whitehorse yukon tourist attractions

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Whitehorse

Written by Chloë Ernst and Michael Law Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whitehorse, like Dawson City, owes its existence to the Klondike Gold Rush, which began in 1897. Having survived the arduous and sometimes deadly journey from Skagway over White Pass, gold prospectors had to negotiate the Miles Canyon and Whitehorse rapids before descending the Yukon River to Dawson's riches.

From the first arrivals, a small settlement grew up on the river's right bank, opposite the present town. The seething, foaming waters of the rapids, rearing like white steeds, gave the settlement its name - Whitehorse. The rocks that caused the rapids are still there but are now peacefully submerged beneath the waters of Schwatka Lake, created when the river was dammed in 1958.

Home to 25,000 people - more than half the total population of Yukon - Whitehorse has grown into a major center for arts and culture in recent years. The small but lively territory capital is a hub of the north, standing at the intersection of the Alaska and Klondike Highways, and only about 80 kilometers north of the provincial border with British Columbia.

Find the best things to do in this small but fascinating city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Whitehorse.

See also: Where to Stay in Whitehorse

1. Tour the SS Klondike National Historic Site

2. explore miles canyon, 3. see native animals at yukon wildlife preserve, 4. watch the northern lights, 5. whitehorse fishladder & hatchery, 6. macbride museum of yukon history, 7. old log church museum, 8. yukon transportation museum, 9. yukon beringia interpretive centre, 10. kwanlin dün cultural centre, 11. enjoy a soak at takhini hot springs, 12. take a town tour, 13. yukon arts centre, 14. yukon government building, 15. emerald lake, where to stay in whitehorse for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in whitehorse, whitehorse, canada - climate chart.

The sternwheelers on the Yukon River remained the region's most important mode of transport for decades after the gold-rush. The SS Klondike II was the granddaddy of them all, the largest sternwheeler of the entire fleet.

It was not until 1955 that the SS Klondike II , built in 1936 from the original's engines, boiler, and other parts in 1937 after it sank, gave up carrying ore from the silver mines in Mayo to Whitehorse for onward shipment by road.

Today, the restored and refitted stern wheeler is a popular tourist attraction, welcoming visitors on the Yukon embankment in the town center. Guided tours are available and for those choosing to go on their own, be sure to grab a self-guided tour booklet.

Address: 10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/yt/ssklondike

Miles Canyon was once a treacherous portion of the Yukon River before a hydroelectric dam tamed the waters. Located where the river cut through a section of basalt rock, the rapids were a choke point for gold prospectors, and many supplies and lives were lost trying to pass the turbulent waters, a problem only solved after the building of a section of railroad that bypassed it.

Today, hiking trails and a scenic setting make the area a delight to explore. Also fun is visiting the site's 25-meter-long suspension bridge , built in 1922 and offering great river views. Best of all, this attraction is just a few minutes' drive from downtown Yellowknife.

At the Yukon Wildlife Preserve just 30 minutes' drive from downtown Whitehorse, take a guided tour to see some of the many wonderful creatures that call the region home. These include moose, muskoxen, mountain goats, wood bison, mule deer, woodland caribou, elk, and two species of thinhorn sheep (Dall's and stone's sheep).

Covering more than 350 acres, the preserve has distinct habitats ranging from wetlands to cliffs that allow the animals to live-and be seen-in their natural environments. The preserve has also made a name for itself as a wildlife rehabilitation center.

As an alternative to the guided bus tours of the preserve, those interested in a great five-kilometer hike can make use of the trail network that loops around the site. It's especially fun to visit in winter, when many of these same trails are used for snowshoeing and cross country ski adventures.

Traveling with kids? The preserve hosts a variety of fun programming, including summer camps and nature workshops.

Address: Kilometer 8 (mile 5), Takhini Hot Springs Road, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: www.yukonwildlife.ca/

If you're able to time your visit to Whitehorse for the months of January through to early April, you won't even have to leave the city to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis , or Northern Lights. That said, for optimal viewing of this remarkable cosmic display, it's best to try to leave the city lights behind you and head for the hills.

Once the ice has begun to break up in the spring, Chinook salmon hurry upstream from the Pacific Ocean to their Yukon River spawning grounds. Some even journey as far as Whitehorse, taking about 60 days to cover the 3,000-kilometer trek. Visitors can watch this amazing spectacle as these magnificent fish climb the Whitehorse Fishladder and Hatchery , provided for them to bypass the Whitehorse Rapids hydroelectric dam.

The longest such structure in the world, the site also has an interpretation center that offers plenty of info regarding the fish and their journey, as well as an underwater window and viewing platforms to enjoy the experience.

Located just a short distance away, the fish hatchery was established in 1984 and plays an important role in protecting and replenishing the Yukon's stocks of Chinook and other fish species including arctic char and rainbow trout. Afterwards, seafood lovers can also enjoy a wide variety of salmon delicacies at local restaurants in Yellowknife.

Address: Nisutlin Drive, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: https://yukonenergy.ca/sustainability/conservation/whitehorse-fishladder-and-hatchery

The MacBride Museum of Yukon History has a large collection of relics and photographs from the gold-rush days, as well as displays relating to the Yukon First Nations. Notable exhibits include a log cabin belonging to Sam McGee - about whom Robert Service, the "Bard of the Yukon," wrote a famous ballad. There are also numerous bits of old machinery and implements, as well as an interesting display on the wildlife of Yukon.

Of special interest is the original Whitehorse telegraph office, forever a part of the newer museum building, which was literally built around (and over) it. If visiting in the summer months, be sure to look into scoring tickets for the museum's popular music festival.

Part of the MacBride's collection, the MacBride Waterfront Trolley is a fun family-friendly attraction that appeals to all ages. The star of the show is a fully-restored 1925 trolley that, nearly 100 years after being built, is again taking passengers for a ride along the Whitehorse waterfront.

Address: 1124 Front Street, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: http://www.macbridemuseum.com/

Erected in 1900 and one of the first Anglican churches to be established in Yukon, the Old Log Church Museum offers an insight into the establishment of the Christian faith in the territory. Highlights include displays and artifacts focusing on the pioneer days and the role of religion during this period, with guided tours provided daily throughout the summer.

Tours typically follow a variety of themes, including the history of the Anglican Church in Yukon, and the contributions of women during this period of time. Special kids tours are also available.

Address: 303 Elliott Street, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: www.oldlogchurchmuseum.ca

The Yukon Transportation Museum in Whitehorse displays examples of early means of transportation in the region, including snowshoes, dog sleds, stagecoaches, boats, aircraft, and vehicles used during the construction of the Alaska Highway.

One of the highlights is the sister plane of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis , the Queen of the Yukon . Also of interest are the personal stories of Yukon ingenuity and self-sufficiency. Excellent 40-minute tours of the museum are available with advance booking, and kids programs are also available. There's also an on-site gift shop.

Address: 30 Electra Crescent, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: http://goytm.ca/

Beringia is believed to be the route traveled by the first people who entered North America from Asia, and was known to have been a region of giant animals and large open plains. At the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, the area's history, geographical events, and culture are illustrated through fossils, First Nation exhibits, murals, and dioramas.

Free 30-minute guided tours are available, and are highly recommended, and offer an overview of the facility, its collections, and research-those wanting a longer and more in-depth tour can also be catered to.

Address: Kilometer 1423 (Mile 886), Alaska Hwy, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: http://www.beringia.com/

A visit to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC) offers visitors a chance to learn more about the first people to have settled the area, the Kwanlin Dün. In addition to serving as both a meeting spot and a place to celebrate the Kwanlin Dün First Nation's rich cultural heritage and history, the facility also serves as a convention center.

Of note here for visitors is the sizeable collection of rare Kwanlin Dün cultural artifacts, along with the opportunity to experience performances of traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Indigenous art is also on display, with rotating exhibits from a variety of local and other artists from across Canada.

Address: 1171 Front Street, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: http://kwanlindunculturalcentre.com

Located just a short drive from downtown Whitehorse, the Takhini Hot Springs are worth visiting and are a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Known for their therapeutic and curative traits -as well as being odorless-the hot springs have been used by humans for centuries.

These days, the experience is quite refined, with guests having a choice of two pools to relax in, each at different temperatures. The hot pool features water at 42 degrees Celsius (4.5 degrees cooler than when it reaches the surface), while the cool side boasts a comfortable 36 degrees Celsius. To make the most of your visit, consider a stay at the on-site hostel or on the campgrounds located here.

The hot springs have new management and a planned reopening in 2021 after significant renovations.

Address: 10 KM/ Mile 6 Takhini Hotsprings Road, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: http://www.takhinihotsprings.com

Whitehorse is full of history dating back to the gold rush days, and much of it is just waiting to be discovered. Fortunately, the Yukon Historical & Museums Association provides information on three self-guided tours. Choose one of the three, or all of them, and just download the audio program to your mobile phone. If you have a printer, be sure to print off the accompanying map.

If you don't have a way to print the map, swing by the office, and they'll provide one to you free of charge. The program will guide you throughout the city providing interesting insights along the way.

Other options for touring the city are by bus, horse-drawn carriage, or aboard the M.V. Schwatka to Miles Canyon and Schwatka Lake.

Address: 3126 Third Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: www.heritageyukon.ca

The Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) in Whitehorse is a multi-use arts facility that features arts events, local performing groups, dance and theater companies, as well as local and traveling art exhibitions. Over the years, the Yukon Arts Center has collected over 100 works by local and other Canadian artists, from painters to musicians, can be seen in the facility's permanent collection.

A fun series of kids' programming is presented throughout the year, and is worth looking into for those traveling with kids.

Address: 300 College Drive, Whitehorse, Yukon

Official site: http://yukonartscentre.com

Decorated with tapestries and paintings produced in Yukon, the Territorial Government Building is well worth a visit if you're undertaking a self-guided walking tour of Whitehorse (it's often included on guided tours). Much of what can be seen by the public can be enjoyed as part of a brief stopover. Of particular interest is the lobby-long mural of stained glass, a feature that's particularly worth seeing.

The building is located across the street from the tourist information center, so it's easy to pop in for a look.

Address: 2071 Second Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon

If you are heading south towards Carcross, or are just looking for an afternoon outing on a sunny day, be sure to stop in at Emerald Lake. This spectacular lake is the most amazing color green on a calm day. Photographers will be in their element trying to capture the reflections of the surrounding hills in its clear waters. To get the most ideal picture, be sure to go early in the day.

Emerald Lake is just over 60 kilometers down Highway 2; it should take about 40 minutes to get there. The lake will be on your right if you are coming from Whitehorse.

For those planning on visiting the top attractions in Whitehorse in Yukon, we recommend these centrally located hotels as a convenient base to see this fun northern city's top sights and points of interest.

Luxury Hotels :

• Don't be deceived by its rather plain exterior: the Edgewater Hotel is a classy boutique-style luxury hotel boasting a great central location in the heart of Whitehorse. In addition to being close to the city's top attractions, rooms and suites offer Yukon River views, modern décor, feather bedding, and wonderful staff.
• Within walking distance of Whitehorse International Airport, the appropriately named SKKY Hotel features chic modern rooms, granite bathrooms (plus heated floors), along with a number of larger suites with expanded living areas and fireplaces.
• Although it's not in Whitehorse-it's a 20-minute drive to the southeast on Hwy 1-the Northern Lights Resort & Spa offers great luxury accommodations in its custom-built log cabins, each with kitchens, fireplaces, and access to a spa with a sauna and outdoor hot tub.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Although the Coast High Country Inn verges on the luxury accommodation side of things, it offers great mid-range pricing and excellent customer service, an option of updated rooms with kitchenettes and Jacuzzis, plus a free airport shuttle.
• Also worth checking into, the Best Western Gold Rush Inn features comfortable rooms, an Aveda hair studio and day spa, plus a fitness room.

