If you’re dreaming of catching the northern lights and want more than just a fleeting glance, this 4-day Aurora Viewing Tour from Whitehorse might catch your eye. Offered by Jupiter Legend Corporation, it promises a mix of city sights and dedicated aurora experiences — all wrapped up in comfortable hotel stays and guided by pros. It’s an experience that many find memorable, but it’s worth unpacking what you actually get before you book.
What really appeals to us about this trip is the combination of Whitehorse city exploration and multiple aurora viewing opportunities—that’s a rare balance. Plus, staying in a heated log cabin to watch the lights is a cozy, immersive touch that many travelers rave about. On the flip side, the tour isn’t meant for those in wheelchairs or looking for adrenaline-fueled activities, so it’s fairly laid-back and accessible to most with no mobility concerns.
One thing to consider is that some of your time is reserved for optional activities at additional costs, which can add up if you’re tempted to try everything. Still, if your main goal is to see the northern lights with knowledgeable guides and a comfortable base, this ticks a lot of boxes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a mix of culture, nature, and a bit of luxury without the rough-and-tumble adventure vibe.
If the idea of cozy nights watching the aurora from a heated cabin, combined with a relaxed city tour, sounds appealing, this tour could be a great match. It’s not just about the lights — it’s about experiencing Whitehorse and its surroundings at a gentle, manageable pace. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect.
Key Points
- Multiple Aurora Viewings: The tour offers three chances to see the northern lights, increasing your odds of catching them in their full glory.
- City and Culture: You’ll explore Whitehorse, including highlights like the historic steamship “Klondike” and local landmarks, giving you context beyond just the lights.
- Comfort Focus: Accommodation in a hotel and watching the aurora from a heated log cabin makes for a cozy, stress-free experience.
- Flexible Free Day: The second day allows you to explore Whitehorse at your own pace or try optional activities at extra costs.
- Guided Experience: A professional driver and guide lead the tour, providing local insight and ensuring smooth logistics.
- Affordable Price Point: At $511 per person, it offers a reasonable way to experience the Yukon’s winter magic without overspending.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
Planning more time in Whitehorse? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour kicks off in Whitehorse with a city tour that highlights both the natural and historical charm of the area. You’ll visit the Yukon River, which lends the city its name, and learn about the region’s gold rush history through the steamship “Klondike” — a relic from the days when prospectors flocked to the Yukon. This gives you a tangible sense of the local heritage, which isn’t always easy to find in strictly nature-focused trips.
Your guide will also take you to iconic local sites such as the White Horse Iron Plastic, a symbolic figure representing the city, as well as the log church and a log skyscraper, both of which add to Whitehorse’s rustic charm. If you’re interested in local crafts and souvenirs, the city’s fur products, gold jewelry, and mammoth ivory items available here are quite special.
Aurora Viewing Experience
The prime highlight — and the main reason most travelers sign up — is the opportunity to see the northern lights. Around 10:00 PM, you’ll head to a heated log cabin camp. This setup is perfect because it offers warmth, hot drinks, and snacks while you wait for the spectacular display overhead. Many reviews mention how magical it is to watch the aurora dance while comfortably bundled up inside a cozy cabin, sometimes even catching it from the porch after stepping outside briefly.
The tour includes three aurora viewings over three nights — two during the camp stays and one from your hotel. This is a notable advantage since aurora sightings are notoriously unpredictable. By spreading out the chances, your odds increase, making it more likely you’ll witness the aurora in her full, colourful glory.
Hotel and Free Exploration Days
The accommodation is at the Elite Hotel Downtown or similar — a centrally located hotel offering basic comfort and easy access to Whitehorse’s attractions. On the second day, you’re free to wander around at your own pace, whether that’s revisiting a favorite spot, shopping, or relaxing at a local café. If you’re up for it, there are optional activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding, but these come at additional costs and are not included in the base price.
More Great Tours NearbyPracticalities and Logistics
The tour provides 24-hour free airport transportation, which eases arrival and departure plans. The transportation during the tour is professional, with vehicles suited to the group size, ensuring a smooth experience. The group size isn’t specified, but smaller groups generally make for a more intimate experience, and the guide’s local knowledge becomes more personalized.
Accommodation details mention rooms with two full, double, king, or queen beds, with a maximum of four per room. This setup is quite practical for groups or couples. If traveling with more than four, separate bookings might be necessary.
Additional Costs and Optional Activities
While the core experience is solid, keep in mind that many optional activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, or wildlife preserves are extra. For instance, the Whitehorse Aurora Viewing costs about USD91 / CAD120 per person, which is a decent value considering it’s a dedicated aurora experience.
Food isn’t included, so budgeting for meals is important. The tour emphasizes local winter gear rental (USD91 / CAD120 for three nights), which might be helpful if you’re traveling light.
What We Like (and What We Don’t)
We really appreciate the balance of city and nature in this tour — you get a sense of Whitehorse’s history and culture alongside the outdoor, aurora-focused nights. The cozy, heated cabin is a highlight, especially for those who dislike waiting outside in freezing temperatures. The multiple viewing opportunities are a smart touch, increasing your chances to see the lights.
On the downside, the trip is not suited for wheelchair users, and the optional excursions, while tempting, can quickly add to your costs if you opt-in. Also, since the aurora is weather-dependent, there’s no guarantee of a sighting, but the multiple nights help mitigate this risk.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed yet immersive experience that combines city sights with multiple chances to see the northern lights. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience without the hassle of planning every detail. If your main goal is to see the aurora in comfort, this package offers a good shot at that. It also suits those interested in a touch of Yukon history and culture.
However, if you’re after high-adrenaline adventures or have mobility issues, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, if you’re heavily into independent travel or prefer to design your own itinerary, the structured nature of this tour might feel limiting.
From Whitehorse:4-Day Aurora Viewing Tour with Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but since it involves late-night aurora viewing and outdoor winter activities, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can handle the cold and late hours.
How many nights will I spend in Whitehorse?
You’ll stay three nights in a hotel, with three aurora viewings scheduled, providing multiple chances to catch the lights.
What’s included in the price?
The $511 covers hotel accommodations, transportation, professional guides, and three aurora viewings. Meals and optional activities are extra.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing for winter, plus cash for optional expenses. It’s wise to be prepared for cold nights outside and possibly some snow.
Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan for that. You may want to bring snacks and money for local dining options.
Is transportation provided from the airport?
Yes, the tour includes 24-hour free airport pickup and drop-off services at Whitehorse Airport.
Are there any age or health restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and it involves outdoor winter activities which might not suit everyone with health restrictions.
What other optional activities can I do?
Activities like ice fishing, snow projects, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are available at additional costs, offering a chance to customize your Yukon experience.
This 4-day Whitehorse tour offers a balanced mix of culture, relaxation, and nature-focused aurora viewing, all with a good level of comfort. It’s a solid choice for those who want a memorable northern adventure without the rougher, more strenuous excursions. Whether you’re chasing the lights or exploring the Yukon’s history, this trip provides a relaxed, guided way to enjoy it all.
You can check availability for your dates here: