Whitehorse Summer Travel Guide
Whitehorse, the Yukon’s Capital City with a population of 33,781, is the ‘big city’ up here. Marked by wild frontier, gold rush history, and small town ambience, there aren’t many other places like it in the world. Just outside your back door you can explore some of the world's most untouched wilderness and then dine downtown that same evening. For many years, there was even a law prohibiting buildings from exceeding 20 m (66 ft), which has provided scenic views throughout the city no matter where you are. The amount of animals in the forests outnumbers the number of residents. It's a different way of life up here.
Whitehorse is the place of Overland Yukon’s headquarters, our home. At least once, everyone should experience this little "pocket of magic" town nestled in the middle of the wild frontier. Our Whitehorse guide outlines everything from how to get here, where to stay, what to see and do, where to eat, where to drink, and summer events.
Adventures abound in this city, no matter how big. Let us help you discover them.
How To Get To The Yukon
By Air – Whitehorse International Airport is five minutes from downtown Whitehorse. Daily flights connect to regional and international airports. Air North is the main airline in the Yukon and offers flights to and from the following locations: Whitehorse, Dawson City, Edmonton, Calgary, Yellowknife, Inuvik, Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria, Kelowna, Old Crow, and Vancouver. Tour operators like Overland Yukon offer pickup and drop-off from the airport for free. Otherwise, you can hire a cab in front of the airport.
View current flight schedules here.
Where Should I Book My Flights?
Flight costs vary on the website that you find them on. Aside from the Air North website, here is a quick rundown of the best flight search sites for booking cheap airfare:
Many of these websites, such as Google Flights, offer the option to turn on notifications so that you are notified when flights become cheaper based on industry trends. Turn these on for a month, and you will see how much flight costs vary based on the time that you book. Take advantage of these savings when you see cheap flight prices. You can also book flights through Overland Yukon, eliminating the hassle of you having to search through a bunch of different options.
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.
Can I drive from BC to the Yukon?
Can I drive from British Columbia to Yukon? Yes, but it will take you 32 hours and 24 minutes. Your best bet is to hop on a flight and rent a car when you arrive. Overland Yukon is a tour operator and car rental service offering jeeps and camper van rentals, with all inclusive camping gear and adventure equipment so that you’re prepared with everything you need the second you hop off the plane.
By Bus – Buses connect Dawson City with Whitehorse and Fairbanks during the summer months only. While this is a way of getting around the downtown hub, bus routes don’t travel everywhere. If you're someone who craves adventure and a taste of the unknown, you'll want a car so you can explore the outback and see for yourself what defines this northern paradise. Some of the most incredible nature in the world can be found in Whitehorse - from grizzlies, and porcupine caribou, to the tallest mountain ranges in Canada.
By Sea – The nearest port to Whitehorse is in Skagway, Alaska. Once you arrive in Skagway on a cruise ship, you can take the historic White Pass and Yukon Route railway to Carcross, where you can then arrange a pickup with an Overland Yukon chief exploration officer to take you to the headquarters and pick up your vehicle. You can also take a bus to Whitehorse, remembering that it is only available during the summer.
Note: It is a one-hour time difference when traveling between Yukon and Alaska. The time is one hour ahead in the Yukon. Also, remember that you will need a passport or other approved ID at the international border between Canada and the U.S.
Where To Stay
This really all depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. You won't regret having your Overland Yukon vehicle double as your hotel in Whitehorse, if you're here to explore the natural sights around. Our jeeps can hold up to five people, while vans can hold up to three. The jeeps sleep three people comfortably and can squeeze four (if you’re close friends and comfortable in tight quarters). The vans sleep up to two people comfortably and are equipped with a double bed, but a third person can sleep on a sleeping pad in the van hallway.
We've also outlined some great places to stay for those who prefer hotel stays, or are looking for a more laid back experience.
1. Best Western Gold Rush Inn (from CAD $208)
This historic Whitehorse hotel offers excellent guest service and enjoys a central location close to attractions and shopping. The Best Western Gold Rush Inn is 100% non-smoking and features the Aveda approved Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa. Visit the on-site Gold Pan Saloon for a gold rush era dining experience!
2. The SKKY Hotel (from CAD $122)
A boutique property conveniently located across from the airport and a short drive away from the downtown core. A great place to rest your head for the night if you have an early morning flight the next day. Complimentary airport shuttle to/from the airport for major flights, complimentary wireless internet. All rooms are furnished with Tempur-Pedic mattresses with high thread count sheets, 42 inch plasma tvs, desk and office chair.
