Discover Kluane National Park and Reserve’s heavenly Mount Logan and the world’s largest non-polar ice field outside of the Arctic and Antarctic. Look for elk, foxes, grizzlies, and caribou while hiking winding forest trails to Miles Canyon. Welcome spring as thousands of swans drop out of the skies to perform enchanting choreography along Lake Marsh. After learning about the Klondike Gold Rush at MacBride Museum, journey to nature’s open-air theatre to behold the dazzling Northern Lights swirl across the evening sky. Check out our list of things to do in Whitehorse, Canada, to explore Canada’s last frontier of untouched wilderness during your stay.
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1. Soak in the Arctic's steaming Takhini Hot Pools
Join a half-day tour to Yukon Wildlife Preserve where you can encounter nature in its natural boreal woodland habitat. You will learn how Arctic foxes’ and hares’ coats turn white in the wintertime to blend in with the snow for protection from predators. Children and adults will love hearing interesting facts about woodland caribou, muskox, bison, and mountain goats. Take some time for pictures with lynx and elk before travelling onward to Takhini Hot Pools. Escape the chilly Arctic climate and winds by heating up in Takhini’s healing hot pools before returning to Whitehorse. You and your family will definitely enjoy soaking in the warm water.
Book Tours : Arctic Day: Wildlife & Hot Springs | Half Day
2. Uncover Yukon's spiritual culture at Old Log Church Museum
As you enter this rustic chocolate-coloured log cabin, you will be guided through the Anglican Church’s Yukon history. Travel back to 1861 with the arrival of Anglican missionaries and their efforts to spread Christianity throughout the Yukon. While looking through historical photos and artefacts, discover the evolution of the Anglican Church throughout the Yukon Territory. Learn about the important contributions made by spiritually and community-minded women to the community. Sit down in one of the wooden pews to meditate on the interesting history of the Yukon’s spiritual culture.
Old Log Church Museum
Address: 303 Elliott Street, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6K8
Website: Old Log Church Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 0 - 10 USD
3. Admire Arts Underground's contemporary artworks
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Stop by on the first Friday of each month for an opening reception showcasing the gallery’s monthly exhibits. During these art galas, art lovers are able to see artworks by established and up-and-coming Yukon artists. Share in celebrating different cultures through the gallery’s diverse exhibits. Visitors can sign up to join local artisans for creative workshops throughout the year. Following your visit, stop by the gift shop to purchase some of your favourite contemporary art prints.
Arts Underground
Address: 305 Main Street #15, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2B4
Website: Arts Underground
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 - 50 USD
4. Try making moose-hide moccasins at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
Drop by Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre’s great ceremonial house to learn about the life and struggles of its people. Enjoy a warm welcome by tribe members before sharing ancestral stories told through music and cultural dances. While visiting Whitehorse, try out a workshop to make moose-hide moccasins and purses. Learn techniques of sewing through leather, embroidery, beading, decorating with moose hair, etc. Stop in on Thursday evenings for an enjoyable evening of storytelling, cultural dancing, music, bannock and tea, and barbecue.
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
Address: 1171 1st Avenue, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0G9
Website: Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed from Sat - Sun)
Price: Free
5. Sip locally crafted spirits at Yukon Brewing
While exploring the Klondike, schedule a visit to tour Yukon Brewery to learn about the process of creating beer and whisky. Since its inception in 1997, Yukon Brewery has enjoyed success in its brewing business which opened the way to distilling spirits. Tour through the towering silver casks with one of Yukon Brewery’s friendly staff members. After sampling some of Yukon Brewing’s bestselling craft brews and spirits, head to the cooler to purchase packs of Lead Dog, Grizzly Wheat Ale, and Midnight Sky. On your next wilderness camping adventure, you will be ready to sit back with a bottle of ice-cold, premium Yukon Gold.