Budget Hotels :

• Topping the list of favorite affordable accommodations in Whitehorse, The Town and Mountain Hotel is set in a convenient location with clean rooms and ample free parking.

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The Far North : A great park to visit in the Northwest Territories is Nahanni National Park Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's popular for backpackers looking for a very ( very ) remote stretch of wilderness, and experienced canoeists. Nunavut is another northern destination that's becoming increasingly popular with tourists for its remote location and stunning scenery, as is Hudson Bay , popular for its dramatic arctic landscape, the Northern Lights... and yes, polar bears.

Canada's Top Parks : Canada has no shortage of great parks to explore, with one of the most popular being Banff National Park . In addition to including some of the most dramatic scenery in the Rocky Mountains, the park also boasts many exquisite turquoise lakes, along with vast forests, glaciers, and the delightful town of Banff itself. Not far away is Yoho National Park , another wonderful area for hiking and enjoying the mountains. In Ontario, Algonquin Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park offer completely different types of natural beauty. These are also great spots for wilderness seekers, and are especially popular among travelers from Europe who enjoy the many hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Canada Vacation Ideas : No visit to Canada is really complete without stopping to admire the magnificent Niagara Falls , a popular family vacation destination and one of the country's leading natural attractions. For those seeking a taste of the country's French influences, head to Old Montreal for its quaint old streets and alleys, its great cuisine, and many attractions. And for a taste of "Old England," consider a visit to Victoria , a delightfully pretty city that's proud of its rich colonial heritage.

More on Canada

The 13 Best Things to Do in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

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For some travelers, that place is Disneyland. For others, it’s a lakeside cabin where the family always used to converge during the holidays. For me – a kid raised in Alaska – the place I think of fondly when remembering summer vacations, is Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Maybe it was from our seminal drive from Maryland – where I was born – to Alaska when we moved there. Maybe it was the several times throughout my childhood when my parents and I made the long drive from our home near Anchorage, Alaska to spend time at Kluane Lake and neighboring Kluane National Park . There were even a few trips where we made the drive further south to visit Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon.

Whatever the reason, the Yukon – and Whitehorse – hold a special place in my heart, and I had my heart set on visiting during the summer of 2023 to re-tread the steps of my childhood and discover things anew with a travel writer’s eyes.

Following that trip, I knew I had to put together some articles that stack up to my own standard of what you – my fellow travelers – need to have an incredible time in this part of the world. As part of a larger Klondike-Kluane road trip, I spent a few nights and days in Whitehorse along with other Yukon destinations; this post is part of that series.

Below you’ll find what I consider to be the best things to do in Whitehorse. Whether you’re just passing through on a drive up the Alcan highway or are dedicating time to the Yukon as I did, you’ll soon see that for a small, remote city in a large, remote territory, Whitehorse has a ton to offer. Let’s get right to it!

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore  Native Land .

Table of Contents

1. Start at Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start…

Where better to start your time in Whitehorse than at the very beginning – of history?! I distinctly remember visiting the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre as a child; they used to have a giant, fossil-accurate six-foot sloth near the entrance that was… memorable (aka terrifying) to me as a kid!

Luckily, the sloth is no longer there – and the rest of the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre was recently renovated up to the standards of 2020 museums; it’s a really delightful place to explore and get a sense of how the major forces on our planet created this unique place. The museum is very kid-friendly but also has tons of details and depth for travelers/adults who want to learn a lot.

As a bonus, there’s an outdoor scavenger hunt at the museum that’s really fun if you can’t visit during opening hours or need to burn off some kid energy after a long day driving to get to Whitehorse.

2. Explore Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

After getting a sense of how the Yukon came to be – how humans and animals came to this region tens of thousands of years ago – another good stop is at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre where you can start to learn about some of the First Nations people who call the Yukon home today.

The Kwalin Dün Cultural Centre is both a tourist and local space; it is used for both gathering as a community and teaching those from outside about the traditions and culture of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation people. As a visitor, you can see exhibits, explore the galleries, and attend events (seasonally). There are particularly big and worthwhile events to attend surrounding Indigenous People’s Day on June 21st each year.

3. Visit the MacBride Museum

Photos courtesy of the MacBride Museum

I’ll be honest: I haven’t been to the MacBride Museum of Yukon History in part because I always visit the Yukon Beringia center during my trips to Whitehorse. However, the MacBride Museum offers insights into other chapters of Yukon history, and so is well worth a visit if you have a few days in Whitehorse and enjoy museums.

The museum is home to over 40,000 artifacts dating back to the First Nations peoples all the way through the gold rush chapter of history and through the present day with information on notable events like when the royals visited the Territory in 2016. There are also cool exhibits like a natural history gallery of unique animals of the Yukon and “The Cold Chamber” which teaches you how people survive in the harsh winter climate of northwestern Canada.

4. Dig Into MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum

Companion to the MacBride history museum, the MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum sinks deep into the main chapter of Yukon history post-contact with European-descended settlers: the gold rush, and all the mining history that has followed. Specifically – as its name suggests –, the MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum focuses on copper mining in the Whitehorse area, historically and today.

This primarily open-air museum is only open in the summer, but includes some great activities if you (or anyone you’re traveling with) are big into engineering and/or mining. (I was that kind of weird kid, so no judgment!) The best way to experience the museum is aboard the historic small train with narration to teach you about the copper belt and mining.

5. Visit S.S. Klondike National Historic Site

Are you getting the sense that Whitehorse is big on history yet? We’re not done! I’ve started this list of things to do in Whitehorse with the majority of the museums in town, so the best way to experience them is to pick 1-2 that are interesting to you – but if I can guide you specifically to one other (in addition to the Yukon Beringia museum), it’s the SS Klondike National Historical Site.

Operated by Parks Canada, the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site is a great companion to some of the history you’ll learn if you visit Dawson City on your Yukon trip too.

There are outdoor exhibits but for the best experience, check out the schedule of guided tours and try to attend one of those (offered only in the summer). On a tour, you’ll explore the interior and exterior of the ship to learn about navigating the Yukon’s waterways and developing the economy of this remote territory.

6. Explore Shipyards Park

If you look at a map of Whitehorse (which I highly recommend so you can get oriented before you arrive), you’ll notice that Whitehorse sits on the banks of a river – the Yukon River. While it might not look like much, the Yukon River is the main artery that carries lifeblood in the territory; it flows some 1,980 miles from its source in British Columbia through the Yukon and into Alaska to end at the Bering Sea.

As Whitehorse has always been one of the biggest cities in the Yukon and on the Yukon, it was central to infrastructure in the territory; many of the sternwheelers that once moved people and goods throughout the region (like the SS Klondike on its banks today in Whitehorse and the SS Keno in Dawson) were built right here along the waterfront.

Today, that area is called Shipyards Park and is connected by the Waterfront Trail to the SS Klondike at the park’s southern area. The park also passes the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre and MacBride Museum, so it’s a great location to spend/base yourself for a whole day of exploring things to do in Whitehorse on foot.

This is a fantastic trail for a stroll, and there are also play areas, benches, and other businesses along the way. I began my first morning in Whitehorse with a run in the park which is at least my definition of a perfect way to start the day while traveling.

7. See Old Log Church Museum

More history! More history! Right? Okay, it’s just me, the history nerd/major from college…

If you’re like me and still want more, plan a short stop at the Old Log Church Museum . This is a very quick thing to do in Whitehorse – the old log church building is a single small building with a few rooms, and teaches about the history of the church in the Yukon and missionaries who tried to tame this wild, remote area.

The Museum has very limited hours even in the summer so be sure to check their website to see if it will fit in your travel plans.

8. Wander the Yukon Transportation Museum

Okay, just one more museum, I promise. This one’s for those of you traveling with mechanically-minded little ones: while the Yukon Transportation Museum is also interesting for adults, it’s really great for kids who you need to tire out and teach as part of their own Yukon travels.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits about all kinds of planes, trains, and automobiles that helped build Whitehorse and the Yukon Territory; outside, there’s a series of exhibitions with special large transport vehicles preserved to document different technologies and chapters in history. The museum as a whole also does a great job of telling the stories of the people who operated these machines – and it has one of the best gift shops in town if you’re looking for a cool souvenir from your stay in Whitehorse.

Located right next to the airport, this is also a great option if you have a few hours before your flight and don’t want to just sit in Whitehorse’s small airport.

9. See Whitehorse’s Street Art & Murals

If you’re totally over being inside at all those museums (aside from Shipyard Park, of course) and the weather is good, you might just want to set out and enjoy Whitehorse on foot. I’ll be honest: Whitehorse itself isn’t much to look at; it’s more about practical architecture and city planning than grand boulevards and historically significant design, but there is still plenty to look at.

Specifically, Whitehorse is home to a surprising number of murals and street art projects given its size (roughly 25,000 year-round residents at last count). I immediately was drawn to discovering the different styles and designs on buildings across the city center; more recent works and artists have sought to go beyond the traditional imagery and glamorized noble savage to show the diversity and inclusiveness of the city and its First Nations roots.

I’m working on a post guiding you to the murals I found in Whitehorse and will add the link here once I publish it!

10. Go Hiking at Miles Canyon

By somewhat chance, I found myself at Miles Canyon on my second day in town, only to discover later that it is consistently recommended as one of the best things to do in Whitehorse! I was staying south of Whitehorse during part of my trip, and saw a sign for Miles Canyon. I decided to take the turn and found a beautiful natural wonder a short drive from town.

Miles Canyon formed as the Yukon River cut its way through a particularly strong flow of basaltic lava; you’ll notice in my photos that the unique stone formations evoke memories of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland or parts of Iceland, right? The First Nations people originally called the area Kwanlin meaning “running water through canyon;” you might also connect that to the name of the primary First Nations group in the area – obviously, this natural wonder was significant if their name reflects it!

Today, there are trails on both sides of the canyon, and a suspension bridge connects the two. It’s one of the most iconic spots to get a photo or selfie during your time in Whitehorse – it’s also stunning in the winter if you’re visiting during the off-season.

11. See the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway

Photos courtesy of Yukon Energy

While you can take YT-1 back up to Whitehorse after visiting Miles Canyon, I recommend the side roads: Miles Canyon Road wanders and climbs the landscape running parallel to the Yukon River, and offers rewarding views of both the Canyon from a different perspective as well as Whitehorse as you make your way back to town.

Additionally, Miles Canyon Road runs past the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway , which was designed to help native fish species – especially Chinook Salmon, who make the nearly 2,000-mile journey from the Pacific – bypass the large power plant and dam on the river here. The Fishway (also called a fish ladder) is the longest one in the world and is a great spot to see salmon if they’re running. (As you might expect, this also tends to attract other wildlife, so be aware for potential bear sightings and eagles or other birds of prey in nearby trees.)

12. Soak in Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

There are also some great things to do north of Whitehorse; the first is probably controversial to locals. When I was growing up, the area now known as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs was called “Takhini Hot Springs” and was a moderately hot spring system with a locally-run business that people loved to visit.

Times change, and so do hot springs though; in 2022, the hot springs were redeveloped into Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs which is a very nice and fancy property with a variety of other amenities too, including saunas, steam rooms, meditation spaces, yoga classes, and a cafeteria (where the food is actually really delicious, actually!).

I don’t mean to sound like a “things should never change” traveler, as I understand the inevitable march of progress and development. I am sad that Takhini Hot Springs’ rustic style is gone, but Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs is a really nice amenity and experience for the Whitehorse area. (Also, thankfully, the new owners/development still hosts its annual “ hair-freezing contest ” so that hasn’t been lost!)

