This Yukon travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Whitehorse and the Yukon, Yukon. Whitehorse is the Yukon’s capital, gateway to the Klondike, wild rivers and northern lights.
Whether you are planning a long weekend or a bigger road trip across the country, this guide covers access, seasons, where to stay, costs and local tips.
Yukon travel guide: quick facts
| Whitehorse and the Yukon at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Yukon |
| Nearest airport | Whitehorse (YXY) |
| Getting there | About 2.5 hours by air from Vancouver |
| Best time to visit | June to August; December to March for aurora |
| Time needed | 4–7 days |
| Best for | Adventurers |
Why visit Whitehorse and the Yukon
Whitehorse and the Yukon is ideal for adventurers. Its headline experiences include Miles Canyon, Takhini Hot Springs, SS Klondike and Dawson City, and it pairs well with Yellowknife. First-time visitors and returning travellers alike find plenty to love.
How to get to Whitehorse and the Yukon
- By air: Whitehorse (YXY).
- By road: About 2.5 hours by air from Vancouver.
- Rental cars: available at Whitehorse (YXY); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Whitehorse and the Yukon
A car is useful for day trips, but the central districts are walkable and well served by rideshare. Rideshare apps work everywhere, and many downtown hotels charge high nightly parking fees, so think twice before keeping a car for city days.
Top things to do in Whitehorse and the Yukon
Miles Canyon
Trails. Allow at least an hour or two here.
Takhini Hot Springs
Pools.
SS Klondike
Sternwheeler. It is a highlight for most visitors.
Dawson City
Gold rush town.
Kluane National Park
Canada’s highest peak. Go early to beat the crowds.
Aurora tours
Winter. Sunset is especially beautiful here.
Other favourite experiences include canoeing, aurora, dog sledding and road trips.
Travel gear we trust
- Premium backpacks for stylish travel Opulique
A polished backpack for city breaks and carry-on days. - Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit Whitehorse and the Yukon
The best time to visit Whitehorse and the Yukon is June to August; December to March for aurora. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | June–August | Midnight sun and mild days; canoeing and hiking. |
| Fall | late August–October | Aurora returns; fall colours on the tundra. |
| Winter | November–March | Extreme cold, often -30°C, with the best aurora viewing. |
| Spring | April–May | Long days, snow still on the ground. |
For the bigger picture, read our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Where to stay in Whitehorse and the Yukon
- Downtown Whitehorse: Central.
- Dawson City: Historic.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Whitehorse and the Yukon
Don’t leave without trying bannock, Arctic char and sourdough pancakes. Ask locals for their favourite spots; the best places are often small and unassuming.
Suggested 4 days in Whitehorse and the Yukon
- Day 1: Miles Canyon.
- Day 2: Takhini Hot Springs.
- Day 3: SS Klondike.
- Day 4: Dawson City, Kluane National Park and Aurora tours.
What to pack for Whitehorse and the Yukon
- A warm insulated jacket
- Thermal base layers
- A hat, gloves and scarf
- Waterproof boots with good grip
- Lip balm and moisturiser
- A power bank (cold drains batteries)
For cold-weather trips, see our Canada winter packing list.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Accessibility and family travel
Most major attractions, museums and transit systems are wheelchair accessible, though older buildings and historic districts can have steps and uneven sidewalks. Families will find plenty of stroller-friendly parks and child-friendly museums, and many attractions offer discounted tickets for children and seniors.
Practical tips
- Distances are huge.
- Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our road trip gear picks
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Yellowknife: Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, with aurora visible on many clear nights from late August to April.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Whitehorse and the Yukon?
Plan 4–7 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Whitehorse and the Yukon?
The best time is June to August; December to March for aurora.
How do you get to Whitehorse and the Yukon?
Fly into Whitehorse (YXY). By road, it is about 2.5 hours by air from Vancouver.
How much does a trip to Whitehorse and the Yukon cost?
Hotels typically cost C$220–380 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Is Whitehorse and the Yukon good for families?
Yes. It suits adventurers, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Yukon travel guide
Whitehorse and the Yukon rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Yellowknife Travel Guide: Northern Lights and Winter Adventures
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips