One of the newest places to open in Whitehorse is called the Black Spruce Hotel, designed to blend into the natural beauty of its surroundings. It became famous for its navigational challenges from 1897 to 1899, the early Gold Rush days. 2. Locals and visitors alike enjoy easing their bodies into water at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs that is anywhere from 36 42 C. Top Things to do in Whitehorse. But as the saying goes, small things hold big surprises. city tour first night hot drinks camera settings viewing site dog sledding three nights best western gold rush inn winter clothing bucket list cozy cabin hot springs one . With electric cars, Ubers and Evos, transportation has come a long way. Touch device users can explore by touch or with swipe gestures. 1997 - 2022 PR Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. We've sent you a confirmation email. 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 Whitehorses oldest buildings (1900). There is nothing else like it on earth and the area near Whitehorse is one of the most accessible for dark night skies. Theres a wide variety of things to do, and you dont even have to wear plaid to participate. Answer: Whitehorse residents do just what all other northern folk do in winter - get out and enjoy it. 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. Geared up like the Michelin man ina snowmobile suit, helmet and warm mitts and boots, youd be surprised how easy it is to comfortably spend a whole day outside. When to go: They don't call it the Great White North for nothing. Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon and the territorials travel hub with multiple flights through different carriers into the Erik Nielsen International Airport, a great community for exploring the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and the surrounding areas. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Thanks for subscribing. There are also small boutique stores with fancy items. All rights reserved. Its a modern, convivial place where thankfully, the word barista is understood. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Witnessing this would typically be hard to do but at the Whitehorse Fishladder & Hatchery, visitors can watch this incredible spectacle first-hand. Winter is upon us, which means the days are short and the cooking times are long. Or perhaps thats because Ive just spent hours with my imagination in the evocative and quaintMcBride Museum of Yukon History. 01 Activity Dogsledding With electric cars, Ubers and Evos, transportation has come a long way. Canadas northern territories are full of adventure. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year . While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. 8- Meet wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, 9- Explore the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, 15- Check out the Whitehorse airport baggage carousel, Kluane National Park Glacier Flightseeing, Riding The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, 20 Things To Do In Niagara Falls At Night, Meanwhile In CanadaAwaken The Six Senses, 101 Travel Quotes Inspiring The Journey, Stay up till the early hours of the morning to the. Regardless if you choose to experience Yukons everlasting daylight in the summer or the darkest nights of the winter, there is no shortage of things to do on your visit. 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. Seek out breathtaking landscapes and panoramic vistas. There you can go horse riding at Fish Lake, one of the jewels of the Yukon. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Whitehorse ; Whitehorse - Things to Do ; Aurora Borealis & Northern Lights Tours Yukon . Nature & Wildlife Areas. : Sounds easier said than done. This Dawson City event is a true way to get to know the locals (at least the ones who arent moose). Required fields are marked *. The mercury may dip to -40C, but that doesnt curb our annual Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival celebrations, where you can enjoy snow sculpture displays, can-can dancing, winter sport competitions, and more. If youre not visiting during winter, there are otherthings to do in Whitehorsearound the year. Things to Do in Whitehorse Map Popular things to do Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours 4WD Tours Top Picks Cultural & Theme Tours Tours & Sightseeing Luxury & Special Occasions Private & Custom Tours Ports of Call Tours Walking Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Spa Tours Water Sports Ways to tour Whitehorse Cross-country skiing pretty much covers it all. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and focus on planning an unforgettable vacation. If you sign on for the 90 minute flight, not only will you see Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, but another 16 of Canadas highest 20 peaks and some of the most impressive glaciers on the planet. They even have after dark hours with a discounted rate; although these are specifically children-free times due to safety regulations. 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. Today, there are many hiking trails to explore and a cool 25-metre-long suspension bridge. continued to serve, transporting supplies for the construction of the Alaska Highway. FROM $1,430 BOOK WITH VIATOR Active Winter Adventure in Yukon | 5 days Active Winter Adventure in Yukon | 5 days. Things To Do Around Whitehorse In Fall During fall, finding activities is a little trickier. Dont let the cool temperatures stop you from uncovering everything that the Yukon has to offer. If you want to stare a moose in the face visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, an easy25 minute drive north of Whitehorse. Start the adventure with a scenic 150 kilometre drive to Haines Junction. All opinions are my own. Incredibly, this tall rod is on the tourist map. 