13. Admire Animals at Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Photos courtesy of Yukon Wildlife Preserve via Facebook

After – or perhaps before – you go soak your cares away at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, you might want to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Specifically, you’ll pass the Yukon Wildlife Preserve on your way down Takhini Hot Springs Road to the resort and it’s a great spot to stop and guarantee some incredible wildlife sightings.

The 350-acre property is home to 12 native Yukon species including moose, caribou, musk ox, lynx, mountain goats, and red fox. (Okay, I tried not to spoil all of them!) Much like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Southcentral Alaska, this is a great place for families too, since you can see and learn about animals in a safe way.

Bonus: See the Northern Lights

I’ve already mentioned – and you’ve probably gathered – that for the most part, Whitehorse is a summer destination. Many attractions and businesses close completely or greatly reduce their hours during the cold, dark winter months. This is normal in this part of the world – but don’t let that discourage you if you’re visiting Whitehorse during the winter anyway!

In addition to most of the things to do in Whitehorse that I’ve listed above which are open during the winter, there’s one additional treat you can enjoy between roughly mid-September and late March each year: the northern lights!

Whitehorse sits on the 60th parallel north, not quite under the “ auroral oval ,” but certainly far enough north for some incredible displays of the aurora when the skies are clear and solar activity is strong. The winter of 2024-2025 is expected to produce some of the best aurora activity of this current solar cycle; if you’re visiting Whitehorse this winter or next, you’re in for a real treat if the conditions are right! (The University of Alaska, Fairbanks has a great aurora forecast tool to help you plan.)

And there you have it – the best things to do in Whitehorse. There’s more than you expected, right? What questions do you have about what to do in Whitehorse? Let me know in the comments below!

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I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest – but my heart will always be out West. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge.

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Must-see attractions in Whitehorse

SS Klondike National Historic Site

Carefully restored, this was one of the largest stern-wheelers used on the Yukon River. Built in 1937, it made its final run upriver to Dawson in 1955 and…

MacBride Museum of Yukon History

This is the Yukon's pre-eminent museum, preserving and presenting the Yukon's history since 1952. Recently expanded, the museum offers a comprehensive…

Whitehorse Waterfront

One look at the surging Yukon River and you'll want to spend time strolling its bank. The beautiful White Pass & Yukon Route Station has been restored and…

Whitehorse Fish Ladder

Stare down a salmon at the Whitehorse Fishway, a 366m wooden fish ladder (the world's longest) past the hydroelectric plant south of town. Large viewing…

Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

This place focuses on Beringia, a mostly ice-free area that encompassed the Yukon, Alaska and eastern Siberia during the last ice age. Engaging exhibits…

Yukon Transportation Museum

Find out what the Alaska Hwy was really like back in the day; let's just say mud was a dirty word. Exhibits cover planes, trains and dogsleds. The museum…

Arts Underground

Operated by the Yukon Arts Society. There are carefully selected and well-curated rotating exhibits of work by local Yukon artists.

Shipyards Park

This riverfront park has a growing collection of heritage buildings moved here from other parts of Whitehorse and the Yukon.

Old Log Church Museum

The only log cabin–style cathedral in the world is a 1900 downtown gem. Displays include the compelling story of Rev Isaac Stringer, who boiled and ate…

White Pass & Yukon Route Station

The beautiful White Pass & Yukon Route Station has been restored and anchors an area that's in the midst of a revitalization.

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Opened in 2012, the striking Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre has changing exhibits and a permanent collection of First Nations art.

Rotary Peace Park

This large park is good for picnics, and there's often a food truck here serving tasty lunches.

Yukon Artists@Work

Operated by local artists, some of whom may be busily creating when you visit.

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The top 10 things to do in Whitehorse

Things to do

Being the capital of the Yukon External Link Title , one of Canada's Northern territories and home to just 25,000 people, you'd think Whitehorse would be a small sleepy town without much to do. How wrong you'd be.

In reality it's a place thriving in its relative anonymity; a place that isn't striving to be something it's not. And with incredible sites such as the Yukon River running through the heart of town, some cracking hiking trails, a strong street art scene, and amazing restaurants, the only thing you'll wish you had is more time to explore this unique capital!

Canoeing on the Yukon River

You can't visit the Yukon without going canoeing on the Yukon River External Link Title . This is a truly Canadian experience and an amazing way of exploring the landscape. Starting on the riverbanks in Whitehorse, you can go on half-day adventures or epic three-day voyages, all with this stunning scenery all around you.

Hiking at Miles Canyon 

Just on the outskirts of Whitehorse is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Yukon. Miles Canyon External Link Title is a gorgeous canyon created by the powerful Yukon River. There are a few hiking trails here, some looping all the way round and back into town and a couple of shorter ones. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that the hiking is absolutely sublime.

Horse riding at Fish Lake

Just a short 30-minute ride from Whitehorse is Sky High Wilderness Ranch External Link Title . There you can go horse riding at Fish Lake, one of the jewels of the Yukon. Riding among the pine trees is so peaceful, and with the snow-capped mountains all around you, you couldn't find a more picturesque setting.

Learn all about the S.S. Klondike

If there's one thing that put the Yukon on the map, it was the Gold Rush of the 1890s. With this influx of wealth, Whitehorse became an extremely prestigious place, so much so that people from far and wide visited to go on luxurious paddle-boat cruises on the Yukon River. Unfortunately, as the prospects of the area waned, so did the popularity of these cruises. The S.S. Klondike External Link Title , a restored sternwheeler located just on the edge of Whitehorse, is a relic of that lost era. On board you'll learn about the impresses ships and the region's Gold Rush history.

Gaze upon the midnight sun

If you’re lucky enough to visit Whitehorse during summer then you’ll be treated to something very special – the midnight sun. Once 10 pm comes around, you may be tempted to go to sleep, but keep those eyes open for another few hours to see the sun up in the sky in the middle of the night. The sight is surprisingly revitalising and always leads to some amazing photos opportunities!

Stand in awe under the Northern Lights

Once the nights start getting longer and longer, from September onwards, the midnight sun is replaced by dark skies that often become a stage for the Northern Lights External Link Title . With hardly any light pollution in Whitehorse you can see the Northern Lights from wherever you're staying, but a short trip outside of town will offer total darkness and the best views.

Discover Whitehorse's history at the MacBride Museum

From Aboriginal culture to mining history, the MacBride Museum External Link Title paints an amazing picture of how Whitehorse was founded and formed. In the summer there are lots of live demonstrations at the museum, making it one of the most family friendly places in town. Also, no trip would be complete without trying your hand at gold panning. See if you strike it lucky!

Explore the town's surprising culinary scene

Okay, so there aren't a million places to eat at in Whitehorse, but that can be seen as a good thing because it means you get to sample all the town has to offer. From a Caribbean twist at Antoinette's External Link Title to freshly caught salmon at Klondike Rib & Salmon External Link Title to having a taster flight at Winterlong Brewing External Link Title , every place is so delicious you'll want to come back for more.

Watch bluegrass performances and enjoy other sounds of the Yukon

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Whitehorse has a quality music scene and you can watch live performances at a number of venues. The three most popular places to go to are the Dirty Northern External Link Title , Miner's Daughter External Link Title , and The Beer Tasters' Social House External Link Title - all great places to grab a beer and listen to some bluegrass and the other sounds of the Yukon.

Go for a dip at Takhini Hot Pools

Packing your bikini might not be at the top of your Yukon list, but make sure you do otherwise you'll miss out on Takhini Hot Pools External Link Title ! Located just on the outskirts of Whitehorse, the pool temperatures reach a balmy 47C in winter, making them the perfect place for watching the Northern Lights in comfort. Your body will be nice and toasty but be warned: during winter the outside air temperature is so cold your hair will freeze into icicles! 

This is just a taste of what you could do in the Yukon. For more, check out 28 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit the Yukon External Link Title  on the An Adventurous World blog.

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15 Interesting things to do in Whitehorse, Yukon

Last Updated on October 11, 2023

Canada’s Yukon Territory is one of the most wonderful places to visit in the entire world . Far from busy tourist areas, with epic landscapes and wonderful people, this is an unforgettable place to visit. If you go to the Yukon Territory, you will almost certainly visit its capital city, Whitehorse.

Whitehorse is the largest town in the Yukon with about 25,000 residents. There are so many fun and interesting things to do in Whitehorse, whether driving the Alaska Highway or flying into Whitehorse for further explorations around the Yukon. Whitehorse is absolutely worth some time to visit. I spent lots of time in Whitehorse when I lived in nearby Skagway and have visited several times since then. Read on for my favorite things to do in Whitehorse as well as some other places nearby.

About 25% of the population of the Yukon is Indigenous. First Nations people are very involved in governing Yukon Territory. In the Whitehorse area, two prominent First Nations are the Kwanlin Dün First Nations and the Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nations .

How to get to Whitehorse

• Exploring Downtown Whitehorse

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Macbride museum of yukon history, ss klondike national historic site, yukon transportation museum, yukon beringia interpretive centre, whitehorse fish ladder, miles canyon, yukon wildlife preserve, eclipse nordic hot springs, dog sledding, canoe the yukon river, see the northern lights.

• Try local beer
• Unforgettable day and multi day trips to take from Whitehorse

Driving to Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway

Whitehorse is a mandatory stop along the Alaska Highway! If you’re making the long road trip, take the time to take a break and enjoy Whitehorse for a few hours or a few days if possible. Whitehorse is about 1500 miles from Vancouver, 1400 miles from Calgary, 700 miles from Anchorage and 600 miles from Fairbanks.

There are lots of hotels and restaurants in Whitehorse in addition to grocery stores and repair shops in addition to fun things to do.

Flying to Whitehorse

If you’re planning to fly to Whitehorse as your basecamp for adventures around the Yukon , there are direct flights to Whitehorse from Vancouver , Calgary and Edmonton.

Exploring downtown Whitehorse

Start off by stretching your legs on the trail that goes along the Yukon River around Shipyard Park, the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Rotary Park to the SS Klondike National Historic Site.

When you’ve had your fill of strolling the river, check out the many wonderful shops in downtown Whitehorse including one of my favorite bookstores, Mac’s Fireweed. In addition to being a wonderful bookstore, Mac’s Fireweed has an impressive collection of all types of maps and a large section of books specific to the Yukon. It’s absolutely wonderful for any book lover or traveler looking for ideas for their trip.

Located in a beautiful building along the banks of the Yukon River, make sure to visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre learn about the Kwanlin Dün First Nations history and modern culture.

The building is beautiful and located right along the Millenium Trail that goes along the river through Whitehorse.

The MacBride Museum is the place to learn all about the history of the Yukon. The first museum in the Territory, it was originally housed in the historic telegraph office. The modern museum is the larger building surrounding the historic building in the lower right of the photo.

During the first half of the twentieth century, paddlewheelers were a major form of transportation in the far north. At the SS Klondike you can learn all about the history and life aboard these river boats.

In 2023 the SS Klondike is undergoing renovation, so currently you can only go to the outside, but wen it’s completed there will be tours inside again.

Learn about the many captivating and unusual ways that humans have gotten themselves around the Yukon and other parts of the north at the Yukon Transportation Museum, next to the airport and the Berigina Museum.

Even if you don’t go inside the museum, you at least have to check out the world’s largest weather vane, a retired DC-3 airplane converted to a weather vane. They even provide chairs if you want to watch it swing around for awhile which I find quite mesmerizing.

During the last ice age, while glaciers covered much of North America, sea levels went down exposing land between what is now Alaska and Russia. This long gone continent is called Beringia and refers to parts of the Yukon Territory, Alaska and Siberia. Cut off from the rest of North America by ice, Beringia was too dry to develop glaciers and was home to many long gone animals such as woolly mammoths and short faced bears.

While the Bering Land Bridge was exposed, the first humans came to North America from Asia and over thousands of years inhabited all of North America.

The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre is a wonderful place to learn all about the animals of Beringia as well as North America’s first human inhabitants.

The Centre is located next to the Alaska Highway near the airport.

In the 1950s a dam was built on the Yukon River at what was formerly known as Whitehorse Rapids, a harrowing stretch of the river that claimed the lives of many miners trying to make their way to the Klondike at the end of the 19th century. The fish ladder, constructed so that salmon can still make it up river to spawn, has viewing areas to watch salmon running up the Yukon.

You can check the salmon cam to see if the fish are running before you go!

A stunning basalt canyon filled with impossibly blue green water, Miles Canyon is beautiful and has a long human history. Known as Kwanlin by First Nations people, the canyon is stunning and a must see activity in Whitehorse. A beautiful pedestrian bridge now spans the Yukon River at Miles Canyon.

For an all day hiking adventure, you can hike here from downtown Whitehorse on an almost 10 mile round trip walk (15 km). If you prefer less walking, you can also drive there and explore a much shorter distance on foot.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is the ideal place to go in Whitehorse for wildlife lovers! Located about a 30 minute drive northwest of Whitehorse, here you can see and learn about the many animals that make the Yukon Territory home. Animals here include moose, musk ox, fox, lynx, caribou and more.

A 3 mile loop to see all the animals is open to walkers and bikes, or you can ride a bus if you’d prefer to ride around. Bring your camera and get that perfect animal photo.

For many years, the property now known as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs was known as Takhini Hot Springs, then it was closed for several years and opened in 2022 with an all new facility.

Eclipse Hot Springs is a nordic style hot springs, so it has a series of hot and cold pools to experience as well as saunas, steam rooms and other relaxation rooms. They also have a small restaurant on site.

This is the perfect place to relax after a long day on the road or after a hike. I went to Eclipse in September 2023 after completing an epic road trip on the Dempster Highway and it was the perfect way to unwind. It would make for an amazing stop over on the Alaska Highway too.

Eclipse also offers morning yoga sessions for those who want to get in early.

While dog sledding is a winter sport, two companies in Whitehorse offer summer tour opportunities to interact with sled dogs! You can go on a hike or canoe trip with a sled dog or two, or you can even do a tour on a training run with ATVs. Either way you can visit the sled dogs and learn about the northern sport and tradition of dog teams.

If you happen to visit during the winter, you can have the full experience on a guided dog sledding trip!

The Yukon River is the heart of Whitehorse and getting out on the water is a wonderful way to experience the town from a different perspective. Follow in the boat steps of the miners who traveled the Yukon River during the Klondike Gold Rush, as well as the many others who have traveled the river for centuries before that and ever since.

Several companies will take you on a tour from a half day paddle to all day or longer excursions. There are outfitters near the river and downtown to take you out.

There are people every year who canoe the entire length of the Yukon River to Nome! But you can do a much shorter adventure too.

Simliar to Fairbanks, Alaska , Whitehorse is a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights. If you’re wanting to make this a priority for your trip, you’ll need to plan your trip for when it’s dark at night. Mid April through Mid August don’t have enough darkness under the midnight sun to see them. If you come in late summer (late August) or fall (September) it will be dark enough to see them. If you plan a winter visit then there will be lots of hours of darkness!

Try Local Beer

If you’re a beer fan, or you like to visit local breweries and distilleries, don’t miss Yukon Brewing ! Located a bit out of downtown in the Two Mile Hill area of Whitehorse, you can by beer, spirits and swag in their tasting room.

Enjoy a flight or book a tour to learn even more. They’ve always got interesting new beers to try as well as their long time favorites.

Day and weekend trips from Whitehorse

Whitehorse makes a fantastic basecamp for further explorations around the Yukon and Alaska. Here are a few of my favorite day trips or multi day trips if you have some time in Whitehorse

White Pass, Skagway Alaska and the South Klondike Highway

A fantastic day (or multi day!) trip from Whitehorse is to head south to Carcross along the South Klondike Highway, over the incredibly scenic White Pass to the town of Skagway. The trip is just over 100 miles one way. If you want to leave your car behind, you can do a day trip train and bus excursion on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad based out of Skagway. The train and bus combo allows you to see even more scenery as the routes are quite different!

If you’re driving, you’ll be making lots of stops for all kinds of interesting and scenic places such as:

• Miles Canyon (see above)
• The unique Carcross Desert – the world’s tiniest desert!
• Emerald Lake – a stunning blue and green lake that’s easy to see from the pull out along the highway
• Stunning scenery all through White Pass – mountains, lakes, wildlife, you can see it all on this short stretch of highway crossing the border between the United States and Canada, as well as between British Columbia and the Yukon Territory
• Yukon River Pedestrian Suspension Bridge – if you don’t mind heights and bridges, don’t miss this stop with another incredible view of the river below
• The historic gold rush town of Skagway, Alaska – there are so many things to do in Skagway , including learning all about Gold rush history and taking in some beautiful hikes.

Dawson City and the North Klondike Highway

An unforgettable, history and epic landscape Yukon road trip, Dawson City is 350 miles (530 km) north of Whitehorse. It’s a scenic drive mostly along the Yukon River, the same route that miners struggled through to get to the Klondike Gold Fields and a route that humans used for centuries before that. It’s too long of a drive for a day trip, but Dawson City is worth the effort for it’s many unique and interesting things to do !

Atlin is a stunning and enormous lake, the largest natural lake in British Columbia! Surrounded by mountains and with excellent fishing, Atlin is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy some serious solitude amidst incredible scenery.

While Atlin is in British Columbia, you need to drive through the Yukon to get there. It’s just over 100 miles (175 km) from Whitehorse. While doable as a day trip, there’s no way you’ll want to turn around and leave. I highly recommend spending at least one night in Atlin’s splendor. You can camp here, or rent cabins and even houseboats during the summer!

Kluane National Park

Remote and rugged Kluane National Park is a fantastic stop along the Alaska Highway and well worth the trip from Whitehorse even if you are not driving to or from Alaska! Kluane is a vast wilderness bordering Wrangell-St Elias National Park in the United States, which is also a vast wilderness. Kluane is home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mt Logan as well as the largest ice field in Canada.

You’ll want to stop at the Visitor Centre, about 100 miles (150 km) west of Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway. Here you can learn about your options for visiting Kluane depending on how much time you have.

I highly recommend driving the Alaska Highway along Kluane Lake, which starts 160 miles (260 km) west of Whitehorse. There are plenty of places to stop for photos and some for hikes along the lake.

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to Whitehorse or a possible day trip, consider a trip to Kathleen Lake! 110 miles (180 km) from Whitehorse, this stunning lake is suitable for canoeing or picnics and there are plenty of hiking trails to get those epic Yukon views.

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20 Things to do in Whitehorse

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Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory, is a small city with a big heart. There are so many reasons why you’ll love visiting Whitehorse and a surprisingly long list of things to do in Whitehorse to fill your itinerary.

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Canada and love small cities, put Whitehorse on your to-visit list.

5 Things to do in Whitehorse in winter

1- learn about the white pass and yukon route railway, 2- visit the mcbride museum, 3- walk the millenium trail, 4- shop at the fireweed market, 5- learn about first nations at kwanlin dun, 6- discover the ss klondike, 7- see the fish ladder, 8- meet wildlife at the yukon wildlife preserve, 9- explore the yukon beringia interpretive centre, 10- hike the trails of miles canyon, 11- eat arctic char, 12- visit the old log church museum, 13- soak in takhini hot springs, 14- visit robert service campground, 15- check out the whitehorse airport baggage carousel.

“I hate small towns because once you’ve seen the cannon in the park there’s nothing else to do.” – former American comedian, Lenny Bruce.

I muse over Lenny Bruce’s one-liner as I drive into Whitehorse, a small town situated in the Yukon Territory’s south, just off the Alaska Highway .

Named after the creamy rapids of the 3,200km-long Yukon River on which the town is located (the rapids were thought to have resembled horses manes), Whitehorse is compact indeed.

Its downtown area measures just four by one kilometre and its population of 28,000 people makes up the majority of the Yukon Territory’s total population of 36,000.

It’s a dot in a territory that is so vast, locals claim there are 10 moose and 10 caribou per person.

But as the saying goes, small things hold big surprises.

I soon discover that this compact place – with its wide streets and charming 20th-century buildings – has a huge history, with sights to prove it.

• Stay up till the early hours of the morning to the Northern Lights . There’s a good choice of wilderness lodges near Whitehorse.
• Join the fun at the Yukon Quest , which starts or ends in Whitehorse every alternate year.
• Take a driving trip from Whitehorse around the Yukon in winter.
• Learn how to drive a dog sled like a real Yukon musher if you’re game, or at least take a ride in one.
• Have fun snowmobiling on a frozen lake, such as Lake Laberge (the lake in Sam McGee’s poem) or Fish Lake.

If you’re not visiting during winter, there are other things to do in Whitehorse around the year.

15 Things to do in Whitehorse

Beyond the town’s ultra-clean, grid-like streets are the pretty spruce-covered peaks – Grey Mountain, Haeckel Hill and Golden Horn Mountain; these explain why, perhaps, Whitehorse is known as “the Wilderness City”.

It’s easy to imagine how the area might have looked when First Nations people camped here before 1898.

The year marked the beginning of the Klondike Gold Rush, when prospectors paused at Whitehorse en-route to the goldfields, after tackling their major navigational obstacles, among them, water rapids.

By 1900, in part to bypass the tricky white waters, the White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway was built.

This linked Whitehorse with Skagway, a tidewater port on the Alaskan coast.

These days, the only trip from Whitehorse is via a restored waterfront 1925 trolley that runs between the two ends of town.

Copper mining in the first decades of the 1900s and the construction of the Alaska Highway during WWII secured Whitehorse’s place on the map.

It became the territorial capital in 1953.

As I wander past the restored White Pass and Yukon Railway Depot, I can almost hear the clatter and whistles, steam and shouts as men prepared frantically for their prospecting adventure.

Or perhaps that’s because I’ve just spent hours with my imagination in the evocative and quaint McBride Museum of Yukon History.

The museum is a gem and wandering around it is one of the best things to do in Whitehorse, especially when the weather is inclement.

The museum’s beautiful dioramas depict life as it was, along with profiles of the town’s shady and colourful characters, many of whom made – and subsequently lost – fortunes.

That evening, I return to the museum to hear a local band, ‘Hank Karr and the Canucks’, perform.

Judging by the crowd, it’s clear that Hank, a 70-or-so-year-old country crooner and his musicians, are legends among his aged ‘groupies’.

While I enjoy wine, couples dance on the stage wings.

Although Whitehorse doesn’t quite make it into the “party cities in Canada” category, there’s still plenty to enjoy after dark. 

Drinking wine and watching couples dancing is one of the things to do in Whitehorse I had not imagined I’d really enjoy.

The next day, I explore further on foot.

Despite its modern buildings and neat, wide streets, Whitehorse maintains a frontier feel.

My guide Erin tells me that bears, coyotes and foxes sometimes venture into town.

During winter, it’s common to see lynx, moose, deer, and caribou using the surrounding Klondike and Alaska Highways as their corridor (a ‘first world hazard’ for drivers, Erin jokes).

My first ‘confrontation’ with wildlife comes, however, in the form of a stuffed and mounted moose head (along with a complete Canadian Mountie) in the foyer of our hotel Best Western Gold Rush Inn.

To try to look as outdoorsy as the locals (whose canoe-laden 4x4s, Gor-Tex jackets and all-round ‘can do’ natures make me feel like a city-slicker wimp), I stroll along the Millennium Trail, a 5km paved track that runs along the Yukon River.

Interpretational signs along the M illenium Trail offer  hints about the river’s wild and woolly past.