Yukon Brewing
Address: 102 Copper Road, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2Z6
Website: Yukon Brewing
Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 0 - 10 USD
6. Watch how Chinook salmon swim at Yukon Energy Fish Ladder
During sightseeing in Whitehorse, stop by the Yukon Energy Fish Ladder to view the longest fish ladder in the world. The Whitehorse Rapids Fish Ladder plays a very important role in assisting spawning salmon passing safely around the Whitehorse Rapids Dam. Through the fish ladder and nearby hatchery, Whitehorse is helping to keep the Yukon River’s Chinook salmon run intact. Enjoy the indoor and outdoor viewing galleries to watch salmon swim up the ladder to the connecting river. Through public contributions, the fish ladder can continue its research and conservation efforts to monitor the salmon population
Yukon Energy Fish Ladder
Address: Nisutlin Drive, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3J5
Website: Yukon Energy Fish Ladder
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Request travel advice at Yukon Visitor Information Centre
Before heading out to explore the Yukon’s Arctic wilderness, stop by Yukon Visitor Information Centre. Ask visitor centre staff members for travel tips concerning local attractions while picking out maps and brochures. Search for information on Kluane National Park, Mount Logan, and the Yukon’s wild rivers. Enquire where to purchase bear spray and which tour companies are reputable for touring the Yukon’s diverse landscapes. Then purchase some picturesque postcards before leaving to begin your wilderness adventure in the Klondike’s Great Outdoors.
Yukon Visitor Information Centre
Address: 100 Hanson Street, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6C2
Website: Yukon Visitor Information Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
8. Traverse frozen tundra on a dog-sledding adventure
Hop aboard a five-day, guided tour of Canada’s last frontier with an exciting dog-sledding adventure. Race through the snow-covered boreal forest along snow-covered trails while passing caribou, moose, and elk. Then jump on board a snowmobile to speed along winding mountain trails to climb towards snow-covered summits. On your powdery descent, watch out for bighorn sheep and mountain goats crossing the slippery slopes. Finish your adventure off by flying over the Yukon’s snowy winter fantasyland before sampling Whitehorse’s food and culture.
Book Tours : Active Winter Adventure in Yukon | 5 days
9. Reward your taste buds at Burnt Toast Cafe
While exploring Whitehorse’s historical sights, swing by New York Times’ highly acclaimed Burnt Toast Café. This charming rustic café serves breakfast through dinner and a mouthwatering brunch. The brunch consists of classic bennies, garlic hash browns, bubbly mimosas, crispy bacon, and more. Diners will satisfy their taste buds with maple syrup drizzled fruit-topped waffles, crisp salads, savoury soups, and juicy burgers. While here, don’t forget to try out their daily lunch specials including prosciutto grilled cheese with melted Gruyère and cheddar on sourdough.
Burnt Toaste Cafe
Address: 2112 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1B9
Website: Burnt Toast Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am -3pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 2pm
10. Appreciate the innovative artwork displayed at Bicycle Wheel Dome
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
While in Whitehorse, make sure to plan a trip to Bicycle Wheel Dome and admire its innovative artwork. Designed by biking enthusiast, Phillippe LeBlond, this giant dome created with various sized bicycle rims with plastic cable ties is a sight to behold. Wrapped around a large birch tree, the dome is 16.5 feet (5 meters) in diameter and occupies the majority of Mr. LeBlond’s front yard. For a truly unique experience, step inside this giant dome constructed of recycled bicycle rims. Whitehorse is an appropriate location to display Mr. LeBlond’s artistry since it’s known for its extensive network of mountain bike trails.
Bicycle Wheel Dome
Address: 12 Lewes Boulevard, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3J2
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Admire the world's largest weathervane
While checking out Yukon Transportation Centre, take time to admire the world’s largest weather vane. This retired Douglas DC-3 sits between the transportation centre and Whitehorse’s airport. Built in 1942, the airplane was once painted in camouflage to be of service during the second World War. Today, it’s painted the colours of early Canadian Pacific Air airlines, swivelling to point in the direction of oncoming winds. Being located at the airport makes it an invaluable and reliable tool for pilots determining the wind direction.
World's Largest Weathervane
Address: 30 Electra Crescent, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0M7
Website: World’s Largest Weather Vane
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: Free
12. View Whitehorse's unique log skyscrapers
These one-of-a-kind log skyscrapers were constructed in 1947 by Martin Berrigan from trees he felled on the Yukon River’s east bank. Then he transported them to the current location with a team of horses. After arriving at the property, he began to create his vision of two-storey and three-storey log cabins. The three-storey cabin he created is 58 logs high with the rafters and ridges being composed of log beams. By 1971, the log home had electricity and plumbing installed along with drywalling and a new concrete foundation.
Log Skyscrapers
Address: 208 Lambert Street North Half of Lot, Whitehorse, YT
Website: Log Skyscrapers
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Embark on an exciting biking adventure along Grey Mountains
Grey Mountain trail is located just out of Whitehorse and is a lightly trafficked 5.3-kilometre (3.3 mile) moderate dirt trail. While riding along this rugged nature trail, make noise, and have your bear spray ready just in case you have an encounter with bears. Get ready for an exciting biking adventure speeding along Grey Mountain’s winding passes and narrow rocky ridges. During a break for lunch in an alpine meadow, take time to appreciate the golds, whites, and blues of wildflowers surrounding you. After cruising along lupine-lined trails, reach the summit and take a moment to look out over the valley and Whitehorse before descending back through the alpine wilderness. This will be a memory you will never forget.
The Grey Mountains
Address: Whitehorse, YT
Website: The Grey Mountains
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
14. Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping Tatshenshini River adventure
British Columbia’s Tatshenshini-Alsek National Park borders the Yukon’s Kluane National Park, providing a vast landscape for adventures. Suit up with one of Whitehorse’s rafting companies to challenge the Yukon’s wildest rivers. During your adrenaline-pumping Tatshenshini River adventure, you will see glacier-cloaked mountain valleys and peaks. Once you have conquered Tatshenshini River’s raging whitewater rapids, you will pass through steep-walled canyons. After clearing Saint Leias Mountains, drift through Alsek River’s icebergs before hiking Mount Fairweather’s endless wilderness.
Tatshenshini River Rafting
Address: Haines Road, Yukon Territory bordering British Columbia’s Stikine Mountian region
Website: Tatshenshini River
Opening hours: 7:30am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: 110 - 140 USD
15. Race across Whitehorse's frozen wonderland
Winter enthusiasts will find no shortage of snowmobile shops offering repairs, safety tips, and tours in Whitehorse. Either bring your machine along or join a guided tour for an adrenaline-racing experience through Whitehorse’s winter playground. Fly past snow-covered boreal forests while racing along snowy trails, powdery hillsides, and meadows. Ride along ancient mountain glaciers, frozen lakes, and windy snow-covered mountain passes. As you race along the Yukon’s vast frozen tundra, keep your eyes peeled for caribou, ptarmigans, moose, arctic foxes, and lynx.
Snowmobiling
Address: 103 Strickland St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2J6
Website: Snowmobiling
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 145 - 180 USD
16. Join an ethical bear-hunting expedition
Join one of Whitehorse’s outfitting companies to take part in a multiple-day hunting excursion across the Yukon’s varied landscape. Choose between river trips, packhorse trains, or floatplanes to enter the Klondike’s hunting territory. The Yukon Territory’s vast frontier is home to nearly 6,500 grizzlies and thousands of American black bears. Local outfitters will assist in obtaining required hunting licenses and seals in order to maintain a safe and ethical hunting experience. While crossing valleys, marshes, and rugged mountainsides, prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring encounter with towering silvertip and chocolate grizzlies.
Ethical bear hunting expedition
Address: Whitehorse, YT
Website: Ethical Bear Hunting Expedition
Opening hours: May - October: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 6150 - 21550 USD
17. Take in the summer vibes on Southern Lakes' beaches
Bursting with phenomenally beautiful scenery, the Yukon’s Southern Lakes region is best explored by renting a cottage or camping. Visit Marsh Lake during the spring for the popular Celebration of Swans Festival as thousands of migrating swans glide along its cobalt waters. After this magical, fairytale-like experience, visit Tagish Lake for its ethereal scenery which is best admired by paddling its waters. Travel to Carcross Desert’s sand dunes to walk across the remains of an ancient glacial lake in Mount Montana. Enjoy sunbathing on sandy beaches after completing the challenging Chilkoot Trail which once swarmed with Gold Rush fortune seekers.
