Yukon Adventures: 18 Must-Do Activities

Just a short drive from Whitehorse, Miles Canyon offers an accessible escape into the Yukon’s stunning natural landscapes. The location is notable for its magnificent basalt columns and the vivid blue color of the Yukon River flowing through the canyon. Well-marked trails provide easy walking for visitors of all ages, leading to several lookout points that offer spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.

The historic suspension bridge spanning the canyon is a highlight, offering panoramic vistas and a perfect photo opportunity. The area’s rich history is also on display, with informational plaques detailing the role of Miles Canyon in the Klondike Gold Rush, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the vast landscapes of the Yukon. As you gently rise above the ground, the expansive views of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers unfold beneath you. This serene adventure allows you to appreciate the Yukon’s grandeur from a unique perspective, providing a peaceful yet exhilarating experience.

Flights typically take place during the early morning or late evening, offering passengers the mesmerising light of the rising or setting sun. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a new adventure, a hot air balloon ride over the Yukon is an enchanting way to see the territory’s majestic scenery.

Step aboard the SS Klondike, a symbol of the Yukon’s riverboat history, meticulously restored to its former glory. Located in Whitehorse, this sternwheeler offers a glimpse into the essential transportation network that supported remote communities along the Yukon River. Through engaging tours guided by knowledgeable interpreters, visitors can explore the vessel’s cargo hold, passenger quarters, and engine room, learning about the challenges of navigating Yukon’s waterways. The stories recounted here paint a vivid picture of the past, providing insight into the resourceful spirit and daily lives of those who depended on this river highway.

Paddle along the historic Yukon River, a vital artery through the territory that offers a serene yet adventurous canoeing experience. The river is accessible to all skill levels, with options ranging from short day trips to extensive journeys that trace the routes of gold seekers and traders from bygone days. A popular route starts in Whitehorse and stretches to Dawson City, unfolding over 444 miles of breathtaking landscapes.

Along the way, paddlers can camp on riverbanks under the stars, encounter wildlife, and enjoy the quiet solitude of the vast wilderness. This journey not only connects you with the natural beauty of the Yukon but also with its rich history, making each paddle stroke a passage through time.

The Chilkoot Trail is an historic trek that promises both physical challenge and a profound historical immersion. Originally used by Tlingit First Nation traders, the trail became the main route for stampeders during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, hikers can follow in their footsteps, encountering relics and artefacts along the way. This rugged 33-mile trail demands preparation and respect for the wild terrain, often traversed over several days.

Hikers are advised to be bear-aware and prepared for variable weather conditions, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience. Securing a permit and planning logistics in advance are essential for anyone looking to conquer this legendary trail.

Discover Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush, where the past feels palpably alive. Wander through streets lined with preserved 19th-century buildings, visit the historic gambling hall at Diamond Tooth Gerties, and explore the Dawson City Museum to delve deeper into the gold rush era. For those looking to connect directly with the history, a visit to Discovery Claim on Bonanza Creek—where gold was first discovered—offers a tangible link to the events that shaped the region.

The city’s vibrant community and ongoing restoration efforts make it a living museum, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the excitement and despair of the gold-seekers who flooded this remote town.

Catch the dance of the Northern Lights, a spectacle that tops many bucket lists. The best time to witness this celestial display is from mid-August to mid-April, with peak visibility between November and March. Venture into the Yukon's winter night around 10 or 11 p.m. for your best chance to see the auroras in their full glory. Bring top-notch camera gear to capture this natural wonder, tweaking your settings to snag the perfect shot of the lights in their vibrant dance across the sky.

Go into Kluane National Park and Reserve, which covers an area the size of New Jersey. This park is home to Mount Logan, Canada's tallest mountain, as well as 16 of the country's highest peaks. It's a world of massive ice fields—the largest non-polar ones on the planet—awesome glaciers, and ancient, undisturbed forests. Kluane is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

Begin an adventurous Canadian journey, lose yourself in the untamed wilderness, track down local species, or take a flight tour above the park to get a bird's-eye perspective of the spectacular environment. It's a true bit of heaven right here on Earth.

Relax and rejuvenate at Takhini Hot Springs, where the mineral-rich waters offer therapeutic warmth against the backdrop of the Yukon wilderness. Open year-round, these springs are particularly enchanting under the winter auroras or the summer’s midnight sun.

For those with a playful spirit, the annual Hair Freezing Contest provides a unique and humorous activity, where participants style their wet hair into frozen sculptures. Beyond its quirky events, Takhini is a place for peaceful contemplation and natural healing, offering visitors a chance to unwind and recharge amidst the soothing waters.

Explore the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to encounter a variety of northern species in expansive natural habitats. Spanning over 700 acres, this preserve allows you to observe animals like moose, bison, lynx, and Arctic foxes as they roam freely. Walking tours, bus tours, or seasonal kick-sled adventures provide different perspectives of the preserve, each led by knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the ecology and behaviours of the animals. For photography enthusiasts, specialized tours offer the chance to capture stunning wildlife shots, providing a deeper, more intimate connection with the Yukon’s diverse fauna.

