There’s nothing quite like witnessing the Aurora Borealis in the Yukon. These radiant displays of green, pink, and purple lights dancing across the night sky leave even seasoned adventurers awestruck. While you can sometimes catch the northern lights from the Yukon capital, Whitehorse, the best experiences often require venturing into remote wilderness areas—and that’s where experienced guides make all the difference.
Even seasoned operators are left without words
For the operators of Terre Boreale, guiding aurora chasers to unforgettable moments is part of their expertise. But even they are occasionally left speechless. One such moment occurred during a multiday trip to the Arctic Circle. Around 11 p.m., the local guide woke up the group in Eagle Plains to show faint lights shimmering in the sky. The promise of more led them to quickly warm up the van and head toward the Arctic Circle—despite the bone-chilling -40°C temperatures.
A sight to stop you in your tracks. Over and over.
The decision paid off spectacularly. Halfway to their destination, the Aurora Borealis erupted in a fiery display that seemed to set the heavens ablaze. The entire sky was alive with colour, pulsing and swirling as though the universe itself was putting on a private show. The group was so captivated that they stopped the van repeatedly, spending nearly five hours soaking in the wonder. The drive back to Eagle Plains took far longer than planned, as no one could resist pulling over to watch the lights again and again.
Your best shot at being dazzled
Experiences like this are why hunting the northern lights with guides is worth it. Their local knowledge gives you the best chance of being in the right place at the right time, even if that means braving extreme conditions or travelling deep into the Yukon’s wild, untouched landscapes. They understand the aurora’s elusive nature and have the tools and skills to give you a real shot at witnessing something extraordinary.
So, if the aurora borealis is on your bucket list, take it from the experts: Don’t leave your chances up to luck. Embark on a guided adventure and let the Yukon’s night sky dazzle you like nothing you have ever witnessed.