Winter solstice: Experience the shortest day in Canada's true north
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A night when the north turns nocturnal
With the sun setting at 4:47 pm during the winter solstice, the northern lights come out to play well before your bedtime, your dinner time, and even before happy hour at the local pub. The night lasts for over 18 hours so once you’re done oohing and aahing at the sky, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience the other activities we’re recommending.
Looking to catch the northern lights? Don't worry, the best showtimes are when the night skies are dark, and around winter solstice, you've got 18 hours of darkness to spot any excited electrons hitting the magnetosphere. The best performances can be seen on a clear night, usually between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. And while the aurora borealis is visible from downtown in the capital city of Whitehorse, a quick drive out of town offers plenty of near-private front-row seats to the show. Or, if you want to be guided to the light, you can book a tour with a local company. Don't forget your camera.
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Running in the summer months is a breeze compared to a grueling jog up Grey Mountain in below zero conditions, but how many people have Instagram posts of that. Athletes who are brave enough to compete in the annual Winter Solstice Run leave the warmth of their homes to slip and slide along a 12-kilometre route with nothing but a hot chocolate at the finish line. The event takes place the weekend before the solstice, so there’s plenty of time to warm up inside before the celebrations start on the 21st of December.
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Several holiday markets remain open while the sun is reluctant to shine. Find that perfect gift while buskers entertain you and specialty foods tempt you at the 12 Days of Christmas Fireweed Community Market. Open at the same time, the Yúk’e Arts Market offers First Nations artworks in a spectacular gallery setting. Or check out the Spruce Bog Christmas Boutique for unique handmade Yukon crafts. Any one of these markets will provide the retail therapy you need on those long December nights.
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The longest night of the year is here, giving you the chance to turn your daytime adventures into nighttime activities. Head out for a skate under the stars, go fishing with a flashlight or try making snow angels with nothing but the aurora lighting your way. The darkness continues until 11:09 in the morning, giving you more than enough time to see all things nocturnal, like red foxes scavenging for food, white owls hunting for breakfast, and attractive vampires fighting with werewolves—if you believe in that sort of thing.