Explore the Dempster Highway, a challenging path that extends 460 kilometres from Dawson City to the Arctic Circle. This road excursion provides breathtaking vistas of the tundra, boreal woods, and mountain ranges. Visitors can experience the natural phenomena of the midnight sun and see northern creatures in their natural habitats. The roadway also serves as a portal to the cultural experiences of the region's Indigenous populations, providing a better appreciation of the area's history. This tough but rewarding journey is a must-do in Yukon, providing both isolation and beauty in one of Canada's most isolated areas.

Step into the shoes of a prospector at Bonanza Creek, the site where the Klondike Gold Rush began. Here, visitors can pan for gold, sifting through gravel to find flakes of the precious metal, much like the thousands who flocked here in the late 1800s. Guided tours provide the tools and teach the techniques needed to try your luck at striking it rich. This hands-on historical experience is enhanced by stories from knowledgeable locals, offering a direct link to the days when Bonanza Creek triggered one of the largest gold rushes in history. This activity not only offers fun and excitement but also a profound connection to the Yukon's storied past.

Enjoy yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of the Kluane region with a guided wildlife tour, where you may see grizzlies, moose, and bald eagles in their native habitats. These tours not only provide exciting wildlife viewing opportunities, but they also provide essential insights into the area's ecological dynamics. As you travel through varied landscapes ranging from lush woods to harsh mountains, skilled guides give intriguing information on the local flora and wildlife, as well as conservation initiatives critical to preserving the region's biodiversity.

Furthermore, these trips frequently include stops at picturesque viewpoints where you may take in the spectacular views and potentially get professional-quality photographs of the majestic creatures and their surroundings.

Step back in time at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, a unique facility dedicated to exploring the ancient history of the region during the last Ice Age. The centre features engaging exhibits that recreate the environment of Beringia, the subcontinent that once connected Asia and North America. Through detailed dioramas, realistic models, and interactive displays, visitors can learn about the fascinating megafauna that roamed the land, such as woolly mammoths and giant beavers.

The centre also delves into the lives of the First Peoples who inhabited this ice-free oasis, offering insights into their survival strategies and cultural practices. Educational programs and guided tours enhance the experience, making this a must-visit for history buffs and families alike.

Experience the excitement of the Yukon Quest, an epic international sled dog race that stretches over 1,000 miles between Whitehorse, Yukon, and Fairbanks, Alaska. This grueling competition, held annually in February, showcases the incredible endurance of both the mushers and their dog teams as they navigate some of the harshest winter conditions on the planet.

The race not only highlights the physical and mental toughness required to compete but also celebrates the rich history of dog sledding in the North. Visitors can attend various race-related events, meet the teams, and learn about the significant role that sled dogs have played in the Yukon’s history. It's a powerful display of tradition and perseverance that's bound to leave a lasting impression.

Tombstone Territorial Park is a stargazer’s paradise, renowned for its exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution. The park offers some of the best celestial viewing opportunities in the Yukon, with the Milky Way often visible to the naked eye. Enthusiasts and photographers alike flock here, especially during the new moon phase, to capture the night sky's mesmerizing beauty.

The rugged, untouched landscape below — marked by jagged peaks and reflective lakes — adds a dramatic touch to the nocturnal tableau. Guided night hikes and astronomy talks frequently take place, providing enriching educational experiences that complement the visual spectacle. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply seeking a quiet moment under the stars, Tombstone Territorial Park offers a magical and introspective nighttime adventure.

The Southern Yukon is a haven for anglers, boasting a plethora of lakes rich with pike, trout, and salmon. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for both novice and experienced fishermen, offering serene environments and abundant fish populations. You can choose to fly fish in the shallow streams or cast from a boat in the deeper waters. Local fishing guides are available to provide expert advice, enhancing your chances of a big catch by directing you to the best spots and advising on effective fishing techniques and local regulations.

Additionally, the region's breathtaking natural scenery provides a tranquil backdrop for a day spent on the water, making every fishing trip in the Yukon not just a chance to catch fish, but also to create lasting memories amidst nature’s grandeur.

Whitehorse, the cultural hub of the Yukon, bursts with artistic and cultural vitality. The city's thriving arts scene is evident in its numerous galleries showcasing local and indigenous art, while the performing arts are celebrated in various venues that host theatre productions, concerts, and dance performances throughout the year.

Additionally, Whitehorse's vibrant festival circuit highlights everything from international film to music, bringing together creators and audiences in festive celebrations of cultural expression. For those interested in the local history, several museums provide deeper insights into the Yukon’s past, from the Gold Rush era to the present. Exploring Whitehorse gives visitors a comprehensive taste of Northern culture, art, and community spirit.