The trail connects to the 15km Yukon River Loop Trail  and Miles Canyon, where more signage explains more about the river’s history.

My first stop is the Fireweed Community Market where, every Thursday and Saturday, cheerful locals sell their organic produce and baked items.

The market is a great place to meet locals and shop for handmade crafts and other locally made products.

Then it’s the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, a fascinating facility that celebrates the region’s First Nations people, the Kwanlin Dün, and exhibits everything from artworks to a traditional canoe to beadwork.

I learn here that 11 of 14 First Nations groups in the Yukon are self-governing.

A kilometre or so on from the White Pass and Yukon Railway depot is the SS Klondike , a wonderful old Canadian paddle steamer (built in 1936) that plied the waters of the Yukon River, transporting freight and cargo.

In 1866, the S.S. Wilder was the first sternwheeler steamboat to navigate the Yukon River.

The Gold Rush brought over 60 of these steamboats. 

The S.S. Klondike is is a reminder of how these boats transported people, livestock and goods along the waterways.

Built in 1929 in Whitehorse by the British Yukon Navigation Company, it had a large cargo capacity and the  S.S. Klondike carried supplies and ore from the Mayo Mining District, where silver was being mined.

The original steamboat sank in 1936 and the  S.S. Klondike II was built to operate the 740 km Whitehorse to Dawson City route in 36 hours until the beginning of WW II.

By then, steamship traffic had been superseded by rail, but S.S. Klondike II continued to serve, transporting supplies for the construction of the Alaska Highway.

After a few more years of operating as a passenger boat, S.S. Klondike II became the last sternwheeler to travel the Yukon River on August 1955.

Operated by Parks Canada as a National Historic Site , you can explore its decks or get a tour of the steamship.

After this point, the trail loops around over the river at the Centennial Bridge, which affords a great view of the impressive Whitehorse Dam, a hydroelectric project that garnishes the power of the gushing waters.

Spray mist fills the air and when it clears I spot a long wooden ‘ladder’ that snakes its way along the river.

This 366m-long contraption, the longest in North America, was specially constructed for salmon to be able to bypass the dam wall which would impede their natural if arduous upriver journey for hundreds of kilometres to spawn (the ‘salmon run’).

Near the dam, too, is a utility pole.

Incredibly, this tall rod is on the tourist map.

For several years it’s been occupied by pair of Bald-headed eagles (with family) whose nest perches on top (apparently, since my visit, the eagles have moved nest and will do so while their ‘home-on-the-pole’ airs out, after which, according to local biologists, she will return to her former home).

Passionate locals even installed a webcam at the site and, according to my guide Erin, the website gets thousands of hits, especially when the eggs are hatching and the chicks are learning to fly.

She herself admits to rushing home from work to watch the ‘birth’ her soapie’s feathery stars.

By now, in animal-loving mode, I head to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, a 280-hectare reserve 28 kilometres northeast of Whitehorse.

It’s a tick-off-the-Canadian-animal experience seeing resident moose, mountain goats, elk, caribou, Dall sheep and musk ox live in surrounds that closely replicate their habitats.

Ironically, my favourite local animal is, in fact, extinct. Nevertheless, I come face to face with one back in town, at the Yukon Beringia Interpretative Centre.

Meet, Whitehorse’s woolly mammoth. This extraordinary creature is a legacy of Beringia when the Bering land bridge joined Asia and North America, encompassing part of modern-day Yukon.

Displayed in the centre’s foyer is a life-size – and very life-like – cast.

I wander through this modern museum, enthralled by its maps and geological finds, plus the museum treasure – the mummified skin of an extinct horse of the Pleistocene Age (think meat jerky that’s 26,000 years old).

Unfortunately, I’m not in town long enough to hike any of the 800km of marked hiking trails that head out from Whitehorse.

Instead, Erin drives me west of town to a viewpoint above the Miles Canyon.

The canyon, striking for its vertical basalt walls, was one of the major obstacles for the gold-seeking prospectors because of its narrow width and fast waters.

Beyond the canyon extends a carpet of spruce trees; the entire scene resembles a massive Christmas Santa Land.

I breathe in the cool air as I survey this stunning scene.

If interesting sights and hard-core outdoor activities – fishing, sledding and skiing – around ‘them these parts’ are plentiful, eating options are more so.

Local Arctic char and roasted elk dishes feature prominently on the menus of the town’s top eateries, including the attractive Wheelhouse Restaurant.

Whitehorse even boasts a good coffee spot, Baked Café , and I head here for my java fix. It’s a modern, convivial place where thankfully, the word ‘barista’ is understood.

On my final day, I keep coming across quirky attractions: the Old Log Church Museum, a historic monument that is a log cabin with a spire, and one of Whitehorse’s oldest buildings (1900).

Incongruously, as though accidentally left on a sidewalk stands a giant desk sculpture, a tribute to Robert Service – an author and poet, who’d visited the Yukon during the gold rush.

Every local, regardless of age, knows his famous poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee , about a prospector, miserable from the cold, who is cremated (or is he? I won’t spoil the poetic twist; Erin recites it without a verbal stumble).

We then head to the nearby Takhini Hot Springs, which in addition to its warm waters, holds a winter “hair freezing competition”.

The water, which is rich in natural minerals flows into the hot spring pool at 47C and the temperature holds up at between 36C and 42C.

The Bard of the Yukon, Robert Service, was born in Preston, England.

He emigrated to Canada in 1895 and fell in love with the north, penning many novels and volumes of poetry.

His “Cremation of Sam McGee” is a Canadian classic and a poem most visitors will enjoy reciting.

If you’re up for some camping, head to Robert Service Campground along the Yukon river banks.  

But surely the most unusual of all the town’s sights is the one that greets guests at the local airport (and I’m not talking Canada’s former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, who’d been in town and happened to fly out on my arrival).

I refer to the airport baggage carousel.

In the middle of the circulating bags stand two stuffed caribou, their antlers locked together, posed in a battle stance.

I had giggled, thinking of how the ‘elk-in-the-airport’ might be Whitehorse’s version of Lenny Bruce’s ‘cannon-in-the-park’.

Several busy days later, I conclude I was wrong.

When it comes to Whitehorse, locals and its visitors have the last laugh.

Whitehorse is situated on a wild and mighty river, the Yukon.

It became famous for its navigational challenges from 1897 to 1899, the early Gold Rush days. 

Today, its meandering watercourse as it approaches the city belies the excruciating treachery of Miles Canyon before the hydro dam drowned its rapids in 1958.

However, the Yukon boasts amazing natural phenomena too: it’s the Land of the Midnight Sun and home to the massive ice fields of Kluane National Park.

For more exciting attractions in Yukon read:

• 25 Things To Do In Yukon
• 20 Things to Do In Whitehorse
• Things To Do In Dawson City
• Yukon Hiking Guide
• Yukon Northern Lights
• Yukon Road Trip
• How to Drive A Dog Sled
• Kluane National Park Glacier Flightseeing
• Exploring Miles Canyon
• Riding The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
• The Yukon Quest
• The Sourtoe Cocktail Club
• Aroma Borealis

Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

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29 Coolest Things to Do in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Let me show you some of the greatest things to do in Whitehorse, based on my trip there. I had an amazing time!

I really didn’t know what to expect from my trip to Whitehorse. Since first hearing about ‘the Yukon’ a few years ago, I knew I wanted to visit someday, but the details, names and places needed to be ironed out. 

This Whitehorse travel guide will help you to plan your trip to the city, and reveal some of the absolute must visit spots. 

– Canoeing is one of the absolute BEST things to do in Whitehorse!

Turns out Whitehorse is the biggest city in the Yukon, home to over 27,000 people (¾ of the population of the Yukon). And with 416.5 km², Whitehorse is a city with SPACE.

Whitehorse is also the top place to visit in the Yukon. 

The colourful buildings and lively main street are surrounded by mountains – this is the point where the three big Yukon mountains meet. Grey Mountain to the east, Mount Sumanik to the northwest and Golden Horn Mountain to the south. And, flowing through the middle, is the wonderfully hued Yukon River.

Naturally, the beautiful surroundings draw an artistic and adventurous crowd.

There are lots of things to do in Whitehorse for these adventurous or artistic travellers. I like to think of myself as both, and so got stuck in to the Whitehorse activities ASAP with my two days in the city. 

Where is Whitehorse?

Whitehorse is a 2.5 hour flight from Vancouver. It’s 1,500 miles by road from Van City, and a 28-hour drive. It’s actually closer to Anchorage in Alaska, a mere 700 miles away and 13.5 hour drive west. 

Whitehorse is known as ‘the gateway to the Yukon’, and to Alaska too. The Alaska Highway was built here in 1942 as a defence in World War II, which was then never used. It also served as a stopping point for prospectors to get to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 – which nearby Dawson City is most famous for. This led to fast progress in the city, and it grew fast. 

Whitehorse is the Yukon’s capital city but you’re only ever 15 minutes from the wilderness here. Once you’re actually in Whitehorse, you really don’t need to spend much to have a good time in the Yukon wildlife. 

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READ THIS: Unique Places to Stay in Whitehorse

Arriving into Whitehorse

I flew from Vancouver, the day after I arrived in Canada from the UK. My early flight to Whitehorse, arriving at 10am and departing at 7:30am, was no bother thanks to the jetlag, but meant I could enjoy a full day of things to do in downtown Whitehorse.

I couldn’t check in to my hotel – the Edgewater – as it was so early, and so wandered along the front, admiring the Yukon River and taking in the fresh mountain air after the stuffiness of my long flights.

What to Do in Whitehorse

(1) There’s a paved path to walk all along the Yukon river, the Millennium Trail. I did as much as I could, until I couldn’t shake the street food van I’d seen at the beginning from my thoughts any longer.

(2) I walked back to ‘Alligator’s Gourmet ‘ for a grilled cheese sandwich. It was the perfect first meal in the Yukon – sat outside the MacBride Museum (full of Yukon history), looking out to the river the city had been built around, and listening and watching the city go by.

I eagerly scanned the riverbanks for any wildlife. 

Sadly there was none, but that grilled sandwich was everything. 

– Check out the street art in Whitehorse, Yukon 

I’d read that Yukoners liked to live outside of Whitehorse City to get away from the ‘hustle and bustle’.

On this Tuesday morning I saw only a handful of people, cars running at around 10mph (always stopping to let people past), and the sound of nature had a voice in the quiet. My definition of ‘hustle and bustle’ compared to the average Yukoners seemed to be very different. 

History of Whitehorse

I’m not really one for museums but with this much history, that I knew nothing about, (3) the MacBride Museum seemed like the best place to start on my visit to Whitehorse. It’s also one of the top Whitehorse attractions on the big list. 

I learned about the characters and events that led to Whitehorse City as we know it now at this National Historic Site.

Mainly, the famous Klondike Gold Rush that spawned the affluence of the area, and in fact bought people to the north, then caused some of them to leave as soon as the rush was over. I didn’t realise how much more I was about to learn about the Gold Rush up here in my next destination, Dawson City . 

The Alaska Highway was the next big event in Whitehorse’s history. The construction caused the Yukon powers to move the capital from Dawson City to Whitehorse in 1953. 

The Highway was built with the aim to protect the city in case of invasion during World War II. It bought a huge amount of industry to the area, very quickly. There was a whole exhibition about this at the MacBride Museum. 

The Alaska Highway, and the Klondike Gold Rush, changed Whitehorse forever, and helped to make it the city it is today. 

– The museums are one of the top things to do in Whitehorse

You can also learn about the importance of telecommunications up here, given that it’s so remote. Also, the transport of the day, and there are exact replicas of shops inside too. A great way to spend a few hours enveloped in Whitehorse’s history. 

And if it’s good enough for Prince William and Princess Catherine who visited back in 2016, it’s good enough for us mere mortals. 

