Yukon, Canada, Guide

Let’s get it out of the way now. Yes, it is hard to talk about the Yukon without mentioning Jack London’s “White Fang.” In the 1906 novel, the author described the territory as “the savage, frozen-hearted Northland Wild,” but I think London was wrong about the Yukon. The Yukon of today is quite warm in all the ways that matter.

While the Yukon is the smallest territory by land in Canada, it’s still a bit larger than the state of California. However, whereas California is home to around 40 million people, the Yukon’s population hovers around 46,000, and two-thirds of those inhabitants live in the capital, Whitehorse. To put it another way, there are twice as many moose as there are people in the Yukon. It also has the highest percentage of protected and conserved areas in any Canadian province or territory—so if you’re looking for an adventure in what feels like the edges of civilization, this is the place for you. 

The territory landed in the global consciousness in 1896, when gold was found in the Klondike River, and visitors poured over the Chilkoot Pass from Alaska into the Yukon. Just as the miners once did, today’s visitors to the Yukon may find it easy to see the land as pristine or “untouched,” when in reality, it’s just been well cared for and well loved. This part of the world has been home to people for thousands of years, and there are 14 Yukon First Nations, as well as several other transboundary Indigenous groups that have traditional territory in the Yukon. 

“The cultures are so diverse within the Yukon,” says Harmony Hunter, the manager of tourism development at the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association. “It’s a really interesting and beautiful place to live. Every little piece of the Yukon, I admire.”

In modern times, a certain type of creative person is attracted to—and thrives in—the wild heart of the Yukon. Chef and writer Michele Genest has lived here for 30 years and has authored a few cookbooks (with another in the works), including “The Boreal Gourmet: Adventures in Northern Cooking,” which explores the unique foodways and culture of the North. 

“If I needed to encapsulate what makes the Yukon unique in one word, it would be ‘proximity.’ Not a very romantic word, but here’s what it means to me: The wilderness is right there,” she says. 

All across the Yukon, you’ll notice evidence of its human history, whether it’s a lively group huddled around a table listening to a guide’s latest bear story, the eye-catching wood carvings marking the entrance of a gathering place, or a tree that’s beginning to grow around an antique nail hammered into it long ago. The Yukon is a far cry from a frozen wasteland. 

“I hope visitors take away a feeling of connection—to the people, to the landscape, to the food,” says Genest. “I hope they get to taste a lowbush cranberry, sip birch syrup, and put spruce tip jelly on a cracker with cheese. I hope they leave with a sense of how we live our lives here.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to the Yukon.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Mount Logan EcoLodge: Haines Junction

Close to Kluane National Park and Reserve, Mount Logan EcoLodge is the perfect home base for exploring all the area has to offer. This handsome property is owned by longtime Yukoner Roxanne Tanase-Mason, a climbing enthusiast, hiker, and conversationalist, who has a special knack for making every guest feel special. There are five accommodation types at the lodge, from a classic, spacious suite in the main building to quirky options like a yurt and a pod. After a day exploring, be sure to stick around for dinner; chef Mio Kucerova, who hails from the Czech Republic, serves up gourmet Czech-Japanese cuisine every night. If you want some recommendations or a helping hand during your adventures, the lodge also has guided tours, including scenic hikes and ice fishing. 

Hyatt Place Whitehorse: Whitehorse

This brand-new Hyatt Place, which opened in 2025, has a clean, minimalist aesthetic. From the moment you arrive, you may notice this isn’t your typical Hyatt—Yukon First Nations culture and design has been integrated throughout the property, including the exterior wood carvings that greet guests upon arrival. The hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Whitehorse, putting you within easy walking distance to local shops and lively restaurants. There’s also an on-site eatery, Carved Restaurant, which uses locally sourced ingredients. There’s a complimentary airport shuttle as well as free on-site parking.

Black Spruce: Whitehorse

If you want to feel like you’re in the middle of the woods without actually being in the middle of the woods, Black Spruce, located on the outskirts of Whitehorse, may be exactly what you need. There are just five accommodations here, including a tiny house and four chic cabins. The cabins have a treehouse-like feel, and some are perched on stilts. But step inside and you’ll see the real stunner: massive picture windows that look out into the sprawling forest. Each cabin has a queen-size bed, a kitchenette stocked with teas and coffee, and a bathroom filled with organic towels and soaps. There’s also a small on-site sauna available to guests.

Dawson Lodge: Dawson City

If you want to explore the northern reaches of the Yukon, base yourself in the old gold mining boomtown of Dawson City. Although the 10-room Dawson Lodge is a historic property (it served as a warm storage space for the Caley General Store in the 1940s), it has all the modern bells and whistles travelers expect. Plus, as an added bonus, it was created with environmentally friendly principles in mind. It’s heavily insulated for maximum energy efficiency, and you’ll notice things like vegan snacks, low-energy lighting, and organic bath products. 

