Yukon travel blog

All stories & guides

78 in-depth guides to planning your Yukon trip — neighbourhoods, food, day trips, seasons and where to stay. Browse everything or jump to a theme.

Yukon story
Seasons & events

Yukon in summer vs winter: which trip should you take?

Two completely different territories in one — a side-by-side of what you get in July vs March, and which one wins for your travel style.

5 min read
Yukon story
Area guides

24 hours in Whitehorse

One day only? Here's the itinerary that hits the high points without feeling like a checklist — 12 hours of walking, one splurge meal, and an aurora chance.

5 min read
Yukon story
Culture & sights

What's overrated and underrated in Yukon

An honest opinion piece: 7 things everyone tells you to do that aren’t worth it, and 5 that no one talks about but should.

5 min read
Yukon story
Day trips & escapes

Best day trips from Whitehorse, ranked

Six destinations within a 2-hour drive that justify the round trip, from Carcross to Kluane Lake.

5 min read
Yukon story
Food & drink

Best restaurants in Yukon, ranked

The food scene punches above 30,000 people — 8 places worth planning a day around, from Whitehorse fine dining to Dawson diners.

5 min read
Yukon story
Transport

Getting around Yukon: transport that actually exists

There is no train, no intercity bus network worth relying on, and one flight route — you’re driving, so plan accordingly.

5 min read
Yukon story
Culture & sights

Is Yukon safe? An honest answer for 2026

Crime is genuinely low, but wilderness and weather kill more visitors than any other risk — here are the 5 things to actually worry about.

5 min read
Yukon story
Seasons & events

When to visit Yukon: month-by-month

Two peak seasons (summer road-trippers and winter aurora hunters), two shoulders, and the 6 months worth planning around.

5 min read
Yukon story
Budget & prices

Yukon on a $200 a day upgrade

The sweet spot: comfortable rooms, one big-ticket experience a day, and eating well — here's how $200 stretches.

5 min read
Yukon story
Budget & prices

Yukon on a $50 a day budget

The territory eats budgets fast, but $50 a day is possible if you camp, drive your own vehicle, and cook — here's the maths.

5 min read
Yukon story
Area guides

Haines Junction: a guide for tourists

Population 600, but the gateway to Kluane National Park and Canada's highest mountains — plan 2-3 nights.

5 min read
Yukon story
Area guides

Dawson City: a guide for tourists

Six blocks of preserved gold-rush town on the Yukon River — plan for 2-3 nights and a rental car for the outlying dredges.

5 min read
Yukon story
Area guides

Downtown Whitehorse: a guide for tourists

Everything happens between the Yukon River and 4th Avenue — a 10-block walkable core with 90% of the city's restaurants.

5 min read
Yukon story
Culture & sights

Best Klondike Gold Rush sites in Yukon, ranked

Beyond the SS Klondike tourist ticket — the 7 gold-rush sites that actually deliver, ranked by history-nerd value.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Best Yukon wildlife viewing spots, ranked

Where to actually see grizzlies, caribou, and moose — with realistic odds and the best months for each of the 6 top species.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Best hot springs stays in Yukon, ranked

The territory has one natural hot spring worth visiting — here's how to actually stay near Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Adults-only and couples lodges in Yukon, ranked

Seven small-scale properties (all under 20 rooms) that quietly cater to couples on romantic aurora or backcountry trips.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Best lodges near Kluane National Park, ranked

Haines Junction is the gateway — 8 places to stay for hiking, glacier flights, and the Kluane wildlife.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Hotels with EV charging in Yukon, ranked

The Yukon EV network has grown fast — these 7 hotels have on-site chargers you can trust, plus the routing between them.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Hotels with fireplaces in Yukon, ranked

Wood stoves beat gas every time — the 8 Yukon stays with a real fire in the room, ranked by cosiness and firewood policy.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Hotels with kitchenettes in Yukon, ranked

Groceries are 30% pricier than down south, but cooking still beats restaurants — these 9 properties give you a real kitchen.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Family-friendly hotels in Yukon, ranked

The 8 best picks for families, from Whitehorse pool hotels to lakefront cabins with room for 6.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Pet-friendly hotels in Yukon, ranked

8 places that genuinely welcome dogs, not just tolerate them, with pet fees under $25 and space for actual walks.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Hotels with hot tubs in Yukon, ranked

10 Yukon properties with soakable hot tubs — because at minus 30, a private outdoor tub with an aurora view is worth every dollar.

5 min read
Yukon story
Comparisons & rankings

Hotels with aurora viewing in Yukon, ranked

The 9 lodges and inns where you can actually see the northern lights without leaving the property, ranked by dark-sky quality.

5 min read
Yukon story
Wildlife

A Day at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve: Up Close with Arctic Mammals

Muskox, wood bison, lynx and caribou — guaranteed sightings 25 minutes from town.

6 min read
Yukon story
Summer & Midnight Sun

Angler’s Paradise: A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing the Yukon

Lake trout, pike, and arctic grayling — licences, gear, and the best spots to cast.

