Whitehorse

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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.

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area (forecast for 25 August 2026 at 5:03am UTC)

Kp 1.33

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 14 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 3 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 1.8 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 341.7 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

Waxing gibbous 78%

Sunrise 6:34am

Sunset 9:31pm

Moonrise 9:12pm

Moonset 1:06am

Rain

14°C Feels like 13°C

High: 16°C
Low: 10°C

Chance of precipitation 73%
Cloud cover 97%
South-Easterly winds 3 km/h gusts of 5 km/h
Rain 1 mm

Aurora season in Whitehorse

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

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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.

Private tour

Yukon River Boat Tour Through Miles Canyon

5.0 (3)

2 - 3 hours From £103.03

Experience beautiful Miles Canyon from the water! We will depart the boat launch on Schwatka Lake and boat upstream through the amazing basalt cliffs of Miles Canyon, past Canyon City, and on up the blue-green headwaters of the incredible Yukon River. See bears, moose, loons, beavers and more from the boat and watch the city disappear behind us; it will quickly become apparent why Whitehorse is known as “The Wilderness City!” Snacks and drinks included.
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Aurora Viewing Tour | late night

4.3 (80)

4 hours 30 minutes From £96.23

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

Yukon Gold Experience feat. Emerald Lake & Carcross

5.0 (16)

5 - 6 hours From £153.17

This half day excursion is packed with some of the best sights in the Yukon! We start by making a stop at a viewpoint over Miles Canyon, a crux of the stampeders journey from Alaska to the Klondike. From there we head down the South Klondike Highway to Emerald Lake, then onto the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world. After a quick orientation around Carcross you will have some free time to explore the artisan stores, or walk the beach on Bennett Lake. On the way back to Whitehorse we make a stop and Caribou Crossing for you to try your hand at gold panning, and you can keep anything you find! Oh, and they also have puppies. Little fluffy husky puppies that love to be petted! This day trip really packs in the best of the Yukon, you won't be disappointed!
3-Day Aurora Viewing Tour from Whitehorse Canada

No reviews

3 days From £349.20

Whitehorse, the northernmost city in Canada, is known as one of the cities with the best quality of fresh air in the world! It is also a world-renowned spot for chasing the beautiful aurora light. It may even be possible to see the extremely rare red aurora! Experience a dog sledding, ice fishing,hot spring, big foot shoes or other rich winter activities at your own expenses! You may even explore the town of Carcross! Room Details All hotel rooms are based on two Full / Double beds or one King/Queen bed depends on what hotel availiable on the day. The maximum occupancy per room is four travelers. One Room Selection If you are a party of more than four guests or desire to have separate rooms, please provide a separate booking. Avoid traveling in a different bus? If you have more than one booking, please provide all confirmation numbers once your bookings are complete.
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife & Hot Springs Tour | half day

4.5 (21)

5 hours From £147.47

On this half-day tour from Whitehorse, visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve where you’ll have the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife in their natural habitat. To cap off a great day, relax at the nearby Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour

4.2 (15)

3 hours From £101.92

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.