Aurora Inn: Dawson City

This family-run hotel has been open in Dawson City since 1998. There are 20 rooms in total, all outfitted with homey, European-style decor and full bathrooms. A stay also gets you access to satellite television and complimentary Wi-Fi. Make time to check out the on-site restaurant, which specializes in grilled meats, from New York strip to pulled pork.

Best Things to Do 

Visit Kluane National Park and Reserve.

There are three national parks in the Yukon, but one of the easiest to access (especially if you’re based in Whitehorse) is Kluane National Park and Reserve. Spanning more than 24 million acres, Kluane is massive, and visitors should be self-sufficient and prepared to handle emergencies on their own. Most visitors enter via the nearby village of Haines Junction, where you’ll find the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre—an ideal place to learn about its history through the stories of First Nation elders. In addition to some of the most stunning northern landscapes the country has to offer (including the tallest peak in Canada, Mount Logan), Kluane is unique in that Parks Canada, the Kluane First Nation, and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations cooperatively manage it. This means the land’s original stewards have a say in how it’s run, and they also have the right to harvest, hunt, and trap in certain designated areas. 

Though there are some “easier” hikes with boardwalks through rough terrain, your best bet is to take on Kluane National Park and Reserve with a guide, like Pauly Sias, a citizen of the Kluane First Nation and descendant of Louis Jacquot, one of the first French settlers in the area. In addition to having cabins to rent, she leads thoughtful guided tours in the park and reserve—a walk with her through Kluane is a treat.

“For me, it’s the connection to the land that I feel, and the people who live here feel,” says Sias. “That’s what’s special to me about it. It’s my home. That’s what I try to tell people on a hike. The landscape tricks you into thinking no one has been here before, but it’s been well loved.” 

See the northern lights.

Thanks to its snug position directly under the aurora oval, the Yukon is one of the best places to catch the aurora borealis in North America. The northern lights are typically visible between mid-August and mid-April, but the best time to see them is during the first few weeks of winter. While you may get lucky if you step outside your tent between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., you’ll have a better chance of witnessing them by booking a tour with a local outfitter. 

Northern Tales, based in Whitehorse, has a viewing site located about 30 minutes outside the city with experienced guides, snacks, and hot chocolate. If you’re determined to see the lights, you may want to opt for an aurora hunting experience with Nomada Excursions. It’s owned by Sandra Peña (fluent in both English and Spanish), who transports guests all across the Yukon to ensure they catch the natural wonder.

Go fishing.

The Yukon is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and one of the best ways to experience it is by casting a line in one of the stunningly blue glacial lakes, home to pike, lake trout, and grayling. Before you get started, you’ll need a fishing license, which can be purchased online (day passes are about $9 USD). Afterward, book an experience with an outfitter like Yukon Roots Adventure Co., which is run by Nicole Nielsen, a citizen of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, along with her husband, Reuben Nielsen. The couple has a deep love for the Yukon, and they also know all the best fishing spots in the territory.

Forage for berries.

The Yukon is overflowing with bounty, if you know where and how to look. Yukoners can be quite shy about revealing the location of their berry patches (for good reason). However, most of the land in the territory is Crown land, meaning there are plenty of places to explore—and many kinds of berries to pick. You can expect wild strawberries around June, saskatoon berries in late July, but many, including the coveted lowbush cranberry (a.k.a lingonberries), ripen in early autumn. 

Come prepared with a few empty yogurt containers for harvesting your crop, as well as air horns and bear spray. If you’re picking in the autumn, you’ll be competing with bears, who also feast on the berries to fatten up before a long winter hibernation. Be sure you don’t pick berries in protected areas such as national parks, private property, or First Nations settlement land.

Learn about Indigenous Canadian history.

There are several places where you can learn about the Yukon’s Indigenous history across the territory. Haa Shagóon Hídi, in Carcross, is the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre, where visitors can view art made by local community members, see artifacts, and experience cultural programming and activities. Up in Dawson City, the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre serves as a warm introduction to the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. And in Whitehorse, located near the Yukon River, the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is a stunning homage to the heritage and modern lives of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

There are also ways to take an active role in learning about the Yukon’s history. Hunter recommends visitors take part in a festival during their visit. National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated across the Yukon, but there are several special events to keep an eye out for as well. Moosehide Gathering, which usually takes place in the summer) draws visitors from around the world with singing, drumming, and feasts to recognize Hän traditions and culture. The Blue Feather Music Festival, an annual, volunteer-run event, is an art and music jamboree that supports young Indigenous performers.

