The Yukon is unlike anywhere else on earth. This Canadian territory is mountainous, wild and of epic proportions.
With vast, untamed landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife, the Yukon is the perfect place for adventure and exploration. Planning a visit, however, can feel a little bit daunting.
I sat down with Caroline, one of Freedom Destinations’ North America Specialists, who was lucky enough to experience the Yukon first hand. Drawing on Caroline’s advice, here is our insider’s guide to exploring this spectacular corner of Canada. From getting there to navigating its vast wilderness, we’ll guide you through all you need to know, with some handy travel tips as we go.
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The territory’s slogan, ‘Larger Than Life’, does a great job of summing up what makes the Yukon especially magical. “I think what makes the Yukon so spectacular”, Caroline explained, “is just how huge the landscapes are. The mountains, the lakes, the forests, they’re all so vast. You can’t appreciate the sheer size of it all until you see it all for yourself.”
The scale of these untamed landscapes, however, does make it a bit of a challenge to traverse. “It’s not an easy place to visit. Due to its size and the huge areas of wilderness, it can feel intimidating. But don’t let that put you off! I had such an incredible experience, and I left with the satisfying feeling that I’d really accomplished something… a feeling you don’t often get from a holiday!”
Thanks to these incredible, rugged landscapes, the Yukon has a sparse population, and moose outnumber people! However, the Yukon is known for its warm hospitality, and “the locals really made the experience”, Caroline reflected. “Everyone we met was welcoming and friendly. They just seemed to be so passionate about where they live, and they were really excited that we’d come to visit.”
Hopefully we’ve sparked your curiosity about this often-overlooked gem, let’s cover the key facts.
| The Yukon | |
|---|---|
| Where is the Yukon? | The northwest of Canada, bordering Alaska to the west |
| How big is the Yukon? | 483,450 km² (almost twice the size of the UK) |
| What is the population of the Yukon? | Around 46,000 (over 1,400 times less than the UK) |
| What is the journey time from the UK? | 18 hours, with a stop in Vancouver |
| Which airlines to fly? | Air Canada or WestJet |
| What is the time difference from the UK? | GMT -8 hours |
| What is the best way to get around the Yukon? | By self drive or motorhome |
| How much of the Yukon is wilderness? | Around 80% |
There is something special about the Yukon at any time of year, so deciding on the best time of year to visit The Yukon depends on what you’d like to do.
Although spring in the Yukon can be slightly temperamental, nature is slowly beginning to awaken from its winter slumber. The rivers and lakes begin to thaw, and wildlife is stirring, but you can expect some snow. With few visitors, it is a peaceful time to visit, allowing you to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes as they come back to life.
In the summer, the Yukon becomes an outdoor playground. The long, warm days are perfect for hiking, biking, camping or water sports. With record hours of daylight stretching late into the night, you also can experience the famous ‘midnight sun’ phenomenon. It is a season that invites you to be outdoors from the moment you wake up, to the moment you go to bed.
In the ‘fall’ you can expect stunning foliage, as the trees begin to change colour, casting red and gold hues over the Yukon’s spectacular landscapes. The northern lights usually reappear at this time of year too, and you can spot an abundance of wildlife.
The Yukon is a pristine winter wonderland from December to February, with plenty of snow sports and winter activities that you can get stuck into. Downhill or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all popular, you can take a dog sled ride or try ice fishing.
Thanks to its northern location and minimal light pollution, in the Yukon you have a great chance of spotting the aurora borealis for much of the year. Typically, the northern lights appear in mid-August and can be seen all the way through till mid-April, with the best sightings between 10pm and 3am.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “I visited at the beginning of September, which I think was the perfect time to go. It was a comfortable temperature for hiking and camping, and the midges were so much more manageable than in peak summer. We got great sightings of the northern lights too!”
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “I explored the Yukon by motorhome, which I think was the best way to do it. Motorhome holidays allow you to get off grid, and so we could truly experience the Yukon’s incredible landscapes. You can free camp throughout The Yukon and in much of Alaska, which means you can stay for free on any public land, and so you can really get into nature, and wake up to an amazing view each day.”
Whitehorse is a natural starting point for a Yukon adventure. As the territory’s capital, it houses the main airport, conveniently located right within the city. While there are no direct flights from the UK, international flights usually connect via Vancouver, making getting to the Yukon straightforward.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “If you’re interested in visiting both Alaska and the Yukon, I’d recommend flying into Whitehorse. You’re likely to get a better deal on flights and better rates for car or motorhome hire in the Yukon, rather than Alaska.”
