Millennium Trail : Whitehorse : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

47%

There is a 47% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Whitehorse area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 10 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 0.47 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 662.5 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 36%

Sunrise 8:22am

Sunset 7:56pm

Moonrise 8:05am

Moonset 11:58am

Weather Forecast for Whitehorse

Clouds

-17°C Feels like -21°C

High: -14°C
Low: -33°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 89%
Southerly winds 1 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

Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour

4.2 (12)

3 hours From £99.88

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.
Small Group Yukon Aurora Viewing

4.5 (22)

4 hours From £100.75

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

Whitehorse 3 Day Aurora Tour Wildlife Preserve and Hot Springs

No reviews

3 days From £629.26

Whitehorse, located in northern Canada, is one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing the aurora borealis. Although it lies in the far north, it’s easily accessible—just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Vancouver. Situated directly beneath the auroral belt, Whitehorse offers over 200 nights of aurora activity each year. From September to April, the crisp, clear air reveals a breathtaking spectacle as the night sky comes alive with shimmering curtains of light and countless stars. This tour includes a Whitehorse city tour, a visit to the wildlife preserve, and a relaxing hot springs experience. At the wildlife preserve, you can observe more than ten kinds of North American animals up close, including bison and moose. At the hot springs, you can unwind in an open-air bath while enjoying breathtaking Yukon scenery. Join this well-rounded Whitehorse tour and create unforgettable memories.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Day-Trip To Skagway - Gateway to the Klondike Goldrush

4.8 (8)

9 - 10 hours From £212.16

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.
Discover Whitehorse with Northern Lights and Yukon Wildlife Tour

3.7 (3)

4 days From £608.13

On this tour, you’ll discover scenic Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital; surrounded by endless mountains. On successive evenings, you’ll travel outside the city centre, 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 cozy wood stove or roaring campfire, the perfect way to enjoy your relaxed vacation. You will visit the 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. On free days you can choose from optional winter sightseeing, shopping and touring in and around the capital.
Free cancellation

Yukon Snowshoeing Adventure | half day

4.8 (5)

3 hours 30 minutes From £93.97

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.