After dark
Northern lights from a hot spring
In late winter, when the sky is clear and dark, soaking at Takhini Hot Springs while the aurora ribbons overhead is the experience for which the Yukon was made.
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Southern Yukon · Yukon
Whitehorse
Yukon's capital on the Yukon River — small city, vast wilderness on its doorstep.
- Best time
- June – August for daylight and trails; February – March for auroras and dog races.
- Getting there
- Air North or Air Canada from Vancouver to Whitehorse (YXY).
- Suggested stay
- 2 – 4 nights
- Known for
- SS Klondike · Miles Canyon · Yukon Quest
A portrait of Whitehorse
An essential stop.
On the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is the territorial capital and home to 75% of all Yukoners. Despite its size, it feels frontier-modern — float planes overhead, a paddle-wheeler at rest by the river, and the Yukon Quest sled-dog race finish line on a snow-packed Main Street.
Field notes
Three ways to feel the place.
On the map
The six places
to anchor your trip.
A tour through the icons and the under-the-radar corners — laid out the way a local would walk you through.
- 1
SS Klondike
Beached 1929 paddle-wheeler that once worked the Yukon River — now a national historic site.
- 2
Miles Canyon
Basalt canyon south of town; suspension bridge and easy hiking trails.
- 3
MacBride Museum
Strong collection on the Klondike Gold Rush and First Nations of the territory.
- 4
Takhini Hot Springs
Geothermal pools 25 min north of town — open year-round, magical with aurora overhead.
SS Klondike
Miles Canyon
MacBride Museum
Takhini Hot Springs
N
Year-round
Whitehorse through the seasons.
Spring
Yukon River ice breaks up in early May; trails dry by month's end.
Summer
20-hour days, the Adäka Cultural Festival, and paddling the Yukon downriver.
Autumn
Tundra colour from late August; northern lights season begins late September.
Winter
Yukon Quest finish, ice climbing, and aurora-watching tours nightly.
Insider tips
From people who live there.
- 01
Eat at Klondike Rib & Salmon — a Yukon institution in a heritage building.
- 02
Rent a canoe and float the Yukon from Schwatka Lake into downtown.
- 03
Aurora tours run Aug 20 – Apr 15; book lodges outside the city for darker skies.
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