Aurora Lounge: Aurora Viewing Cabin & Bar

The Aurora Lounge: Aurora Viewing Cabin & Bar offers a unique way to witness the Northern Lights in Whitehorse, Yukon. This 4-hour tour costs around $150 USD per person and has earned a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 29 reviews. With a maximum of 24 guests, it combines luxury, comfort, and expert guidance, making it ideal for those seeking an upscale aurora experience.

What sets this tour apart is its purpose-built, fully licensed aurora viewing cabin, which is the only one of its kind in Whitehorse. The heated interior, large windows, and comfy sofas create a cozy environment to relax and enjoy the natural spectacle. Plus, the liquor license means you can sip wine or hot chocolate with Baileys, adding a touch of luxury.

While aurora viewing depends on weather conditions and solar activity — so the lights are not guaranteed — the tour’s small group size and expert guides maximize your chances. The scenic 20-minute drive from Whitehorse and the late-night schedule ending around 2:00 AM suit night owls looking for a premium experience under the stars.

Key Points

• Luxury aurora experience in a purpose-built, heated cabin with large windows
• Guided by knowledgeable experts who help with photography and share aurora facts
• Unlimited hot drinks and snacks included, with an option to enjoy wine legally at the bar
• Small group setting of up to 24 guests for a more intimate experience
• Pickup from Whitehorse hotels at 10:00 PM, returning around 2:00 AM
• Free photos of you and the aurora, available online after the tour

You can check availability for your dates here:

Whitehorse’s Only Aurora Viewing Cabin with a Liquor License

This tour offers a completely different experience from traditional outdoor aurora hunts. The purpose-built Aurora Lounge combines comfort with functionality, featuring large windows that face north, ensuring excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights if the skies are clear. Inside, travelers can stretch out on sofas or gather around the cozy fireplace, enjoying hot chocolate, wine, or Baileys.

The liquor license makes this tour Whitehorse’s only aurora viewing experience where guests can legally enjoy a drink while watching the sky. This adds a layer of relaxation and luxury to the usual chilly outdoor waits, especially when temperatures can drop to -30°C or colder. The heated outhouse also ensures comfort during late-night bathroom breaks, which is a small but appreciated detail.

Scenic Drive to the Aurora Lounge

The 20-minute scenic drive from downtown Whitehorse to the Aurora Lounge introduces travelers to the Yukon wilderness, with views of the wintry landscape. The pickup at 10:00 PM from your hotel allows for a relaxed start to the evening, and the journey to the cabin is comfortable, with highly-rated transportation that 95% of reviewers praise.

This short transfer means you arrive at the luxurious cabin ready for an evening of aurora watching, without long drives or outdoor waiting in freezing temperatures. It’s an ideal setup for those who prefer a warm, indoor experience rather than outdoor camping or canvas tents.

Inside the Aurora Viewing Cabin and Bar

Once inside, the rustic yet elegant interior makes you feel like you’re in a cozy mountain lodge. The large windows are designed for optimal northern lights viewing, and guides are available to share facts about the aurora or help you take photographs.

Guests can roast marshmallows over the campfire outside for s’mores, adding a fun, interactive element. The indoor fireplace provides additional warmth, while unlimited hot drinks and snacks keep everyone comfortable. The small group size ensures plenty of space for photos without crowding, perfect for capturing the lights against the Yukon landscape.

Expert Guides and Aurora Photography Support

The tour features knowledgeable guides who are experienced in aurora science. They share facts about the northern lights throughout the night and are on hand to assist with photography, including using a camera or tripod rentals available for purchase or rent.

Guide personalities like Juan have received praise for their friendly, engaging approach and ability to help guests capture stunning images. They also move the group around to find the best viewing spots if clouds obscure the lights, maximizing the chances of seeing the aurora.

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The Limited Guarantee of Aurora Visibility

It’s important to note that aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Clear skies are essential for a good view, and even then, the lights are never guaranteed. This tour aims to maximize your chances through expert guidance and strategic viewing spots, but cloud cover and low solar activity can still prevent sightings.

Guests should bring appropriate clothing — layered and insulated — as temperatures can plummet to -30°C or colder. The rental tripods help with capturing long-exposure photos, which many guests find rewarding even when the lights are faint or absent.

Timing the Aurora Viewing Night

The late start at 10:00 PM and return around 2:00 AM suit those comfortable with night outings. This timing also gives the aurora time to develop, with the guides remaining vigilant and adjusting the group’s location if needed.

The longer night hours increase the chances of catching the aurora’s best displays, which often occur in the late hours. The relaxed pace means guests can enjoy hot drinks, take photos, or just relax as they wait under the stars.

Additional Benefits: Free Photos and Snacks

One standout feature of this tour is the free photos of you and the aurora, which are available online after a few days. Guides often use their camera to take pictures of guests, so there’s no need to worry about capturing every moment yourself.

Guests also appreciate the unlimited hot drinks and snacks, which prevent hunger during the long night. This included service adds a value and comfort level that many outdoor aurora tours lack.

Reviews and Guest Satisfaction

With a rating of 4.8 based on 29 reviews, this tour receives high praise for its guides, viewing environment, and comfort. Guides like Juan and Toby are commended for their friendly, informative approach, and their efforts to find the best spots for viewing.

Many reviews highlight the stunning aurora displays they were able to capture, and others mention the warmth and comfort of the cabin as key benefits over outdoor tents or old cabins. The small group size and personalized attention make this experience stand out.

Aurora Viewing in Comfort: Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This luxury aurora viewing experience is best suited for adventurers who appreciate comfort but still want an authentic northern lights experience. It’s particularly appealing for romantic getaways, family trips, or small groups seeking a special night under the stars without braving the cold outdoors all night.

Those who value expert guidance, photo assistance, and the chance to enjoy drinks legally during their viewing will find this tour satisfying. However, travelers should manage expectations around aurora visibility, as it remains dependent on natural factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Aurora Lounge the only aurora viewing option in Whitehorse?
Yes, it is the only purpose-built, fully licensed aurora viewing cabin available in Whitehorse.

What should I bring to increase my chances of seeing the lights?
Bringing a tripod is recommended for outdoor photography. Dressing in layers and protecting exposed skin are essential due to cold temperatures, which can reach -30°C or lower.

Can I enjoy alcohol during the tour?
Yes, the liquor license allows guests to sip wine or Baileys inside the cabin, making the experience more relaxed and luxurious.

What happens if the weather is cloudy and I can’t see the aurora?
While guides do their best to move to better viewing spots if clouds obscure the sky, the aurora activity depends on natural conditions, so sightings are not guaranteed.

How long does the tour last and what is the timing?
The 4-hour tour starts at 10:00 PM, with return around 2:00 AM. This schedule maximizes the opportunity for aurora viewing during the late-night hours.

The Aurora Lounge offers a comfortable, guided, and intimate way to experience the Northern Lights in Yukon. Its luxury interior, expert guides, and small group size create an appealing option for those seeking a more refined aurora adventure in one of the most beautiful winter landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby