Dream Destinations & Embracing the Sub-Zero Cold

I don’t have bucket lists; I have Dream Destinations and Dream Experiences. The Yukon held both for me. It is a territory I had long dreamed of visiting for a pure winter escape, and my number-one lifetime travel goal was to witness the Aurora Borealis in person.

Tourism Yukon recently hosted an intimate Destination Immersion Journey. I was fortunate to join our Tourism Yukon lead, Maurine Forlin, alongside three fellow travel specialists, for three full days and four nights to experience firsthand why the territory’s tagline resonates so deeply: “It’s a different world up here.”

Yukon in the winter is not for the faint of heart. Temperatures regularly drop well below zero, sometimes plunging to -40°F. Unless you reside in an arctic climate, renting commercial-grade winter expedition apparel is an absolute necessity. Even with premium down gear, fingers and toes can chill quickly when wind kicks up. Layering is paramount, and casual warmth defines northern hospitality. Is confronting the cold worth it? Absolutely, unequivocally YES!

Wilderness Luxury: Southern Lakes Resort & Northern Hospitality

Our expedition base for the first portion of the journey was the idyllic Southern Lakes Resort & Restaurant, located approximately 90 minutes south of Whitehorse on the shores of Tagish Lake. Tucked into the boreal forest, the resort features rustic-chic log cabins equipped with panoramic lake-facing windows, wood finishes, and cozy heating.

One of the biggest surprises was the food. Given how remote and rugged the Yukon is, I anticipated hearty, basic stews. Instead, we were treated to exquisite, artfully plated multi-course dinners paired with fine wines at Southern Lakes Resort, and later enjoyed vibrant, contemporary northern cuisine at Coopers in downtown Whitehorse.

Even getting there is a delight: Air North, Yukon’s hometown airline, exemplifies old-school aviation charm. Even on a short flight between Vancouver and Whitehorse, flight attendants serve complimentary fresh meals accompanied by warm, freshly baked cookies!

Snowmobiling Frozen Tagish Lake & Mushing with Boreal Kennels

Winter vacation days in the Yukon revolve around thrilling outdoor activities. Our itinerary began with a 2-hour snowmobiling excursion across the vast expanse of frozen Tagish Lake and through dense pine forests. With heated handlebars and responsive machines, no previous experience was required; after a quick safety overview, we were gliding across snowdrifts with mountain views in every direction.

The following day elevated the adrenaline considerably: a 4-hour dog sledding trek with Boreal Kennels. We were not merely passive passengers tucked under blankets; we were active mushers driving our own teams of eager Canadian huskies!

Driving a sled requires active body mechanics: shifting your weight on corners, leaning hard to prevent the sled from tipping along steep mountain ridges, and stepping with full body weight on the metal drag brake as the dogs sprint down descents. Within the first 200 yards, I lost my balance and toppled into a powder drift alongside my passenger! We dusted off, laughed, climbed back on, and navigated over exposed frozen rail tracks and forest trails. My glasses, eyebrows, and the dogs' whiskers quickly frosted over in the frigid air—an authentic, exhilarating polar rush.

Wildlife Viewing & Thermal Bliss at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Following days of active adventure, our schedule shifted toward tranquil relaxation. We visited the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, located 25 minutes north of Whitehorse. Spanning over 350 sprawling acres of natural boreal habitat, the preserve allows native northern wildlife to roam freely in expansive enclosures that feel like home rather than captivity.

On our guided tour, we encountered wood bison exhaling plumes of steam into the sub-zero air, elusive Canada lynx padding silently through deep snow, agile Dall sheep on rocky ridges, mountain goats, moose, and magnificent muskoxen—prehistoric, shaggy creatures that look straight out of the Ice Age.

From the preserve, we traveled to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. After spending days bundled in multiple heavy layers, stepping into open-air geothermal mineral pools surrounded by banks of pristine white snow was pure therapeutic magic. The facility offers saunas, steam rooms, relaxation zones, and three distinct outdoor thermal pools. For the truly daring, alternating between a hot mineral soak and rolling in the fresh powder snow is an invigorating Nordic ritual!

Chasing the Aurora: When the Lights Finally Danced

I have traveled extensively across the Northern Hemisphere seeking the elusive Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights cannot be commanded; clear skies, solar wind activity, and sheer patience must align. Staying at least three or four nights provides your best statistical chance, but sightings are never guaranteed.

On our first three nights, overcast skies and solar lulls kept the lights hidden, though the second and third nights treated us to breathtaking planetary stargazing. By our fourth and final night, mild disappointment had crept in, even as we celebrated how spectacular the rest of the journey had been.

We embarked on an evening excursion with Northern Tales, departing Whitehorse around 10:00 PM for a private wilderness cabin situated on an expansive clearing 30 minutes outside the city. My smartphone aurora forecasting app read a bleak 0% chance of visible activity. Guests settled inside by the wood stove with hot cocoa, snacks, and card games, while dedicated guides rotated outside scanning the horizon.

Then, at 12:30 AM, the cabin door flew open: “They’re coming! The lights are coming!”

We bolted outside into the sub-zero clearing. Swirls of vibrant green celestial light ignited across the starry dome, unfurling in dynamic waves that pulsed, danced, and illuminated the snowy field. The display lasted nearly 30 minutes. Having waited 30 years for this moment, every ounce of patience was rewarded ten times over. It was an unforgettable reminder of the magic that happens when you venture into the far north.

4-Night Yukon Winter & Aurora Itinerary Overview

Plan Your Bespoke Yukon Winter Journey

Whether your dream is witnessing the Northern Lights from a cozy wilderness lodge, dog sledding with champion mushers, or combining the Yukon with an Alaskan winter tour or Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, our certified Canadian specialists craft customized itineraries with preferred partners including Canada by Design (Discover Holidays) and Entrée Canada: