Whitehorse Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the vibrant capital of the Yukon, where the majestic Yukon River meets the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. This small city offers big adventures, from the dancing Northern Lights in winter to the endless daylight of summer.
Whitehorse is more than just a stopover; it is a frontier town that has matured into a cosmopolitan city without losing its wild soul. Located at Historic Mile 918 of the Alaska Highway, the city is nestled in a valley carved by the mighty Yukon River, surrounded by the endless boreal forest and rolling mountains. Here, the air is fresher, the coffee is stronger, and the stories are taller.
Whether you visit under the midnight sun of summer or the dancing auroras of winter, Whitehorse offers a unique blend of accessibility and isolation. It is a place where you can enjoy a world-class meal in a restored log cabin and be watching wild elk graze just fifteen minutes later. The city’s rhythm is dictated by the seasons, each bringing a distinct character to the landscape.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Spirit of the Rush
Whitehorse exists because of the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1897, stampeders faced the terrifying White Horse Rapids, named because the foaming water resembled the manes of charging white horses. While the rapids were eventually tamed by a hydroelectric dam, the city that grew beside them retains that adventurous spirit. You can still feel the history in the wooden boardwalks, the historic facades on Main Street, and the rusty relics found along the trails. It is a modern capital city, but the echoes of the prospectors are never far away.
Today, that history blends with a vibrant First Nations culture. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council have cared for this land for millennia, and their art, stories, and traditions are woven into the fabric of the city, from the totem poles rising along the waterfront to the cultural centres that welcome visitors with open arms.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Hike Miles Canyon
Walk across the Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge and hike along the basalt cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Yukon River. This site was once a treacherous rapid for Gold Rush stampeders.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
View iconic northern wildlife like muskoxen, moose, lynx, and caribou in their natural habitats across a sprawling 700-acre reserve. Accessible by bus tour or a 5km walking loop.
Tour the SS Klondike National Historic Site
Step aboard one of the last great sternwheelers that once plied the Yukon River. This restored Parks Canada site offers a glimpse into the riverboat era of the 1930s and 40s.
Soak in Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
Relax in natural thermal pools rich in minerals, recently renovated with a Japanese-inspired design. It is especially magical in winter when steam rises into the frozen air.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
SS Klondike National Historic Site - This dry-docked sternwheeler is the premier landmark of the city. Located on the banks of the river at the edge of downtown, admission is free (Parks Canada). It offers a tangible connection to the riverboat era.
Miles Canyon - Located 10 km south of downtown, this stunning geological feature offers hiking trails and a suspension bridge over the Yukon River. It is free to visit and offers some of the most photogenic views in the territory.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve - Situated 30 km from the city centre, this preserve guarantees sightings of northern animals. Entry is approximately $18 CAD for walking or $28 CAD for a bus tour. It is an essential stop for families and photographers.
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs - Just a few kilometers past the Wildlife Preserve, these renovated pools offer a luxury soak for roughly $30 CAD. It is the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking or skiing.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Whitehorse usually involves a flight from Vancouver, Calgary, or Edmonton. Once you land, renting a car is highly recommended. While the downtown core is walkable, the best sights, like the Wildlife Preserve and Miles Canyon, are spread out, and public transit is limited to the city limits.
When packing, remember the golden rule of the North: layers. Even in July, temperatures can drop significantly in the evening. If you are visiting in winter, you will need thermal base layers, a heavy parka, and insulated boots. In summer, bring a sleep mask; the Midnight Sun is a marvel to behold, but it can make sleeping difficult if you aren’t used to 24-hour daylight.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June to August)
Pros
- Endless daylight (Midnight Sun)
- Warm temperatures for hiking and camping
- All attractions and museums are open
Cons
- Highest accommodation prices
- Mosquitoes can be intense in the bush
- Popular campgrounds fill up quickly
Shoulder Season: Fall (September)
Pros
- Stunning fall foliage colours
- Aurora Borealis viewing begins late August
- Fewer crowds and bugs
Cons
- Weather can turn cold rapidly
- Some seasonal tours stop operating
- Days get shorter quickly
Off-Peak: Winter (November to March)
Pros
- Best time for Northern Lights viewing
- Winter sports like dog sledding and skiing
- Unique festivals like Sourdough Rendezvous
Cons
- Extreme cold requires specialized gear
- Limited daylight hours (approx. 5-6 hours)
- Some restaurants and attractions close
Whitehorse is a destination that stays with you long after you leave. The combination of raw wilderness, deep history, and warm northern hospitality creates a travel experience that is hard to match. Whether you come for the gold history or the golden leaves, the Wilderness City is ready to welcome you.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic Yukon Weekend
A well-rounded introduction to Whitehorse's history, nature, and relaxation spots, perfect for a summer or shoulder-season visit.
