What is your purpose for travelling to the Yukon? To unwind, be inspired, adventure, hike a mountain, or find the unknown? You don’t want your vacation to be as hectic as your normal workdays. Renting a car on your trip saves time, privacy, flexibility, and money - and gives you the opportunity to see as much of the Yukon as possible.  

Open the back of your van and relax under the starry skies. Take in the vast arctic tundra while driving along the Dempster Highway. Experience the quaint and charming restaurant scene in Whitehorse. There are endless opportunities for exploration in the Yukon, so don't limit yourself to those.  

Read on to discover seven reasons you’ll want to rent a car while visiting the Yukon.   

Convenience  

When you come to the Yukon, you’re here to explore - free of timelines, obligations, and restrictions. You don’t want to have to stick to timetables or schedules that limit your trip experience. By renting a car, you will be able to avoid all these stressors, and instead, travel at your own pace.  

Additionally, with Whitehorse being the only city in the Yukon, you’ll want to have everything you need in your car. Overland Yukon has great customer reviews and offers a variety of rental options, including camper vans and Jeeps’ outfitted with rooftop tents and all-inclusive camping gear to help visitors make the most of their time in the Yukon.  

Yukon’s Dispersed Wilderness

One of the most amazing things about the Yukon is the diversity of beauty it has to offer. From flat and vast prairie-like forests, to glistening alpine lakes and towering mountain peaks, you’ll want to experience it all. Because of Yukon's vast, dispersed geographic location, it is advised to rent a car when visiting the territory’s most beautiful areas. Overland Yukon recommends some fantastic itinerary options you can drive, such as the Golden Circle, the Dempster Highway, and the Local’s Passport. Consider these itineraries if you’re looking for some breathtaking scenery and a genuine adventure.  

Safety  

You cannot underestimate the wilderness of Yukon - it is the real deal. Many vast areas are completely undeveloped, and most of the territory is not in cell phone range. When you venture into the backcountry, you could be a long way from help. Renting a car to travel with will provide you with a home on wheels and all the necessary gear to adventure beyond the pavement. Overland Yukon provides Garmin inReach and Zoleo devices which offer Satellite text messaging throughout the Yukon and Alaska. Don’t order a pizza, but this resource can be used to update family, friends, and in emergency scenarios. The portable device uses Bluetooth to connect a smartphone where you can use an app to send text messages and communicate with others. This device can be taken on hikes, brought in your tent, or just sit in the car dashboard. Either way, it’s a safety device that doubles as piece of mind and basic communication.  

Comfort  

Travelling with a rental car provides a level of comfort that you’ll crave in the Yukon - no matter how rugged an adventurer you are. It may not seem like a big deal but having access to things like air conditioning and a stove make all the difference when on a wilderness expenditure. You will enjoy coming back to your van, cooking a homemade meal, and relaxing at your campsite after hiking up Grizzly Ridge in Tombstone Territorial Park. 

Discover Places by Mistake  

The best moments of road tripping are when you accidentally find beautiful places while on your way to another location. Driving allows you to widen the scope of the places you’re able to see and run into things you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see otherwise having not rented a car. If you’re someone who enjoys adventures off the beaten path, then consider setting up camp off-road at this amazing spot at Quill Creek. Sleep aside the Kluane river while gazing into the summer sky.

Space For Your Things

Whether you are taking a road trip with your best friends or your family, travelling in groups requires additional space for everyone’s belongings. In renting a car, you’ll be able to bring everything you need rather than having to limit yourself along the way. If you’re travelling with a larger group, or are someone who enjoys their personal space, consider renting an Overland Yukon van or an Overland Yukon full size Jeep. After a long day of hiking, it will be nice to spend some time alone in the van recording your experiences in your travel journal.  

Related: Why You Should Bring a Travel Journal To The Yukon  

You’ll also need space for your adventure equipment, such as tents, paddles, canoes, hiking poles. Overland Yukon vehicles are not only built with convenience in mind to ensure there’s enough space for these things, but also include the option to purchase additional add-ons, including packrafts, bikes, paddleboards and more.  

Trail Access  

Lastly, it is extremely important to note that most of the hiking trails in Yukon cannot be accessed without a car. Regardless of if you only plan on travelling to Whitehorse, you’ll need a vehicle to reach these areas. Overland Yukon provides free pick up and drop off at the airport and hotels within the vicinity of Whitehorse. We also offer pickups and drop offs outside of these locations but charge for them. You will be on your way as soon as you arrive at Overland Yukon headquarters, and we assist you in packing your van.  

Evidently, there are an array of different reasons why you’ll want to rent a car while visiting the Yukon. From convenience and safety to the ability to run into spectacular sceneries by mistake, having access to a vehicle on your journey will help you ease your travel stress and make the most of your time here.  

Choosing the perfect vehicle for your trip will significantly enhance your experience.