CANADA - Discover Whitehorse and experience the Aurora Borealis

This is a 5 day getaway with other BC locals to Whitehorse. By day you will learn about the First Nations culture in the Yukon. By night you watch for mother natures dancing shoes as you enjoy the Aurora Borealis.

Today meet your group at the Vancouver Airport to depart to Whitehorse. We will travel as a group on local Yukon airline, Air North. Enjoy Yukon hospitality right from the start.

Upon arrival into Whitehorse, also named the Wilderness City, you will find it nestled on the banks of the famous Yukon River surrounded by mountains and pristine lakes. In 2011, the World Health Organization ranked Whitehorse #1 for cleanest air in the world. Whitehorse got its name when gold seekers thought the Miles Canyon’s wild rapids resembled the manes of charging white horses.

Upon arrival in Whitehorse, our group will take a private transfer to our downtown accommodation. You will have time to settle into your comfortable room in an historic location. Later, we enjoy a 'get acquainted' dinner with our fellow travellers.

This evening, we have a late departure for Northern Lights viewing at the Aurora Centre, in the comfort of insulated yurts with a steaming hot drink in hand. The location has pristine, unhindered views across the horizon which lets you enjoy the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis to its fullest. When we stand under the Yukon sky surrounded by mile upon mile of Yukon's wilderness, we can't help but think of what the ancients and ancestors may have thought as they too stood spell bound by the Northern Lights. It's little wonder that they believed the Northern Lights to be the spirits of the departed or the Gods themselves. Yukon is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights “colourful bands of light that dance in the dark night sky”. While the Northern Lights occur year-round, mid summer's near-constant daylight makes seeing them impossible to see. In the autumn, winter and early spring however, clear, dark nights lend themselves to stunning displays.

The Edgewater Hotel is conveniently located on the historic corner of Main and Front streets in Whitehorse. This property has a history and this has been reflected throughout the property. You can be sure of a comfortable sleep, as it was renovated in 2017 to ensure a sound slumber after a night of Aurora Borealis viewing. You can be sure to avoid crowds here, as the whole hotel only has 33 rooms!

Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we will do a short orientation walk along the pleasant riverfront pathways, as well the Main Street to get our bearings.

Then at your leisure you will visit the McBride Museum and Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Entry into both centres are included in your package.

The McBride Museum is Yukon's only history museum. It is dedicated to sharing the stories and events that have been the history of the Yukon. It recently has been expanded and includes 40,000 objects. The galleries illustrate stories from Yukon First Nations, the natural world, the Klondike Gold Rush and more. The Icons gallery showcases our unforgettable places and the amazing people who built modern Yukon. It is also home to incredible art pieces, including a Ted Harrison collection and the Northern Lights icicles. Take it all in through engaging programs, events, music and storytelling.

The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is situated on the banks of the Chu Nínkwän (Yukon River), the Cultural Centre is a place where the heritage and contemporary way of life of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation is celebrated. Here, we gather in this cultural home to share stories and experiences from ancestors dating back thousands of years, and learn more about indigenous traditions, customs, and way of life.

During the day you can choose where you dine for lunch and dinner, make sure to ask your morning guide for recommendations! Ensure you are back at the hotel by 8:00pm to take private transportation to go the site for Aurora Borealis viewing.

Today, choose how you would like to spend your day, we have a range of activities to choose from to truly personalise your Canadian North experience.

Option #1 - Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing

Partake in this wonderful Snowmobiling adventure to an Ice Fishing experience that also includes a hearty lunch, snacks, and hot drinks. If you are looking for a little more adventure but also want to spend some time relaxing in the beautiful Yukon backcountry, this combined snowmobile and ice fishing tour is a great choice! After everyone has filled out their fishing license and received their helmet, our guide will provide instruction on safe snowmobile operation. The beautiful mountain scenery will captivate us as we cruise across the smooth, snow-covered landscape around the lake. The use of snowmobiles gives participants the chance to see more of the backcountry, while also making it easier to visit multiple fishing spots.

Option #2 - Snowmobiling experience

This tour gives you the chance to explore some of the numerous trails in the Whitehorse area by snowmobile. We will start with an introduction to safe snowmobile riding and handling prior to departure, then it is off to the trails! If you desire, we can stop to take in the scenery or snap some pictures. Snacks and refreshments will be served along the way. Your experienced guide can interpret animal tracks or tell exciting winter lore.

This is a half day activity, therefore your afternoon is at your leisure.

Option #3 - Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to enjoy the tranquility of the Yukon wilderness and to photograph the stunning Yukon landscape. On our half day snowshoeing tour, you’ll get to strap on a pair of lightweight modern snowshoes and experience the rugged backcountry just like the gold miners, trappers and fur traders of days gone by. Tour visits a scenic location in the Whitehorse area backcountry. Wildlife such as spruce grouse, foxes, coyotes, and snowshoe hares is occasionally spotted at a distance. Guided tour includes transfers, snowshoes, warm beverage, and a snack.

Option #4 - Late night Aurora viewing

If you didn't get enough the previous two night, then you can add an extra night of viewing to your package. You will leave the hotel at about 8pm and in the comfort of insulated yurts with a steaming hot drink in hand you can view the dancing lights in the sky. The location has pristine, unhindered views across the horizon which lets you enjoy the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis to its fullest.

This morning we head out to enjoy a fun-filled morning experiencing one of the Yukon’s traditional winter forms of transportation...Dog Sledding! After meeting our teams of Alaskan huskies, we will assist in harnessing and hooking them up to the sled, and then we hit the trail! We will take a gentle ride through the serene Whitehorse area backcountry, allowing us to take in the majesty and beauty of the Yukon.

This afternoon is free to explore Whitehorse at your leisure, with time for shopping or more exploring! Ensure to check out the glass blowing store in town - it is warm and has the most beautiful souvenirs to take home. We will meet tonight for a group dinner to celebrate our time spent in this beautiful area!

After a busy long weekend, head home to Vancouver with your small group. The group will take private transportation to the airport in time for our morning flight. You will take with you many memories of your visit to Canada's north.

Reserve your spot in this small group adventure.