Yukon Aurora Tour Review: Late Night Northern Lights Viewing

Thinking of catching the Aurora Borealis, you know, the Northern Lights, in Yukon? I took the Yukon Aurora Borealis Late Night Viewing Tour, and I’m excited to give you the details. So, if you are trying to decide whether or not this trip is worthwhile, or just want some practical information, keep reading!

What’s the Big Deal About the Aurora Anyway?

Okay, so you may wonder what the buzz is about these Northern Lights. I think they’re cool because it is where charged particles from the sun interact with the earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, that creates this light show. It’s very, very mesmerizing to see, yet this scientific thing happening right before your very eyes. And in the Yukon, where the skies are dark and clear, you’ve really got a pretty amazing shot at witnessing the Aurora’s glory.

When you try to chase the Aurora, so, you’re basically heading out when most folks are snug in their beds. That’s part of the thrill, like your joining this special club of night owls and stargazers. Very, very atmospheric.

Booking Your Aurora Adventure

I want you to know that getting a spot on the tour can be really simple, but there’s a couple of things to keep in mind. First, that popular times, specifically winter weekends, fill up very, very fast. So, if you’ve already decided on your travel dates, you should think about booking as early as possible. This means weeks, even months, beforehand for those peak periods.

Make certain to check what’s included, too. Some tours give you hot drinks and snacks, others maybe have fancy photography equipment you can use. That bit of research just could make your cold night under the stars that much cozier. Also, a little bit of flexibility can also go a long way, for example if you can shift your tour by even just a day or two, that could bump up your chances of catching the lights if the forecast is better.

What Happens on the Late-Night Viewing Tour?

So, picture this: you’re picked up from your hotel in the late evening, likely between 9 and 10 PM. In that case you’re yawning maybe, but the excitement starts brewing. The tour operators tend to keep an eye on the Aurora forecasts, and then drive you to spots away from city lights – usually a 30 to 60 minute trip.

I thought that, for the rest of the night, that you will spend your time watching and waiting. Some places have cabins where you could warm up, very useful when its cold! The guides know tons about the Aurora, so, be ready to learn a thing or two about space weather. I got really fortunate. We saw the lights dance, these colors twisting and shifting – very, very enchanting. Tours typically wrap up around 2 or 3 AM, so you’re coming back pretty sleepy, with your camera full of shots, hopefully.

Getting Ready for a Night Under the Stars

It is very important: dress warmly, since you’re standing out in sub-freezing temperatures. Really think about many layers, that way, you could adjust according to how cold it is. Thermal underwear makes a very real difference, and don’t skimp on the socks – wool or synthetic blends work well.

Very often, the little things are crucial. Bring a thermos with a hot drink – hot chocolate, tea, even soup. A small flashlight that has a red light setting preserves your night vision and prevents you from wrecking everybody else’s view. As it turns out, cameras can have some issues with the cold, keep extra batteries warm, since cold drains batteries really fast.

Photographing the Northern Lights: A Few Tricks

You may wonder, “Can I capture what I’m seeing?” Short answer, yes! You do need a camera where you can control the settings. In this case, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is awesome, and a wide-angle lens – something around 14-24mm – captures the vastness of the sky.

Since it will be dark, set your camera to a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or lower) so that you can let in a lot of light, bump up the ISO to around 800-3200, and use a shutter speed of, maybe, 5-15 seconds to start. As a result, use a tripod, because longer exposures mean even a little camera shake blurs the photo. Check your shots and tweak as needed – the Aurora’s intensity might change, which means you have to adjust your settings on the fly.

What Makes a Tour “Good?”

I want you to know, that a great tour depends mostly on how well the guides know the area and the Aurora. As a matter of fact, are they great at predicting where you could see the lights? Are they friendly and happy to assist everyone to set up their cameras? How knowledgeable are they when discussing what causes the Aurora and the stories behind it? Very frequently these factors will contribute to an memorable time.

Consider, that comfortable transport can make all the difference, in the same way as does access to indoor warming spots. A smaller group size helps also, due to the fact that everyone gets a bit more attention. And, certainly, a tour operator that is concerned about responsible tourism – lessening light pollution and respecting the environment – is an additional perk.

Are There Other Options for Chasing Auroras?

Thinking of other ways to watch the Aurora? As a matter of fact, there are different routes you can explore. Staying at an Aurora-viewing lodge offers convenience – just step outside and you’re there! As I was saying, if you’re cool with driving, renting a car could provide freedom to find your own spots. Look for locations away from town lights – there are apps that point out the dark spots.

But don’t forget that tour groups handle all the driving, know the spots, and typically offer a heated place to hang out. You may want to weigh what means most to you – comfort, freedom, or that local knowledge – when you decide.

Is the Yukon Aurora Borealis Late Night Viewing Tour Worth It?

The final thought? Provided that you are hoping to see the Aurora and have somebody manage the logistics, then, surely, this tour is a solid choice. In other words, the know-how from the guides, and the advantage of getting taken to prime viewing locations far out of town, make the expense worth it.

Nonetheless, should you be more flexible, or prefer an independent travel style, there’s a good chance you might rather look into lodging outside the city, or renting a car. But for a no-stress, potentially magical night? I’d say yes, this tour delivers the goods.

Alright, so the next thing to do is prepare for intense amazement when you witness the lights overhead!

I think the information will definitely help you choose whether this specific trip fits your travel style.

Key Takeaways

• Booking in Advance: Especially during winter weekends, securing your spot ahead of time is crucial.
• Layering Up: Appropriate warm clothing can decide whether you enjoy the cold or you only suffer from it.
• Camera Know-How: Have at least a fundamental grasp of camera settings to photograph the Aurora.
• Tour Guide Expertise: Excellent tour guides enormously enhance the watching experience.
• Alternative Viewing Options: Take into account all the alternatives – independent travels, lodges – based on your convenience and needs.