3. Edgewater Hotel (from CAD $209)
Edgewater Hotel, overlooking the majestic Yukon River, has a long history of welcoming adventure-seekers to Whitehorse dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush. 33 modern guest rooms, each with thoughtful amenities like complimentary turndown service, and deliver our guests with gold standard service. In the heart of downtown Whitehorse.
4. Northern Lights Resort & Spa (from CAD $255)
This spot is located 20 minutes outside of Whitehorse, but thankfully, you have your Overland Yukon vehicle to deliver you there! Guests looking for a unique hotel experience will enjoy staying at this family-owned resort. Set on 160 acres just off Highway 1, this secluded year-round lodge and spa offers views of the Northern Lights just 21 km from Mt. Lorne. The cabin-style rooms feature kitchens or kitchenettes, and the lodge room has free Wi-Fi and a fridge.
5. Raven Inn (from CAD $255)
A cool, modern hotel in Whitehorse for professionals seeking luxury in serviced apartment style accommodation. Family owned and centrally located in downtown Whitehorse’s Shipyards Park district. Book a reservation at the Railwork Lounge and enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch.
What To Explore
1. Miles Canyon
The Yukon may isn’t hot in weather, but that’s what gave way to one of the territory’s most beautiful natural wonders - Miles Canyon. The Miles Canyon Basalts represent a package of rocks that include various exposures of basaltic lava flows and cones that erupted and flowed across an ancient pre-glacial landscape in south-central Yukon. The volcanic rocks are best exposed and most easily accessible at the Miles Canyon location where the Yukon River cuts through a succession of flows south of Whitehorse. Featuring a plethora of hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and plenty of picture taking spots, this is a must-see on your Whitehorse summer bucket list. You can even engage in a free two hour guided hike through the summer months. Read Google reviews here.
2. S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
With its abundance of iconic sights like the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, Whitehorse is a town whose culture, history, and nature all blend together. The S.S. Klondike was the lifeline to the outside world that played a major part in the history of the Yukon Territory. Gold from the Klondike and silver, lead, and zinc from the Mayo district would have remained in the hills for at least another half century without the riverboats, delaying the development of the Canadian West and North. Today, the historic steam wheeler attraction and interpretive tours offer an exciting way to engage with Whitehorse’s gold rush history. Guided tours are available during the summer months.
3. Yukon Transportation Museum
The Yukon as we know it today is shaped by the Yukon's transportation systems. Whitehorse’s very existence is due to its location during the Klondike Gold Rush (1897–98) as a staging and distribution center; it was the head of river navigation and became the northern terminus of the White Pass and Yukon Route. The Yukon Transportation Museum seeks to explore the stories of people moving themselves, their possessions, and their ideas across the landscape that made Yukon what it is today.
At the Yukon Transportation Museum you will see, read, and hear about the rich history of Yukon transportation through lively stories and the interesting, detailed and surprising size of displays. History is fun here.
Nature
Here are a few fun ways to bring the wild world into your trip.
1. Paddle
Overland Yukon offers the option to purchase add-on adventure equipment like packrafts so that you can engage in different avenues of wilderness while you’re here. The Hidden Lakes offer a network of single track recreation trails primarily used for mountain biking and day walks. The main Hidden Lakes Trail is a 1.8 kilometer loop route with views of 3 of the kettle lakes. It is an interpretive trail with plenty of signage explaining the evolution of the lakes, wildlife and the local fauna and flora.
2. Hike Caribou Mountain
Although Miles Canyon is our favorite Yukon hike, there’s still plenty of beautiful wilderness to explore around Whitehorse, such as a hike up Caribou Mountain. This hiking trail offers some of the most gorgeous scenery Whitehorse has to offer. From Whitehorse, drive south on the Alaska Highway towards the Carcross cutoff (South Klondike Highway) and follow it for 45 km (6 km north of Carcross). As soon as you cross a small stream (which may be dry), there is a driveway on the left that runs parallel with the highway. Parking is available at the bottom of the driveway where there is a small parking area. Download the Whitehorse Recreational Trail Guide app for more.
3. Shred the Mountain Bike Trails at Grey Mountain
Whitehorse has two primary riding areas: Mt. MacIntyre and Grey Mountain. Most of the riding is pedal-driven with fast, wide-open trails and amazing views. Bikes can be purchased in your Overland Yukon package.
4. Hike the Millenium Trail
Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy the 2.8 mile Millennium Trail. It starts at the site of the S.S. Klondike and continues along the east and west banks of the Yukon River. The summer months are perfect for picking wildflowers and raspberries, and the relaxing terrain will allow you to fully take in its beauty. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October.
