Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre : Whitehorse : Seek The Aurora

Whitehorse

Home / Whitehorse

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.

5%

There is a 5% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area (forecast for 6 November 2025 at 5:07pm UTC)

Kp 2.33

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.

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.

Density 3.26 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, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 540.8 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 gibbous

Sunrise 9:40am

Sunset 5:47pm

Moonrise 5:03pm

Moonset 12:45pm

Clouds

0°C Feels like -6°C

High: 0°C
Low: -2°C

Chance of precipitation 1%
Cloud cover 57%
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

Yukon Aurora Viewing Package | 4 days

4.8 (32)

4 days From £512.93

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.
Small Group Yukon Aurora Viewing

4.7 (15)

4 hours From £99.48

Small aurora Tours! Escape the crowds, leave the buses behind, and take in the lights with a small number of travellers! With space for up to 10 people, we will travel by pickup truck or van out to a clear spot to hopefully catch sight of the elusive Aurora Borealis.
Free cancellation

Arctic Day: Aurora Viewing Tour | late night

4.2 (72)

4 hours 30 minutes From £92.78

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.
Free cancellation

Whitehorse's Coziest Aurora Viewing Experience

No reviews

4 hours From £105.04

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

Open Fire Aurora Viewing and Snowshoeing Adventure in Whitehorse

No reviews

6 hours From £166.45

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

Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour

4.0 (9)

3 hours From £98.62

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.