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Itinerary · Yukon & Northwest Territories
Northern Lights Adventure
Five nights chasing the aurora from Whitehorse and Yellowknife.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Pace
- Easy
- Best months
- Late August – April
- Suggested cadence
- Two bases, slow nights
Trip overview
Two northern capitals, one aurora-rich week. This trip pairs the cultural depth of Whitehorse with the dark-sky perfection of Yellowknife's Aurora Village, giving you maximum chances of seeing the lights even if one base clouds over.
- Route summary
- Fly into Whitehorse, transit through Edmonton or Vancouver, finish in Yellowknife.
- Ideal traveller
- Photographers, winter travellers, bucket-list seekers.
- Recommended season
- Late August through April — peak clarity January through March.
- Distance
- Mostly air-based · ~1,800 km flying
- Provinces covered
- Yukon · Northwest Territories
- Major stops
- Whitehorse · Fish Lake · Yellowknife · Great Slave Lake
Route map
Suggested travel flow.
Mostly air-based · ~1,800 km flying
- 01
Stop 1 →
- 02
Stop 2 →
Fish Lake
- 03
Stop 3 →
- 04
Stop 4 · finish
Great Slave Lake
Route is approximate — pins show major stops only.
Day by day
The full itinerary.
Day
01
Overnight
Arrive Whitehorse
Overnight at the Edgewater Hotel. Dinner at Klondike Rib & Salmon.
Day
02
Overnight
Aurora night #1
Daytime tour of the SS Klondike. Late-night drive to Fish Lake for aurora viewing under near-total darkness.
Photo: Aurora over frozen Fish LakeDay
03
Whitehorse → Yellowknife
Fly via Edmonton. Settle into the Explorer Hotel. Dinner at Bullocks' Bistro in Old Town.
Day
04
Overnight
Yellowknife day + aurora #2
Walk Old Town in the morning, visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Aurora Village shuttle at 9 p.m.
Day
05
Overnight
Dog sledding + aurora #3
Half-day mushing on Great Slave Lake. Final aurora viewing under heated teepees.
Wildlife: Sled-dog teams; ravens overheadDay
06
Overnight
Depart Yellowknife
Morning flight home via Calgary or Edmonton.
Featured destinations
Places included in this trip.
Experiences
What you'll do along the way.
Photography
Aurora photography workshop
Adventure
Dog sledding on Great Slave Lake
Adventure
Takhini Hot Springs night soak
Travel planning
Everything you need before you go.
Best time to go
January–March for cold clarity; late August–September for aurora over open water.
Weather
−25 to −40 °C in midwinter. Dry cold — manageable with proper gear.
Packing
Parka, insulated boots, balaclava, glove liners + mitts, tripod, spare camera batteries (cold kills them).
Driving notes
Mostly transfers — no need to drive yourself unless heading down the Dempster.
Reservations
Aurora Village and reputable operators sell out for peak weeks 6+ months ahead.
Budget
CAD $4,000–$7,000 per person all-in for 6 nights including flights, parka rental, and tours.
Family
Suitable for kids 8+ who can handle the cold and late nights.
Accessibility
Aurora Village teepees are accessible from cleared paths; let operators know in advance.
Pack smart
What to bring.
- 01
Expedition-grade parka (most operators rent)
- 02
Insulated boots rated -40°C
- 03
Tripod and remote shutter
- 04
Hand & toe warmers, lots of them
Travel guides
Read before you go.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
Need help planning this trip?
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