Highlights
- Scope out the Yukon's immense natural beauty with a seaplane ride
- Catch views of Canada's highest peaks with a drive to Kluane National Park
- Canoe down the Yukon River while learning about Gold Rush history
- Get up close to wildlife including sheep, elk, and caribou
- Soak in a hot outdoor thermal pool near Whitehorse
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Whitehorse | Whitehorse |
| Day 2 | Seaplane Ride, Wildlife & Hot Springs | Whitehorse |
| Day 3 | Drive to Kluane National Park | Whitehorse |
| Day 4 | Canoe Excursion in the Yukon River | Whitehorse |
| Day 5 | Depart Whitehorse |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse
Welcome to the Yukon! Your adventure begins in Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's northwest city, and the largest city in northern Canada. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the city, not far from the banks of the Yukon River.
Whitehorse is compact and easy to explore on foot or by vehicle. Check out the streets and pop into one of the cozy cafés, breweries, or bakeries for a beverage and snack. For a full meal, the town offers several great restaurant options including an upscale steakhouse, as well as more casual options ranging from seafood (including local-caught salmon) to Italian, Japanese and Mediterranean.
One of the most sought-after Northern experiences, a trip to the Yukon during summer months offers round-the-clock daylight (called Midnight Sun) for enjoying as much nature that you can handle.
Day 2: Seaplane Ride, Wildlife & Hot Springs
After breakfast, you'll start the day with an exciting seaplane flight above the Yukon. This 20-minute tour offers incredible views of the area's landscape from an aerial angle that few people get a chance to see.
Upon return to Whitehorse, you'll learn about the city's history on a sightseeing tour, including famous attractions like the historic paddle-wheeler called S.S. Klondike, and the 'skyscraper' completely made out of logs.
Later in the day, you'll drive to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve where you can walk around and get close to inhabitant game like elk, moose, caribou, mountain goats, and porcupines in their everyday surroundings. Not far from here, you will visit the Takhini Hot Springs and indulge yourself in the pools' naturally-heated waters that have been in operation for over 100 years. This is a relaxing way to end the day while surrounding yourself with breathtaking mountain scenery.
Day 3: Drive to Kluane National Park
After breakfast in Whitehorse, you'll drive west into the mountains of Kluane National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. With vast icefields and 17 of Canada's 20 highest peaks, this is truly a gorgeous drive (about two hours each way). Though the park's interior is generally accessible only via a flightseeing tour or on a serious mountaineering/ski touring expedition, you'll be able to visit the Visitor Information Centre. Here, you can wander around interpretive displays and join an audio-visual presentation where you can learn more about the park and its impressive glacier fields.
Today's driving tour will also include a stop at Sheep Mountain in hopes of spotting the local Dall sheep, distinct for their thin curved horns, typically found in their traditional territory.
Day 4: Canoe Excursion in the Yukon River
This morning, you can load up with a hearty breakfast in Whitehorse before you spend the day partaking in the old North American tradition of canoeing. This is a great day trip for beginner paddlers and a perfect way to enjoy the classic Yukon River.
The guided excursion begins with a detailed safety briefing from a professional, where you’ll be introduced to the art of canoeing. Soon, you'll be on your way through the area's historic waterways and peaceful scenery. In fact, you'll paddle all the way from Whitehorse in the Yukon River to the confluence of the Takhini River.
Upon returning from the canoe trip, you can reward your upper body efforts—and toast to your last night!—with a beer from the famous Yukon Brewery at one of the downtown restaurants.
Day 5: Depart Whitehorse
It's time to say farewell to Whitehorse! Enjoy your last moments in this pristine, unpopulated part of the world before you transfer to the airport for your departing flight home.
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