Whitehorse Yukon Travel Guide
Whitehorse, Yukon’s Capital City with a population of 25,000, is the big city in the north.
Get to know Whitehorse
- For the rural Yukoners, it is a scary metropolis. They may look at you in real horror when you tell them that you just came from there.
- It is a welcoming place with a frontier spirit, easy to get around with amazingly friendly people.
- It is a great starting point for travellers exploring the North. Whitehorse has a fairly young population with many of its residents being active and adventurous.
- The city is nestled in a forested valley with mountains on either side. The mighty Yukon River winds through Whitehorse.
- Yukon’s capital city lies in the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwächä’n Council.
- You will find all the amenities of a big city in Whitehorse and I fell in love with its small-town personality. Actually, I could see myself getting settled there.
- While you’re in Whitehorse pick up a couple of books from the Robert Service collection and The Call Of The Wild from Jack London to get into the northern spirit.
Glimpse into the past
Long before the Gold Rush First Nations occupied seasonal fish camps along the Yukon River in Whitehorse for thousands of years. Whitehorse started as a transportation hub for boats, trains and later road vehicles. In 1898, it was a stopover for stampeders travelling downriver to the Klondike Goldfields.
The White Pass and Yukon Railway between Whitehorse and Skagway, Alaska was completed in 1900. The railway made it easier to reach the Klondike for those who could afford the train fare. The arrival of the railway turned Whitehorse into a more permanent community.
In 1942 when the Alaska Highway was built Whitehorse boomed. Whitehorse became Yukon’s capital in 1953 and replaced Dawson City.
Getting There and Around
Whitehorse is a small city and the downtown area can easily be toured by foot. In summer, Whitehorse and its surroundings are perfect for cycling. The Whitehorse Transit bus system connects downtown with residential neighbourhoods.
By Air – Whitehorse International Airport is five minutes from downtown. Daily flights connect to regional and international airports. Most hotels, bed and breakfasts and tour operators offer airport transfer. Otherwise, you can hire a cab in front of the airport. Car rental firms are also at the airport.
By Car – Downtown Whitehorse is only a short drive from the Alaska Highway. Take Robert Service Way and turn off at km 1419 or Two Mile Hill at km 1425, both take you to downtown Whitehorse.
Whitehorse also connects with the Klondike Highway running from Skagway to Dawson City.
By Bus – Tour buses connect Dawson City with Whitehorse and Fairbanks during the summer months only.
For destinations north of Whitehorse and for Alaska search for Alaska Direct Bus Line or Alaska/Yukon Trails.
By Sea – The nearest port is Skagway, Alaska. If you arrive in Skagway on a cruise ship you can travel on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route railway to Carcross, where you connect by bus to Whitehorse (only available in summer). Some cruise and tour companies provide bus connections between Skagway and Whitehorse.
Note: It is a one-hour time difference when travelling between Yukon and Alaska. The time is one hour ahead in Yukon. Also, remember that you will need a passport or other approved ID at the international border.
Top things to See and Do in Whitehorse
SS Klondike National Historic Site
One of Whitehorse’s historical display you don’t want to miss is the SS Klondike, the largest sternwheeler that plied the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City, first launched in 1937.
The vessel used to take 36 hours to travel to Dawson from Whitehorse and four or five days to return upriver. In 1952 it was transformed into a cruise ship and retired in 1955.
In 1966 the Klondike was moved from the Whitehorse shipyards to her current location and restored. Part of the self-guided tour is a 20-minute video that’s played. It shows historical footage from the 1930s of the wood camps and life on the ship.
Note: The S.S. Keno in Dawson City is very similar to the S.S. Klondike in Whitehorse and is also run By Parks Canada. The video is the same. www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ssklondike
MacBride Museum of Yukon History
MacBride Museum offers a full overview of the territory’s past. The museum has a great display that tells of First Nation history. as well as the wildlife and environment of Yukon. Check out the new Modern History gallery, see over 40 species of animals and try your hand at gold panning. See Engine 51 and don’t miss Sam McGee’s Cabin. Enjoy old films and imagine yourself back in time.
The museum is open year-round, on the Whitehorse waterfront. www.macbridemuseum.com
Yukon Beringia Centre
This place focuses on Beringia, the unglaciated continent that formed during the last ice age, comprising Yukon, Alaska and eastern Siberia.
Beringia was home to the mammoth, the giant short-faced bear, the steppe bison, the scimitar cat, and the early North American people. The Beringia Centre is dedicated to this prehistory. It features recreations of the now extinct animals and exhibits their remains.
Films are shown in the theatre, which is also used as a lecture and film venue by Yukon Science Institute and others. It is definitely worth a visit. www.beringia.com
Yukon Art Centre and Gallery
The Yukon Art Centre has excellent music, dance, and theatre program. Consult their online calendar to see what is happening www.yukonartscentre.com
Yukon Transportation Museum
Find out what the Alaska Highway was like back in the day. Find out about dog-sledding, visit the Bush Pilot Room, and visit a photo exhibit of Yukon’s aviation history. The museum is located next to the Beringia Centre near the airport goytm.ca.
Whitehorse Waterfront
One look at the majestic Yukon River and you want to stroll along its bank. The White Pass & Yukon Route station has been restored and leaves Rotary Peace Park, across from the SS. Klondike, picking up passengers at several stops along the Whitehorse waterfront. It is a great way to get oriented with the city.
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
Experience various cultural activities, exhibits, and demonstrations and find out how local First Nations groups used the river. This gathering place of the Kwanlin celebrates the culture of the original people of this area and houses historical displays and artwork. www.kdcc.ca
Old Log Church Museum
The 1900 Old Log Church is the only log-cabin-style cathedral in the world. The church exhibits and interactive displays tell stories about the early days of missionaries, whalers, explorers and Yukon First Nations.
