An Air North Boeing 737-500 awaits its next flight as the summer sun rises over Whitehorse, Yukon. © Simonblakesley.ca

The Best Way to the Midnight Sun

Discover Midnight Sun in the Yukon or the Northwest Territories with Air North, Yukon’s Airline

If you were to ask, many would tell you that they imagine the Yukon and the Northwest Territories are far from southern Canada, and that even by air, it would be a long journey. Air North, Yukon’s Airline, proves that isn’t the case. In fact, it’s just four hours to Yellowknife from Toronto and an additional hour and a half to Whitehorse without any change of aircraft.

Air North launched seasonal flights between Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Toronto in 2022, marking the first time these cities were ever connected by air service. Just 10 years ago, Air North launched seasonal service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Ottawa.

Before those flights, you’d have had to connect. And that was never exemplified more than back in 1905, when the Dawson City Nuggets travelled to Ottawa to challenge the Ottawa Hockey Club for the Stanley Cup.

It took them weeks to cover the over 4,000-kilometre journey (as the crow flies) between road, steamer, and trains. The Nuggets lost, and the Stanley Cup was drop-kicked onto the frozen Rideau Canal.

It was a different time.

While the journey is faster and more comfortable today, one thing that hasn’t changed is the awe-inspiring places you can discover in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Glimpse Canada’s tallest mountain on a flight-seeing adventure in the Yukon. Find incredible fishing in the Northwest Territories. Across both territories, experience the diverse and rich cultures of the Indigenous peoples who have called these lands home for thousands of years.

During the summer, Whitehorse and Yellowknife get no darker than twilight—and even then, only for a short time. Travel a little further north to experience a sun that doesn’t set.

By mid-August, the skies begin to darken once more—but only briefly, as the aurora borealis return to cast new light over the land.

It’s hard to imagine places that offer a greater study in contrasts. Despite being the smallest of Canada’s territories, the Yukon encompasses 482,443 square kilometres—just under 45 per cent of the size of Ontario. It’s home to just 45,000 people but is anything but desolate.

Whitehorse, the capital, is a hub of continuous festivals, cultural events, a vibrant culinary scene, and outstanding outdoor activities. Weekends are alive with diverse events and performances, mirroring the vastness of the landscape.

Just a short drive south of Whitehorse lies Carcross, a community nestled between Bennett and Nares lakes. Here, you’ll discover world-class mountain biking trails and Canada’s smallest desert.

For a more immersive experience, venture to Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike gold rush, where historic buildings transport you back 120 years, and the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre immerses you in the Indigenous history and traditions of the region.

If you’re an outdoors person, you’ve found a wonderland. If you’re a culture and urban explorer, you won’t be at a loss for things to do or see.

Which brings us back to the journey. With Air North, it’s a quick, comfortable, and affordable experience—and comes with some unexpected perks.

Thanks to its own kitchen in Whitehorse, the airline serves complimentary light meals on flights, including hot meals on longer routes between Toronto or Ottawa and Yellowknife.

Passengers also enjoy the convenience of two complimentary pieces of checked baggage.

For those seeking a well-planned adventure, the airline also offers enticing packages through its Air North Getaways website (airnorth.vacations). From straightforward air and accommodation combinations to elaborate adventure or spa packages, there’s something for every traveller’s taste.

All that remains is for you to go.

But we do have a word of warning that so many others have learned: once you’ve been to the Yukon, you will want to go back.

There is always more to discover under the midnight sun.

Air North, Yukon’s Airline seasonal service between Toronto, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse, operates twice weekly between May and mid-September. Air North operates weekly service between Ottawa, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse between June and September. Visit flyairnorth.com for an up-to-date schedule and details.