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. Whether its racing a team of enthusiastic sled dogs, or diving head first into a haystack to find a loonie, (yes, thats a real thing), theres a lot to do. Excellent The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. You can typically find snowshoeing bundled on a tour with a bunch of other fun, frosty things to do around Whitehorse. If you are looking for a unique experience in Whitehorse, then dog mushing may be the thing for you. I meed some advice! Unfortunately, Im not in town long enough to hike any of the 800km of marked hiking trails that head out from Whitehorse. Make sure you have shoes with enough tread to keep you . You wont find five star properties in Whitehorse but there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs that are clean and comfortable. Whitehorse even boasts a good coffee spot, Baked Caf, and I head here for my java fix. Displayed in the centres foyer is a life-size and very life-like cast. Plus, as an added bonus, you can also stop the Carcross Desert, which is one of the smallest deserts in the world. An excellent place for a picnic, walk or photography adventure. The trail connects to the 15km Yukon River Loop Trailand Miles Canyon, where more signage explains more about the rivers history. Unforgettable day and multi day trips to take from Whitehorse (Skagway, Dawson City, Kluane National Park and Atlin) An aerial view of downtown Whitehorse and the Yukon River with the SS Klondike Historic Site in the foreground. A visit to Dawson City in the winter combines gold rush history with amazing aurora viewing for an unforgettable northern experience. After all, you dont usually start off your fishing trip by snowmobiling across a lake and drilling a hole in the vast wilderness of the most northern parts of Canada. Your email address will not be published. The park boasts a large green space, picnic tables, local art installations, and historical elements. In Whitehorse, this occurs in the spring when Chinook salmon go upstream from the Pacific Ocean to the Yukon River, travelling roughly 3,000 kilometres over a 60-day period. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. Yukon Wildlife Preserve. It does not store any personal data. 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 hotelBest Western Gold Rush Inn. When visiting a new place, its always nice to take a general tour of the area to get a feel for the layout and the history thats hidden all around you. This recently expanded and updated museum contains an amazing amount of Yukon historic items and information about the First Nations of the area, along with wildlife exhibits. I won't have a car. I will be working in Whitehorse for a little under 2 months from February to the end of March. Specifically, this steam-powered paddlewheeler is one the last of its kind in Canada. The building is also right across the street from the tourist information center, which is another great place to stop if you have any questions. They . But surely the most unusual of all the towns sights is the one that greets guests at the local airport (and Im not talking Canadas former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, whod been in town and happened to fly out on my arrival). Here are nine winter activities that will soon be on your bucket listand you wont even need a bucket to do them. 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. His Cremation of Sam McGee is a Canadian classic and a poem most visitors will enjoy reciting. Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs during your travels in Whitehorse. Its so unique. A chemical mild response triggered when photo voltaic power interacts with the Earth's environment, producing . From Dawson City to Whitehorse to wherever really, heading out on a snowmobile adventure in winter is one of the most exciting ways to tell boredom to eat your dust (or snow). On the expanse of Lake Laberge made famous in the poem The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service, you have the opportunity to let er rip. Sign up today. Just on the outskirts of Whitehorse is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Yukon. If youre looking to do a short road trip or if youve driven to Whitehorse, you might want to stop at Emerald Lake, a beautiful lake that looks emerald-green on a calm day, while surrounded by Surprise Mountain and Mt Gilliam. Moose, mountain goats, dall and stone sheep, close up, bison in the distance, glimpses of a wily young fox and a slee. The annual event welcomes all to the Yukon to see who has the best frozen hair creation around. Discover the best things to do & events in Whitehorse, YT, Canada. Whitehorse winter days may be short and chilly, but our citizens offer long stays and warm hospitality. Whether youre new to the sport or an expert, snowmobiling Yukon styleis memorable. