Top 6 Reasons Why Whitehorse is a better Winter Destination than Yellowknife
Why Whitehorse should be on Your Bucket List for Northern Lights Viewing
The North is a beautiful, majestic place. From the awe-inspiring Northern Lights to the vast landscapes and amazing wildlife. But there’s a lot to consider when you’re booking your winter destination. So before you book your trip, here are six reasons why you should consider making Whitehorse your Winter vacation destination over Yellowknife.
Table of Contents
Reason 1: Great Northern Lights Viewing in Whitehorse
Reason 2: It’s Easy to Get to the Yukon
Reason 3: More Winter Activities and Tours
Reason 4: Incredible Day-Trips Nearby
Reason 5: Food, Museums, and Amenities
Reason 6: The Vibe
Reason 1: Great Northern Lights Viewing in Whitehorse
Even though Yellowknife is more well-known as a city for Northern Lights viewing, Whitehorse is also a great place to see the Aurora Borealis. That’s because both cities sit in the Aurora Belt, meaning both get frequent appearances of the Northern Lights. There are plenty of dedicated and experienced tour operators and resorts catering to Aurora hunting in Whitehorse, including some of the best in Canada, such as the Northern Lights Resort & Spa.
The appearance of Northern Lights depends on the solar activity, so no matter where you go, it’s never guaranteed they’ll actually be visible at that time. The ideal conditions are clear skies and high solar activity, meaning that people usually book trips for a stretch of multiple days in order to maximize their chances. We recommend planning for at least a 3-4 night stay on your Northern Lights Tour to Whitehorse.
By the way: If you want to get an idea of the Aurora Forecast in Whitehorse, check this website out: https://auroraforecast.com
Reason 2: It’s Easy to Get to the Yukon
With year-round direct flights to Whitehorse from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna and Victoria, it’s easier to get to the Yukon’s capital than Yellowknife. Once you’re here, it’s incredibly quick to get where you want – the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) is only a ten-minute drive from downtown Whitehorse. Additionally, even the furthest accommodations focused on Aurora-viewing are about a twenty-five-minute drive away.
Alternatively, if you’re up for a road trip, you can also drive up to Whitehorse along the Alaska Highway from the South. Road access to and from Whitehorse is well-maintained, letting you see a lot more of the North.
By the way: If you need a flight to Yukon’s capital Whitehorse, EPIC NORTH is a valued partner of Air North and happy to offer you help with airfare when booking with Yukon’s Airline.
Reason 3: More Winter Activities and Tours
When it comes to the variety of winter experiences on offer, the Yukon’s capital can’t be beat. Whether it’s the rush of being pulled through the back-country trails by a dog sled team or the relaxed calm of ice-fishing over a snow-covered winter day, there are activities for everyone.
If you’re more the type for fast-paced off-roading, then it’s a perfect opportunity to hop on a snowmobile or side-by-side and go out for a rip through the winter wilderness. If you’d rather take in the fresh air and stretch your legs personally, then snowshoeing or fat biking over the snow-capped landscape may be more your style.
Reason 4: Incredible Day-Trips Nearby
The activities in the city aren’t the only things that give Whitehorse an edge over Yellowknife. With its location in the south of the Yukon and high accessibility of roads, there are a ton of amazing destinations in reach for a day trip.
Whether it’s the breathtaking glaciers at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kluane National Park, or the picturesque village of Carcross and the world’s smallest desert, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re up for pushing outside of the Yukon’s borders, you can also get to Atlin, “the Little Switzerland of the North,” down in the province of British Columbia, or Skagway, Alaska, just across the American border.
Reason 5: Food, Museums, and Amenities
Another thing Whitehorse has over Yellowknife is its quality-of-life aspects. From great and varied museums like the Beringia Centre (Ancient history), Macbride (Gold Rush history), and the Yukon Transportation Museum (Transportation) to the high-quality hotels and services. You have plenty to do indoors when the weather’s not cooperating, from bowling at the Northern Lights Bowling alley, curling with the Whitehorse curling club, to the wide array of activities at the Canada Games Centre (skating, swimming, track, soccer, multi-use courts).
Whitehorse also has a surprisingly well-developed culinary scene you wouldn’t expect to find somewhere so remote. From classic North American grilling to Chinese, Japanese, German, and more, you won’t be starved for choice in the Yukon capital. Special mention goes to the Wayfarer Oyster House, which was recently named one of the best places to eat in Canada.
Reason 6: The Vibe
It’s hard to put into words, but Whitehorse has an atmosphere, a character, a je ne sais quoi that’s different from Yellowknife. It’s not a tangible thing you can point to, but from the local music scene, the bars, and the local attitude, its effects soak into the city. A relaxed, ‘hipper’ and friendly feeling that still holds just as much love for the wilderness around the city.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the True North, to Whitehorse and the Yukon soon.
