Essentials

Money, tipping, and prices in Yukon

5 min read

Canadian dollars and coins on a wooden bar top

Currency and cards

Canadian dollars only. USD is not accepted anywhere except border-town Skagway (Alaska). Cards work universally in Whitehorse and Dawson — even small food trucks take tap. Cash is smart for tips, small-town Yukon (Atlin, Carmacks, Haines Junction), and the Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson. ATMs are common in Whitehorse; Dawson has 4, and Haines Junction has 2. Withdraw $200 to $300 before heading into remote areas.

Tipping norms

Restaurants: 15 to 18% on pre-tax total, 20% for excellent service. Cards prompt you at checkout — 15%, 18%, 20% are usually the default buttons. Taxis: 10 to 15%. Hotel housekeeping: $3 to $5 per night, cash on the pillow. Guides and drivers on multi-day trips: $30 to $50 per person per day if you were happy. Coffee shops: $1 in the jar is standard. Do not tip at fuel stations or grocery stores.

What things actually cost

Coffee: $4.75. Beer at a bar: $8 to $10. Casual dinner mains: $22 to $32. Fine dining: $35 to $55. Grocery basket for 3 days: $95 to $130 per person. Rental car compact: $75/day. Mid-range hotel: $170 to $220. Full tank of gas (60L): $110. National park day use: free in Kluane, free in Tombstone. Aurora tour: $130 to $180. Yukon Wildlife Preserve: $20. Milk (4L): $8.50.

How to save

Grocery-shop at Real Canadian Superstore or Independent on 4th Ave in Whitehorse — 30% cheaper than Independent in small towns. Stock lunches from delis (Baked Cafe, Burnt Toast). Fill your tank in Whitehorse; rural stations charge 15 to 25% more. Book the Rotary Peace Park picnic option rather than lunch out. Skip the airport gift shop where prices are 40% above town. Yukon Brewing sells bottles cheaper at their tap room than in liquor stores.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yukon expensive?

Yes — 25 to 40% above southern Canadian prices for food and lodging. A modest 7-day trip runs $2,800 to $3,800 per person including flight and rental car.

Do I tip on tours in Yukon?

Yes. $30 to $50 per person per day for multi-day guides, or 10 to 15% of tour cost for day trips. Flightseeing pilots get $20 to $40 per person.

Can I use US dollars in Whitehorse?

No. Canadian dollars only. Most banks and the Whitehorse airport currency desk exchange USD at fair rates.

Are prices marked with or without tax?

Without. Yukon adds 5% federal GST at the register. There is no provincial sales tax. Restaurant menus, hotel rates, and shop prices are all pre-tax.