Southern Lakes
Address: Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, YT
Website: Southern Lakes
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
18. Canoe across Yukon River's azure waters
Explore the Yukon Territory’s beautiful outdoors by paddling down the Yukon River’s azure waters. As your guide assists in navigating the historic waterway, be prepared for native wildlife sightings along the riverbanks. After reaching the junction where the Yukon and Takhini rivers combine, enjoy views of the Yukon’s rolling countryside. While resting your arms from paddling, look up in wonder at the bluest-blue skies you will probably ever see. Besides clear, unpolluted skies, you will see flinty mountain ranges, emerald green forests, and waterbirds floating by.
Book Tours : Whitehorse to Yukon River Canoeing Small-Group Tour
19. Hike Yukon trails to the picturesque Miles Canyon
Set on a journey through the Yukon’s historical Gold Rush country while hiking rugged wilderness trails. Pass by pristine lakes while hiking winding mountain trails on the way to breathtakingly beautiful Miles Canyon. During your trip here, you will see steep sandy cut banks, the Yukon River, snow-covered mountains, and evergreen forests. While learning interesting facts about native flora and fauna, you may spot grizzlies, deer, moose, and other wildlife along the trails. After enjoying sweeping views of the Canadian Northwest’s rolling landscape, you will arrive in Canyon City to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush.
Book Tours : Arctic Day: Hiking Tour | half day
20. Snowshoe Yukon backcountry for an ice-fishing adventure
Travel into the Arctic’s snow-covered backcountry accompanied by a local guide to try your hand at ice fishing. While snowshoeing the trails, search for Arctic foxes and hares whose coats have turned winter white for protection from predators. After arriving at your fishing site, the guide will cut a hole into the frozen lake’s surface for you to drop your line. As you wait patiently for the fish to bite, enjoy snacks and hot drinks alongside your tour companions. Before heading back through the dazzling snow-covered evergreens, take photos of your catch prior to releasing them back into the wild.
Book Tours : Yukon Ice Fishing and Snowshoeing Tour
21. Ride horses at shimmering Fish Lake
Grab your cowboy hat, leather gloves, and pack with necessities to ride the Yukon’s trails around Fish Lake. Ride along with one of Whitehorse’s horseback riding adventure companies for day trips or multi-day excursions. As you ride along curvy mountain trails, you will be able to capture unbelievably beautiful views of shimmering Fish Lake below. While at Fish Lake, enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks overlooking this Yukon gem while your steed drinks from its sapphire waters. During winter riding, be prepared since there will be deep snow, blasting Arctic winds, and blinding snowdrifts or blizzards.
Horseback riding Fish Lake
Address: Fish Lake Road
Website: Fish Lake
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Unwind in hot springs after spotting Yukon's wildlife
Travel over the Yukon’s great wilderness plains on this four-and-a-half-hour wildlife-spotting adventure. During your adventure crossing through wild-flower-filled alpine meadows, you will see hairy muskox, moose, and lynx. As you look at rocky mountain faces, you may catch glimpses of bighorn sheep and large mountain goats climbing jagged cliff sides. Upon arriving at Takhini Hot Springs, unwind in the soothing mineral springs while admiring the enchanting Canadian countryside. After relaxing in the warm waters, get your camera ready for your journey back hoping to see powerful bull elk, deer, and grizzlies.
23. Be awestruck by the Northern Lights
Venture out of Whitehorse to a custom-built viewing location and be awed by the Yukon’s clear starry skies. As you gaze heavenward, you will suddenly be surrounded by the arrival of the aurora borealis. Watch in amazement as the midnight sky is illuminated by vivid greens, violets, yellows, and red hues during this dazzling light show. Visitors will be awestruck by the unparalleled beauty of the Northern Lights as they dance across the Canadian wilderness. After being left speechless, escape the Arctic air for the warmth of your tent while trying to sleep after nature’s spectacular performance.
