7-Day Itinerary for Canada Northern Lights in December 2023

1. Day 1: Vancouver
   10 minutes (3 miles) from Vancouver Harbour

   In the morning, visit the lush Stanley Park and enjoy the scenic views of the Vancouver Harbour. In the afternoon, head to Granville Island and explore the colourful art studios and local markets. In the evening, take a walk around Gastown and enjoy the historic architecture and vibrant nightlife.

2. Day 2: Whistler
   1 hour 30 minutes (75 miles) from Vancouver

   Spend the day skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, North America's largest ski resort. In the evening, explore the charming alpine village and enjoy a warm drink by the fire.

3. Day 3: Jasper National Park
   9 hours (480 miles) from Whistler

   Embark on a scenic drive through the mountains and arrive at Jasper National Park. In the morning, take a hike through the stunning Maligne Canyon. In the afternoon, visit the Athabasca Glacier and take a guided tour. In the evening, relax in the natural hot springs at Miette Hot Springs.

4. Day 4: Banff National Park
   3 hours (180 miles) from Jasper National Park

   Spend the day exploring Banff National Park. In the morning, hike the Johnston Canyon Trail and admire the frozen waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit Lake Louise and skate on the frozen lake. In the evening, take a scenic drive through the park and spot wildlife.

5. Day 5: Yellowknife
   6 hours (1,200 miles) from Banff National Park

   Take a flight to Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories and a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. In the morning, visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and learn about the indigenous cultures of the area. In the afternoon, go dog sledding or snowmobiling. In the evening, bundle up and head out to see the aurora borealis.

6. Day 6: Whitehorse
   3 hours (600 miles) from Yellowknife

   Take a flight to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory and another great location for viewing the Northern Lights. In the morning, visit the MacBride Museum and learn about the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Emerald Lake and go ice fishing. In the evening, head out to see the aurora borealis.

7. Day 7: Dawson City
   6 hours (330 miles) from Whitehorse

   Take a drive to Dawson City, a historic gold rush town. In the morning, visit the Dawson City Museum and learn about the town's fascinating history. In the afternoon, take a tour of the local gold mines. In the evening, enjoy a drink at the famous Sourdough Saloon and take part in the tradition of drinking a Sourtoe Cocktail.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider taking a side trip to the Northern Rockies or Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories. To maximize your fun, make sure to pack warm clothing and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and road conditions before embarking on any drives.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Stanley Park (3 hours, free)
• Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort (8 hours, $159 for a lift ticket)
• Maligne Canyon (3 hours, free)
• Athabasca Glacier Tour (2 hours, $100 per person)
• Johnston Canyon Trail (3 hours, free)
• Lake Louise (2 hours, free)
• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (2 hours, $12 per person)
• Dog Sledding or Snowmobiling (3 hours, $200 per person)
• MacBride Museum (2 hours, $10 per person)
• Emerald Lake (4 hours, free)
• Dawson City Museum (2 hours, $10 per person)
• Gold Mine Tour (2 hours, $50 per person)
• Sourdough Saloon (1 hour, cost of drink + $5 for the Sourtoe Cocktail)
• Total Estimated Costs: $872 per person