Whitehorse

Home / Places / Canada / Whitehorse

Whitehorse is the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory, a small city of around 30,000 people on the banks of the Yukon River at 61°N. It sits beneath the auroral oval and its dry, cold interior climate produces clear skies frequently throughout the winter, making it one of western Canada’s best locations for Northern Lights viewing.

The city is surrounded by boreal forest and mountains, and dark-sky viewing spots are easy to reach. The road to Takhini Hot Springs, about 30 minutes from town, is a popular aurora watching route, you can soak in the natural hot pools while watching the lights overhead. Fish Lake Road and the trails around Miles Canyon also offer dark, accessible locations close to the city.

Whitehorse has a distinctive northern character shaped by its gold rush and frontier history. The SS Klondike, a restored sternwheeler on the riverbank, and the MacBride Museum of Yukon History tell the story of the territory’s past. The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre covers the ice age history of the region, including the woolly mammoths and giant beavers that once roamed the area. The city also has a growing food and craft beer scene, with several breweries and restaurants showcasing local ingredients like elk, bison and Arctic char.

Whitehorse’s airport has regular flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. The city is also the starting point for the Alaska Highway, connecting to Anchorage and Fairbanks, and the Klondike Highway north to Dawson City. Dog sledding, snowmobile tours and backcountry skiing are popular winter activities in the surrounding wilderness.

Credit: Kriz Ly
Credit: Olga Kovalski
Credit: naoh cova
Credit: Ellen Borglund
Credit: Jeremy Gallman
Credit: Irinie Lee

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Whitehorse. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

21%

There is a 21% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area (forecast for 9 October 2026 at 7:11am UTC)

Kp 3.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 35 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz -4 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 6 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 7.36 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 356.0 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Moon

Waning crescent 12%

Sunrise 8:23am

Sunset 7:11pm

Moonrise 5:51am

Moonset 6:26pm

Rain

0°C Feels like -5°C

High: 8°C
Low: 0°C

Chance of precipitation 35%
Cloud cover 87%
Northerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 9 km/h

Aurora season in Whitehorse

The aurora season in Whitehorse runs from August to April. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of September, October, February and March.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Whitehorse

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Whitehorse.

Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Aurora Viewing Tour | late night

4.3 (87)

4 hours 30 minutes From £96.40

As one of the most sought-after Northern experiences, a Yukon vacation is only complete with a viewing of the aurora borealis cascading across the Yukon night sky. We invite you to join us at our custom built Aurora viewing location, far from the lights of the city, so you can experience the Northern Lights for yourself – and create your own legends.
Free cancellation

Aurora Lounge: Whitehorse's Coziest Aurora Viewing Experience

4.8 (5)

4 hours From £91.81

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Yukon with our luxurious Northern Lights experience in Whitehorse. Enjoy an unforgettable evening in a cozy cabin featuring large windows for optimal aurora viewing, complete with a stone fireplace and heated amenities. Experience the beauty of the auroras while sipping hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. With a maximum group size of 24, enjoy a personalized experience with photography tips from expert guides, ensuring you capture the perfect shot of the Northern Lights. This tour is perfect for couples and families seeking a unique night out under the stars. - Tour runs from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM, providing ample time for aurora viewing - Enjoy unlimited hot chocolate and s’mores, included in the experience - Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Downtown Whitehorse - Professional guidance and complimentary photos to preserve your memories
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour

4.3 (16)

3 hours From £102.10

We will visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve where you’ll have the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife in its natural habitat. Dalls sheep, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, wapiti (elk), woodland caribou, wood bison, musk-ox, moose, arctic fox and even lynx can all be seen on this tour. It's a photographer's and naturalist's dream to see Yukon's wildlife up close and you will be in the front-row to learn about wildlife living year-round in the True North.
Free cancellation

Arctic Snowmobiling Half Day Tour

No reviews

4 hours 30 minutes From £193.36

Experience the Yukon's wilderness at a faster pace on our half-day Snowmobile tour in Yukon’s stunning backcountry. Embark on an extended safari, covering 20-50 kilometers, with breaks for photos. Explore the majestic landscapes of Levi and feel the adrenaline rush as you delve deeper into the Yukon's wilderness. The speed of the safari will be tailored to fit the abilities of your group, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Helmet and gloves will be provided for your adventure.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Day-Trip To Skagway - Gateway to the Klondike Goldrush

4.6 (11)

9 - 10 hours From £204.77

Follow the footsteps of the early prospectors of Klondike Goldrush. Experience a scenic drive from Whitehorse to Skagway, passing Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, the Village of Carcross and White Pass. Enjoy the spectacular scenery on the way to the Pacific Ocean and listen to the stories from the experienced local tour guide. Please note: Some attractions are only available seasonally and might not be entirely accessible within specified times.
Free cancellation

KLUANE NATIONAL PARK - Day-Trip from Whitehorse

4.7 (25)

9 - 10 hours From £210.48

The drive from Whitehorse to Haines Junction and Kluane National Park takes you through the heart of the Yukon wilderness. This incredible drive is full of breathtaking landscapes and scenery, and hopefully lots of wildlife! We spend the afternoon exploring this area along the famous Alaska Highway known for its impressive views. When we arrive in Haines Junction, our first stop is the Parks Canada interpretive centre where we can learn a little bit more about Kluane National Park, and the worlds largest non polar ice field within it. After a quick stop at the bakery, we will continue driving along the edge of Kluane, soaking in the mountain views, to Sheep Mountain and Soldier's Summit. Here we will have a short, easy walk to an incredible viewpoint. This spectacular drive will have you in awe as we explore the Kluane region