Don’t miss the legendary story of the”bishop who ate his boots”. www.oldlogchurchmuseum.ca
Copperbelt Railway and Mining Museum
Ride through history on the Copperbelt Railway and visit the museum and gift shop. This is an interesting place for both kids and adults to learn about the copper and rail history of the Yukon. www.yukonrails.com
Yukon Brewing & Spirits
I doubt that you came to Yukon for beer or spirits. Still, a tour of the brewery and distillery is a must for any visitor. You need to make reservations to visit the brewery.
During the tour, you’ll get to walk through the entire facility, learn how beer and spirits are made, hear about the history of the brewery, and of course, enjoy a full tasting session. www.yukonbeer.com
Beyond Downtown
Whitehorse Fish Ladder
See the longest wooden fish ladder in the world. Witness the seasonal migration of Yukon River Chinook salmon and other fish species through underwater viewing windows.
The Whitehorse Fish Ladder is located at the end of Nisutlin Drive at the Yukon River Dam. You can also walk to the ladder along the scenic Millennium Trail.
Takhini Hot Springs
There is no sulphur in the Takhini Hot Springs and they don’t smell. Winter is definitely the best time to visit the hot springs. You stay warm in the water and rising steam, but your hair turns to white icicles. And, look out for the northern lights while you soak. Bring your own flip-flops as you’re not allowed to walk around barefoot or in outdoor footwear.
The hot springs are located 30 km from Whitehorse and it takes about 25 minutes by car to get there.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Most probably you see moose and other wild animals as you drive Yukon’s highways. However, if you visit the Wildlife Preserve, you will be able to take home pictures of ten northern mammal species: moose, musk oxen, mountain goats, wood bison, mule deer, woodland caribou, elk, lynx and two species of thinhorn sheep; Dall and Stone sheep. The tours offered at the facility are informative. www.yukonwildlife.ca
Canoeing and Kayaking
Whitehorse is the starting place for popular canoeing and kayaking trips. A trip to Carmacks takes an average of eight days and 16 days to Dawson City.
Outfitters offer all the gear, guides, tours, lessons and planning services. They also can arrange transport back to Whitehorse. The most used map for paddlers is The Yukon River: Marsh Lake to Dawson City, available at www.yukonbooks.com
3-Day Northern Lights and Huskies Experience
Explore the Yukon backcountry during a 2-night stay at a wilderness lodge. Savour home-cooked meals and daytime activities with some furry friends. Take the chance to marvel at the northern lights dancing in the amazing Yukon skies at nighttime.
Places To Stay
Robert Service Campground
It is a 15-minute walk from town on the Millennium Trail to the campground, located on the river 1 km south of town.
Unfortunately, The Yukon Parks took over the campground and it’s not the unique place it used to be a couple of years ago. The Coffee Shop is closed down.
The campground is mainly used by tenters as most sites are walk-in. A few small RVs can be accommodated by parking next to the site. It is a convenient place to stop for a couple of nights but it was very noisy till late at night when I was there. No surprise as it didn’t get dark till after midnight. (The campground was closed during my trip early summer of 2020)
Beez Kneez Backpackers
This is a friendly hostel with a garden, deck, grill and bikes. Two cabins are also available for rent and are very in demand.
Hot Springs Campground and Hostel
This is a wilderness campground a 25-minute drive from downtown Whitehorse with forested sites. Soak at the nearby Takhini Hot Springs and enjoy. The new campground building is open year-round.
Hi Country RV Park
Located at the top of Robert Service Way, the wooded campground offers hookups, showers, laundry and a playground.
Walmart Parking Lot
That’s where I spent the night when I came through town coming back from Dawson City. It was late and rainy and I couldn’t see the point to go to a campground for the night. Lots of other weary travellers stopped at the Walmart Parking lot and settled in for the night. I used the Walmart washroom before the store closed at 10 pm and was happy when it opened again at 8 am.
Other Accommodation
Whitehorse has many hotels and motels to choose from, as well as plenty of very good bed and breakfasts if you look for a more personal touch.
For a special wilderness experience book a stay at one of the out-of-town lodges. Some of the lodges are only a short drive from Whitehorse, others are in remote bush locations. They tend to offer full board as well as outdoor activities. Prices vary depending on location and facilities.
There are lots of cabins for rent in the Yukon. Some of them have electricity and running water, while others do not. Make sure to check what to expect before you book. Remember, the fewer the facilities the more special the wilderness experience!
Weather and when to visit
The time of year to choose for your northern trip depends on what kind of experience you want to have. If dog sledding and seeing the Northern Lights are on your list, winter is the time to go.
The best time to see fall colours on the Dempster Highway is generally late August to the second or third weekend of September. If you rather go for the endless nights and midnight sun, the middle of June to the middle of August is probably best.
For more information on the weather go to Climate and Weather.
Yukon Quest
The thrills of a 1,000-mile race through the frozen wilderness. Each February Whitehorse is either the Start or End of Yukon Quest, a 1,000-mile race with dogs who love to run. The race happens between Whitehorse and Fairbanks in Alaska. Both mushers and dogs are tough and thrive in blizzards, -50 temperatures and long winter nights.
Yukon Travel Information
- The Visitor Information Centre on Second Avenue and Lambert Street downtown is a great place to stop when you first arrive in town. It offers a big parking area for RVs. Once you got some travel tips from the helpful staff, head south on the river pathway and start exploring.
- Yukon Travel Guide