Day 1: History on the Riverbanks
- Morning: Start your trip at the SS Klondike National Historic Site to tour the massive sternwheeler, which is free to enter and takes about 1 hour. Afterward, walk along the Millennium Trail beside the Yukon River to stretch your legs.
- Afternoon: Visit the MacBride Museum of Yukon History downtown to learn about the Gold Rush and see a real nugget, costing roughly $12 CAD per adult. Enjoy a late lunch at the nearby Burnt Toast Café for around $25 CAD per person.
- Evening: Walk to Main Street for dinner at Klondike Rib & Salmon to try the elk stroganoff or bison burger, budgeting about $40 CAD per person. Be prepared for a lineup as this place is legendary, but the wait is worth it.
Day 2: Canyons and Wildlife
- Morning: Drive 15 minutes south to Miles Canyon to cross the suspension bridge and hike the lower trails, which offers spectacular views of the emerald water. Drive another 20 minutes to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for the 11:00 AM bus tour, costing approximately $28 CAD per adult.
- Afternoon: After seeing the muskoxen and moose, drive to the nearby Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs to soak in the thermal pools for $30 CAD per person. Spend a few hours relaxing in the sauna and steam rooms before heading back to town.
- Evening: Enjoy a refined dinner at Woodcutter’s Blanket, located in a historic log cabin, where cocktails and shareable plates will run about $60 CAD per person. End the night with a stroll along the waterfront to catch the Midnight Sun if visiting in summer.
Day 3: Culture and Vistas
- Morning: Head to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the waterfront to view magnificent Indigenous art and learn about the First Nations history of the region. Admission is free, but donations are welcome, and the architecture facing the river is stunning.
- Afternoon: Drive up the gravel road to Grey Mountain for a picnic lunch with a view over the entire valley, ensuring your rental car can handle a few bumps. If you prefer indoor activities, visit the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre near the airport to see woolly mammoth skeletons for $12 CAD.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a casual meal at The Dirty Northern Public House for live music and local beer, budgeting $30 CAD per person. If it is viewing season, drive out of the city limits around 11:00 PM to look for the Aurora Borealis.
Winter Wilderness & Aurora
A winter-focused itinerary designed for chasing the Northern Lights and experiencing iconic snow activities.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Morning: Arrive at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport and pick up your rental car with winter tires, which is essential for getting around safely. Check into your hotel and pick up heavy winter gear rentals if you did not bring your own parka and boots.
- Afternoon: Warm up inside the Yukon Transportation Museum to see the ‘Queen of the Yukon’ sister plane to the Spirit of St. Louis, with entry costing around $10 CAD. Grab a hot coffee and pastry at Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters to fuel up.
- Evening: Book a guided Aurora viewing tour that takes you to a heated cabin outside the city, typically costing $150 CAD per person. While you wait for the lights, enjoy hot chocolate and stories from local guides.
Day 2: The Call of the Wild
- Morning: Embark on a half-day dog sledding adventure where you can drive your own team of huskies, an experience that usually starts around $200 CAD per person. The guides will teach you the basics of mushing and introduce you to the dogs.
- Afternoon: Return to town for a hearty lunch at The Miner’s Daughter on Main Street, spending about $25 CAD per person. Spend the rest of the daylight hours walking the snowy path around the SS Klondike for winter photography.
- Evening: Dine at Antoinette’s for some warm Caribbean fusion food to contrast the cold weather, budgeting $45 CAD per person. Keep an eye on the aurora forecast apps, as you might be able to see strong lights even from the darker edges of town.
Day 3: Hot Springs and Heritage
- Morning: Sleep in slightly to recover from the late nights, then drive to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see the animals in their winter coats. Walking the 5km loop in the snow is magical, or you can take the bus for $28 CAD.
- Afternoon: Head directly to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs next door to experience the unique sensation of freezing hair while your body stays hot in the water. Entry is roughly $30 CAD, and it is a popular spot for locals in winter.
- Evening: Have a casual dinner at the frantic and fun Klondike Rib & Salmon, which opens seasonally, or the Wayfarer’s Oyster House for a more modern vibe at $50 CAD per person. If you have a car, drive up to Fish Lake Road for a private attempt at viewing the aurora away from city lights.
Day 4: Ice and Art
- Morning: Visit the Lumel Studios to watch glass blowing demonstrations or take a short workshop to make your own souvenir for about $80 CAD. It is a warm and creative way to spend a frosty morning.
- Afternoon: If the ice is thick enough, visit the enchanting frozen Miles Canyon to see the river stopped in time, but be extremely cautious of edge conditions. Alternatively, visit the Arts Underground gallery on Main Street to see works by Yukon artists.
- Evening: Enjoy a final farewell dinner at the Edgewater Hotel’s Belly of the Bison, enjoying high-end local plates for $60 CAD per person. Pack up your gear and prepare for an early flight the next morning.
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