Available
Yukon Winter Retreat
Experience thrilling adventure, cultural connection, restorative movement, and the awe of the aurora.
February 16 - February 21, 2026| 10 Spots Max | 6 days
Experience Winter, the Northern Way.
In the North, winter teaches us to slow down, fostering deeper connection with nature, community, and the art and culture that warms the season.
About the adventure.
Yukon winters can be intimidating, but with the right guidance they become a magical adventure.
Step into a winter adventure guided by Dani Marie Lister and Jake Wykes with special guest Amber Heals - Kluane First Nation citizen and cultural guide. Over 6 days, experience the Yukon in its quiet, wild glory, from dog sledding to cultural workshops with local indigenous and end each day beneath the awe of the northern lights. We designed this experience to foster a community and friendship while having adventures you will bring home stories about.
Highlights:
Adventure — Dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and wilderness bushcraft.
Culture — Indigenous-led workshops on traditional plant medicine and beadwork as well interpretation to learn more about the local culture and history.
Restoration — Yoga, hot springs, and quiet lodge evenings.
It’s a chance to move beyond ordinary travel and step into a deeper relationship with place, culture, and the magic of winter itself.
Dates:
February 16, 2026 to February 21, 2026
Price:
$4,350 CAD per person (or $3,117.54 USD) Payment plan and instalments option available
Duration:
6 days
Guide Ratio:
1 Guide / per 5 Guests
Start Point:
Erik Neilson International Airport in Whitehorse, Yukon. 10 min Taxi into Downtown Whitehorse
Accommodation:
Hotel + Lodge Stays. Shared rooms.
Itinerary.
Every evening we will have a guided northern lights tour if conditions are permitting (ie skies clear of clouds).
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Welcome to the wilderness city of Whitehorse, Yukon! We will be staying in the heart of downtown Whitehorse at the Raven’s Inn. Settle in from your travelling then join us for our first evening activity and group dinner… we’re keeping this one a surprise ;)
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Our journey begins in Whitehorse.
Cross-country skiing through snowy trails, complete with a hot lunch and warm drinks in Harvey Hut. No prior experience required as we have an instructor leading this activity. Cross country skiing is a lot more beginner friendly, if you can walk, you’re already halfway there, because it’s basically just gliding.
Beading workshop learn the traditional art of beading with a local Indigenous elder in partnership with the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.
Stroll through the frozen city
Mountain top sunset
Group dinner
End the night under the stars, chasing the northern lights.
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Embark on a dog sledding adventure through the landscapes of the iconic Southern Lakes region.
Scenic tour of historic Carcross and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Warm up at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.
Another chance to witness the aurora dancing overhead.
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Grab a fresh breakfast in Whitehorse than take the scenic drive into Kluane Nation Park and Reserve (about 2 hours)
Take in the stunning landscapes of Kluane National Park, with a fireside lunch at Kathleen Lake. It is less commonly visited in the winter so you will have unique perspective on the area.
Snowshoe adventure on a froze lake with towering peaks
Meet your hosts at Mount Logan EcoLodge.
Evening restorative yoga session with Amber
End the day beneath the aurora-filled skies.
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Wake up with morning yoga in the lodge.
Strap on snowshoes for a guided trek into the Alsek Valley.
Learn essential winter bushcraft skills.
Explore the traditions of plant medicine in a hands-on workshop.
Final evening under the northern lights.
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Return to Whitehorse, with time to fit in any last stops before departure. We have a tradition of saying “see you later” rather than goodbye in north which we tend to see as true for our past guests who go on to stay in touch after their Yukon Explored experiences!
What’s Included?
Guide Services
All Meals (healthy and quality meals is always a focus for our trips)
Transportation
Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
Eclipse Hot Springs
Dog Sledding
Cross Country Ski Lesson & Rental
Cultural Workshops
Yoga Sessions
Extensive First Aid Kit
Satellite Communication devices
Hotel or airport drop off on day 6
Snowshoes
What’s Not-Included?
Airfare to and from the Whitehorse, Yukon
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
Alcohol at meals (in restaurants only, must be 19+)
Accommodation + meals on day 6
Personal gear (see packing list) - option to rent winter gear
Auroras won’t shine like this again until 2036.
The Sun’s 11-year cycle is at its height, meaning more charged particles hitting Earth’s atmosphere — and more spectacular auroras than normal. The Yukon is one of the best places to see them any year, but right now the lights are at their peak intensity.
Skill Prerequisites:
1:5 guide to guest ratio
Winter Experience:
None is needed! We are here to teach you the ways of existing in the northern winters while keep you warm and safe.
Physical Skill:
Must be capable of walking in the snow for up to 5km.
Above all is a “Can-do” attitude! Positive attitudes are essential for maximum enjoyment of all.
Good Attitude:
Feeling unsure? Please contact us, we are happy to answer your questions :)
What are Yukon winters like?
Yukon winters are bold and uncompromising, in late February, you’ll have about 9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 8 a.m. and sunset near 5 p.m., and temperatures ranging from -10°C to -25°C (often dipping lower at night). Winter transforms the landscape completely: lakes freeze solid, rivers steam with ice fog, and the world takes on a quiet, crystalline beauty. It’s this mix of light, cold, and challenge that makes winter here unforgettable, and with the right gear and guidance, it becomes part of the adventure we embrace together.
Meet Amber Heals
Guiding us through yoga, First Nation interpretation and a plant medicine workshop.