7 min read
Yukon story
Wildlife

Bear Jams & Moose Pull-Offs: Watching Roadside Wildlife Safely

How to stop, photograph, and keep giant mammals wild on northern highways.

6 min read
Yukon story
Winter Activities

Beating the Winter Blues: A Guide to the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous

Chainsaw carving, flour-packing races, and cabaret — the wildest winter festival in the North.

6 min read
Yukon story
Aurora & Night Sky

Beyond the Aurora: Stargazing Under the Yukon’s Dark Skies

The Milky Way, meteor showers, and deep-space clusters in near-zero light pollution.

6 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Chasing Crimson Tundra: Autumn in Tombstone Territorial Park

Fiery red-and-gold tundra beneath black granite peaks — and the returning aurora.

7 min read
Yukon story
Aurora & Night Sky

Chasing the Northern Lights: A Beginner’s Guide to Aurora Spotting

When they appear, what gear you need, and where to watch — hunt the lights like a local.

8 min read
Yukon story
History & Gold Rush

Climbing Aboard the S.S. Klondike: The Sternwheeler That Shaped the North

How giant paddlewheelers were the lifeline of the territory before the highways.

6 min read
Yukon story
Aurora & Night Sky

Cold-Weather Camera Gear: How to Protect Your Tech at -30°C

Keep batteries alive and lenses fog-free while shooting the aurora and winter landscapes.

6 min read
Yukon story
History & Gold Rush

Daring to Drink the Toe: Dawson City’s Infamous Sourtoe Cocktail

The rules, the shock factor, and the strange history behind the North’s wildest drink.

5 min read
Yukon story
Places & Day Trips

Disconnect to Reconnect: 5 Cozy Off-Grid Yukon Cabins to Rent

Wood stoves, lakeside saunas, and zero cell service — the ultimate wilderness retreat.

6 min read
Yukon story
Planning & Tips

Don’t Freeze Your Engine: Essential Winter Driving Hacks for the North

Block heaters, survival kits, and ice-road know-how for a safe subarctic drive.

7 min read
Yukon story
Road Trips

Driving Above the Clouds: A Guide to the Top of the World Highway

A ridge-running gravel road from Dawson City to Alaska, high above the tree line.

7 min read
Yukon story
Road Trips

Driving the Alaska Highway: The Legendary Northern Route

History, frost heaves, and must-stops on the road that opened up the North.

8 min read
Yukon story
Road Trips

Driving the Dempster Highway: What to Know Before the Arctic Circle

740 km of unpaved wilderness to the edge of the Arctic — tires, fuel, and timing sorted.

10 min read
Yukon story
Places & Day Trips

Engineering for Nature: The Whitehorse Fishway & Salmon Ladder

The world’s longest wooden fish ladder, with windows onto a 3,000 km salmon run.

5 min read
Yukon story
Culture & First Nations

Exploring Yukon First Nations Arts, Traditions & Heritage Centres

How to respectfully connect with 14 living cultures and support Indigenous tourism.

8 min read
Yukon story
History & Gold Rush

Forgotten Frontiers: 4 Yukon Ghost Towns Frozen in Time

Abandoned boomtowns, rusted dredges, and untouched cabins deep in the wilderness.

7 min read
Yukon story
Hot Springs & Relaxation

From Freezing to Floating: What to Expect at Yukon’s Winter Hot Springs

40°C water, -25°C air, and the famous frozen-hair photo — the ultimate cold-weather soak.

5 min read
Yukon story
Places & Day Trips

Hidden Gems of the Southern Lakes: Carcross, Tagish & Marsh Lake

Turquoise water, white dunes, and deep heritage — the perfect day trip from Whitehorse.

6 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Hiking Miles Canyon: Emerald Waters, Suspension Bridges & History

Whitehorse’s best afternoon hike — swirling turquoise water 10 minutes from downtown.

5 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Hiking the Chilkoot Trail: The ‘Meanest 33 Miles in History’

The gold-rush stampeders’ route, now the world’s longest outdoor museum.

9 min read
Yukon story
Planning & Tips

How to Dress for -30°C: The Science of Extreme Winter Layering

Base, insulation, and shell — fabrics, footwear, and face protection that actually work.

6 min read
Yukon story
Aurora & Night Sky

How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Phone or DSLR

Focus, exposure, and ISO settings for frame-worthy aurora shots — gear optional.

7 min read
Yukon story
Planning & Tips

How to Travel the Yukon on a Budget (Without Missing the Magic)

Smart planning, budget camping, and timing tips that save thousands up north.

7 min read
Yukon story
Road Trips

Latitude 66°33′ North: Everything About Crossing the Arctic Circle

The signpost, the road, the driving times, and that iconic milestone photo.

7 min read
Yukon story
Planning & Tips

Leave No Trace at 60° North: How to Be a Responsible Yukon Visitor

7 impactful ways to protect a fragile subarctic landscape for generations to come.