Although Whitehorse is the Yukon’s biggest ‘city’, calling it that is maybe a little generous. It’s quaint, charming, and easy to get around, but it’s definitely worth spending a couple of days here. It make the perfect place to get acquainted with this unique territory and delve into the Yukon’s history.
The MacBride Museum is a great place to start, offering an insight into the characters and events that shaped the region, from the Klondike Gold Rush, to the building of the Alaska Highway. To continue the story of this golden era, step aboard the SS Klondike II, one of Canada’s few remaining steam-powered paddlewheelers, that connected the region to the outside world in the early 1900s.
One of the best ways to soak up the scenery and learn more about the city is following the Millennium Trail. This This five kilometre walking route follows the Yukon River and loops around the city, linking some of the top sights. Along the route, visit the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre to learn about First Nations culture, and watch salmon make their journey upstream at the Whitehorse Fishway fish ladder.
After a day of sightseeing, head downtown to experience the growing food and drink scene Why not tuck into fresh Yukon salmon at a riverside restaurant, or sample some local beers at a craft brewery, before retiring to a cosy inn.
Pick up your motorhome and some supplies the next morning, and head west from Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway, towards Kluane National Park.
Home to 17 of Canada’s 20 highest peaks, Kluane is a land of towering mountains, vast icefields and endless forests, giving you a real taste of Yukon wilderness. Its awe-inspirating landscapes are one of the best places in the Yukon for outdoor adventure.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore, with trails to suit everyone, from short walks to multi-day treks. Just off the highway, Kathleen Lake is the perfect starting point. Take on the King’s Throne Trail for sweeping alpine views, or opt for a gentle stroll along the Kokanee Trail, around the shores of the lake. Thanks to the Yukon’s free camping rules, you can stay at Kathleen Lake overnight, waking up to an incredible view over the water.
Venture further into the park, and you’ll find no shortage of adventure. You could raft past glaciers on the Alsek River, canoe on crystalline lakes, or soar over vast icefields and the highest peak in Canada, Mount Logan, on a ‘flightseeing tour’. To discover the park’s wildlife, Sheep Creek Trail climbs the side of Sheep Mountain, offering incredible views, and the chance to spot Dall sheep perched precariously on the mountainside.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “The park’s two visitor centres are a great place to start your adventure. You can learn about Kluane National Park’s natural and cultural significance, pick up a map, and chat to experts about hiking trails and activities.”
The next day, you’ll continue west along the Alaska Highway, to the Alaskan town of Tok. On your way, you’ll pass through the Wrangell and St Elias Ranges, with sweeping vistas of boreal forest, wetlands and alpine scenery.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “Crossing the border is generally pretty simple, but make sure that you’ve got your passport handy, and that you’ve got an ESTA for the US.”
About 90 miles from the border, Tok is the first sizeable town that you’ll encounter. On your way, stop to explore the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, a landscape rich in birdlife, as well as Dall sheep, moose, wolves and both black and brown bears. You can take in the views from the roadside viewing points along the Alaska Highway, overlooking wetlands, ponds and lakes, or explore some of the refuge’s hiking trails or hire a canoe. Just remember to admire any wildlife from a safe distance.
When you reach Tok, settle into one of the town’s many campgrounds, then head into the town to explore. A scenic bike trail loops around the town, and there are shops and restaurants where you can stock up on supplies, or enjoy a hearty Alaskan meal.
Your next stop is the wonderfully quirky town of Chicken. Founded during the gold rush, it’s one of the few surviving gold mining settlements in Alaska. Although it has an average of 17 residents year round, over the summer, Chicken becomes an eclectic collection of miners, artists, wilderness adventurers and travellers from all over the world.
As for the name? One theory suggests that the early gold miners wanted to name the town after the local bird: the ptarmigan. However, they couldn’t agree on the correct spelling, so they settled on ‘Chicken’ instead.
The ‘high street’ is a sleepy collection of wooden-fronted shops, all adorned with colourful trinkets, making each one unique. It is well worth spending a day just soaking up the atmosphere and embracing its whimsey.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “Head to the town’s bar in the evening, where every inch of the walls and ceilings are decorated: old baseball caps cling to the ceiling and the walls, and the bar is clad with beaten-up number plates.”
Heading back to the Yukon from Alaska, take the spectacular Top of the World Highway, known for its breathtkaing mountain-ridge views. The road winds through mountain peaks and rolling hills, with sweeping views of the valleys below, as you make your way to Dawson City.
