Millennium Trail : 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?

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area (forecast for 13 June 2025 at 9:30pm 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.

Bz -8 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 18.60 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 430.7 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.

Rain

11°C Feels like 10°C

High: 18°C
Low: 8°C

Precipitation: 50%
Cloud cover: 100%
Wind: 6 km/h

Moon

Waning gibbous

Sun rises at: 4:28am
Sun sets at: 11:32pm
Moon rises at: 2:10am
Moon sets at: 5:35am

Book an amazing adventure in Whitehorse

Free cancellation

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

4.8 (14)

5 hours From £126.95

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: Aurora Viewing Tour | late night

4.2 (68)

4 hours 30 minutes From £92.17

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

Day-Trip To Skagway - Gateway to the Klondike Goldrush

4.6 (5)

9 - 10 hours From £208.11

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

4.3 (12)

9 - 10 hours From £213.90

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. Here we will have a short, easy walk to an incredible viewpoint. On the way back, time and weather permitting, we will also make a stop at Kathleen Lake, within the National Park where we can go for a short stroll along the lake shore.
Free cancellation

Yukon Gold Experience feat. Emerald Lake & Carcross

5.0 (7)

5 - 6 hours From £155.94

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 Private tour

Miles Canyon: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour

4.0 (1)

2 hours From £4.96

Listen to a nature guide through your smartphone as you hike the incredible Miles Canyon! The tour will take you on the Lower Canyon City Trail to a historic settlement called Canyon City. On this 4 km tour, you'll hear about the Yukon River, the formation of Miles Canyon, local plants & wildlife & some Gold Rush history. Highlights include the views of Grey Mountain, tales of Canyon City, stories of famous Yukoners & more! The tour also comes with a fun location-based trivia game. After the commentary plays, look at your device and guess the answer. GPS map shows where you are & where to go next. As you get close, guide commentary will automatically play! Note: the number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour to. Trust the platform with over 75 tours & 25,000+ happy customers. *Not accessible for everyone due to moderately steep sections, roots, etc. Check trail conditions first. Closed October to May.