise, and the perfect setting for watching the Aurora Borealis.

 

Guests may choose to stay in the lodge or in one of the cabins spread on the grounds. The lodge also offers an onsite chef who will prepare daily gourmet meals for guests. Packages to Blachford Lake Lodge range from 3 to 5 night options and include the bush plane transfer from Yellowknife, meals and use of all lodge facilities. Guests visiting Blachford Lake Lodge are required to spend their arrival night in Yellowknife to link with the early bush plane flight to the lodge.

In Whitehorse, aurora viewing takes place at dedicated lodges, cabins, or remote outposts just outside the city. Guests can enjoy heated viewing lounges, hot drinks, and warm clothing rentals. Tours often include photography coaching, Indigenous storytelling, and options to combine activities like dog sledding or snowshoeing with the aurora.

 

Yellowknife is famed for its high success rate in aurora sightings. Visitors can view the lights from heated tents, ice roads, or even frozen lakes. Signature experiences include “aurora hunting” by van, guided photography tours, and cultural immersion nights with Dene hosts. Premium operators offer warm winter clothing, professional photo packages, and small-group viewing for optimal comfort.

From Australia, fly into Vancouver, then connect on a 2.5-hour flight to Whitehorse with Air North or WestJet. The airport is just 10–15 minutes from town. Flights operate year-round, and many packages include airport transfers.

 

There is one local airport in Yellowknife named Yellowknife Airport (YZF) with  direct connections from Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton operated by Air Canada and WestJet. The airport is located approximately 10 minutes from the city centre, and most hotels and lodges offer airport transfers for convenience.

Beyond aurora viewing, enjoy Takhini Hot Springs, fat biking, ice fishing, and visits to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Learn about local history at the MacBride Museum or take a scenic drive to the historic town of Carcross. Indigenous-led experiences offer deeper cultural insight.

 

Yellowknife delivers immersive winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow carving, and cultural experiences with Dene guides. Ice road tours and traditional craft workshops round out the offerings. Visitors can also enjoy the Snowking Winter Festival each March, held inside a giant snow castle built on a frozen lake.

Whitehorse has a vibrant food scene with locally inspired dishes and hearty winter fare. Enjoy smoked meats, wild game, and fresh fish at favourites like Klondike Rib & Salmon or Antoinette’s. Wind down with local craft brews or cocktails in a warm lounge after a night under the stars.

 

Yellowknife’s culinary offerings range from fine dining to iconic local gems. Sample Arctic Char, bison, or reindeer sausage at Bullock’s Bistro, or enjoy cocktails at The Woodyard Brewhouse. Many aurora lodges offer traditional fare or warming drinks like hot chocolate or mulled wine around a firepit.