Arts Underground : Whitehorse : Seek The Aurora

Whitehorse

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Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking to witness the enchanting Northern Lights. With its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant local culture, Whitehorse offers a remarkable backdrop for an unforgettable aurora experience.

Positioned under the auroral oval, Whitehorse provides excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights, especially from November to March.

The city is easily accessible, with a variety of accommodations and tour options that cater to aurora hunters.

Visiting Whitehorse for the Northern Lights is a magical experience that combines the spectacular beauty of nature with the charm of the Yukon.

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.

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 8:29pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

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 76 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 5 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 2.54 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 550.7 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

Waning crescent 44%

Sunrise 10:59am

Sunset 5:16pm

Moonrise 4:20am

Moonset 12:25pm

Clouds

-2°C Feels like -8°C

High: -2°C
Low: -11°C

Chance of precipitation 26%
Cloud cover 76%
South-Easterly winds 4 km/h gusts of 8 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Whitehorse

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

Free cancellation Special offer

Guided Yukon Wildlife & Nordic Hot Springs Experience

4.0 (2)

5 - 6 hours From £122.95

18+ ONLY! Discover the wild heart of the Yukon paired with deep relaxation on this unforgettable day tour. Begin with a guided visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where wide-open landscapes and forested trails are home to the territory’s most iconic animals. Travel comfortably through the preserve with an expert guide who brings the stories of the Yukon to life, offering insight into the region’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Watch for wood bison, elk, muskox, woodland caribou, mountain goats, and more as you explore their natural habitats. After your wildlife adventure, shift from exploration to indulgence with a visit to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, just outside Whitehorse. Surrounded by boreal forest and mountain views, the springs offer a tranquil escape inspired by Nordic bathing traditions. Soak in naturally heated mineral waters, cool off in refreshing plunge pools, and unwind in peaceful outdoor settings designed to restore both body and mind.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Day-Trip To Skagway - Gateway to the Klondike Goldrush

4.8 (8)

9 - 10 hours From £206.80

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.
Open Fire Aurora Viewing and Snowshoeing Adventure in Whitehorse

No reviews

6 hours From £164.31

Begin your Yukon adventure stress-free with hotel pickup via our climate-controlled Executive Shuttle. Trek through snow-blanketed trails on a guided snowshoe journey in Whitehorse, then enjoy a scenic 52-minute drive to Carcross. Explore Northern Canada’s largest Wildlife Museum with life-like taxidermy—from mammoths to the world’s largest mounted polar bear. In the evening, an unforgettable aurora viewing, Gateway to the Light, an open air fireside experience. Watch the northern lights dazzle in green, pink, and violet waves. End your night with a comfortable hotel drop-off. For extra excitement, opt for a thrilling 15-minute dog sled ride with real Yukon Quest sled dogs ($75 CAD + GST, onsite availability).
Free cancellation

Yukon Snowshoeing Adventure | half day

4.8 (5)

3 hours 30 minutes From £91.59

On this half-day snowshoeing tour, strap on a pair of lightweight modern snowshoes and experience the rugged backcountry just like the gold miners, trappers and fur traders of days gone by. Drinks and snacks, are included with this experience along with pick-up and drop off to and from your hotel.
Northern Lights Viewing in a Semi-Private Dome in Whitehorse

No reviews

6 hours From £219.17

Begin your Yukon adventure stress-free with hotel pickup via our climate-controlled Executive Shuttle. Trek through snow-blanketed trails on a guided snowshoe journey in Whitehorse, then enjoy a scenic 52-minute drive to Carcross. Explore Northern Canada’s largest Wildlife Museum with life-like taxidermy—from mammoths to the world’s largest mounted polar bear. In the evening, an unforgettable aurora viewing, Romance Under the Aurora, in a semi-private heated dome watch the northern lights dazzle in green, pink, and violet waves. End your night with a comfortable hotel drop-off. For extra excitement, opt for a thrilling 15-minute dog sled ride with real Yukon Quest sled dogs ($75 CAD + GST, onsite availability).
4-Day Aurora Viewing Tour from Whitehorse, Canada

No reviews

4 days From £502.75

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 with a very high viewing probability! It may even be possible to see the extremely rare red aurora!Experience a dog sledding, polar snow sports or other rich winter activities! You may even explore the town of Carcross!Enjoy a complimentary polar hot spring. Here, you can enjoy the warmth of the hot spring in the polar icy climates! 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.