READ MORE: Travelling Solo in the Yukon

Whitehorse travel

For a great orientation of Whitehorse when you arrive I’d recommend (4) joining a tour with Who What Where Tours . I had the wonderful Toni as my tour leader who told me as much as she could about living in Whitehorse, in just 90 minutes.

Toni used to work as a director at the First Nations Centre, helping create policy. She was a fantastic source of knowledge to introduce me to the First Nations culture here, and how so many different people’s ideals and cultures worked in the present day. 

At 50 she’d entered the local beauty queen competition for Rendezvous Festival and managed to beat all the young ones, inspiring the local older people for evermore. She was great , a real vibrant character to show me around the spots I never would’ve made it to travelling Whitehorse alone. 

– What to do in Whitehorse? Experience nature of course! 

(5) We went up to the stunning Miles Canyon, once a treacherous stretch of water which foiled many a prospectors’ dream of reaching Dawson City back in the Gold Rush. It’s the most photographed spot in the Yukon and was formed by a lava vent that happened 8.5 million years ago.

She showed me the new university here, where students come for the destination as much as the university. 

Unemployment in Whitehorse is at an incredible low of 2.7%. It’s actually a problem that there are too many jobs and not enough people. Many of the shops in town had ‘staff wanted signs’ outside.

There’s a strong economic boom in Whitehorse and many people have more than one job to make the most of it. Hmmm, tempting!

You definitely need to add the tour to your list of what to do in Whitehorse. 

The best thing to do in Whitehorse

(6) My absolute highlight of Whitehorse things to do was the canoe trip down the Yukon River . I was signed up for the Bucket List Adventure with Up North Adventures, which involved canoeing for 28km down the Yukon River, with lunch.

Yep, 28km, over six hours.

I’d only ever done a few metres before, badly. 

Thankfully I was partnered with another solo traveller, Maureen, who was a keen canoer and eager to steer. I happily sat in the front and canoed where and when I was told to.  

If you’re interesting in joining the best thing to do in Whitehorse (IMHO) then check out my post all about my canoeing trip . 

Arty activities in Whitehorse

I’d been given a list of things to do in Whitehorse to choose from, and thought, why not choose something a bit different? Something I wouldn’t normally go for. Glassblowing?

(7) And so off I went to the Glassblowing shop to have an intro to the art. 

– Glassblowing is one of the most surprising things to do in Whitehorse! 

It was lovely in there, just lovely.

I had a wonderful and eye opening 20 minutes creating my bowl, and then I hung around afterwards to watch the other newcomers blow some glass. It was a hive of activity with all ages making everything from simple bowls (like me) to epic fish productions. The guys in there were super supportive and it was a great environment for all ages.

If you’re looking for things to do in Whitehorse for kids, this would be a great option.  

(8) In Whitehorse there are cafes, galleries and shops selling locally made products in among the charming colourful buildings. You can spend the afternoon shopping in Whitehorse to stock up on tasty, beautiful goodies. 

I’m convinced the relaxed way of life and vibe up here let’s the mind be free to concentrate on the craft. The Whitehorse street art game is strong, and The Collective Good independent shop in the precinct on Front Street has some great Yukon-themed gifts for all. 

Adventurous activities in Whitehorse

There’s a lot of things to do in Whitehorse for the adventurous traveller.

(9, 1o, 11) Get up in the mountains and there are miles of biking trails. Come in season and you’ll find 24-hour skiing trails. And, with the river literally flowing through the city there’s a whole hub of fun built up around there too. 

(12) For a touch of soft adventure, take a ride on the Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley that runs along the river during the summer. It’s like a tram, or a ‘heritage street car’ they call it, and travels the route of the prospectors of the Klondike Gold Rush. 

Whitehorse in summer 

Whitehorse is known as one of the best places in the world to watch the Northern Lights, but that’s for winter visitors. Come in July, like me, and you’ll be treated to the Midnight Sun – 23 hours of daylight permeating your window blinds.

Do NOT forget your eye mask.

I’ve visited northern Sweden during the Midnight Sun, and Tromso in Norway when the sun never rose. It’s incredible how much both play with your body clock – like intrinsically you don’t believe yourself when it’s time to get up, or go to bed.

(13) I was treated to some beautiful sunrises from my early morning jetlag in Whitehorse, and it meant you could wander the streets at night feeling like it was morning.

Visiting Whitehorse for the midnight sun is definitely an interesting experience!

– On the summer solstice the sun rises at 4:27am and sets at 23:36am. 

– The record high temperature in Whitehorse was 34.4 °C set on June 14, 1969.

Whitehorse in winter 

(14, 15, 16, and more) Come to Whitehorse in winter and you’ll find downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, hot pools, dog sledding and snowmobiling too. 

– On the winter solstice the sun rises at 10:10am and sets at 3:48pm.

– The record low temperature in Whitehorse was -52.2 °C set on January 31, 1947.

Wildlife in Whitehorse

The Yukon has 10 times more moose, bears, wolves, caribou, goats and sheep than people. You’re more likely to find them a bit further from the city, but I did see a lynx bobcat run across the road on my Who, What, Where tour. 

(17) If you want to know more about the wildlife of Whitehorse then the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre is a great place to explore. It covers the last great ice age which means the untouched areas of Eastern Siberia, Alaska and the Yukon are relayed. You can expect a history of the wooly mammoths, giant beavers, caribou and muskox of the area, tracked back through the bones and fossils found in the Yukon area. 

You can also see some (stuffed) Canadian animals at the MacBride Museum on Front Street in Whitehorse. It’s incredible to see just how big they are. 

If you want animal-related things to do in Whitehorse, then this is where you should be. 

Another Whitehorse accolade to be proud of, is the fact they have the longest wooden fish ladder in the world.

(18) What’s a fish ladder? Well, it helps fish (salmon in this case) to travel upstream and to direct them where to go. It also gives the opportunity for us humans to tag them so we can monitor that they’re doing ok. Whitehorse’s fish ladder was built in 1959 and in its position the fish have already travelled about 4000km, with just 50 left to go.

I was told that by this point it’s been a long journey and so they’re a bit battered. Not a good time to eat them.

Views from the plane into Whitehorse

Make sure you book yourself into a window seat for the flights in and out of Whitehorse. Over 80% of the Yukon is untouched, pristine territory, and the views are incredible. 

Nothing over four stories is allowed to be built in Whitehorse, so its natural beauty is open for all to see. 

I’d worried about the fact I hadn’t bought a coat but just a few minutes in the air flying north from Vancouver and the sun was out, the clouds reflecting white painfully in my eyes if I sat too far forward.

Somehow I’d managed to score an exit seat. “We did well didn’t we?” I replied to my neighbour who said she appreciated the extra room. “Well I paid for it” she replied. Oops.

I got it for free. The plane gods were looking down on me that day!

(19) In Whitehorse you can actually WALK from the airport to town. As someone who normally travels from London airports, after arduous bus and train journeys, this blows my mind.

In just 45 minutes on a specially paved path you will be in Downtown Whitehorse. So the first thing to do on the list of what to do in Whitehorse, is to walk there! 

Where to stay in Whitehorse

I stayed at the Edgwater Hotel. THE place to stay out of the Whitehorse hotels. It’d just had a £2.2 million makeover and the bed was absolutely delightful. 

Also, it’s really well located right next to the Yukon River, so it was easy to get up for my morning canoe ride. And, it has some great restaurants just up the road. ‘The Dirty Northerner’ was a personal favourite.

The best Whitehorse restaurants 

Eating is one of the greatest things to do in the Yukon, after all that outdoors goodness and exercise. 

(20) Yeah, it’s basically the Canadian Starbucks, but have you been to Canada if you didn’t have a Tim Hortons?

Especially that maple syrup donut? 

Coffee in Whitehorse

(21) Baked on Main Street does great coffee, and a decadent sausage, egg and cheese croissant to set you up for your canoe ride. As demonstrated below. They were very busy in the mornings, so obviously a popular place to be! 

(22) And I didn’t have time to go but my friend Macca from AnAdventurousWorld recommends the Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters, although I never quite made it over there. 

Traditional Yukon food in Whitehorse

(23) I was desperate to go to Rib and Salmon in Whitehorse and tried both nights I was there. Unfortunately the queue was round the block both times and as a solo traveller in Whitehorse I decided I didn’t want to sit in there by myself. 

It’s one of the top rated Yukon restaurants on TripAdvisor though, so I wanted to include it here. Rib AND salmon. Yes please! 

Dirty Northern 

(24) Right next to the Edgewater Hotel, where I was staying, was the Dirty Northern. A super trendy hipster style place with exposed brick and carefully curated menus, I loved it as soon as I saw it. 

I sat by myself at the front and ordered an Alaskan Salmon Salad and a Yukon gin cocktail. Seriously, 5/5 for both. The menu looked great and I would’ve loved to try some chicken wings too, but I had a week in the Yukon, this wasn’t a sprint. 

Wayfarer Oyster House 

(25) The Wayfarer is a kinda upmarket, fancy place to eat in Whitehorse. Serving all kinds of oysters, of course, they also have pasta, seafood, meat and veg dishes too. 

It was also really busy here. You won’t find many people out on the streets in Whitehorse, they’re all living it up in the restaurants and bars. 

Sanchez Cantina

(26) “Welcome to my humble habereno”, so said the sign above the door. Inside it was all colourful tablecloths, yellow walls and jolly Mexican music in the background. 

Now, I look at this photo again and I realise my capture of the flavours and look wasn’t the best, but trust me, it was better than it looks here. It was also a lot spicier. 

Do NOT order ‘spicy’ at the Sanchez Cantina. It took three pints of water for me to recover from this tasty spicy prawn starter. 

For mains I had a chicken quesadilla, which I’d already ordered spicy before I had the chance to take my own advice. 

I was peeing all night after all the water I’d drank in there. Great food though!

Whitehorse Farmer’s Market

(27) Make sure to check out the Whitehorse Farmer’s Market while you’re there too. Every Thursday local food trucks come to Whitehorse to help you fill up on tasty produce.

The food market is set in the heart of Whitehorse. I’ve never been to a more beautiful market!

Oh and check out this adorable lemonade stand. Just 50 cents got me a lemonade, AND a blueberry muffin. Bargain.

First Nations culture in Whitehorse 

(28) There are 14 First Nations groups in and around Whitehorse. All with different cultures who, by law, must be consulted for any proposed changes in the city. If you want to know more, then the best place to start would be the impressive Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre .

It was built to celebrate local First Nations culture, and to teach all the Canadian, and world, communities about their practices. 

(29) Just up from the Cultural Centre you’ll find the hand-carved healing totem pole, topped with its striking Raven. The 11-metre totem was erected for the students of Aboriginal schools. 

My weekend in Whitehorse, Canada

I left Whitehorse desperate to come back, but next time, I’d give those ‘below 40’ winters a try, hunting for those elusive Northern Lights. 

If you’re visiting the Yukon you have to go to Whitehorse, and I’m not just saying that. After all, it’s the gateway to the rest of the Yukon. 

After my two days in Whitehorse I travelled up to Dawson City for the Dawson City Music Festival . And you can check out my video guide to Dawson City, right here… 

Cool Things to Do in Dawson City

How to book this trip to Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse is a 36-hour drive from Vancouver. You can book a car hire and do it that way, take a road trip. Or, you can look for the cheapest flights to Whitehorse instead. The closest big Canadian city is Edmonton – 1,994 kilometres away. And you have to go south to go to Alaska.

I hope that gives you an idea of how north you’ll be! 

These are my favourite companies to use when I travel anywhere. They always give the best deals, the strongest customer service and after 8 years of travel as my job, they’re the ones I’ve found to be the absolute market leaders. These are the companies I turn to when I want to book my travel. 

