Northern Lights Winter Adventure in Whitehorse - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse, Visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center, Aurora Viewing

Welcome to the Yukon! You'll land in the remote city of Whitehorse, northern Canada's largest city and a former Klondike gold rush boom town, where your private driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your accommodation. This charming and historic town has plenty of treasures to explore, so you'll hit the ground running—you only have six hours of daylight in the dead of winter, but you're here to see what the cold months are like this far north! 

Start with a glimpse of Whitehorse's history at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center. You'll learn more about First Nations heritage and culture in northern Canada, which spans across the Yukon, although the focus at KDCC is centered on the Kwanlin Dün peoples. Walk through the exhibits, which feature artifacts, traditional clothing, and artwork, among other culturally important objects. Afterward, try to sneak in a nap back at the hotel in preparation for tonight's adventures. At 10 pm, you'll bundle up and head out on a private, four-hour tour in search of your first glimpse of the northern lights. 

Day 2: Dogsledding Excursion, Aurora Viewing

Start your second day by partaking in a centuries-old tradition—dogsledding. You'll be put in charge of your own dog team and learn the ropes from a local guide, but ultimately, these canine companions know exactly what to do as you sit back and enjoy the ride. Watch as the frozen scenery passes you by, taking in the pristine wilderness and looking out for wildlife along the trail. Celebrate your status as a dogsledding pro with hot cocoa at the end and a chance to ask your guide any burning questions. 

Tonight is your second evening dedicated to seeking out the northern lights. This time, you'll be whisked out to a heated cabin to hide out in while you wait for the verdant ribbons of light to appear in the sky. Sip cocoa and nibble on snacks until you see a soft glow appearing on the horizon. If tonight does happen to be your lucky night, the vibrant colors will begin to dance in shades of bright green, pink, and even purple.

Day 3: Skiing at Mount Sima, Soak in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Head to Mount Sima this morning for some fun on the slopes. With expansive views of the surrounding mountains and untouched winter landscapes, this is the premier winter sports area in Whitehorse. Even if you're not a seasoned skier or snowboarder, Mount Sima offers gradual hills and both private and group lessons. You'll find plenty of gear rentals at the shop so don't worry about lugging along any equipment. For all your après ski needs, make a beeline for The Lodge to grab cocoa or a glass of wine at the full bar.

After your ski slope adventures, warm up at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. Previously known as the Takhini Hot Springs, the naturally occurring, mineral-rich water is channeled into the pools, including a large outdoor pool and several smaller, more private pools with temperatures ranging from 96.8°F (36°C) to 107.6°F (42°C). They use a combination of both Japanese and Scandinavian methods geared toward rejuvenating the body. The spa also offers saunas, steam rooms, cold pools, and meditation rooms, along with yoga classes and tasty treats at the Hot Rock Cafe.

Day 4: Visit the Northern Lights Resort & Spa

Spend your fourth day in the Yukon soaking up the beautiful scenery at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa. While it's not hard to guess what these cozy cabins are great for by night, by day, you'll have the opportunity to relax at the spa, indulge in a delicious meal, and take part in activities like snowmobiling. Whether you decide to head back out into the cold or hole up for a massage and sauna session, today is sure to be all about rejuvenating both body and soul. 

Tonight is one of your last chances to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. You'll have a front-row view of the sky at one of the glass chalets, which offers wraparound windows that surround the bed, so you don't even have to leave your room to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime light display. For a 4D view, head out to the front porch of the chalet to experience the northern lights dancing across the star-studded sky. 

Day 5: Yukon Wildlife Preserve Tour, Ice Fishing & Snowshoeing Excursion

Your last hurrah in the Yukon kicks off with a group tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. You'll hop on a bus with your expert wilderness guide, who knows exactly where to find the creatures that call the preserve home. Keep your eyes peeled for a vast array of animals like the arctic fox, wood bison, woodland caribou, moose, musk ox, and Canada lynx, among many others. Make sure to grab your camera, as there will be plenty of opportunities to safely capture a picture or two along the way. After the tour, stop by the Wildlife Research and Rehabilitation Center to learn more about their efforts to aid injured and orphaned animals.

Round out your incredible experience in the Yukon with one last winter activity. With the help of a private guide, you'll cross a frozen lake with snowshoes, learning firsthand why this awkward footwear is ideal for covering long distances in heavy snow. After this brief workout, you'll venture onto the lake and arrive at a hole in the ice, carved out using an ice drill. Gather around this portal into a freezing, watery world and start your second phase of this winter excursion—ice fishing. If you're lucky, you might snag a fresh lake trout.

Day 6: Depart Whitehorse

It's time to wave goodbye to Whitehorse and the northern lights. Hop in your private transfer and head to the airport to catch your flight home—or elsewhere. Safe travels!

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