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for hours. If youve got an afternoon to spare before checking out the northern lights, why not go fishing? Even though the hours of daylight are short - 10 o'clock to about 3, nights in winter are surprisingly bright - all that snow reflects moon-light, even star-light. If youd like to make your travel savings last a while, sign up for a. Your email address will not be published. Transportation is obviously a key component of economic activity and the Yukon Transportation Museum is a great place to learn about the early means of transportation that helped Yukon become what it is today, including snowshoes, dog sleds, stagecoaches, boats, aircraft, and vehicles used during the construction of the Alaska Highway. If you ever have the chance to make it this far north, I highly recommend it. Located near the Nature Preserve, 28 kilometres north of Whitehorse, the hot pools are open year round. Incongruously, as though accidentally left on a sidewalk stands a giant desk sculpture, a tribute to Robert Service an author and poet, whod visited the Yukon during the gold rush. After a few more years of operating as a passenger boat. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. 6- Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (day trip from Whitehorse) The White Pass railway station offers a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. The staff are very supportive and will make sure you have a great time. I learn here that 11 of 14 First Nations groups in the Yukon are self-governing. a Yukon winter trip is simply full by viewing the aurora borealis cascading throughout the night time sky. 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. Or visit the wooden fish ladder in Whitehorse, the longest in the world, used by Chinook salmons on their way to spawning areas. Canada's Yukon region is a land of deep snowdrifts and ancient pines, with rich gold-mining, trapping, and trading heritage. Whitehorse, the capital of Canadas Yukon Territory, is a small city with a big heart. Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. Your email address will not be published. I will be working in Whitehorse for a little under 2 months from February to the end of March. You can follow the tours by downloading the audio program to your mobile phone and/or by printing out the accompanying map. Several busy days later, I conclude I was wrong. There's a good choice of wilderness lodges near Whitehorse. 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. To really understand what makes the Yukon tick, there's no better place to start than at the MacBride Museum in downtown Whitehorse. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. BEST Aurora Viewing 5-Day Tour from Whitehorse, Canada Bus Tours from 642.73 per adult (price varies by group size) 4-Day Whitehorse Northern Lights tour with roundtrip tickets from Vancouver 1 Bus Tours from 1,194.11 per adult (price varies by group size) Top Attractions in Whitehorse 2022 1. Marsh Lake is known for great fishing adventure. These tours usually pick you up from your hotel and drive you out to a remote area, often including a warm cabin where you can enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and warmth, while occasionally stepping outside to see if the magical lights appear. There are not a lot of people in the Yukon and yet, its a massive territory full of wildlife and wilderness. Learn how your comment data is processed. . Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North, Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs. Not only will they pick you up and drop you off at your Whitehorse hotel, they stoke big bonfires and offer warming cabins with hot drinks and snacks. One of winter's most noteworthy events is the world-renowned Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race1,000 miles between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska. 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 thats 26,000 years old). What's On Festivals and Events Planning Your Event Parks & Playgrounds Sports Facilities While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. Get up at a civilized hour, walk over to Baked Caf and Bakery, and grab a coffee and one of their delicious homemade baked goods. November 23, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto. Buy Now! These days, the only trip from Whitehorse is via a restored waterfront 1925 trolley that runs between the two ends of town. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. One of the biggest draws to the north is, of course, the infamous northern lights. Leigh McAdam is an award-winning photographer and three-time author. Getting out into the fresh air will lift your spirits, even in the cold weather. Snowshoes distribute your weight and allow you to walk on top of the snow-covered trails, instead of sink into them. One of the most unique things to do in Whitehorse has to be taking a glass blowing class. This public park is beautiful in both summer and winter. Just a short 30-minute ride from Whitehorse is Sky High Wilderness Ranch. The name fits this interpretive centre really well as it covers the last great ice age, which refers to the untouched areas of Eastern Siberia, Alaska and the Yukon. . Tour the MacBride Museum and Sam McGee's Cabin. Find a tour if you are a bit pressed for time in order to make the most of your trekking experience. People tend to love the Queen of the Yukon, which is the sister plane of Lindberghs Spirit of St. Louis, but there are also many great personal stories of Yukon ingenuity and self-sufficiency. The location also plays a huge part in whether or not you are timely enough to get a glimpse of the dancing aurora. The Gold Rush gallery in particular tells the story of how the discovery of gold near . Cons: 1. Whitehorse winter information. was built to operate the 740 km Whitehorse to Dawson City route in 36 hours until the beginning of WW II. carried supplies and ore from the Mayo Mining District, where silver was being mined. The modern interior features a kitchenette, heated marble tiles, hardwood flooring, and a sauna that opened in summer 2022. