Chasing the Northern Lights: My Life-Changing Journey in Yukon

When I booked my trip to Yukon this past February, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’d seen the Northern Lights before, once or twice back home in Nova Scotia, but nothing could have prepared me for the dazzling spectacle I witnessed in Canada’s North. What I experienced in Whitehorse on the 5-Day Aurora Borealis Tour was not just a trip; it was something that shifted how I see the world.

Getting to Whitehorse: Easier Than I Thought

I’ll be honest: when I first looked at flights from Halifax to Whitehorse, I hesitated. A cross-country journey in the middle of winter seemed daunting, especially at this stage in my life when I value comfort just as much as adventure. But the connections turned out to be smooth, and before I knew it, I was stepping off the plane into the crisp Yukon air.

Whitehorse itself surprised me. It felt welcoming and small enough to explore without stress, yet big enough to have a lively energy. There’s a sense of frontier spirit there, as though adventure is woven into daily life.

First Glimpse of the Aurora

On our first night heading out of Whitehorse, bundled up against the chill, I remember looking up at a sky so dark it felt infinite. And then, there the Aurora were. The Aurora started as soft ribbons of green, flickering shyly, almost like they were testing the air. Within minutes, they erupted into waves of vibrant greens and purples, twisting and stretching across the entire sky.

I had seen the Northern Lights before, but this was different. The sheer scale of it, the movement, the intensity… it was alive. I found myself laughing and crying at the same time. It felt impossible that something so beautiful could exist, and yet there it was, right above me.

Seeing the Aurora Borealis is a Bucket List Experience at Any Age

One of the things I loved most about this tour was how approachable it felt. As someone in my 50s, I sometimes wonder if certain adventures are “too much.” But this was exactly the kind of experience that reminded me that adventure doesn’t have an age limit. The days were gentle and left time to rest, while the nights were filled with magic.

During the day I scheduled some other activities that I had always thought looked fun: Dog-sledding, an outdoor spa with hot pools, and snowmobiling. In each case I did a half-day, as I knew I will have been up late and didn't want to feel tired or overwhelmed trying to do too much.

At night, out in the forest, a camaraderie developed, I think it comes with standing in the cold with a group of strangers, all staring at the sky in collective awe or anticipation. We shared stories, sipped hot drinks, and even learned a bit about the science and legends surrounding the Aurora. By the end of the trip, I felt like I’d made genuine connections, with both people and place.

Why Yukon?

For me, what made Yukon so special was the sense of remoteness. Out there, away from city lights, the stars blaze with an intensity I’ve never seen before, and when the Aurora dances across them, it feels like the universe is putting on a private show just for you.

Yes, it takes a bit of effort to get there from the East Coast. Yes, it’s cold. But standing there with my head tilted back, watching the night sky shimmer in green and violet, I knew with certainty: it was worth every kilometre.

Final Thoughts on the Aurora

I came home from Yukon with more than just photographs (though I do have hundreds of those!). I came home with a sense of perspective - a reminder of how big the world is, and how important it is to keep saying “yes” to experiences that pull us out of our comfort zones.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Aurora, don’t wait for “someday.” Go. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, this is one adventure that will stay with you for the rest of your life - contact the folks at 10Adventures, they can certainly help make it happen!

-Gail Anderson