Tucked away in a valley against the Yukon River, Whitehorse is full of history, spectacular nature trails, and accordingly to the WHO, the cleanest air in the world.
The wilderness city
Getting here
Air North - Yukon’s Airline
Air North is based out of Whitehorse with a small fleet of 737 and ATR-42 aircraft. They offer several time daily service to Vancouver, and multiple time weekly service to both Calgary and Edmonton.
In all fare classes, Air North includes 2 free checked bags, and complimentary drink and light meal service on all flights between the south and Whitehorse. Air North has been awarded the 2nd most loved airline in the world by Fortune Magazine, and they are my favourite to fly with.
Air Canada also offers daily service from Vancouver to Whitehorse, and WestJet flies into Whitehorse seasonally from Calgary.
Condor flies direct to Whitehorse from Frankfurt, Germany seasonally has suspended service while Whitehorse Airport makes upgrades and improvements to it’s main runway.
By air, you will arrive at Whitehorse’s Erik Nielsen International Airport (YXY). The terminal building has free WiFi, and from outside the small terminal, taxis are regularly available along with a complimentary shuttle for those guests staying at a major hotel in town, and the City of Whitehorse runs a public bus service to the airport terminal as well.
Sitting just off the Alaska Highway, about a five minute walk from the terminal is an old Canadian Pacific Airlines DC-3, sitting on a pedestal now serving as the world’s largest weather vane. Behind it, you can enjoy The Yukon Transportation Museum and Beringia Centre, but be sure to check their hours.
Days as beautiful as your nights
Downtown Whitehorse
Whitehorse has an excellent Travel Yukon Visitor Centre on 2nd Ave between Lambert Street and Hanson Street. You’ll find an incredibly helpful and knowledgeable staff inside, along with washrooms and endless printed materials and some interactive displays.
The nearby MacBride Museum will walk you through the rich history of the Yukon and is absolutely worth a visit - even if, like me, you don't reaaaally like museums. In the area immediately surrounding the museum, you’ll find a collection of boutique shops with local handicrafts that are worth exploring. North up Front Street will lead you to the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre and Whitehorse Public Library.
Main Street is a great place to find local restaurants and shops, including Coast Mountain Sports for any last minute outdoor clothes or gear you may need.
A designated National Historic Site, the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler rests on the shore of the Yukon River at the south end of 2nd Ave. Tours from Parks Canada are available through the summer.
The cliffs via the Black Street stairs & trail, overlooking downtown Whitehorse
Nature in the city
Whitehorse has hundreds of kilometres of marked trails - from a paved path along the Yukon River’s edge downtown and Millennium Trail, to the narrow trails through the forests and cliffs around Miles Canyon or Whistle Bend.
The Miles Canyon suspension bridge and surrounding trail network is a deservedly popular destination, however the road in is closed October to May. It is still possible to walk down from the Alaska Highway, or via part of a longer trail network from downtown, but I would strongly suggest to check in with the visitor centre first.
The cliffs above downtown provide spectacular views over downtown Whitehorse, the Yukon River, and the mountains near and far.
From the very west end of Black Street, a path leads you shortly to an approximately 200 step metal staircase. Once you reach the top of the stairs you'll be facing the airport/airfield, hang a right and walk a path through the forest a couple hundred metres until you come out to views out over the city. You can continue this path along the cliffs and eventually loop back via more forest paths to the airport perimeter fence path which will take you back to the stairs down.
Miles Canyon in the spring
Canada lynx at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Outside town
Approximately 30 kilometres northwest of downtown Whitehorse lies The Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Eclipse Hot Springs only 2km apart from one another.
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve, kind of a cross between a zoo and a safari, is really a wonderful experience if you love animals. You can choose between either a self guided walking tour or a guided bus tour.
The hot springs is a special experience to me, having fallen in love with outdoor pools, both warm and cold, throughout Scandinavia. So naturally, I love the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs just outside of town here.
It is a fully relaxing experience, and absolutely unique to enjoy it throughout the winter especially. There are also relaxing rooms, steam rooms, a sauna, and a cafe. You will, obviously, need to ensure you bring your own swimsuit (and a beanie for the winter).
Finally, you can find just about any winter activity you wish to experience during your trip to Whitehorse, such as dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing etc.
Visit Travel Yukon, where you can filter your visit/search by season for a list of everything you can do and your option of guides to help get you there.