Best Aurora Viewing Spots in Yukon and Alaska

Where to Witness the Magic of the Northern Lights

There are few experiences on Earth as breathtaking as standing beneath the dancing ribbons of the Aurora Borealis. In Yukon and Alaska, the northern skies come alive with shades of green, pink, and violet that seem to ripple across the stars. Whether you’re chasing your first glimpse or returning for another unforgettable season, these two regions offer some of the best Northern Lights viewing anywhere in the world.

✨ What Makes Yukon & Alaska So Special for Aurora Viewing

The Yukon and Alaska sit directly beneath the Auroral Oval — the zone where geomagnetic activity is strongest. This means you don’t need to travel far into the Arctic Circle to see the lights; even areas close to Whitehorse or Fairbanks regularly experience dazzling aurora displays from late August through April.

But beyond geography, there’s something deeply soulful about watching the aurora here. The stillness of frozen lakes, the crisp winter air, and the sound of snow crunching underfoot all add to the moment’s magic.

🗓️ Best Time to See the Northern Lights

While the aurora can technically appear any night of the year, your chances of witnessing it are best between late August and mid-April, when nights are long and dark.

September – October: Early season auroras with mild temperatures and vibrant fall colors — a perfect blend for photography.
November – February: Peak season for clear skies and high solar activity. Dress warm — nights are extremely cold, but the lights are often the most vivid.
March – April: Late winter brings longer twilight and milder weather, great for combining aurora viewing with outdoor adventures like dog sledding or ice fishing.

For the clearest skies, aim for cold, cloudless nights away from city lights — ideally when there’s little to no moonlight.

📍 Top Aurora Viewing Spots in Yukon

1. Whitehorse

The capital of Yukon is one of the easiest and most accessible places to view the Northern Lights. Stay just outside the city where light pollution fades — many lodges even offer aurora wake-up calls.

Chadburn Lake Road – Quiet and dark, only 15 minutes from downtown.
Fish Lake – A local favorite with open skies and reflections on the frozen lake.

2. Takhini Hot Springs

Combine relaxation and magic at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, just 30 minutes from Whitehorse. Soak in warm, mineral-rich pools while the aurora dances overhead — truly one of the most relaxing viewing experiences in the North.

3. Kluane National Park

For the ultimate wilderness backdrop, Kluane offers wide, open skies surrounded by mountains and glaciers. The reflections of the aurora over Kathleen Lake or Dezadeash Lake are unforgettable — perfect for long-exposure photography.

📍 Top Aurora Viewing Spots in Alaska

1. Fairbanks

Often called “Aurora Capital of Alaska,” Fairbanks offers one of the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights. With over 200 aurora nights a year, it’s a top destination for dedicated sky watchers.

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Famous for its geothermal pools and nightly aurora shows. Visit Site
Murphy Dome – A panoramic viewpoint just 30 km from Fairbanks, ideal for photographers.

2. Denali National Park

If you’re visiting in early spring or late autumn, Denali offers surreal views of the aurora above Alaska’s highest peak. While the park is quieter in winter, its lack of light pollution makes it an incredible spot for aurora seekers who prefer solitude.

3. Talkeetna

Halfway between Anchorage and Denali, this charming town combines rustic lodges, snow-covered cabins, and frequent aurora sightings — all without big crowds.

📷 Tips for the Best Aurora Experience

Bring a tripod and camera with manual settings. Use long exposures (10–20 seconds) with ISO 800–1600.
Dress in layers. Temperatures often drop below –20°C (–4°F).
Avoid bright lights. Even phone screens can affect your night vision.
Be patient. Auroras often peak after midnight, and cloud breaks can happen suddenly.
Download an Aurora Forecast App like My Aurora Forecast or check the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

🏕️ Where to Book Aurora Tours

In Yukon:

Northern Tales Travel Services – Offers guided aurora viewing packages from Whitehorse. Visit Site
Up North Adventures – Combines winter activities like snowshoeing and aurora watching. Visit Site

In Alaska:

Alaska Aurora Adventures – Small-group tours with professional photography guidance. Visit Site
Chena Hot Springs Resort Tours – Aurora viewing and geothermal spa in one experience. Visit Site

🌠 Final Thoughts

Watching the Northern Lights in Yukon or Alaska is a moment that stays with you forever — a reminder of how vast and beautiful our planet truly is. It’s the hush before the sky ignites, the collective gasp of wonder, and the feeling that time has stopped — even just for a few seconds.

So pack your camera, bundle up, and head north. Because up here, beneath the shimmering lights of the aurora, the world feels endless — and every night promises something extraordinary.