This once-thriving gold rush town is a fascinating place to learn about the Yukon’s history. You can try gold panning for yourself, tour an active mine, or visit Dredge No.4, an enormous wooden dredging machine that has been preserved. Historical re-enactments around the town also bring the era to life.
For a different perspective, head up to the Midnight Dome Viewpoint. Whether you choose to hike, bike, or drive, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the town and the Yukon River. The sunset is incredible too.
Dawson City is the place to experience a Yukon ‘night out’, where you will undoubtedly learn about the region’s famous ‘Sourtoe Cocktail’. This infamous drink is served at the Sourdough Saloon, and it consists of a shot (typically Yukon Jack whiskey) garnished with a dehydrated human toe! “I wasn’t brave enough to try it”, said Caroline, “tradition dictates that the drinker’s lips must touch the toe whilst consuming the drink…”.
If you’re lucky, Dawson is also a fantastic place to spot the Northern Lights. Thanks to minimal light pollution and its far-north location, the skies here put on an incredible show between late August and April. Once the sun has set, keep an eye on the horizon for a faint green glow, which may soon become sweeping ribbons of colour.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “I would recommend staying in a hotel in Dawson City. One of my favourite parts of our adventure was free-camping in our motorhome, but it’s nice to break up the camping with a little bit of luxury. You can find some really cosy inns in the city.”
The road south offers a real taste of the Yukon wilderness. The drive follows the Klondike Highway, where vast forests stretch endlessly to the horizon. Take a moment at viewpoints along the way to take in the stillness, and enjoy remote Canada at its most authentic.
Caroline’s Travel Tip: “Make sure to fill up with fuel whenever you can along the Klondike Highway, as there can be long stretches in between services.”
Pass through Stewart Crossing, a small settlement at the junction with the Silver Trail, and continue along the Klondike Highway as it winds further south, traversing untouched boreal forest and the broad ribbon of the Yukon River. Take your time, spotting wildlife along the roadside and enjoying the feeling of being off the beaten track.
It’s worth pausing at Five Finger Rapids Recreation Site, a spectacular natural landmark where the Yukon River squeezes through four great stone pillars. The rapids posed a challenge to early settlers, who used the Yukon River to traverse the territory. Today though, you can take a short walk to a viewing platform, where you will be rewarded with stunning views, as the water surges below.
Your spot for the night is Carmacks, a friendly riverside community, named after George Carmack, one of the prospectors credited with triggering the Klondike Gold Rush.
From Carmacks, the Klondike Highway leads you south to Whitehorse. If you have time, you may like to stop at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for a last chance to spot some of the territory’s iconic wildlife, as the preserve is home to moose, mountain goats, native lynx and caribou.
Back in Whitehorse, your Yukon adventure comes full circle. Whether you’re catching a flight home or continuing your travels elsewhere, you’ll leave with memories of a place that truly is truly ‘Larger than Life’.
“Visiting the Yukon was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had” Caroline reflected. “Gazing up at the Northern Lights in Dawson City, hiking alongside Dall sheep in Kluane National Park and watching people brave the infamous ‘Sourtoe Shots’ are definitely some of the most memorable things I’ve done on my travels. Every day of my trip brought something different, and I’m already thinking about my next visit! I’d recommend a Yukon holiday to anyone who loves the great outdoors, or anyone searching for a real sense of adventure.”
From summiting Canada’s highest peak, to road tripping along the Top of the World Highway, or simply sitting around a campfire under spectacular starry skies, however you choose to explore the Yukon, it has a magic that’s hard to find anywhere else.
To experience the Yukon for yourself, get in touch with Caroline, or another of Freedom’s North America Experts, to start planning your adventure.
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey.
Vancouver | Whitehorse | Carmacks | Tombstone Territorial Park | Dawson City | Tok | Kluane National Park | Haines Junction
Anchorage | Denali | Fairbanks | Whitehorse | Haines | McCarthy | Glennallen | Palmer
Vancouver | Whitehorse | Dawson City | Tok | Haines Junction
Vancouver | Whitehorse | Carmacks | Tombstone Territorial Park | Dawson City | Tok | Kluane National Park | Haines Junction
Anchorage | Denali | Fairbanks | Whitehorse | Haines | McCarthy | Glennallen | Palmer
Vancouver | Whitehorse | Dawson City | Tok | Haines Junction
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from three months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
