What Type of Northern Lights Traveller Are You?
Northern lights travel draws people north for all kinds of reasons. Some travellers want dark skies and long nights; others are curious about northern cultures, winter landscapes, or the rhythm of life in small, cold-weather communities. Whatever the motivation, the experience changes depending on where you go and how you like to travel. A wilderness cabin feels different from a downtown hotel. A guided outing has a different energy than stepping outside on your own.
With that in mind, it can be helpful to understand your own travel style before choosing an aurora trip. Each type of traveller tends to look for something different — pace, comfort, culture, adventure, or simply a quiet place to watch the sky.
What type of Northern Lights traveller are you?
1. The Classic Aurora Chaser
You want: clear skies, long nights, and the highest odds of seeing the lights.
You’re the traveller who plans around the science: geomagnetic forecasts, solar activity, latitude, and the reliability of winter weather. For you, the experience is about maximizing your chances — and Canada delivers, especially in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and northern Manitoba.
You’ll love:
- Multi-night viewing packages under the auroral oval
- Heated viewing shelters or remote cabins
- Expert guides who monitor conditions and help you capture the perfect shot
- Prime viewing during late fall, winter, and early spring
Best match:
Aurora Borealis Adventure: Explore Whitehorse by day and head out to a dedicated Aurora viewing site by night.
Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Winter Getaway: A mobile adventure that takes you to where the lights have the best chance of being seen.
2. The Cultural Explorer
You travel for connection — with local hosts, northern cultures, and meaningful stories.
For you, the aurora isn’t just a visual wonder; it’s an entry point into understanding place. You look for experiences rooted in community, led by local guides and Elders who share the stories, language, and traditional knowledge of the North.
You’ll love:
- Visits with Indigenous guides who share cultural perspectives on the lights
- Storytelling around a fire, handmade bannock, tea, and warm northern hospitality
- Learning about life in the North beyond the aurora
Best match:
Yellowknife Explorer: Culture by day, Aurora by night.
Immersive Klondike Winter Experience: See the stunning Aurora Borealis and fly over the spectacular Ogilivie mountains as you explore the Yukon interior.
3. The Winter Adventurer
You want to pair the Northern Lights with movement, adrenaline, and outdoor fun.
Seeing the lights is just one part of your northern journey — you’re here to play in the snow. You’re energized by daylight adventures and happily warm up each evening in anticipation of what the sky might offer.
You’ll love:
- Dogsledding and snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing, ice fishing, fat biking
- Hot springs soaks after a day outdoors
- Remote lodges where adventure leads right to your door
Best match:
Northern Lights & Gold Rush Glory: Search for the elusive Aurora and explore historic Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush
Subarctic Wonders: Journey to Churchill, Manitoba, a remote subarctic community beneath one of the world’s most active auroral areas.
4. The Comfort-Seeker
You want to experience the magic of the aurora without sacrificing warmth or ease.
You’re drawn to the beauty of the North but prefer a softer landing: cozy accommodations, warm beverages, gentle outdoor time, and structured support from local hosts. Comfort is your compass.
You’ll love:
- Heated viewing domes, yurts, and cozy lodge stays
- Aurora viewing areas with snacks, hot drinks, and warm-up spaces
- Shorter excursions paired with relaxed daytime exploring
Best match:
Remote Winter Retreat in Canada’s Aurora Capital: Far from roads or city lights, this comfortable backcountry lodge is the perfect setting to enjoy pristine wilderness and watch the Aurora Borealis
Lakefront Cabin Stay Under Aurora Skies: See the Northern Lights without having to leave the comfort of your cabin
5. The Wander-Within Traveller
For you, the Northern Lights are part of a deeper reset — space to reflect, breathe, and reconnect.
You’re not chasing intensity; you’re seeking presence. The quiet of the northern winter, the rhythm of the night sky, and the chance to step out of your daily routine is as important as the aurora itself.
You’ll love:
- Wellness-focused northern retreats
- Guided breathwork, sauna + cold-plunge, or forest time by day
- Small-group or solo-friendly itineraries
- Places where silence is part of the experience
Best match:
Aurora, Sauna & Hot Spring: Modern Cabin Stay in Whitehorse: From a forest cabin at The Black Spruce, explore the balance of wellness and wilderness, soak in mineral-rich hot springs, meet iconic northern wildlife, and stand beneath the aurora’s glow.
Kluane’s Winter Magic: Exhilarating snowshoeing and cozy lodge stays under the glow of the Aurora
Bonus Result: The Accidental Aurora Traveller
You’re not chasing the Northern Lights — but they just might find you.
Some travellers don’t plan their trip around the aurora at all. They travel for winter atmosphere: quiet forests, star-filled evenings, and the comfort of a beautiful retreat. But when a powerful geomagnetic storm lights up the sky further south, you’re exactly the kind of person who ends up stepping outside with a cup of tea… and witnessing something unforgettable.
Canada’s dark-sky regions occasionally get surprise aurora displays during strong solar activity. They’re never guaranteed, but when they appear, they feel like a gift.
Best Match:
Haliburton Highlands: A Charming Cottage & Culinary Escape: Unwind with a lakeside escape in Ontario, where comfort meets nature and fine cuisine
Vancouver & The Canadian Rockies: Mild coastal weather, stunning train ride and dark skies at night