Flights to Whitehorse

– Skyscanner – Skyscanner are my favourites thanks to the interface and wealth of results. Not all airlines are on there, so sometimes I just use them as a starting point. But it’s extremely rare that I’d ever book a flight without consulting Skyscanner first. 

–  Netflights  –  After Skyscanner I go and check Netflights to see what they come up with. They’re another comparison engine, and they promise the best deals. You can also book cheap holidays and your car hire with them too. 

Money and insurance for Whitehorse

–  Post Office Travel Money  –  the Post Office is the best stop for your travel money. They have over 70 currencies and you can get free delivery to your home, or to collect in over 11,500 branches with 0% commission.

–  Get really good travel insurance to cover you in case anything goes wrong. HeyMondo offer 24/7 worldwide assistance with travel cancellation and interruption cover. They also have tailor made policies and cover medical expenses up to $10 million. Click here and you’ll get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo.com too. Check out their App for more details.

Popular festivals in Whitehorse, Yukon 

Timing your trip with a festival is one of the top things to do in Whitehorse! 

• Sourdough Rendezvous’ Ice Sculpture contest
• Frostbite Music Festival,
• Yukon International Storytelling Festival ,
• Adäka Cultural Festival
• Out North Queer Film Festival
• Available Light Film Festival

* * * * * * * * *

Pin these THINGS TO DO IN WHITEHORSE for later

Interesting facts about Whitehorse 

– All moving water is drinkable. 

– French speaking students sued for a high school and won. All children in Canada should have a right to be taught in their own language. It’s currently being built out by the fish ladder. 

– It took just 8 months to build the huge Alaska Highway, because so many people lived here. They wanted it built as fast as possible to defend the state through an invasion of Alaska.

– Whitehorse is built on the flat because of the harsh winters they have here.

I went to the Dawson City Music Festival thanks to Destination Canada and Travel Yukon .

They organised and planned my trip in return for my thoughts on my blog. In short: it was brilliant! 

More on travel in the Yukon and Whitehorse

My 6-hour canoe ride down the Yukon River 

Travel Guide to Dawson City in the Yukon

21 Awesome Festivals in Canada You Need to Go To

Related Posts:

• 9 Coolest & Most Unique Places to Stay in Whitehorse, Yukon
• Gold Rush: Travelling Solo in Dawson City and…
• A Bucket List Canoe Trip Down the Yukon River
• 7 Best Places to Visit in Canada During Summer
• 8 Best Places to Visit in Spring in Canada
• 23 Interesting Facts About Canada to Know Before You Go

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

Notify me about the next festivals in WHITEHORSE,YUKON. CANADA.

I want to visit Yukon Whitehorse . Please let me know how come i can got visa ?

Awesome,God willing I like to settle in Yukon with my family.lovely sceneries.i have been trying to get jobs there so as to apply through the Yukon community program.

Glad you enjoyed a piece of heaven. Moved here almost 15 years ago from Vancouver, British Columbia and am never going back. You can really live up here, and breathe the fresh air and feel the sun on your face. No where better in the world. Hope to see you come up again.

Oh niiice. Must be a change up there then, from the big city! Yeah, I do remember it just being so fresh up there. I really loved my time in Whitehorse, and the Yukon in general. I’d love to go back and see more one day. Jealous you get to live there!

fully fun with Whitehorse! Keep it up

Have you been? I had a great time there. The Yukon is definitely a memorable place to be and experience. Next time I go I’d like to make it a longer trip and carry on into Alaska – it’s so close!

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Incredible Things To Do in Whitehorse: Discover The Magic Of The Yukon Capital

Whitehorse, Yukon is on the edge of Canada’s frontier. Experience these magical things to do in Whitehorse to experience the city and its people.

In 1883, the remote wilderness near Miles Canyon was simply a trail stop and portage used by First Nations Peoples travelling along trade routes in the far north. The occasional European trapper, working with Indigenous guides may have passed through on their journeys.

This all changed in 1897 when gold was discovered in the Klondike and treasure seekers from across the globe descended on what would one day be Canada’s Yukon Territory in search of riches.

While many of those involved in the Yukon gold rush made their way up to Dawson City , some settled into a small community on the right bank of the Yukon River. The roaring waters and white-capped rapids led the community to name the town “Whitehorse.”

Today, Whitehorse is a town of nearly 30,000 residents and is the capital of the wild and wonderful Yukon. A frontier town that acts as a hub for both the Alaska Highway and the Klondike Highway just 80 km north of the border with British Columbia .

Whitehorse, Yukon is packed with incredible attractions that go beyond stunning nature and outdoor adventures. This city has a thriving food scene, excellent breweries, and fascinating cultural experiences.

The Top Attractions In Whitehorse, Yukon

There are a wealth of amazing things to do in Whitehorse that will appease any adventurous spirit bold enough to brave Canada’s wild north.

This is not a city for the faint of heart. Whitehorse is a destination that draws a specific type of traveller. One that is bold enough to face Canada’s northern frontier and bold enough to step outside of its comforts to explore where few are willing to travel.

Hike Miles Canyon

Whitehorse owes its existence to this, once treacherous, portion of the Yukon River. The raging waters were tamed by the introduction of a hydroelectric dam in 1958. Prior to that, countless lives and supplies were lost by those attempting to pass through the ferocious waters.

Today, Miles Canyon is one of the most scenic hiking spots in Whitehorse and a visit here is one of the top attractions in the city. Among the beautiful trails and basalt rock cliffs is the Robert Lowe Bridge, a 25-metre-long suspension bridge built in 1922.

Mile Canyon is just minutes from downtown Whitehorse. This beautiful nature hotspot is packed with viewpoints and hiking trails, some of which connect to the city itself. During the summer months, there are free Interpretive nature walks offered by the Yukon Conservation Society. During winter the Miles Canyon trail network, including the one across the Robert Lowe suspension bridge are groomed ski trails.

For a different perspective, you can connect with Yukon River Tour , which offers boat tours through the Miles Canyon.

Experience The Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre

A visit to Whitehorse, Yukon isn’t complete without learning about the city’s First Nations heritage. There are few better places to get started than the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Nestled in a stunning cedar-clad building on the banks of the Yukon River on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the building is packed with displays of beadwork, tools, and historical artifacts from throughout the Yukon Territory

Visitors can take a guided tour to admire both the beautiful facade and the fascinating exhibits of the centre before heading over to the MacBride Museum.

Gaze At The Northern Lights

Whitehorse, Yukon is among the best places in Canada to see the northern lights. In fact, Whitehorse sees more Aurora activity than even destinations such as Churchill, Manitoba and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories due to its clear skies.

Between January and April, the aurora borealis gets so bright that, on many nights, stargazers don’t even need to leave the city to see them. Although getting clear of the city’s light pollution will still get you better views.

Those chasing the northern lights in the Yukon can sign up for a nighttime aurora viewing experience where you’re picked up from your hotel and guided in small groups to some of the best wilderness northern lights view locations. Or, you can rent a car and drive to some of your own favourite spots.

For an intimate experience, connect with the Northern Lights Resort and Spa , which is about an hour and 45 minutes from Whitehorse. They offer gorgeous chalets with huge windows for aurora-watching.

Hop On Board The SS Klondike II

Step back into the days of the gold rush aboard the SS Klondike. During the early 1900s, sternwheelers were the most important method of transport along the Yukon River, ferrying ore, miners, and fortune-seekers to Canada’s northern frontier. The SS Klondike was the largest sternwheeler of them all.

This flagship river cruiser, which was built in 1929, operated until 1936 when the vessel struck rocks on its journey between Whitehorse and Dawson City and sank. In 1936, the SS Klondike II was built to the exact specifications of its predecessor. The new ship even used the original ship’s engines and boiler.

The ship continued its predecessor’s work, shuttling ore and materials between mining cities until it was retired in 1955. Now, this storied ship sits on the banks of the Yukon River in the heart of Whitehorse. It welcomes tourists to explore its history through self-guided or guided tours.

Taste Your Way Through The Whitehorse Craft Brewery Scene

Whitehorse has some of the highest beer drinking per capita in all of Canada. This passion for beer and the do-it-yourself innovation of many of those who choose to make this remote city their home has led to Whitehorse having some of the most innovative craft breweries around.

This is a city where you’re as likely to down your brew from a can, growler, or a hollowed-out caribou antler. Breweries such as Yukon Brewing on Copper Rd work to develop craft beers that “taste of the Yukon.” Sip a Yukon Gold, a beer that can be found in the fridge of most northerners, for a taste of the Territory. Make sure to try their Two Brewers whisky which picked up several awards at the Canadian Whisky Awards.

Winterlong Brewery on Mt Sima Rd. had its beginning with a homebrew kit in a university dorm room. Now, this beer house serves up delicious sampling flights. Check out their “Sweater Weather” stout if you’d like to shake off the cold of winter or “Moonbase Freedom,” a perfect spring IPA.

Part arthouse and part brewery, Woodcutter’s Blanket at Second Ave. and Strickland St is a piece of Whitehorse history. The brewery is housed in the Widdershin Cabin, although locals often refer to it as “the Moose” due to the wooden animals that border its entrance. The building dates back to the 1930s and was converted into a cocktail bar and brewery serving up some of the best craft beer in Whitehorse.

Explore Indigenous Culture at Long Ago People’s Place: Kwäday Dän Kenji

Not all of the top places to visit in Whitehorse are right in the city. Long Ago People’s Place , which is about an hour from Whitehorse, is the place for learning about the traditions and culture of First Nations Peoples in Yukon.

Hosts Meta Williams (member of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation) and Harold Johnson (member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nation) welcome guests and invite them about how their communities lived and thrive off of the land.

Enjoy a homemade lunch with traditional bannock and storytelling in the outdoors. Then sit back and experience teachings about medicinal plants that their ancestors primarily used to treat their ailments.

Pay A Visit To The MacBride Museum

Whitehorse plays a crucial role in the history of the Yukon Territory . The MacBride Museum of Yukon History will help you understand not just the role of the territorial capital, but of the entire territory itself.

Among the exhibits are a log cabin belonging to legendary Sam McGee. Although his real life was not as dramatic as the famous poem by Robert W. Service made him out to be, Sam was a real person, who did live in Whitehorse for a time.

Other exhibits include the original Whitehorse telegraph office, photos from the gold rush, and the MAcBride Waterfront Trolley, a fully-restored 1925 trolley that tours along the banks of the Yukon River. You can see their rotating exhibits here .

Try Your Hand at Glass Blowing

One of the most unique things to do in Whitehorse involves glass blowing at Lumel Studios . This Whitehorse glass-blowing studio was launched in 2016 as a community studio focused on inclusivity and culture.

They offer sessions for both walk-ins and pre-booked workshops (although they book quickly, so it’s best to call ahead). These classes offer a taste of the glass-blowing experience where you can heat, mold, and work glass into beautiful artwork to take home (the artwork is available for pick up the following day as it needs to cool for 12 hours).

The studio also has a glass gallery and an art store so that you can pick up some gifts for friends and family.

Eat Your Way Through The Whitehorse Food Scene

For a small city of fewer than 30,000 people, the culinary scene in Whitehorse punches far above its weight. Exploring the restaurant scene is one of the best things to do in Whitehorse, and the city is small enough that it’s possible to taste your way through the city, even with just a few days on the ground.

Among some of the most popular restaurants in Whitehorse is Antoinette’s , which serves up a fascinating fusion of northern and Trinidadian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like Guava pork ribs and macaroni pie. Owner Antoinette GreenOlph puts a little love into every dish.

Klondike Rib & Salmon is the go-to bbq joint in Whitehorse during the summer season. The fun, casual atmosphere makes for a lively night out and the menu is packed with high-quality comfort favourites with a twist. Bite into the grilled bison “Tatonka” or dig through the gravy of their buttermilk fried chicken for some homegrown favourites.