Amber Heals is a citizen of the Kluane First Nation and the founder of The Land Heals. Guided by her roots and a deep love for the land, Amber has spent over a decade sharing cultural walking tours in the Yukon, where she brings stories of history, resilience, and transformation to life. She weaves together traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, yoga, and practices of mindfulness to create spaces of connection and healing. Through her talks, tours, and classes, Amber invites others to slow down, listen deeply, and discover the wisdom that lives in both the land and within themselves.
Meet your guides.
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Co-Host
Hey I’m Dani 👋 I’m a born and raised Yukoner whose developed a passion for experiencing our wild and remote landscapes through hiking, paddling, skiing and camping. It always brings me a deeper connection to nature and a source of inspiration. I’m stoked to share my home, get covered in dirt and make memories together
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Co-HostHey, I’m Jake. A certified and experienced whitewater guide. I received my training through the Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training (COLT) Program and have 6 years of experience guiding multi-day expeditions on the Tatshenshini-Alsek Rivers. I was born and raised in the Yukon, and have a passion for adventure. Committed to safety and environmental stewardship, I’m excited to share my love of the Yukon with you!
Personal Packing List
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camera
tripod (if you want to capture aurora)
hand warmers + toe warmers
20L day bag
sunglasses
lip balm + hand cream
SPF
headlamp
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All non-Canadian residents will be required to have proof of Travel Insurance. Make sure winter activities are included in the plan - check out World Nomads
Health Card and Insurance
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Insulated snow pants (or shells layered with down plants)
warm winter jacket/parka and/or layering system with a outershell, down jacket and midlayer
down puffy
winter boots rated for - 30C
Base layer top x2 (we prefer merino wool)
Base layer bottom x2 (we prefer merino wool)
fleece top
wool socks x 2
warm beanie / toque
hiking pants (warmer or lined preferably) can be layered with base layer bottoms on warmer winter days or higher intensity activities
warm winter mitts
glove liners
neck warmer
sun glasses
Packing - we will have a pre-trip call that will go into further detail on what to pack and answer any gear related questions!
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fleece or wool sweater
cozy pants
yoga outfit
warm socks or slippers
If you don’t own winter gear - we can coordinate a winter gear rental package for the trip.
(also saves you space in your luggage!)
How to get to the Yukon?
Map Credit to Tourism Yukon
While the Yukon is remote it’s actually very accessible. The easiest and quickest method is by flying.
📍 Fly into Erik Neilson International Airport - Whitehorse, Yukon.
From Canada
Direct flights are available from major airports such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.From USA
There are no direct flights however you can easily get a connection through Vancouver or Calgary and connect there to WhitehorseFrom Europe & Overseas
Direct flights are available from Frankfurt on Condor. Otherwise, we recommend flying through Vancouver and connecting to Whitehorse.
Get connecting fairs to Whitehorse for $99 CAD via Air North - learn more here
(It won’t show up in flight search engines but AirNorth is the most affordable airline to the Yukon)
Prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
Reconnect with nature, explore and make memories.
Things to know.
How cold does it get in the Yukon in winter?
In late February, temperatures generally range from -10°C to -25°C (often colder at night ) however it can get as cold as around -40C or warmer than 0C , it isn’t easy to predict. With proper winter clothing, these conditions are not only safe but part of the magic.
How much daylight will we have in February?
Around 9 hours — sunrise is typically around 8 a.m., and sunset around 5 p.m. This creates a beautiful balance of light and long, starry nights perfect for aurora viewing.
Is winter travel safe in the Yukon?
Yes — with preparation. The right gear and knowledge make winter adventures safe and rewarding. Our retreat is designed to support you every step of the way.
Will we definitely see the northern lights?
The aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, but February is one of the best months to view them. Our retreat is designed to maximize opportunities with multiple viewing nights.
What should I wear for a Yukon winter retreat?
Layering is key: a moisture‑wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer, plus hats, gloves, scarves, warm socks, and sturdy winter boots. We’ll give you a full gear list before the trip. If you don’t own gear (or want to save space flying with it) we can coordinate gear rentals through The Base Gear Rentals.
What our guests are saying about other Yukon Explored trips:
“Worth every wet sock in the world.”
— Steffi \\ Germany
“This trip is perfect for those looking for the ultimate, remote adventure! What an absolute honour to be able to see this side of the Yukon. Dani and Jake are wonderful guides, and accounted for absolutely everything needed for this adventure. They are diligent, and ensure that you are feeling confident and well prepared for every step of the journey. This adventure was everything I ever wanted and MORE, I could not recommend it enough!”
— Cali \\ Canada
“Dani and Jake are incredible guides and the level of care we received exceeded any expectations by far. We paddled the most beautiful landscapes, learned about the ecosystem, and ate incredibly well every day. This was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had.”
— Urvil \\ USA
“I didn’t know my true power until this trip. Dani and Jake made me feel like I could take on the world on this adventure. As an artist, it’s really important I’m thrown out of my comfort zone and was able to do that through this experience while feeling safe and supported. The vastness of the Yukon is life altering and sticks with you, trickling into all aspects of your inner world. ”
— Celina \\ Canada
Rewild yourself with nature.
“We need to embrace discomfort as a powerful catalyst for change and self-discovery.”
Step away from the modern world and exist presently with the force of nature. We have a strong belief that nature is always trying to teach you a lesson and that you will come out of these trips stronger mentally and physically. For us, there’s nothing that makes us feel more present.
Questions? Get in touch.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help :)