5. Go Wild Camping
Yukon Parks offers an array of great parks to explore and camp at in Whitehorse, like Lake Laberge Campground, Marsh Lake Campground, and Kusawa Campground. But if you’re looking to truly step outside your comfort zone and experience the raw beauty of the Yukon, consider setting up shop at the side of the river, with this wild campground location.
“Finding nowhere” in the Yukon is simply a state of mind. Embrace it.
Campgrounds in the Yukon and information about them can be found using this map. The green areas mark conservation areas like territorial parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and habitat protection areas. The map also outlines backcountry campgrounds, so campers looking for dispersed camping can still use it. It is important to note that not all campgrounds have a water supply, pull-throughs, or kitchen shelter, so if these are things you are looking for, use the map to indicate where each service is available.
Food
After you arrive at the Overland Yukon headquarters in Whitehorse and pick up your car, visit Whitehorse’s charming downtown scene to check out our quaint little town. Our extremely friendly locals might strike up a conversation with you while you enjoy your meal.
WAYFARER OYSTER HOUSE (4.6 star rating)
Walking distance from anywhere in downtown, this northern coastal dining room provides the Yukon with its fix of fresh Oysters, Yukon, Alaskan, and BC seafood.
KLONDIKE RIB & SALMON (4.7 star rating)
Quaint eatery housed in old buildings featuring down-home BBQ, seafood, steak & other mains.
BAKED CAFE & BAKERY (4.4 star rating)
This artsy, industrial-chic coffee house provides a venue for trivia nights & live music. *Vegan Friendly*
MINER’S DAUGHTER/DIRTY NORTHERN (4.4 star rating)
Cozy neighborhood pub serving creative comfort fare, craft beer & cocktails in laid-back surrounds.
LEGEND’S SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL (4.2 star rating)
Great portions, great prices, great taste. Located inside the Yukon Inn. BBQ with dine in and take out options available.
SMOKE & SOW (4.7 star rating)
Smoke & Sow is some of the best BBQ you'll ever eat, made in house with love. Delicious meats that have been smoked for hours, with a selection of delicious plant-based options on the menu for non-meat eaters. *Vegan Friendly*
Breweries
Yukon Brewing
Yukon Brewing owners Alan and Bob conceived their idea like many Yukoners – around a campfire on a canoe trip. Today, the brewery’s 10 packaged beers are available across Alberta and BC with some even finding their way as far east as Quebec and at the Hannover Zoo in Germany. Yukon Brewing turned their sights to distilling to eventually create Two Brewers Whisky. They also offer a robust line of spirits throughout the year, including their newest line extension, Concepts coolers. With pints, spirits, and whisky available, there’s a beverage to satisfy every taste palette in your group.
Winterlong Brewing
Winterlong Brewing’s story started in university with a homebrew kit, but Marko and Meghan Marjanovic soon turned their passion of beer into Winterlong Brewing Co. Open all year for visitors to enjoy, Winterlong is a small craft brewery offering tasty pints, snacks, and food-to-go.
Polarity Brewing
Polarity Brewing is Whitehorse's newest craft beer destination, located downtown along the Yukon River. This small-batch brewery serves up an eclectic range of beer and is located next to Shipyards Park. With delicious food options like the Pork Belly Benny, you can’t go wrong stopping by here.
Summer Events
The Adaka Cultural Festival
A significant amount of focus is placed on preserving and celebrating the rich culture of the First Nations that have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Taking a stroll through Whitehorse will reveal a number of stunning First Nations sculptures, paintings, and carvings. By exploring and understanding their amazing culture and traditions, you will gain a deeper understanding of the area.
Every summer, 200+ Indigenous First Nations artists gather at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center in downtown Whitehorse to celebrate and showcase their arts and culture at the Adaka Cultural Festival. Representing communities from across the Yukon along with guest artists from other Indigenous communities in Canada and Alaska, the Adaka Cultural Festival features a vibrant schedule of events including traditional and contemporary dance, music, and drumming, arts exhibitions, artist demonstrations, cultural presentations, drumming circles, storytelling, Aboriginal films, a community feast, and more.
The Yukon River Quest
Hosted by the Yukon River Marathon Paddler's Association, the Yukon River Quest is an epic and world-class paddling event that aims to realize the full potential of an inspired and involved community. Today, the Yukon River Quest is one of the most spectacular paddling events in Canada. Participants take off from Whitehorse and paddle the 740 km (460 miles) to reach Dawson City in marathon time, usually within two days. Watch the teams as they leave Whitehorse and follow them along on your Overland Yukon journey until they arrive in Dawson! The event starts on June 22 and lasts until June 25.
For more information or questions, make an inquiry on our website. Whitehorse's natural beauty awaits you.