8 Days • 7 Nights
Yukon & Northern Lights
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Chasing the Northern Lights under dark Arctic skies
- Dog-sledding across frozen wilderness
- Snowshoeing through silent boreal forest
- Soaking in hot springs beneath the aurora
- Gold-rush and First Nations heritage
- Some of the clearest dark skies on earth
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to the Yukon. You are met at Whitehorse airport and transferred to your hotel. After a welcome dinner, your first aurora viewing session begins beneath the dark northern sky.
A day exploring Whitehorse and the Yukon's gold-rush and First Nations heritage, the SS Klondike sternwheeler and cultural centre, with an evening aurora watch under clear skies.
A thrilling day learning to mush your own team of huskies across the frozen wilderness, gliding through snowy forests, followed by another night of aurora viewing.
A day of snowshoeing or a wildlife drive, and an evening soaking in the steaming Takhini Hot Springs beneath the stars, watching for the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
You transfer deeper into the wilderness to a remote aurora lodge, far from any light pollution, for the best possible viewing. Settle into cosy comfort with a warm dinner and night-sky watching.
A day of snowshoeing, wildlife tracking or simply relaxing by the fire, and a long night of aurora watching from the lodge under some of the darkest skies on earth.
Another day of Arctic adventure and a final magical night beneath the dancing Northern Lights, the highlight of any northern journey.
You transfer back to Whitehorse airport for your onward flight, having witnessed the greatest light show on earth.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and warm lodge meals on aurora nights
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- aurora viewing sessions with guides, a dog-sledding experience, snowshoeing, hot springs entry and cold-weather gear hire
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & eTA: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the Canadian Dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Sales taxes are usually added at the register rather than shown on the shelf
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada; budget around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Vast distances: Canada is enormous, so itineraries combine domestic flights, scenic rail and self-drive; if driving, Canadians drive on the right, and roads are excellent though mountain passes can see snow outside summer
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September) is ideal for the Rockies, the coasts and the cities, autumn brings spectacular colour to the east, and winter offers skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights in the north
- Weather & layers: Weather varies hugely by region and season, from warm summers to very cold winters; bring layers, and for the Rockies and the north, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer evenings
- Wildlife: Canada is superb for wildlife, from bears, elk and moose in the Rockies to whales on the coasts; keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and follow your guide's advice, especially in bear country
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended as healthcare is costly for visitors. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we guaranteed to see the Northern Lights?
The aurora is a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed, but the Yukon has some of the clearest, darkest skies and highest aurora activity on earth, and with multiple nights of viewing over a week, your chances are excellent.
When is the best time for the aurora?
The prime aurora season runs from late August to mid-April, when nights are dark, with winter (December to March) offering the longest nights and classic snowy scenery. This itinerary is designed for the winter season.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a rail-journey lunch. Canada's dining, from Pacific seafood to Quebecois cuisine, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
How do we cover Canada's vast distances?
We combine the best options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, iconic scenic rail such as the Rocky Mountaineer, and self-drive or private coach for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an eTA or visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an approved eTA before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June to September) is best for the Rockies, coasts and cities; autumn dazzles in the east with colour; and winter brings skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Canada is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and whales on the coasts. Our guides know where to look, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, mix rail, flights and self-drive, add the Northern Lights or the Maritimes, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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