Whitehorse: Luxury Northern Lights Viewing

Imagine a winter night in the Yukon, where the sky dances with shimmering green and violet curtains of the Aurora Borealis. That’s the experience this tour offers—an elegant, well-organized chance to see one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena, all while enjoying the comforts of a top-notch cabin just 20 minutes from Whitehorse.

We’re impressed by how this tour combines luxury with authenticity. The warm, rustic interior of the cabin, paired with knowledgeable guides who help you capture those elusive northern lights, makes for a memorable outing. Plus, the inclusion of hot drinks, snacks, and cozy amenities elevates the typical outdoor experience.

One thing to consider: aurora viewing is a natural event, so while the tour aims to maximize your chances, it can’t guarantee a sighting. Cloud cover or low solar activity might obscure the lights. Still, the carefully curated experience and insider knowledge add plenty of value, especially for travelers seeking comfort without sacrificing adventure.

This tour suits those who cherish a combination of comfort and wilderness—romantic couples, small groups of friends, or families eager for a special night out in the Yukon. It’s also a solid choice for travelers who want to learn about the aurora from experts while enjoying a warm, scenic setting.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Experience

2 Analyzing the Value

3 Who Should Consider This Tour?

4 The Sum Up: The Best of Yukon’s Aurora Experience

5 FAQ

Key Points

Luxury and Comfort: The tour’s private cabin offers a cozy yet elegant setting with large windows to view the sky.
Expert Guidance: Guides share fascinating facts about the aurora and assist with photography, ensuring you leave with memorable images.
Authentic Yukon Wilderness: Outside, enjoy a fire pit, marshmallows, and the natural beauty of the wintry landscape.
Practical Amenities: The heated cabin, outhouse, and included hot drinks add comfort in the cold Yukon night.
Flexible & User-Friendly: Cancelable up to 24 hours in advance, book now, pay later, with pickup from Whitehorse hotels.
Value for Money: At $109 per person, this experience offers a blend of luxury, education, and natural spectacle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Whitehorse.

The Journey from Whitehorse to the Aurora Cabin

Starting around 10 pm, the tour begins with a pickup from your hotel lobby or outside your accommodation. The drive itself is short—about 20 minutes—so you won’t spend hours in transit before reaching the highlight. The convenience of hotel pickup is a plus, especially after a long day of exploring the Yukon.

The Cabin: A Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Comfort

Once you arrive, you step into a rustic yet refined retreat. The interior features warm wood accents and large windows that frame the Yukon wilderness, allowing you to admire the starry sky even from indoors. The cozy fireplace is perfect for unwinding while waiting for the lights to dance across the sky.

The design balances authenticity and luxury, making it a comfortable sanctuary in the middle of the winter landscape. The inclusion of a heated outhouse is a thoughtful touch that offers a bit of luxury in this rugged environment—a small detail that makes a big difference in cold weather.

What Happens During the Night?

Your guide will start a fire outside, creating a warm gathering spot to watch the sky. Here, you can toast marshmallows over the open flame—an activity that adds a charming, family-friendly element to the evening. Hot beverages and snacks are provided, helping you stay warm and relaxed.

While you wait, your guide will share stories and facts about the aurora, helping you understand the science behind the shimmering lights. They’re also there to help you capture the moment—using supplied tripods for DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone cameras—and to take free photos of you in front of the lights, which are available online after a few days.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Main Event: Aurora Viewing

The main thrill is, of course, seeing the Northern Lights. The guide’s knowledge enhances your chances—if the skies are clear and solar activity is high, you may witness a spectacular show. But, as one reviewer noted, “the lights decided to hide behind the clouds,” yet the guide still made it a memorable night by capturing photos and encouraging fun activities like making light pictures.

The guides are well-versed in explaining the aurora, making the experience educational as well as awe-inspiring. While the lights are unpredictable, the overall atmosphere—cozy, informative, and scenic—compensates for the element of chance.

Here's some more things to do in Whitehorse

The Return and Flexibility

You’ll be driven back to your hotel around 2 am, though sometimes later if the aurora remains active. This flexible timing respects the natural rhythm of the lights, which often appear late at night. The tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate, based on glowing reviews.

Analyzing the Value

At $109, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the included amenities and personalized guidance. Unlike more basic aurora tours, this experience prioritizes comfort and education alongside the spectacle. The fact that photos are provided free of charge after the event is a bonus, saving you money and hassle.

The tour’s emphasis on safety and comfort becomes clear in reviews: “It was very safe with nice people,” one traveler noted. The availability of rental tripods makes it accessible for those without their own gear, and the flexible booking policy adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Whitehorse or the Yukon who want a reliable, comfortable way to see the northern lights. It’s also well-suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for a memorable night with a touch of luxury.

Travelers who appreciate a guided experience, with educational insights and professional assistance in photography, will find this tour rewarding. If you’re after a more rustic, rough-and-tumble adventure, this might seem a bit too polished—though most reviews suggest it strikes a good balance.

The Sum Up: The Best of Yukon’s Aurora Experience

This tour offers a high-quality, stress-free way to witness the northern lights, combining the thrill of nature with the comforts of a cozy, well-equipped cabin. With knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and thoughtful amenities, it provides a memorable Arctic night that balances adventure with relaxation.

The $109 price tag is reasonable considering the includes—snacks, hot drinks, professional photography, and a private setting—that make this experience stand out. While the aurora can never be guaranteed, the guides’ expertise and the carefully curated environment give you a solid shot at witnessing one of nature’s most magical displays.

If you’re traveling to Whitehorse and want an elegant, educational, and enjoyable night out under the stars, this tour is a smart choice. It’s perfect for those who value comfort, authenticity, and a touch of Yukon luxury in their northern lights adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a professional guide, tripod rentals for photography, hot beverages, and s’mores to enjoy outdoors by the fire pit.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, starting around 10 pm and returning close to 2 am or later depending on the aurora activity.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Whitehorse hotel, provided you’re ready in the lobby or outside 10 minutes before departure.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What do I need to bring?
Warm clothing and layers are essential due to potentially extreme cold, which can go down to -30°C or colder. Tripod rentals are available if you don’t have your own.

Will I see the northern lights?
While the tour aims to maximize your chances, aurora viewing depends on weather and solar activity, so a sighting can’t be guaranteed.

In essence, this Whitehorse Northern Lights tour offers a refined, engaging way to experience one of the Yukon’s most stunning natural displays. It’s perfect for travelers seeking comfort, expert guidance, and a memorable Arctic night under the stars.