Open Fire Aurora Viewing and Snowshoeing Adventure in Whitehorse

Planning a winter trip to Whitehorse? If you’re drawn to the idea of seeing the legendary Northern Lights, combined with a touch of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery, this tour offers a compelling option. It’s designed for travelers who want a well-rounded Yukon experience without sacrificing comfort. We like that it includes hotel pickup in a climate-controlled shuttle—a real plus to start your night stress-free—and the opportunity to combine snowshoeing, wildlife insights, and an unforgettable open-air aurora spectacle.

One thing to keep in mind is that winter clothing isn’t included, so you’ll need to come prepared for temperatures potentially dropping to -40°C. That aside, if you’re someone who appreciates authentic outdoor experiences coupled with cozy fireside moments, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine a bit of adrenaline with cultural and scenic highlights in one evening.

Key Points

• All-inclusive comfort: hotel pickup, warm transportation, hot drinks, and a fireside setting.
• Active yet manageable: guided snowshoeing on peaceful trails suitable for most travelers.
• Cultural insight: visit Canada’s largest wildlife museum with impressive taxidermy displays.
• Spectacular visuals: Aurora viewing in an open-air setting, with chances for vibrant light displays.
• Optional thrill: add a 15-minute dog sled ride for extra excitement.
• Flexible booking: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting with Comfort and Convenience

The tour begins with hotel pickup in a climate-controlled Executive Shuttle at 8:00 pm. This is a smart move; after a day of exploring Whitehorse, being whisked away to your adventure in a warm vehicle sets a relaxed tone. The shuttle’s air conditioning and climate control are especially appreciated since the Yukon winter can be brutal, with temperatures plummeting to -40°C.

Snowshoeing through Whitehorse’s Quiet Trails

Once you arrive at the snowshoeing location, you’ll be equipped with all necessary gear. The guided snowshoe trek is designed to be accessible, offering a peaceful way to connect with the winter landscape. We loved the way guides help you enjoy the scenery — whether it’s the silent snow-covered woods or the crisp winter air. The trails are chosen for their tranquility, making it a relaxing yet invigorating experience. Expect to spend some time walking on snow, but nothing too strenuous, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

The Scenic Drive to Carcross and the Wildlife Museum

After the snowshoeing, you’ll hop back into the shuttle for a 52-minute scenic drive to Carcross. This part of the journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, providing a visual breather amidst the adventure. Once in Carcross, the highlight is a visit to Northern Canada’s largest Wildlife Museum. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of taxidermy—from mammoths to the world’s largest mounted polar bear. Such displays are both educational and awe-inspiring, giving visitors a glimpse into Yukon’s natural history and wildlife.

One traveler mentioned, “The wildlife museum is truly impressive, especially the polar bear—it’s huge. It’s a great way to learn about the region’s animals without leaving Whitehorse.” The museum adds a cultural and educational layer to the evening, enriching your understanding of northern Canada’s fauna.

The Open-Air Fireside Aurora Viewing – Gateway to the Light

As darkness falls, the main event begins. The “Gateway to the Light” experience is an open-air fireside gathering, where you can sit comfortably beside a bonfire, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy gourmet chili and charcuterie. This cozy setup allows you to relax and chat with fellow travelers while waiting for the aurora to appear overhead.

This part of the tour is where the magic truly happens. When the northern lights dance, they cast green, pink, and violet waves across the sky—an unforgettable sight. We loved the way the fireside creates a warm oasis amidst the cold, making the aurora seem even more spectacular against the dark Yukon night.

Optional Dog Sled Ride – Adding a True Yukon Touch

For those craving more adventure, there’s an onsite option to add a 15-minute dog sled ride with real Yukon Quest sled dogs, available for an extra $75 CAD plus GST. Several reviews highlight how exciting and authentic this is—“You really feel the power of the dogs during the ride,” noted a traveler, adding that it’s a memorable way to connect with Yukon’s sled dog heritage.

Ending on a Comfortably Warm Note

After a night of outdoor wonder, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel. The tour’s efficiency and the comfort of the transportation mean you don’t have to worry about cold or fatigue—just the awe of the lights and the stories shared around the fire.

