There is an abundance of historical, natural and cultural sites in the Yukon territory that will amaze tourists with their diversity. Many people equate the Yukon with the past of the Gold Rush and there is much more to learn, while that helped turn the territory into what it is today. We will share the best things to do in the Yukon with you in this Yukon travel guide, as well as how to get there, where to stay, and more.
Best Time to Visit Yukon
In late spring, summer, or early autumn, the perfect time to visit the Yukon is. It is busier in the hot summer months, but attractions are open and activities such as hiking or canoeing are popular. Yukon, however, provides excellent prospects for outdoor activities even in winter. You have the opportunity to look at the spectacular colours of the aurora borealis on a winter Northern Lights trip.
How to Reach Yukon
By Air: Yukon has an International Airport, so it is incredibly convenient to get by air travel to Canada’s scenic Yukon Territory. You can arrive by air via Air Canada, Westjet, and Air North for your Yukon fishing trip. Condor and Edelweiss Air are additional airlines serving Whitehorse.
By Road: There are five major routes to travel into the Yukon, three from Alaska’s west and two from British Columbia’s south. Every highway has its own special spots to visit, but don’t be fooled, the true beauty is waiting for you in the Yukon, with nearly 5,000 km of well-maintained roads waiting patiently for your wheels to pass over.
Now Coming to top attractions, here are the must Visit places in Yukon…
1. Miles Canyon
Miles Canyon was once a treacherous section of the Yukon River. The rapids became a choke point for gold prospectors, situated where the river cut through a portion of basalt rock, and many supplies and lives were lost attempting to navigate through the tumultuous waters, a problem fixed only after the completion of a section of railway that bypassed it. Hiking trails and a scenic atmosphere today make the place a joy to explore. Visiting the 25-meter-long suspension bridge on the property, completed in 1922, is also enjoyable and provides excellent river views. Best of all, this attraction is just a few minutes’ drive from Yellowknife city centre.
2. Yukon Transportation Museum
Located right next to the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, thanks to the aeroplane outside, you’ll quickly find this museum. This historic jet, with its original 1950s retro Canadian Pacific Airlines colours, is a DC-3 aircraft, CF-CPY, which has been turned into a wind vane! The museum itself portrays the history of how the miners of the gold rush travelled, the history of the nearby bush pilots, the development of the highway and its first automobiles, and so much more.
3. Yukon Wildlife Preserve
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers tourists with a chance to see the territory’s animals without having to look for them in the wild. There is a 5-km loop walk that will take you to see wildlife such as moose, muskox, lynx, caribou and more across a number of wide areas. Don’t worry, there are planned bus tours around the park that will give non-walkers the chance to see all the animals if you can’t walk the 5 km.
4. Takhini Hot Springs
For tourists and locals alike, the Takhini Hot Springs are worth visiting and are a popular attraction. Hot springs have been used by humans for millennia, known for their healing and curative traits, as well as being odourless. The atmosphere is very sophisticated these days, with visitors having a choice of two pools in which to lounge, each at distinct temperatures. At 42 degrees Celsius, the hot pool has warmth, while the cold side boasts a nice 36 degrees Celsius.
5. MacBride Museum of Yukon History
There is a large array of artefacts and photographs from the gold rush days at the MacBride Museum of Yukon Heritage, as well as exhibits of the Yukon First Nations. As well as an impressive display of the animals of the Yukon, there are also various pieces of old equipment and implements. The original Whitehorse telegraph office, a part of the newer museum complex, which was literally constructed around it, is of particular interest.
6. Emerald Lake
A popular stop for tourists to see the cool green highlights of the waters of the lake is Emerald Lake. There is a vantage point that offers evidence on what allows the lake to be so vibrantly lit, and there are also several hiking opportunities. In August and September, this is also an outstanding location to witness stunning fall colours. There is a lookout point offering information about what allows the lake to be coloured so vibrantly.
7. Carcross Desert
The world’s smallest desert sits just before the small town of Carcross on the South Klondike Highway. Currently, this beautiful spot is a collection of sand dunes covering around one square mile and is home to several rare plant varieties. To explore being in a desert in the north of Canada, take a walk across the dunes or read the fascinating data signs to learn more about the region. However, just because it’s a desert doesn’t mean there’s no animals there. Be careful.
8. Tombstone Territorial Park
Just a short distance up the Dempster Highway from the intersection, the pristine wilderness of Tombstone Territorial Park is situated. If you like a couple days of hiking, you can make a long day trip from Dawson City or opt to camp in the Park itself. This is most of the Yukon’s photographed region and according to seasons, colours change. In addition to plenty of hiking options, there is an interpretive centre with showers, led tours, interpretive signage, a library and a gift shop.
9. Watson Lake Signpost Forest
“You’ll actually walk right by the Watson Lake Signpost Forest for anyone travelling from British Columbia. Along the Alaska Highway, a funky outdoor “museum” of 72,000 signs from all over the globe. Really, it was started by a homesick American soldier who posted his Danville, Illinois, hometown sign. But then progressed as other travellers began to add their own signs. You should add one that you took along with you or ask for one at the Visitor’s Center.
10. Kluane National Park
A visit to this National Park, home to Canada’s tallest mountains, is deserving of your time and effort. The Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is part of the largest globally protected area on earth. You will discover the highest icefield, along with high mountains, and an impressive range of wildlife and birdlife. Including the most varied grizzly population in North America and more than 150 species of birds! This is the fantasy of an outdoor lover, of an infinite range of sports.