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. This protected place is home to the largest non-polar icefields in the world as well as 17 of Canadas 20 tallest mountainsincluding Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada. The Bard of the Yukon, Robert Service, was born in Preston, England. Enter your email below and be the first to know about new articles on Must Do Canada as well as exclusive deals, giveaways, and promotions. When the railway was built in 1900, the . There is nothing that takes the chill out of your bones like a soak in a steaming hot pool. Schwatka to Miles Canyon and Schwatka Lake. However, it does get busy and it does smell like rotten eggs. WOW ! Its also home to ancient glaciers that feed the Alsek River that flows through the sprawling Alsek Valley. Guided tours are provided daily throughout the summer. The biggest attraction for visitors coming in winter is the Aurora watching. Things to Do in Whitehorse, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 11,523 traveller reviews and photos of Whitehorse tourist attractions. Hiking Miles Canyon - Credit: Macca Sherifi. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for hours. 5- Learn about First Nations at Kwanlin Dun. Hot Spring. 1- Learn about theWhite Pass and Yukon route railway. The Yukon has endless trails and routes to glide across. The S.S. Klondike is is a reminder of how these boats transported people, livestock and goods along the waterways. Another great place to learn about the history of Whitehorse and Yukon is the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, which features a large collection of items and photographs from the gold rush, as well as information about the Yukon First Nations. If youre driving to the Yukon, we also highly recommend stopping at Liard Hot Springs, one of the best hot springs in BC, located just off the Alaska Highway. Read: Kluane National Park Flightseeing A Grand Experience. As you ride along curvy mountain trails, you will be able to capture unbelievably beautiful views of shimmering Fish Lake below. Dawson, which is a six-hour drive from Whitehorse, is a famous gold-mining town that still looks like the wild-west. Receive helpful Yukon tips, information on unique events and activities, and inspirational ideas that are sure to stay out of your junk mail folder. You wont find a warmer welcome anywhere. But please dont keep the looniewe need it for next year. 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. Its always fascinating to learn about First Nations culture and here at the Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre (KDCC), visitors get to learn more about the Kwanlin Dn, the first people that settled in the area. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. You can certainly explore on your own but you can also opt for the free 30-minute guided tour, which offers a great overview of the facility, its collections, and research. Whip along snowy trails, through snow-covered valleys and across frozen rivers led by a pack of sled dogs. When it comes to Whitehorse, locals and its visitors have the last laugh. Nature. If your winter tires cant handle your need for speed, then snowmobiling is a great way to go on an adventure fast. Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The video was outstanding! Another spectacular place to explore is Kluane National Park, which is just a two-hour drive from Whitehorse. Which of these activities has gotten you eager to book your trip to Whitehorse? 5. As an aside the washrooms here are the best in the north! - This post may contain affiliate links. Yukon: Aurora Borealis Evening Viewing Tour") . Love hiking but want to add an extra element to your adventures in Whitehorse, Yukon? Although the city is now home to more than 28,000 people and serves as a major hub for Canadas north, it owes its existence to the Klondike Gold Rush, which started way back in 1897. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In fact, its one of the best places in the world to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis. Whitehorse is considered one of the largest northern cities in Canada and was once a major hub during the gold rush. Your hosts with EPIC NORTH have more than 15 years of experience traveling around the northern regions of Canada and Alaska. Its a dot in a territory that is so vast, locals claim there are 10 moose and 10 caribou per person. Northern lights destinations offer up creative ways to enjoy the auroras dazzling displays. G & P Steak House & Pizza; 2. If youre interested in heading out on a 28-km canoe trip, check out Up North Adventures. The Gold Rush brought over 60 of these steamboats. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Instead, Erin drives me west of town to a viewpoint above the Miles Canyon. You know we saved one of the best and most relaxing things to do in Whitehorse for last. Pinterest. Theres nothing quite like a soak in a natural hot spring and thanks to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (formerly Takhini Hot Springs), you can do this just 30 minutes from Whitehorse. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitehorse? You must reserve online as walk-ins are nor permitted. They also offer self-guided trips, fishing tours, equipment rentals, and more. The market is a great place to meet locals and shop for handmade crafts and other locally made products. Lake Laberge: Great spot to watch the Northern Lights. A popular trail is the Fish Lake Loop which is a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. If you prefer to go on a self-guided trek, there is an abundance of places where you can rent snowshoes as well.