How to Chase the Northern Lights in the Yukon

The Yukon, with its vast wilderness and clear, dark skies, is one of the world’s premier destinations for witnessing the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Nestled just a mile from Mayo, our cozy suites & tents at Yukon Getaway offer the perfect base for chasing the Northern Lights while immersing yourself in the region’s tranquil beauty. 

Here’s your guide to planning an unforgettable aurora adventure, complete with tips, the best times to visit, and how to capture those ethereal lights on camera.

Why the Yukon for the Northern Lights?

The Yukon’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it a haven for aurora chasers. The historic Silver Trail to Keno City, surrounded by lush gardens and serene forests, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the dancing lights. At Yukon Getaway, you’ll stay in cozy suites or tents, meet friendly farm animals, and bask in the glow of the midnight sun during summer or the aurora in winter. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this is the perfect spot to experience the Yukon’s magic.

Best Time to Chase the Northern Lights

Timing is key for aurora viewing. Here’s when to plan your trip:

• Winter Months (November to March): The Yukon’s long, dark nights provide ideal conditions for aurora viewing. February and March are particularly prime, with clearer skies and milder temperatures (ranging from -20°C to 0°C). The aurora is most active around the equinoxes (late February to early March).

• Late Fall (September to October): Early fall offers a chance to see the aurora while enjoying slightly warmer weather and the Yukon’s stunning autumn colors. However, cloud cover can be more frequent.

• Midnight to 3 AM: The aurora is typically most active in the early morning hours, so plan to stay up late or set an alarm to catch the show.

  
  

Avoid planning around the full moon, as its brightness can dim the aurora’s vibrancy. Check aurora forecasts using apps like Aurora Alerts or websites like SpaceWeatherLive for real-time activity updates.

Tips for Chasing the Northern Lights

1. Choose a Dark Location: Stay at Yukon Getaway, just a mile from Mayo, where minimal light pollution ensures vivid aurora displays. The surrounding forests and open landscapes along the Silver Trail to Keno City offer unobstructed views of the sky.

2. Dress Warmly: Yukon winters can be frigid. Layer up with thermal base layers, insulated jackets, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. Bring hand and foot warmers for extra comfort during long nights outside.

3. Plan for Adventure and Relaxation: Combine aurora chasing with daytime activities like world-class fishing, hiking, or skiing. Explore scenic trails right from your cabin doorstep or cast a line in nearby rivers and lakes, renowned for some of the Yukon’s best fishing. For relaxation, unwind in the stillness of the forest, where the quiet nights enhance the aurora’s magic.

4. Stay Flexible: The aurora is unpredictable. Plan for multiple nights to increase your chances of a sighting and be prepared to adjust your schedule based on weather and aurora forecasts.

5. Join Local Experts: Consider guided aurora tours from Mayo or Keno City for insider knowledge on the best viewing spots and real-time aurora tracking. Local guides can also share stories about the Yukon’s history and Indigenous perspectives on the aurora.

   
   

Photo Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights

Capturing the aurora’s vibrant greens, purples, and reds requires some preparation, but even beginners can get stunning shots with the right approach:

1. Use a Tripod: The aurora requires long exposure shots (5–30 seconds), so a sturdy tripod is essential to keep your camera steady.

2. Choose the Right Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal, but modern smartphones with night mode (like iPhone 14/15 or Google Pixel) can also work. Set your camera to manual mode for full control.

3. Adjust Settings:

   • ISO: Start with ISO 800–3200, depending on aurora brightness and your camera’s performance.

   • Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to let in maximum light.

   • Shutter Speed: Experiment with 5–20 seconds. Shorter exposures capture fast-moving auroras, while longer ones enhance faint displays.

   • Focus: Set your lens to manual focus and focus on a distant star or the horizon to ensure sharp images.

4. Shoot in RAW: RAW files retain more detail, making it easier to adjust colors and exposure in post-processing.

5. Frame the Shot: Include elements of the Yukon landscape, like the forested trails or a cozy cabin silhouette, to add context and depth to your photos. The Silver Trail’s open vistas are perfect for this.

6. Stay Warm: Cold temperatures can drain camera batteries quickly, so keep spares in a warm pocket. Use a remote shutter release or timer to avoid shaking the camera.

7. Practice Patience: Take multiple shots and adjust settings as the aurora’s intensity changes. Post-process with software like Lightroom to enhance colors and reduce noise.

   
   

Make It a Yukon Getaway

Chasing the Northern Lights is just the beginning at Yukon Getaway. During the day, enjoy unique adventures like backcountry trekking or canoeing wild rivers, or traverse scenic trails to discover hidden gems in Mayo’s tranquil forests. For relaxation, soak in the stillness of long summer days or quiet winter nights, perfect for unwinding after aurora chasing.

Book your stay at our cozy suites or tents and experience the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply basking in the Yukon’s natural beauty, your Northern Lights getaway will be unforgettable.

Plan your trip now, pack your camera, and get ready to chase the aurora in the Yukon’s pristine wilderness!

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