Itineraries

48 hours in Yukon

6 min read

Log cabins along the Yukon River in downtown Whitehorse

Day 1: Whitehorse basics

Start on Main Street with coffee at Baked Cafe (100 Main St, open 6:30am). Walk down to the SS Klondike sternwheeler on 2nd Avenue for a self-guided tour, roughly $7 in summer. Cross the footbridge over the Yukon River to the fish ladder at Whitehorse Dam, free and open 8am to 8pm July through August. Loop back through Rotary Peace Park, then grab lunch at Klondike Rib and Salmon on 2nd Ave — try the Arctic char, around $28.

Day 1 afternoon: Miles Canyon

Drive 15 minutes south on Miles Canyon Road to the suspension bridge over the basalt gorge. The 5 km loop trail to Canyon City takes about 90 minutes and is stroller-friendly at the start. Back in town, dinner at Wayfarer Oyster House (1112 1st Ave) is the smartest splurge in Whitehorse — reserve ahead. Plates run $18 to $34. Nightcap at Woodcutter's Blanket, a converted house on 2nd Ave with local Yukon Brewing on tap for about $8.

Day 2: Wildlife and hot springs

Book the 9am opening at Yukon Wildlife Preserve on Takhini Hot Springs Road, $20 self-drive, $32 guided. You will see muskox, lynx, and wood bison up close on a 5 km loop. Combine it with Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs next door — a 90-minute session runs about $22. Head back to Whitehorse by 5pm and finish at Antoinette's on Wood Street for Caribbean-Yukon fusion, mains $26 to $34. Skip the airport departure lounge food and eat before you leave.

Frequently asked questions

Is 48 hours enough for Yukon?

For Whitehorse and one wilderness pocket, yes. For Dawson City, Kluane, or Tombstone, no — those need at least 4 days round trip from Whitehorse.

Do I need a rental car for 48 hours?

Yes. Miles Canyon, the Wildlife Preserve, and Takhini Hot Springs all sit 15 to 30 minutes outside town with no useful transit. Budget compacts run about $75 per day from Whitehorse airport.

What is the best month for a short Yukon trip?

Late June through mid-August for long daylight and open trails, or mid-February to late March for aurora and dogsledding with stable roads.

Can you see the northern lights in Whitehorse in 48 hours?

Between late August and April, chances are decent on a clear night. Drive 20 minutes out of town to Fish Lake Road to escape light pollution.