What We Think About the Tour

Value and Price

At around $220 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of activities that might otherwise require separate bookings. Combining snowshoeing, wildlife museum, aurora viewing, and optional dog sledding, it provides a comprehensive Yukon night experience. For travelers wanting to stretch their dollar and enjoy multiple aspects of Whitehorse’s winter allure, it’s quite reasonable, especially considering the included transportation and gear.

Authenticity and Comfort

This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour. The snowshoeing feels genuine, with guides who appreciate sharing the quiet beauty of Yukon’s winter landscape. The fireside aurora viewing adds a special touch of warmth and camaraderie, making the experience more intimate than just standing outside in the cold. Plus, the wildlife museum showcases the region’s natural history in an accessible way, offering a nice cultural break from outdoor activities.

What Could Be Better

One consideration is winter clothing—the tour doesn’t include clothing for extreme cold. Travelers should come prepared with hats, mittens, insulated jackets, boots, and snow pants to ensure comfort during the outdoor portions. Also, the experience depends heavily on good weather and aurora activity; if the skies are cloudy, the lights might not be visible, though the tour organizers do offer rescheduling or full refunds if weather cancels the event.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 24 travelers, the group feels intimate enough to share the experience but large enough to foster a sense of camaraderie. The guided nature of the activities helps keep the group engaged without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Is a Good Choice

This adventure appeals most to travelers who want a balanced mix of outdoor activity, cultural insight, and aurora viewing in a single evening. It suits those who value comfort and convenience—hotel pickup, warm transportation, and a fireside setting—over purely rugged wilderness experiences. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Yukon, families, or couples looking for a romantic yet adventurous night.

If your idea of Yukon includes the chance to see the northern lights without spending nights outside in freezing conditions, this tour hits the sweet spot. The optional dog sled ride adds a splash of authentic thrill, making it a flexible choice for a memorable Yukon night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring winter clothing? Yes, since the tour does not include clothing for temperatures as low as -40°C. Come prepared with hats, mittens, insulated jackets, snow pants, and sturdy winter boots.

What’s included in the tour price? The price covers hotel pickup, transportation in a climate-controlled shuttle, snowshoeing equipment, hot drinks, dinner (local chili), snacks (gourmet charcuterie), and the fireside aurora viewing.

Is the aurora viewing guaranteed? No, auroras depend on weather and solar activity. If skies are cloudy or the lights are faint, the tour offers options to reschedule or get a full refund.

Can I participate if I’ve never snowshoed before? Absolutely. The guided snowshoe trek is suitable for most fitness levels and isn’t overly strenuous.

How long is the drive to Carcross? It’s about 52 minutes, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

What can I expect at the Wildlife Museum? Impressive taxidermy displays, including mammoths and the world’s largest mounted polar bear, providing insights into Yukon’s wildlife.

Is the optional dog sled ride worth it? Many reviewers say yes; it’s a thrilling and authentic Yukon experience worth considering if you love dogs or want that classic winter adventure.

What’s the maximum group size? Up to 24 travelers, ensuring a friendly, manageable experience.

What time does the tour start? It begins at 8:00 pm, aligning well with prime aurora viewing hours.

What if the weather cancels the tour? You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, making it fairly flexible for unpredictable winter weather.

Final Thoughts

This Open Fire Aurora Viewing and Snowshoeing Adventure in Whitehorse combines the best of Yukon’s outdoor winter charm with cultural insights and cozy fireside moments. It’s a well-rounded experience for those seeking authentic northern adventures with a touch of comfort. The inclusion of snowshoeing, wildlife exhibits, and aurora watching makes it a rich, memorable outing. Plus, the optional dog sled ride adds that extra element of excitement for those wanting a true Yukon thrill.

For travelers who value ease, scenic beauty, and genuine outdoor experiences, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for first-timers or families looking to combine learning with adventure. Just remember to pack appropriately and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies—the northern lights are as unpredictable as they are breathtaking.

In short: If you’re after a memorable, well-organized Yukon evening that balances outdoor fun, culture, and aurora magic, this tour offers solid value and authentic experiences that you’ll talk about long after your trip ends.