The Cork & Bull : 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

Book an amazing adventure in Whitehorse

Free cancellation

Yukon Aurora Viewing Package | 4 days

4.8 (32)

4 days From £471.52

On this 4-day (three nights) Best Value Aurora Viewing tour inclusive City Tour, you’ll discover scenic Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital, surrounded by endless mountains. On three successive evenings, you’ll travel just outside the city centre, but far enough from the city lights to an idyllic Northern Lights viewing location, the AuroraCentre. The evenings will feature relaxing Northern Lights viewing beside a roaring campfire - the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Day times are free for optional sightseeing, shopping and touring in and around the capital.
Free cancellation

Yukon Gold Experience feat. Emerald Lake & Carcross

5.0 (7)

5 - 6 hours From £154.87

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!
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Aurora Viewing Tour | late night

4.1 (63)

4 hours 30 minutes From £85.78

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.
Fall Color Tour in Yukon from Whitehorse

5.0 (15)

4 days From £602.60

Experience the real Yukon and lifestyle with the dogs during one of the most spectacular times of the year, on this 3-day guided tour. Fall is the time when the days are still warm and long to enjoy lots of outdoor time and the nights are dark to have a chance to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Learn about our life with over hundred Huskies and be part of the fall training with the dogs. Take in all the amazing fall colors while canoeing on the Takhini River and enjoy some wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Meals are all home cooked in the lodge and you will feel like family. Maximum group size is 8.
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour

4.2 (5)

3 hours From £85.78

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

Yukon Snowshoeing Adventure | half day

4.8 (5)

3 hours 30 minutes From £85.78

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.

0%

Currently there is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area.

Kp 3.00

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.

Bz 1 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 auroral activity.

Density 0.13 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 centimeter (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, they produce the stunning light displays known as auroras.

Speed 557.5 km/s

The speed of the solar wind also plays a significant role. 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.