Whitehorse
Adventure travellers wanting aurora, dog sledding, and Yukon wilderness wildlife
About Whitehorse
Whitehorse is Yukon's capital and the largest northern city in Canada west of the Rockies. At 60.7°N, it sits just south of the optimal auroral zone, but the Yukon's exceptionally dry continental climate and dark skies make it one of the best aurora destinations in North America. The city is small enough to have minimal light pollution just minutes from the city centre, and the surrounding boreal wilderness offers stunning aurora backdrops. The famous Yukon Quest dog sled race (1,600km from Whitehorse to Fairbanks) runs every February, creating a thrilling spectacle alongside aurora watching. The Takhini Hot Springs allow you to soak in geothermally heated outdoor pools while watching for the aurora — a quintessential Yukon experience. Yukon wildlife — wolves, moose, caribou, bison — makes this one of the most wildlife-rich aurora destinations.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -18°C | 17h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -14°C | 13h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -7°C | 8h | Med |
| Apr | +2°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +17°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +19°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +17°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +8°C | 4h | Med |
| Oct | 0°C | 10h | Med |
| Nov | -9°C | 15h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -15°C | 17h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Direct flights from Vancouver (2.5h), Calgary, and Edmonton. Air North is the regional carrier. Whitehorse Airport serves year-round.
Cost Breakdown
Remote northern destinations (Yellowknife, Churchill) are pricier than southern hubs.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Northern Lights Lodges
- ✓Aurora Inn
- ✓Wilderness Cabins
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $155/day in Whitehorse. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
Official Channels
Packing List for Whitehorse
Interactive checklist with clothing layers, gear, and activity-specific items — based on real weather data.
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Whitehorse is rated 8/10 for aurora. Get a free email alert the moment Kp hits 5+ — so you never miss the lights.
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Compare Now →🏨Where to Stay(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Northern Lights Resort & Spa
41 Gentian Ln, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6L6, Canada
resort hotel
Hidden Valley Bed & Breakfast
40 Couch Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5W5, Canada
bed and breakfast
Inn On The Lake
Lot 76 McClintock Place, YT Y1A 7A1, Canada
hotelBest Western Gold Rush Inn
411 Main St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2B6, Canada
hotelYukon Inn
4220 4 Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0T2, Canada
innMidnight Sun Inn & Vacation Rentals
6188 6th Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1N8, Canada
hotelElite Hotel Downtown (Northern Light / Ski/Hot spring) ECO-FRIENDLY 2025 Excellent Hotel Certificate
COMMUNITY FRIENDLY, 206 Jarvis St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2J7, Canada
hotelCanadas Best Value Inn River View Hotel
102 Wood St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2E3, Canada
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Wolf's Den Restaurant & Offsales
90343 Alaska Hwy, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 7A1, Canada
restaurantBig Bear Eatery & Taphouse
4229 4 Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1K2, Canada
restaurantBurnt Toast Cafe
2112 2nd Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1B9, Canada
restaurantAntoinette's Restaurant
4121 4 Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1H7, Canada
fusion restaurantCooper's/Dirty Northern
103 Main St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6K6, Canada
pub🎯Things to Do(10)
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Muktuk Adventures - guided canoeing, hiking and dog sledding
Husky Trail, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 7A4, Canada
adventure sports center
EPIC NORTH Tour Experiences Inc.
41 Gentian Ln, Yukon 11028, Canada
tourist attraction
Whitehorse Who What Where Tours
NOT PUBLIC STOREFRONT, 5 Marion Crescent, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5S3, Canada
tour agencySky High Wilderness Ranch
2061 Fish Lake Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 4N2, Canada
hiking areaYukon Home And Tour
5178 5 Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2P3, Canada
tourist attractionYukon Wildlife Preserve
Takhini Hot Springs Rd, Yukon Y1A 7A2, Canada
wildlife refugeMiles Canyon
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5V8, Canada
scenic spotArctic Range Adventure
162 Titanium Way, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0G1, Canada
tourist information centerHow Does Whitehorse Compare?
Side-by-side breakdowns featuring Whitehorse
Dawson City vs Whitehorse
Two Yukon aurora destinations — the historic Gold Rush town versus the Yukon capital. Both offer outstanding aurora but very different town character.
Yellowknife vs Whitehorse for Northern Lights
Canada's two top aurora cities — Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and Whitehorse in the Yukon — both sit in the auroral zone with a thriving winter tourism scene. They're frequently compared by travellers planning a Canadian aurora trip.
Churchill vs Whitehorse for Northern Lights
Manitoba's polar bear town versus Yukon's capital — both are famous Canadian aurora destinations but couldn't be more different in character. Churchill is the more remote and specialist destination reached by rail or air; Whitehorse is a proper small city with road and air access.
Popular Activities in Whitehorse
Explore activity guides for everything you can do here
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