6 min read
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Places & Day Trips

Leaving Your Mark: The History of Watson Lake’s Signpost Forest

How one homesick soldier in 1942 started a forest of 80,000+ signs from around the world.

5 min read
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Culture & First Nations

Life at 60 North: 7 Quirks of Whitehorse You Only Notice After Arriving

Blackout curtains in July, plug-in cars in January — the real rhythm of northern life.

7 min read
Yukon story
Winter Activities

More Than Northern Lights: 5 Unforgettable Winter Days in Whitehorse

Dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more — how to fill your daylight hours.

6 min read
Yukon story
Winter Activities

Mush! What It’s Really Like to Drive Your Own Dog Sled Team

Huskies, commands, and quiet snowy forest — the quintessential northern experience.

5 min read
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Culture & First Nations

Northern Craftsmanship: Where to Find Authentic First Nations Art

Beadwork, carving, and prints — shop ethically and support local Indigenous artists.

6 min read
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Culture & First Nations

Old Crow: Life in the Yukon’s Northernmost Community

A fly-in Gwitchin community above the Arctic Circle, tied to the caribou.

6 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Paddling the Iconic Yukon River: What Every Canoeist Needs to Know

Route details, gear, and difficulty for the great gold-rush float to Dawson.

7 min read
Yukon story
Places & Day Trips

Riding the Rails: The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

An 1898 engineering marvel of cliff edges and trestles from Skagway to Carcross.

7 min read
Yukon story
Road Trips

RVing the North: Tips for Driving the Alaska Highway Without Breakdowns

Frost heaves, gravel chips, and fuel gaps — road-tested advice for a smooth journey.

8 min read
Yukon story
Places & Day Trips

Secrets of Kluane Lake: Glacial Dust, Turquoise Water & Ancient Ice

The Yukon’s largest lake — wind, silt flats, Dall sheep, and dramatic mountain scenery.

6 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Singletrack in the Wilderness: Why Carcross is a World-Class MTB Destination

65 km of hand-built trail on Montana Mountain, built largely by First Nations youth.

6 min read
Yukon story
Food & Drink

Sip & Savour: The Ultimate Guide to Yukon’s Craft Beer & Food Scene

Wild game, northern berries, and award-winning breweries — where to eat and drink.

6 min read
Yukon story
Hot Springs & Relaxation

Soaking in Paradise: A Local’s Guide to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Thermal pools, cold plunges, and frosted hair — what to expect and when to visit.

4 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Soaring Over Canada’s Highest Peak: A Kluane Flightseeing Tour

Gliding past massive icefields and Mount Logan — the Yukon’s ultimate bird’s-eye view.

6 min read
Yukon story
History & Gold Rush

Step Back in Time: How to Spend 48 Hours in Dawson City

Boardwalks, saloons, and gold-rush history — a curated two-day Klondike itinerary.

7 min read
Yukon story
Aurora & Night Sky

Sun Dogs, Pillars & Mirrors: Optical Phenomena of the Subarctic Sky

The science and beauty behind the North’s rarest daytime sky spectacles.

5 min read
Yukon story
Winter Activities

Surviving the Shadows: How Yukoners Embrace the Dark Days

Candlelit dinners, saunas, and night skiing — turning the darkest months into a celebration.

6 min read
Yukon story
Food & Drink

Sweet Northern Flavours: A Guide to Yukon’s Wild Berries

Cranberries, blueberries, and “tundra gold” cloudberries — how to pick them safely.

6 min read
Yukon story
Road Trips

The Golden Circle: Fjords, Alpine Passes & Gold-Rush History

A 600 km loop through the Yukon, BC, and coastal Alaska — one of the North’s great drives.

8 min read
Yukon story
Places & Day Trips

The Switzerland of the North: A Day Trip to Atlin, BC

A tiny lakefront town of glaciers and peaks, reachable only through the Yukon.

6 min read
Yukon story
Culture & First Nations

The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre: Clans, Canoes & Carving

Totem poles, five clans, and living Inland Tlingit culture on Teslin Lake.

6 min read
Yukon story
Winter Activities

The Toughest Race on Earth: The History and Heart of the Yukon Quest

Frozen rivers and mountain passes test the bond between mushers and elite sled dogs.

7 min read
Yukon story
Planning & Tips

What to Pack for the Yukon: The Ultimate All-Season Layering Guide

Stay warm, dry, and ready — the master layering list for July heat to January cold.

6 min read
Yukon story
Planning & Tips

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Yukon? A Season-by-Season Guide

Daylight, weather, aurora odds, and activities compared month by month.

8 min read
Yukon story
Wildlife

Where to Safely See Wildlife in the Yukon (Bears, Moose & Caribou)

Clear, responsible advice on where to look and how to stay safe and ethical.

8 min read
Yukon story
Hiking & Outdoors

Whitehorse Singletrack: Grey Mountain & Mount McIntyre Trails

Ride technical rock slabs and flowy boreal forest loops right from the capital.

6 min read
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