Essentials

Where to stay in Yukon

6 min read

Rooms at a boutique inn on the Yukon River

Downtown Whitehorse

For 90% of visitors, this is the answer. Base between 1st and 6th Avenues, and between Wood and Ogilvie Streets. You will walk to restaurants, the SS Klondike, the river trail, and rental car offices. Best picks: Edgewater Hotel on Main and Front ($245, riverside), Coast High Country Inn on 4th ($175, business-standard), Best Western Gold Rush Inn on Main ($195, central). Budget: Beez Kneez Bakpakers hostel on Hanson St ($38 dorm). Reserve June through August at least 6 weeks out.

Wilderness lodges near Whitehorse

For a quieter experience within 40 minutes of the airport, look at Inn on the Lake on Marsh Lake ($395, 12 rooms, exceptional dining) or Southern Lakes Resort at Tagish ($340, cabins on Tagish Lake). Both include kayaks and canoes. Muktuk Adventures near Takhini River ($285) specializes in dog-sledding stays November to March with kennel visits included. These fill fast for aurora season — book September for February visits.

Dawson City

Dawson has 12 hotels for 1,400 residents. Bombay Peggy's Inn on 2nd and Princess ($180) occupies a restored brothel — 9 rooms, adults only, best bar in town downstairs. Downtown Hotel on 2nd Ave ($185) is home of the Sourtoe Cocktail. Aurora Inn on 5th ($165) is the quiet mid-range choice. Camping at Yukon River Campground across the ferry is $20 with dramatic town views. All Dawson properties close or scale back November through April.

Haines Junction and Kluane

Haines Junction is the base for Kluane National Park. Raven Inn ($160) offers 12 rooms and the best restaurant in town. Kluane RV Kampground has cabins from $110. Parkside Inn ($145) is straightforward and clean. Do not try to day-trip Kluane from Whitehorse if you want serious hiking — the 2-hour drive each way eats your daylight. One overnight in Haines Junction transforms the trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Whitehorse?

Downtown between 1st and 4th Avenues. Everything walkable in 10 minutes, and you avoid the strip malls on the south end. Airport is 5 minutes by taxi.

Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Yukon?

No true all-inclusives. The closest concept is Inn on the Lake with meal plans, or dog-sledding lodges like Muktuk and Sky High Wilderness Ranch that include meals in multi-night packages.

How far ahead should I book Yukon hotels?

June to August: 8 to 10 weeks minimum. Aurora season November to March: 6 to 8 weeks. Shoulder months: 2 to 3 weeks is usually fine.

Is Airbnb common in Yukon?

Yes in Whitehorse (roughly 200 listings) and Dawson (~40). Prices run $150 to $260 for whole homes. Regulations tightened in 2023 so verify the listing has a business license before booking.