About us
Built by someone who actually chases them.
Boreal Escapes was founded by an aurora enthusiast who believes the northern lights are best experienced slowly, quietly, and with the right person pointing out what to look for.
Our story
Boreal Escapes started with a simple frustration: too many aurora tours that park guests in a field and wait. The northern lights don't work that way — and neither do we.
We built this company around active pursuit. Every night we run a tour, we're tracking weather systems, cloud cover, and geomagnetic activity across the territory. We go where the sky is clear. We stay as long as it takes.
The result is a different kind of experience — one that feels like a real expedition, not a tourist stop. Small groups, a guide who knows the territory, and photos that prove you were actually there.
What we stand for
Honesty about conditions
We don't run tours on bad nights. If the forecast is poor, we'll tell you — and reschedule.
Small groups, always
Maximum 5 guests on The Real Aurora Hunt. No bus tours, no crowds. Just your group, a knowledgeable guide, and the Yukon wilderness.
Photos included, no upsell
Professional aurora photos from your hunt are included in the price. Delivered within 48 hours. No extras, no surprises.
Truly bilingual
Every tour runs in English and French. Our guide is equally comfortable in both — no one gets left behind in translation.
Your guide
Jonathan Draize
Founder & Aurora Guide
Originally from Belgium, Jonathan has spent several winters hunting the northern lights across Scandinavia, guiding travellers through Finland, Norway and Sweden in deep Arctic cold. Night after night, he learned what makes a great aurora hunt: analysing space weather (solar wind, magnetic field and geomagnetic activity), reading the cloud forecasts, and knowing when to stay and when to drive on.
An aurora enthusiast first and foremost, he founded Boreal Escapes in Whitehorse to bring that experience to Yukon skies — with real northern lights hunting, instead of going to the same exact place, every night.
Also, as a professional photographer, he makes sure every guest goes home with images of their night under the aurora, and he's always happy to help with camera settings.
Jonathan is certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid, and is an experienced driver in snowy and icy conditions. He guides in both English and French, and after all these years he's still amazed every time the sky lights up.
Safety is the foundation
Every decision we make in the field starts with safety. The aurora is spectacular — getting everyone home is non-negotiable.
Heated winter vehicle
Cold-weather equipped with winter tires and emergency supplies on board at all times.
CPR & Wilderness First Aid certified
Your guide holds current CPR and WFA certifications. We carry a full first aid kit and emergency communication equipment on every tour.
Real-time weather monitoring
We track road conditions, temperature, and weather systems throughout the tour. If conditions change, we adapt.
Cold-weather briefing
Every guest receives a full briefing before departure — what to wear, what to expect, and what to do in any scenario.
Emergency protocols
Clear, practiced procedures for every situation. We don't improvise when it matters.
Small groups only
Maximum 5 guests on The Real Aurora Hunt means we can give every person our full attention — and respond quickly if anything changes.
Land Acknowledgement
The Yukon has been the home of Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, long before first contact with European explorers. Today, 14 First Nations call the Yukon home, with traditional territories covering almost all of the land — each with a rich culture and history that is not ours to tell.
Boreal Escapes operates out of Whitehorse on the traditional territory of the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
Our tours lead guests through the wilderness on the traditional territories of:
- Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in
- First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
- Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
- Kluane First Nation
- White River First Nation
- Kaska Dena Council
- Teslin Tlingit Council
- Carcross/Tagish First Nation
- Kwanlin Dün First Nation
- Ta'an Kwäch'än Council
- Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
- Selkirk First Nation
- Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Ready to hunt the lights?
Book your spot on a Real Aurora Hunt — or reach out if you have questions.