4-Day Aurora Viewing Tour from Whitehorse, Canada

Whitehorse, Canada’s northernmost city, provides one of the best chances in the world to see the mesmerizing aurora borealis. This 4-day Aurora Viewing Tour offers a comprehensive experience, including three guided aurora viewings, fascinating winter activities like dog sledding and ice fishing, and a relaxing dip in a polar hot spring. Priced at $662 per person, this tour is well-suited for those eager to witness nature’s light show while enjoying the rugged beauty of the Yukon. The tour departs from Whitehorse Airport and features hotel accommodations, transportation, and professional guides, making it a convenient choice for travelers seeking a well-rounded Arctic adventure.

While the experience is rich in activities and natural spectacles, it’s important to note that participants should be prepared for cold weather and flexible with schedule adjustments due to weather conditions. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate a combination of scenery, outdoor adventure, and a good chance to see the aurora borealis in a comfortable, guided setting.

Key Points

• Price is $662 per person for 4 days, with most bookings made 71 days in advance.
• The tour includes three aurora viewings, increasing the likelihood of seeing the northern lights.
• Whitehorse serves as the base, offering hotels with beds for 2-4 guests and options for additional rooms or parties.
• Activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and polar hot springs are available, often at your own expense.
• The tour features professional guides and transportation, with pickups offered from Whitehorse Airport.
• Weather-dependent, the tour may adjust schedules but guarantees a full refund if canceled due to poor weather.

Exploring Whitehorse and Its Aurora Potential

The tour begins in Whitehorse, a city renowned for its clean, fresh air and excellent conditions for viewing the aurora borealis. The itinerary emphasizes three separate aurora viewing sessions, giving travelers multiple opportunities to catch the northern lights. The first night involves a trip to a camp log cabin around 10:00 pm, where the guides will take you to a prime viewing location and explain the phenomenon of the brilliant, colorful aurora caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.

This setting provides a peaceful, natural backdrop perfect for witnessing this natural wonder. The guides are knowledgeable about the aurora’s science and will help you understand the display you see overhead. The high probability of sightings means you are likely to experience the aurora, possibly even the rare red aurora.

Day 1: Arrival and Aurora Night Excursion

The journey starts with arrival at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, where the tour offers transportation to the hotel. After settling in, the first evening is dedicated to the initial aurora viewing. The car ride to the camp log cabin starts around 10:00 pm, aligning with the best viewing times. This night offers a chance to see the aurora in a remote, dark environment, away from city lights.

Travelers should prepare for cold night skies and bring warm clothing. The guides will likely share insights about the aurora’s natural beauty. No additional tickets are necessary for this viewing, as they are included in the tour package.

Day 2: Free Day and Nighttime Aurora Viewing

Day 2 provides full daytime free time to explore Whitehorse or partake in optional activities at your own expense. Among the choices are dog sledding for 30 minutes, which is a classic Yukon experience, or ice fishing for groups of four or more. These activities offer a taste of winter adventure and local culture.

Later that night, the tour departs again for another aurora viewing session at the camp log cabin. This second chance enhances the probability of seeing the lights, especially if the weather was less cooperative on the first night. The flexibility of free daytime hours allows travelers to relax or explore the town, with the evening dedicated to chasing the aurora once more.

Day 3: Additional Free Time and Aurora Tour

The third day mirrors the previous one, with free time to explore Whitehorse or participate in optional activities, including dog sledding or ice fishing. Many choose to enjoy the local landscape, visit shops, or relax at the hotel.

That evening, the tour takes you again to the camp log cabin for a third aurora viewing. This structured repeat ensures more opportunities to witness the northern lights and captures the unpredictable nature of this natural display. The guides are prepared to accommodate weather variations, and if the aurora is visible, you’ll get an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Departure and Farewell Transport

On the final day, transportation is provided from the hotel to Whitehorse Airport for your flight home. The tour ends after the last aurora viewing experience, leaving travelers with lasting memories of the Yukon’s natural beauty. The airport offers 24-hour drop-off services, making scheduling flexible for departing flights.

Optional Winter Activities and Cultural Highlights

While the core focus of this tour is aurora viewing, the itinerary allows for additional activities at your expense. Dog sledding is offered for 30-minute rides, giving an authentic Yukon experience. Ice fishing is also available, with groups of four or more able to participate during designated periods.

A notable stop is “The Whitehorse Horse,” where travelers can enjoy exploring local scenery or engaging in winter sports. Although these optional activities are not included in the base price, they add variety to the trip and deepen the Yukon experience.

Accommodation and Room Options

All hotel stays are based on double or king/queen beds, with a maximum occupancy of four guests per room. Travelers planning larger groups are advised to create separate bookings or specify their room preferences. The hotels used are comparable to those described in the itinerary, offering comfortable facilities after long nights of aurora chasing or winter activities.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour starts at 9:00 am at Whitehorse Airport, with pickups arranged. The tour is suitable for most travelers, requiring only comfortable clothing and shoes, with considerations for cold weather. Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult, and pregnant women under 24 weeks are also welcome.

Booking confirmation is immediate unless booked less than two days before the tour, in which case it takes up to 48 hours. The tour operator emphasizes the importance of providing accurate contact and flight details to avoid issues.

Since the schedule may change due to weather, traffic, or other factors, flexibility is recommended. If the aurora is canceled because of weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered, ensuring peace of mind.

Cost and What’s Included

The $662 fee covers transportation, hotel accommodations, and three aurora viewings with guides. It also includes professional driver and guide services.

Additional expenses include meals, optional activities, and admission fees not covered in the package, which need to be purchased separately from the guide. A service fee of CAD$10 per person per day also applies. The tour includes all taxes and a 5% GST.

Best suited for those eager to see the aurora in a well-organized, comfortable setting

This tour is especially appealing to travelers who want multiple opportunities to view the northern lights while enjoying winter activities like dog sledding and ice fishing. It suits those who appreciate guided experiences with transportation and accommodations included, making logistics simple.

However, travelers should be prepared for cold nights and understand that seeing the aurora depends on weather conditions. The tour’s flexibility and the guaranteed three viewings help maximize the chances of witnessing this natural spectacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this tour?
The tour costs $662 per person, covering hotel stays, transportation, and three aurora viewings.

How many aurora viewings are included?
The package includes three separate aurora viewing sessions in Whitehorse, increasing the chance to see the lights.

What activities are available during free time?
Optional activities include dog sledding and ice fishing, which are available at your own expense. You can also explore Whitehorse at your leisure.

What are the hotel room arrangements?
Rooms accommodate 2-4 guests, with options for double or king/queen beds. For larger groups or separate rooms, make separate bookings.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, if weather conditions prevent aurora sightings, the tour can be canceled for a full refund or rescheduling. Cancellations are accepted up to 6 days in advance.

This 4-day Aurora Viewing Tour from Whitehorse offers a practical, well-rounded Yukon experience, blending natural wonder with outdoor adventure. It provides multiple chances to see the northern lights while allowing time to enjoy winter activities and local scenery in comfort and safety.