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Fall Colours and Northern Lights in the Yukon

Length

6 days / 5 nights

Hotel type

Downtown hotel

Nights of viewing

4 nights

Where it goes

When to go

August - October

Price from

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  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
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Aurora borealis in Canada during the fall

On this exciting five-night vacation, travel from Vancouver to Whitehorse. Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon territory, one of Canada’s top Northern Lights viewing destinations. During the day, admire the golden trees as you venture outdoors on your style of tour. At night, look up at the sky in search of the aurora.

Top experiences and features

two adults walk along the rocky shore of Kathleen Lake, Yukon with snowcapped mountains in background

Visit Kluane National Park

Choose to explore Kluane National Park on a guided tour. The park is known for having the largest non-polar ice field.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Guided Northern Lights viewing experiences
Unique guided activities such as dogcarting, city tours and more
Return airfare from Vancouver to Whitehorse
Transfers in Whitehorse, between airport and hotel
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Although Whitehorse, and the Yukon in general, is an incredible spot for Northern Llghts viewing, the lights aren’t visible every night. Your chances are high, but because this is nature, nothing is guaranteed.

The two main ways to get to the Yukon are by car or by plane. Most travellers either fly into Whitehorse or drive up from B.C.

Our vacations are not typically escorted. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of independent travel.

This allows you, with the help of our travel experts, to personalize your trip to suit your interests, timeframe, and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

An exception to this is our Northern Lights vacations in Churchill. These are hosted trips. On these trips, you will be with the same group for each day of your trip and have a daily activity schedule. A local guide will be with you and almost all meals are included.

We partner with a number of hotels and accommodation providers across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Northern Lights vacations include stays in small cities and remote locations, so there is not the same amount of choice as there would be in bigger cities. Choosing accommodation is based on local availability and personal preference.

As Northern Lights viewing experiences take place at night, there is plenty of time in the day for other activities. Tour and activity options depend on the season and the location. In the winter, go dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice fishing. In the fall, go hiking, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing. There are opportunities to learn about local culture and history too.

Our Northern Lights trips can accommodate children, but there may be a minimum age for some day tours. Winter clothing rentals may be harder to obtain for some ages. It’s important to note that Northern Lights viewing happens late at night, so it may be tiring for some children. Please ask one of our Vacation Advisors for your options.

You can photograph the Northern Lights, but you will need a tripod and preferably a DSLR camera where you can control the shutter speed. A wide angle lens is also recommended to capture their full scope.

The Northern Lights are most commonly a greenish-yellow hue, though they can appear pink, red, blue and even violet.

Trip Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.
Indicates featured activities
Arrive in Vancouver
Day 01

Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city, surrounded by mountains and ocean.  

Into the north – Vancouver to Whitehorse
Day 02

Into the north – Vancouver to Whitehorse

Head north to Whitehorse, one of North America's best Northern Lights (aurora borealis) viewing locations. Whitehorse has low precipitation levels — it is practically a desert — which means little cloud cover and maximum viewing time!  

  • Flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse
  • Transfer from Whitehorse Airport

    A friendly guide will take you to your hotel. After check-in, there is a short evening information session.

  • Aurora Viewing

    Head away from the city for a chance to see the Northern Lights. A heated, cozy cabin or wall tent is available for your comfort. Hot drinks, snacks, and transfers to and from your hotel are provided.  

Discover Whitehorse
Day 03

Discover Whitehorse

Explore the Yukon's largest city, set on the mighty Yukon river. Learn about the history of Whitehorse, the land and its people. Finish your day by gazing into the dark sky and searching for the aurora borealis.  

  • Whitehorse City Tour

    With a local guide, explore the Yukon's capital city and visit sites such as the SS Klondike, Main Street, Schwatka Lake, and the Old Log Church. See fantastic street murals and learn about the city's rich culture and history 

  • Yukon Wildlife Preserve with Optional Hot Springs Visit

    Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and see Dall sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, woodland caribou, wood bison, musk-ox, and moose. Afterwards, soak in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs and admire the beautiful winter landscape.

    If your party includes children, or you'd prefer not to visit the hot springs, a Wildlife Preserve-only tour runs every other day of the week.

  • Aurora Viewing
Outdoor adventures in Whitehorse
Day 04

Outdoor adventures in Whitehorse

Spend the day outdoors and admire the beautiful scenery and fall foliage. Later, enjoy another evening of Northern Lights viewing.  

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Taste of Dogcarting and Walking Tour
  • Half Day Dog Carting Experience
  • Aurora Viewing
Further adventures in the Yukon
Day 05

Further adventures in the Yukon

Spend one final day in Whitehorse. Hugged by the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is the perfect base for outdoor adventures. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Kluane National Park Full Day Tour
  • Skagway, Alaska Full Day Tour

    Enjoy a guided tour to Alaska's coastal town of Skagway. Travel through the Southern Lakes area, visit the First Nations historic settlement of Carcross, before continuing through White Pass. Skagway is known for its Gold Rush history, beautiful mountain backdrop, and colourful buildings.

  • Southern Lakes and Gold Rush Tour
  • Aurora Viewing
Return to the West Coast – Whitehorse to Vancouver
Day 06

Return to the West Coast – Whitehorse to Vancouver

Your Yukon Fall experience finishes as you head to the airport for your flight back to Vancouver. Watch the changing landscape on your journey to the West Coast. Your Northern Lights vacations ends upon arrival at Vancouver Airport.

  • Transfer to Whitehorse Airport
  • Flight from Whitehorse to Vancouver

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, selected activities, and hotel. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodations
3 Star
Activities and Northern Lights Viewing
Fully Guided
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
The exterior of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Example of a Deluxe hotel at Vancouver Airport

Located above the US departures terminal, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport is perfect for an overnight stay before or after a flight. The luxury hotel features soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows, diverse dining options, and an indoor pool and spa.

Personalize this itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Stay longer in  Vancouver

Stay longer in Vancouver

Vancouver's mild climate, large outdoor spaces and diverse neighbourhoods attract visitors year-round. Add on a couple of extra nights here, so you have time to explore the city.

Discuss your Northern Lights tour with a Canadian travel expert

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