Holidays in The Yukon

It’s wild, it’s untamed, it has a landscape to rival anything else you’ll find in Canada and almost 80% of it is wilderness. This incredible province is shaped by raging rivers, soaring mountain peaks, dense forests home to moose and grizzly bears and the legendary Klondike Gold Rush.

Whitehorse is the Yukon’s capital city but it’s unlike any capital city you’ll have been to before, whether you’re arriving by air or passing through on the Alaska Highway. Known as the ‘wilderness city’ Whitehorse is surrounded by the great outdoors and is a charming blend of quirky heritage buildings, inspiring cuisine, museums, and everyday life. You’ll find all manner of activities including mountain biking, hiking trails and river paddling and in this land of the midnight sun, almost 24 hours of daylight in which to enjoy it all.

Kluane National Park and Reserve forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the largest internationally protected area in the world and during the summer months explodes into life with sunshine and wildflowers. This is also a place of huge glaciers, enormous mountains and wildlife viewing that includes mountain goats and Dall sheep, and the odd grizzly bear casually wandering along the highway.

The Klondike needs no introduction. It was setting for one of the world’s last great gold rushes and has a deep-seated First Nations culture. Spend time in Dawson City, a place that’s been known as a good-time town since the 1800’s. Pan for gold, enjoy a guided walking tour or board one of the elegant paddle wheel steamers for a genteel cruise on the Yukon River. Take in a show at Diamond Tooth Gerties – Canada’s oldest gambling hall or join a tour to the Klondike Gold Fields.

A road trip is a great way to get under the skin of the Yukon. Perhaps follow the Dempster Highway and cross the Arctic Circle, or explore the South Klondike on the Golden Circle route through Carcross and the White Pass and Yukon rail route, Haines Junction before taking a short voyage on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to discover the Alaskan coastal townships of Skagway and Haines.

The Yukon is also one of the best spots in North America, if not the world, to see the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Light’s. A guided tour is the best option whether it be cabin or tepee based or a dog sledding excursion. All you need is a dark clear night, ideally moonless and if you’re lucky you’ll have a front row seat for mother nature’s greatest light show.

Whitehorse

Day 1 

Arrive in Whitehorse and make your own way to your hotel.

Day 2

Spend the day exploring Whitehorse, the capital city of the Yukon sits on the banks of the Yukon River. Many attractions incuding SS Klondike National Historic Site.

Day 3

Time for more exploring, go for a hike or explore the salmon ladder.

Day 4

Continue your journey. 

Dawson City

Day 1

Upon arrival in Dawson City make your way to your accommodation.

Day 2

Dawson City was the centre of the greatest Gold Rush that the world has ever seen.

Day 3 Skagway

Explore the city by foot and visit some of the historic buildings.

Day 4 Depart Whitehorse

This morning you will check out of your hotel and depart Dawson City.

Whitepass and Yukon Railroad

Day 1 Arrive Whitehorse

Upon arrival in Whitehorse, transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to explore Whitehorse.

Day 2 Whitehorse

Located on the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is the largest city and capital of the Yukon territory. This morning you will join a city tour for an introduction to the history of Whitehorse. Highlights of the tour include Old Log Chrurch, SS Klondike, Miles Canyon and Log Skyscraper. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 3 Skagway

Today, board a motor coach at the White Pass Depot in Whitehorse for a trip along the scenic South Klondike Highway to Fraser, BC. Here, you will connect with the world famous narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. A 28 mile journey will take you over the White Pass Summit and into Skagway, Alaska. A two hour layover is included in Skagway allowing you to browse the historic town. You will then re-board your motor coach for the trip from Skagway back to Whitehorse.

Day 4 Depart Whitehorse

This morning you will check out of your hotel and depart Whitehorse.