Book Tours : Arctic Day: Aurora Viewing Tour | late night
24. Dive into Whitehorse's history at MacBride Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Time travel through MacBride Museum’s historical exhibits to learn about the Yukon’s rich indigenous heritage before the settlers. Learn about the lives of explorers and early pioneers through 40,000 artefacts and archives. Admire MacBride Museum’s incredible artwork collection ranging from native art to the Northern Lights icicles. While learning about the Yukon’s Gold Rush explosion, learn about the harsh natural elements and iconic miners. For special events, visitors should not miss out on enjoying musical performances, captivating storytelling, and a train ride.
MacBride Museum
Address: 1124 Front Street, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1A4
Website: MacBride Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 2pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 - 10 USD
25. Learn about Yukon's rich history at S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Uncover S.S. Klondike’s rich paddle wheeling history along the “Great River” between Whitehorse and Dawson City. This beautifully restored and refurnished paddlewheel was among 250 sternwheelers used for Yukon transportation for 90 years. Listen as museum experts tell stories of riverboats battling Miles Canyon’s mighty currents and powerful Whitehorse Rapids while travelling the Yukon River. For generations, steamboats were used across the Yukon’s rivers and lakes to connect to the rest of Canada. Try to visit in mid-Agust during Discovery Days for free admission and get ready to uncover S.S. Klondike’s amazing history.
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Address: 10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1V8
Website: S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD
26. Listen to fascinating stories aboard Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley
Wander over to Whitehorse’s Rotary Park across from S.S. Klondike National Historic Site to board Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley. Hop aboard the lemon-yellow trolley to hear fascinating stories about the 1898 White Pass and Yukon Route. As you ride the vintage trolley along the Yukon River, hear fascinating tales about the vital role riverboats played in the Yukon transportation system. As you ride along the peaceful waterfront, you will experience sweeping views of the Yukon’s mountain ranges and dense woodlands. Also, you will learn about the difficulties experienced by railway engineers constructing a railway line through mountain passes and steep river gorges.
Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley
Address: 2052 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1A8 (Rotary Park)
Website: Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
27. Discover the territory's ice age past at Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Journey back in time at Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre to discover Beringia’s fascinating history. After a global flood that caused global sea levels to drop substantially, the Bering Sea’s dry seafloor created a gateway between Alaska and Siberia. Due to the dry climate, glaciers didn’t cover this northern region thus producing a grassland habitat for mammoths, bison, wild cats, and Yukon horses. This enabled humans to travel to North America before the land bridge was submerged resulting in interglacial forests filled with sloths, mastodons, and giant beavers. Learn about how the early people survived the frigid Arctic climate and developed their hunting methods for caribou, bear, and more.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Address: Alaska Hwy, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6E6
Website: Beringia Interpretive Centre
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 5 - 25 USD
28. Explore the intriguing exhibits at Yukon Transportation Museum
Uncover the Yukon’s transportation history through Yukon Transportation Museum’s intriguing exhibits. Listen to details of ingenuity to connect the Yukon community to the outside from early bush pilot stories. Journey back in time when horses and riverboats were the only means of transportation before the construction of the railroad. Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush when adventurers travelled to the far north to strike it rich against all odds in the goldfields. Travel forward to the present day to recognize past struggles and accomplishments that led to connecting the Yukon to the rest of Canada.
Yukon Transportation Museum
Address: 30 Electra Crescent, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0M7
Website: Yukon Transportation Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: Free
Discover the Yukon's natural beauty
With enough ice to keep your Yukon Golds chilled in the blazing mountain sun, you will be prepared to explore the Yukon’s endless wilderness. During the winter, gold-dusted Whitehorse entices snowshoers and snowmobilers while the summer attracts hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers. After engaging in action-packed adventures, unwind in Takheni Springs before booking a return trip to battle Tatshenshini’s wild rapids.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of Whitehorse Waterfront Trolleys and Old Log Church Museum may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from their websites.
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