Among other great places to grab a bite in the city is Bean North Café , which serves up delicious fair trade coffee in a rustic environment just outside of town towards the Takhini Hot Springs and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

Alpine Bakery is a local favourite lunch spot serving up sandwiches made with soft and steaming freshly-made bread and homemade soups. Enjoy some delicious meals made in their wood-fired brick oven such as pizzas and artisanal bread.

Slip Into The Eclipse Northern Hot Springs

Many people might not think about packing their bathing suits for a trip to Whitehorse, but less than 30 minutes from downtown are a series of hot pools boating a balmy 47 ° C. There is simply no better place to relax, kick back and watch the aurora dance in the sky.

These natural springs are one of the hottest attractions in Whitehorse (pun intended). But don’t be surprised if a winter visit to the Eclipse Northern Hot Springs (formerly known as the Takhini Hot Springs) leaves your body warm and your hair covered in shiny icicles.

Along with the warm waters, Eclipse Northern Hot Springs welcomes visitors with a hot rocks cafe, hydrotherapy sessions, steam rooms and saunas, and even overnight accommodations for those looking for a Whitehorse spa experience.

Enjoy Nature At The Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Located off of Takhini Hot Springs Rd, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve is one of the coolest places to visit in Whitehorse. Here you can take a guided tour through the massive wildlife preserve and gaze upon the incredible wildlife that calls this region of Canada home.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve covers a vast 350 acres and is home to elk, arctic foxes, lynx, moose, mountain goats, and wood bison among others. The park also runs a wildlife rehabilitation centre and has hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing experiences.

Enjoy guided bus tours or self-guided experiences through this magnificent Yukon nature hot spot. You can find out more here .

Flightseeing Over Kluane National Park

One of the most magical attractions in Whitehorse is a visit to Kluane National Park. This natural wonder is home to the Saint Elias Mountains and Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan.

While most visitors might make a visit to the park for some hiking, canoeing, and exploring, the only viable way for most visitors to Whitehorse to get a true perspective on this massive park is from the air.

Most Kluane National Park sightseeing tours start from Haines Junction, a scenic 150 km drive from the city. From there, companies such as Rocking Star Adventures and Kluane Glacier Air Tours take guests on a mesmerizing journey over Mount Logan and 16 of Canada’s 20 highest peaks. Along the way, you’ll gaze over some of the most magnificent glaciers on Earth.

Southern Lakes Flightseeing Tours with Alpine Aviation offers a unique experience that includes a stop at Southern Lakes Resort for lunch.

You can read about We Explore Canada writer Hans Temmagami’s experience of flightseeing over Kluane National Park here .

Now It’s Time to Experience These Things To Do In Whitehorse, Yukon Territory For Yourself

There are more things to do in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory than meets the eye. From incredible wildlife experiences and fabulous breweries to relaxing hot springs, and scrumptious food you can find something for everyone in this beautiful region of  the Yukon .

Many of these businesses and restaurants are anxious for visitors after a tough year. So let’s support local and make the most of your Edmonton adventure.

Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant in Canada? Head over to the  We Explore Canada Facebook Community  and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people passionate about travel in Canada who love to share their local secrets.

Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of We Explore Canada. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel . Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home country and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.

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Whitehorse Trips

Plan your trip to whitehorse: best of whitehorse tourism.

Essential Whitehorse

Whitehorse Is Great For

Nature and wildlife tours.

Art & history

Historical Tours

Best Things To Do In Whitehorse

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 4, 2023 | Canada , North America , Travel Tips

When you picture the Yukon, what do you see? Lots of snow. Lots of skiing. Lots of cozy evenings nestled up to a fire in a chalet. Fair enough, but there are so many other awesome things you can do in Whitehorse, the capital city of Yukon.

Whitehorse is considered one of the largest northern cities in Canada and was once a major hub during the gold rus h in 1898. It might be a bit chilly in this winter wonderland but don’t expect the locals to be hibernating.

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In fact, Whitehorse may be small but it has an incredibly lively community.

Whether you are looking to take part in adrenaline-pumping activities or spend your evenings chasing the northern lights, Whitehorse has something for you.

Aurora Hunting

One of the biggest draws to the north is, of course, the infamous northern lights.

The phenomenon of the aurora borealis can technically occur all year round but our ability to see them is determined by a few factors; how dark it is, how clear the sky is, and how lucky are you feeling?

The location also plays a huge part in whether or not you are timely enough to get a glimpse of the dancing aurora. Head outside the city by either booking a tour or renting a car to drive yourself. 

Driving just an hour outside of Whitehorse to the Carcross Desert or Marsh Lake will meet you with unbelievable views for stargazing and a higher chance to spot the colorful hues of the aurora borealis.

Viking Adventure in the Wilderness

Easily the most exhilarating thing to do in Whitehorse is to hop on a Viking and go on an off-road adventure in the wilderness.

Take this moment to see another side of the Yukon by touring different trails to stunning viewpoints without being restricted to the main roads.

People that love ATVing will not want to miss taking one of these snowmobiles out for a spin!

Hiking around the capital city

If you love climbing mountains and taking in the incredible beauty that nature has to offer, then a trip to Whitehorse is in order for you!

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, the options are quite honestly endless when thinking of where to go hiking around this capital city.

You can find treks at a variety of difficulty levels in close proximity to the city. A popular trail is the Fish Lake Loop which is a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit. 

Find a tour if you are a bit pressed for time in order to make the most of your trekking experience.

Snowshoeing in the Winterwonderland

Love hiking but want to add an extra element to your adventures in Whitehorse, Yukon?

Try trekking around in the snow! Snowshoes distribute your weight and allow you to walk on top of the snow-covered trails, instead of sink into them.

You can typically find snowshoeing bundled on a tour with a bunch of other fun, frosty things to do around Whitehorse. If you prefer to go on a self-guided trek, there is an abundance of places where you can rent snowshoes as well.

Dog Sledding

If you are looking for a unique experience in Whitehorse, then dog mushing may be the thing for you.

There are many organized tours that give you the opportunity to get acquainted with a pack of trained sled dogs who are ready to whisk you away on a journey through the hinterlands of the Yukon.

You can choose your own escapade; from short, half-day tours to week-long immersion programs; there is something for everyone!

Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North

Have you ever wanted to see a moose in real life? The Yukon Wildlife Reserve has created a safe habitat for the public to see and learn about many native Canadian wildlife species.

This includes moose, mountain goats, wood bison and many more interesting animals that you wouldn’t normally get a chance to see in the wild.

Wander around the 5km loop and explore the reserve by foot on your own or join a guided bus tour.

Their tours are led by knowledgeable staff members who are prepared to stop and tell you all about the remarkable animals around the park.

Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs

Oh yes! You know we saved one of the best and most relaxing things to do in Whitehorse for last. After taking part in all the exciting winter activities, why not wind down and relax in Takhini’s natural hot springs.

The site consists of one large pool that has two sections; a hot side that sits at around 42 degrees celsius and a cool side at 36 degrees. 

They even have after dark hours with a discounted rate; although these are specifically children-free times due to safety regulations.

This changes with the time that the sun sets throughout the winter months; starting as early as 4 pm in December.

Don’t go alone, go with EPIC NORTH!

EPIC NORTH Tour Experiences operates out of Whitehorse and is the leading Tour Operator for adventure & sightseeing tours in the Yukon and Alaska.

They offer all 7 of these awesome things you can do in Whitehorse as comfortable, tailor-made tours. 

Your hosts with EPIC NORTH have more than 15 years of experience traveling around the northern regions of Canada and Alaska. They radiate with passion and are ready to share that experience with every single one of their guests.

The Yukon is one of those destinations that can satiate your craving for adventure. 

Every day, a new exciting excursion awaits to take you deep into the wilderness. Explore a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna; unique to this northern region. Seek out breathtaking landscapes and panoramic vistas. Unwind in a natural hot spring.

Regardless if you choose to experience Yukon’s everlasting daylight in the summer or the darkest nights of the winter, there is no shortage of things to do on your visit.

Which of these activities has gotten you eager to book your trip to Whitehorse?

Don’t let the cool temperatures stop you from uncovering everything that the Yukon has to offer. Pack your warmest jacket, Whitehorse is ready for you!

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Whitehorse museums & cultural centres

History and culture have no ceiling, even if they’re under a roof

The Yukon is known for its incredible year-round outdoor activities, but some of our most awe-inspiring attractions are actually hidden indoors. From unforgettable Indigenous stories to remarkable gold rush tales, and prehistoric woolly mammoths to history-setting aeronautics, these Whitehorse museums are definitely worth stopping in for old-time’s sake.

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MacBride Museum

Named Canada’s #1 most under-rated attraction by MSN Travel, you could say the MacBride Museum is kinda like the Ray Liotta of museums—neither get quite the recognition they deserve. As the Yukon’s first museum ever, it houses one of the most comprehensive collections of wildlife exhibits, and artifacts from Indigenous history and the gold rush.

Visitors of MacBride will find themselves immersed in the remarkable stories, colourful characters and groundbreaking events that have shaped the Yukon. With a collection of over 30,000 pieces, it’s a must-see for any tourist—even those who aren’t fans of Field of Dreams or Goodfellas (but you probably shouldn’t admit it).

MacBride Museum of Yukon history

Yukon Transportation Museum

If history has taught us anything, getting around in the Yukon has never been a walk in the park. Even if you’re walking in a park. From snowshoe weaves to airplanes registered as sternwheelers, the Yukon Transportation Museum has unexpected stories and displays from A to Z that show how ingenuous Yukoners got from A to B.

Whether you like to hear about tricky situations, look at beautiful old engines or listen to shocking tales, there’s something here for everyone. The museum is filled with dioramas that showcase the self-sufficiency of the Klondike Gold Rush, the construction of the Alaska Highway, and innovative engines that conquered unspoiled terrain. And for all you folks who love locomotives, the enormous LeTourneau Logistical Cargo Carrier is one land train you don’t want to miss. But if all of that doesn’t blow your mind, then the world’s largest wind vane will literally blow your socks off. After all, it is a vintage DC-3 aircraft that pivots in the wind outside the museum.

Yukon transportation museum

Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

Dedicated to the presentation and preservation of the vast sub-continent called Beringia, the Interpretive Centre provides visitors with a window into Yukon’s unique ice age history. Stand face-to-face with life-like dioramas of a woolly mammoth, scimitar cat, American lion, and giant short-faced bear.

There’s even a Yukon Horse display containing 26,000-year-old-remains. Learn about the First People who crossed the Beringia land bridge, and explore the life-sized replica of the famous Bluefish Caves archaeological site.

Yukon Beringia interpretive centre

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Beautifully designed, the striking cedar-clad building of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre sits on the shores of the Chu Nínkwän (Yukon River). Here, visitors will immerse themselves in the heritage and contemporary way of life of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

The Centre features Indigenous art exhibits, cultural workshops, and  interactive performances. Hear legendary stories, join a sewing circle or even make a pair of moosehide moccasins—a much better souvenir than a keychain.

Copperbelt Railway and Mining Museum

Take the two-kilometer-long “Loki” train ride and embark on a mining history lesson. 

The museum’s wilderness setting, interpretive walking trails, and picnic pavilion make it a great place to spend an entire afternoon.

Old Log Church Museum

The Old Log Church is a place of heart, soul, and passion. Here, you’ll uncover fascinating stories and hidden treasures of Yukon’s early pioneers and missionaries. Learn about early missionary and whaling history, First Nations art and culture, and the legendary “Bishop Who Ate His Boots.”

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Yukon visitor information centre (whitehorse), opening times, holiday hours.