Review: 4-Day Northern Lights Tour, Whitehorse From Vancouver

The Northern Lights. That celestial dance, is almost certainly on so many travel lists, that you know, a chance to witness them in person feels like grabbing a little piece of magic. Is that four-day Northern Lights tour from Vancouver to Whitehorse worth it, though? A good question, because it’s not exactly a weekend getaway. In this review, I’m going to share with you, basically, my thoughts on the experience, is that what to expect, is it just a few recommendations to help you decide if it’s, you know, that next adventure for you. Read our full review: Northern Lights Tour Whitehorse Full Review and Details

First Impressions: Vancouver to Whitehorse

Let’s begin this whole shebang. That first leg of this trip involves flying from Vancouver, which is a cool city, by the way, right up to Whitehorse, Yukon. The flight itself, might be that scenic journey that offers views of British Columbia’s varied landscape morphing into the wilder, untouched beauty of the Yukon. Upon arrival in Whitehorse, it is usually very, very obvious. Even getting to your accommodation, you’re probably feeling the, in a way, different vibe – more laid-back, that close to nature, basically. Now, of course, that tour usually takes care of that transfer from the airport, so, basically, you don’t have to stress about getting lost, which, I mean, I appreciate. A good start, really.

What’s the Accommodation Like?

After the flight, your Whitehorse digs are probably the next thing you’re gonna see. From my experience, a tour generally hooks you up in, often, like, comfy hotels or lodges. No, not necessarily ultra-luxurious, but clean, are they warm, very adequate after spending evenings out in search of those Lights. This location is also something to consider, it can be really far from some other things. Staying closer to Whitehorse lets you stroll around town a little easier. The food’s pretty good here too.

The Aurora Hunting Experience

Okay, really, what it all boils down to: is that chance to glimpse that Aurora Borealis. So, you should probably know, a big part of this trip involves late nights, very, very cold temperatures, that potential for a whole lotta waiting. Guides typically check the aurora forecast to get an idea, very, of where and when the lights might make an appearance. Viewing locations can vary from, just a little, open fields to lakeshores. So, you know, that advantage of being on a guided tour means someone else has done that research for you. They provide transportation to locations that enhance viewing, they get away from light pollution. Having a guide helps a lot, so to get pictures when you’ve no experience with a camera. Dress warm, of course.

A Nightly Routine

What you will soon find out, that many evenings go this way. You bundle up – thermal everything is what I suggest. Pile into a van, that rumble out of Whitehorse, chasing these fickle lights. Guides probably know a few viewing spots, are those dark and distant places where that city glow doesn’t mess with visibility. When you arrive, there might be a wait. Very, very cold waits, too. That might be a warm drink to pass around, the stories to share. But very, once those lights start shimmering and dancing? Worth it.

Photographing the Northern Lights: Tips and Tricks

Seeing those lights with your own eyes is just absolutely unreal, and, too it’s almost capturing them in a photograph. Pro tip, cell phone cameras often struggle, even. To grab those nice photos, consider this is what it’s all about: bring a camera that lets you adjust those settings like aperture and shutter speed. A tripod? Hugely important, actually, because you will want those long exposures without the blur. If you’re using your phone, that download that night mode app that, is that something. And just a little patience; that takes time to, more or less, nail that perfect shot. A very brief, is that the light you get. Otherwise, you could book a lesson that very tour offers, too.

Beyond the Lights: Daytime Activities

Alright, alright, it is that important you consider. Not all that trip is about watching that Aurora. Usually, it is included in that itinerary, daytime experiences give you a taste of the Yukon’s nature, that give you culture too. This is just a little fun. Dog sledding excursions offer you a thrilling ride through those snowy landscapes, and, too it’s almost you can visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, seeing creatures, is that they are. Optional snowmobiling. Not only will you have to pack your long johns, you have to consider packing your wallet for added expenses.

Exploring Whitehorse

Consider doing that walk around Whitehorse itself. While small, might be a history. You can see the SS Klondike National Historic Site is that really interesting old paddle-wheeler, and, too it’s almost you should wander Main Street. Pop into local shops, which aren’t always local, because that’s expensive, that see stuff, too. Don’t expect huge and wild. Whitehorse seems to be a comfy place that has some cool stories. It’s good to stroll around here for that break in the action, in a way.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Another fun thing to, in some respects, do, which this Preserve offers is, basically, a more intimate look at some that North American animals in natural, might be environments. A good photo, for example, might give that perspective you just cannot get from a zoo. Take that stroll, maybe learn something of animals. Some are rather rare, you will probably see that somewhere.

What to Pack

The Yukon in winter isn’t playing around. A very serious prep list can guarantee you will have a more pleasant trip, which is kinda fun. This means several thermal layers are probably a start. Also, an insulated coat, and snow pants, for those long, possibly hours in the cold is an okay start, really. You should also include warm, is that your waterproof boots. Get yourself these for your hands, is that an absolute must too. Seriously, you’ll need to keep those fingers from going numb so that you can do all your things, maybe taking those pictures.

Gear Recommendations

Beyond clothes, bring just a little stuff too. This little thing can matter in that cold. Consider bringing that thermos with that little warm drink can provide warmth, or, basically, some comfort when you wait, I am saying. Is that charger very important, you know, because you should know what happens. Those phone batteries lose juice in those temps. Little warm packs are easy too, as you know. Bring these for that comfort.

Is that Tour Worth the Price?

Alright, this trip does cost some dollars. So it is very understandable that we should examine it very carefully. You should, after considering everything is laid out very right in front of you, determine if it is really a worthwhile consideration. It’s absolutely convenient to just have things planned, transport, is that included, lodging is probably ready, as you already know. And you’ve probably gotten advice, too. You might even book a dog-sled ride at the drop of a hat, if they haven’t all sold out. Still, might be something extra on top of things to purchase.

Seeing that Aurora is hardly some absolute guarantee. Very rarely, as anyone might expect. A little flexible. Prepare to think very cautiously if Aurora’s absolute vision must appear on things, too, instead.

Other Considerations

So you get out, think just a little more of this, here is just a little more on your plate. Travel’s never easy, might have some hiccup now, so what now?

Travel Insurance

Do not skip on these details! It’s no game, a sudden cancel probably leaves, may give huge damages in monetary forms with just a blink of time’s existence here on planet Earth. Make sure the firm pays those cancel causes in sudden conditions if needed here so badly, or you get rekt.

Best Time to Visit

Winters get some awesome sights with cold nights that can do something that affects them, that November gets, and might give that potential display just from behind to get done just right and well, very in that time and time ahead from days that passes so well and properly too as always, in a way too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I see the Northern Lights from Vancouver?

Seemingly, if it could, not always in reality due how bad Vancouver gets that little thing from the town to view from here.

How cold does it get in Whitehorse in winter?

Think of bringing some anti-chill items with protection against this. What some folks might endure that can withstand to great degrees; probably, get some layer clothes!

Are flights included in the tour price?

See prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Flights details)

What if the Northern Lights don’t appear?

A sight’s probability may have a slight amount not from viewing those awesome moments, so what can they possibly guarantee from viewing.

Do I need a special camera?

Those camera sets and models can affect viewing; otherwise, if needed; bring these!