Situated in Canada’s Northwest corner, up near the Arctic Circle, the Yukon is an untamed wilderness that turns into a picturesque, snow filled winter wonderland each year, under the glow of the greatest light show on Earth, the Northern Lights.
The Yukon’s pitch-black sky provides the perfect backdrop for the green sheen ripples to dance and explode across the vast expanse of the night sky.
The Solar Cycle 25, a periodic 11-year change in the sun’s activity, is set to reach its peak between now and the winter of 2025/2026, meaning there will be a substantial increase in aurora activity on Earth, offering even more incredible northern lights viewing opportunities in the Yukon. During the cycle, the levels of solar radiation and ejection of solar material, the number of sunspots, solar flares and coronal loops, ebb and flow to a period of maximum activity (a solar max).
Here’s a roundup to what’s new in the Yukon this winter:
Terre Boréale announces new fly-in Winter Escape: Northern Lights on a Private Island.
Visitors can escape civilization on this new multi-activity remote log cabin stay at Terre Boréale, which begins with an epic 45-minute flight from Whitehorse to the private island. Each day, visitors can choose what they want to do from snowshoeing, kicksledding, ice fishing, building snow lanterns, relaxing in the sauna, trying new crafts, or reading by the cosy fireplace. The five-day packages include one night in a hotel in Whitehorse on arrival and three nights in the log cabin. There are four departures of this tour in February 2025. The package costs from $3995 CAD (approx £2247) per person for a group of five, from $3890 CAD (approx £2218) per person for a group of four, from $4200 CAD (approx (£2362) per person for a group of three, or from $4980 CAD (approx £2801) per person for a group of two. Piece includes airport transfers, accommodations, experienced bilingual guides, winter clothing rental and activities. https://terreboreale.com/tour/winter-escape-northern-lights-delight-on-a-private-island/
North Country Outdoor Adventures launches evening ice-fishing tour under the Aurora.
A new operator to the Yukon, North Country Outdoor Adventures, is offering an evening ice-fishing tour under the Northern Lights. The excursions are led by fishing expert Kyle Callbek, whose primary goal is to ensure that every outing is not just a run-of-the-mill fishing trip but a memorable adventure filled with fun and comfort. The tour includes the use of top-notch equipment, including Shimano rods and reels, state-of-the-art Garmin sonars, and a 2024 Ski-doo Skandic snowmobile. Half-day evening fishing tours cost from $350 CAD (approx £197) per person/full day is $600 CAD (£337) per person. https://northcountryyukon.ca/winter-fishing/
Rooftop Aurora from Dawson City’s new Urban Spa.
Yukon Spa was opened by Yukon Spaces (the owners of Dawson Lodge – Dawson City’s highest rated accommodation for 2022 and 2023) in June 2024 in Dawson City. Yukon Spa is the northernmost spa in Canada and the only ‘urban’ aurora viewing experience from the spa’s rooftop. Treatments include massage therapy, acupuncture, clinical facials and skin remedies, micro needling, laser and light therapies, and manicure and pedicures. Facilities include steam rooms, a dry sauna, an infrared sauna, an ice plunge bath, a sensory deprivation flotation tank and a hot tub. www.yukonspa.ca/
Mount Logan Ecolodge & Retreat reopens following major renovations.
Nestled in the breath taking beauty of the Kluane region and named after Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, Mount Logan Ecolodge & Retreat offers a truly authentic Yukon experience. Accommodations range from the rustic elegant lodge rooms to unique outdoor accommodation options including a Mongolian style yurt, School Bus, Barrel cabin or visitors can experience how the old gold miners felt and stay in the Old Gold Rush Cabin. The lodge is available for private rentals and can accommodate up to 12 people in three bedrooms with bathrooms. Using only locally sourced ingredients, the lodge offers a unique culinary experience with three home cooked meals served to guests daily. Located on the footsteps of Kluane National Park and Reserve, a variety of winter and wildlife adventure packages are also available to book. Nightly campfires are held each night, with cosy blankets provided, so guests can view the Northern Lights from the comfort of their home-away-from-home. https://mountloganlodge.com/
New two-night deluxe winter campaign experience with Tagish Wilderness Kennels.
Owned by Michelle Phillips and Ed Hopkins, Tagish Wilderness Kennels is now offering a two-night camping experience in a deluxe heated arctic oven tent which includes day trips with sled dogs, snowshoeing under the moonlight and all cooked meals. Prices start from $700 CAD (approx £393) per person based on double occupancy. https://tagishlakekennel.com/winter-glamping-tours/
Kicksled across frozen lakes on Arctic Range’s new tour.
Departing from Whitehorse, this new kicksledding tour from Arctic Range guides guests through interesting wilderness routes in the most beautiful scenery in Yukon’s Winter Wonderland, crossing frozen lakes and along forest trails. Kicksledding is great fun for all ages and fitness levels. Prices start from $139 CAD (approx £78) per adult and $104 CAD (approx £58) per child. https://www.arcticrange.com/en/tour/arctic-day-kicksledding-half-day.html
Take me to the Yukon this winter with Canadian Affair:
Canadian Affair offers a six-night Northern Lights of the Yukon package from £1759 per person. Price includes international flights from the UK based on economy class, domestic flights between Vancouver and Whitehorse, six nights hotel accommodation, four night excursions to view the Aurora Borealis, and a sightseeing tour of Whitehorse. To book, visit www.canadianaffair.com
About Yukon:
Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada’s most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada’s highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet’s largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of North America’s most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, the Yukon is home to more than 220,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 46,000. For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com