The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are the result of solar particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles hit the upper atmosphere, they produce shimmering waves of light that can stretch, swirl, pulse, and dance across the sky. In Yukon, the most common colours are green and white, but when the solar activity is strong, you may see bursts of red, purple, or even blue.
The thing that surprises guests most is how alive the lights feel. They can appear without warning, drift softly for a few minutes, or stretch into massive arcs running from horizon to horizon. Some nights they flicker like fire; other nights they glide in long, smooth sheets. No two displays are ever the same.
Why is Yukon such a great place to see them?
• We sit directly beneath the “Auroral Oval,” the region with the highest natural aurora activity.
• Low light pollution means the sky is darker and colours appear more vivid.
• Cold, dry winter air makes night skies especially clear.
Many guests tell us that watching the aurora at Hidden Valley feels awe-inspiring and peaceful, a moment where the world suddenly slows down and nature puts on a show just for you.