Best Shopping

Northern Cultural Expressions Society

Located in downtown Whitehorse, the Northern Cultural Expressions Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the talents of young artists in the community. Though the program is primarily aimed at Yukon First Nations students, it’s open to all students. There’s an on-site wood-carving studio in the back, but I recommend taking a look at the shop and gallery, where you’ll find skillfully handmade items such as beaded beaver fur gloves, fish leather earrings, skirts decorated with ribbons, and carved statues.

Horwoods Mall

If you’re not sure where to pick up a souvenir or knickknack, head to Whitehorse’s Horwoods Mall. It has several local stores conveniently located within a single building, and it’s a great place to warm up from the cold, too. Fuel up on pastries and coffee at Baked Cafe & Bakery, then browse North End Gallery, which specializes in creations made by Yukon artists, the jewelry at Vanessa Aegirsdottir Co., and the nice selection at Cultured Fine Cheese.

Best Restaurants 

Gather Cafe & Taphouse: Whitehorse

Gather is one of the most unique dining options in Whitehorse. Every piece of glass that diners eat or drink from was made next door at Lumel Studios. Gather serves draft beers, cocktails, and Mexican-inspired fare; expect things like pork carnitas tacos and halibut burgers on the menu.  

“Gather is a great place to eat—fresh, lively flavors, great cocktails—for me, especially the Gin and Ginger,” says Genest. “It’s easy to strike up a conversation with strangers from here or out of town at one of the big shared tables. There’s a lovely atmosphere of welcome and belonging. Both the restaurant and the shop are run by community-minded folks who believe that community includes everybody.” 

Mount Logan EcoLodge: Haines Junction

To some, the Yukon backcountry may seem like the very last place you would enjoy a memorable meal, but that’s not so at Mount Logan EcoLodge; dinners here are nothing short of gourmet. You do not have to be a guest to dine here, though you do need to call ahead. The culinary program is run by chef Kucerova, who draws on her Czech and Japanese heritage to create things like Yukon-inspired gyoza and roasted elk steak served with potatoes and local herbs. I especially loved the butter, which had local flowers mixed into it for a colorful presentation. On the days Kucerova isn’t cooking, owner Tanase-Mason takes over and prepares guests’ daily breakfasts. 

Village Bakery & Deli: Haines Junction

Before a day of exploring Kluane National Park and Reserve, be sure to stop by local favorite Village Bakery & Deli, where you can indulge in homemade bread, pastries, and fresh coffee. There’s no set menu, but typical fare includes chocolate chip cookies, pepperoni garlic bread, and lots of sandwiches and wraps. In the summer, the bakery hosts weekly themed dinners and live music events.

Bonton & Company: Dawson City

Bonton & Company is a store, cafe, and restaurant all rolled into one. The majority of ingredients used in lunches and dinners are locally sourced and seasonal, so the menu frequently changes. If you’re looking to fuel up before the day starts, there are house-made pastries, coffee, and teas on offer in the morning.

Coopers: Whitehorse

Coopers specializes in upscale Italian cuisine, and the pizzas are the perfect size for sharing between two people. You have classics like Margherita, as well as more creative options such as the Pineapple Heat, which has roasted pineapple, pickled jalapenos, and salsa verde. Not into pizza? The restaurant also serves up steak frites and beef ragu linguine. With a nice bar and extensive beer and wine list, this is a popular spot for everyone in Whitehorse, from local miners to travelers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Yukon depends entirely on what you hope to do while there. Most might caution against visiting in the winter, when temperatures drop well below freezing. But this is also the ideal time for dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Yukoners have long learned to cope with the cold, and you’ll find no shortage of saunas in the territory. 

That said, most travelers aim to visit the Yukon in the summer, when the region transforms into the “Land of the Midnight Sun” and sunlight lasts nearly all day. If you’re hoping to hike and explore without a heavy coat, this is the best time to go. Spring, with its wildflowers and wildlife activity, and fall, with a chance to see fiery foliage, also have their draws.

Towns to Visit 

Whitehorse

For most visitors, the capital city will be the most convenient place to fly into and begin your Yukon adventures. Whitehorse is a thriving small city full of grocery stores, restaurants, bars, local stores, and outdoor gear shops. 

Dawson City

Anyone taking on the stunning Top of the World Highway, a remote road that connects the Yukon to Alaska, will begin the journey in Dawson City. It was the original capital of the Yukon (Whitehorse got the title in 1953 after the construction of the Klondike Highway) and a gold mining boomtown—you’ll notice many of the buildings here are built in a period-correct manner. The area also has deep First Nations roots and is a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditional territory. “Dawson is very glamorous, and it was the ‘Paris of the North,’” says Hunter. “[It] was and is a popular destination. People are fascinated by the history, and the cultural side of things is becoming important. It’s a vibrant town.”

Old Crow

Old Crow is a small, close-knit community located at the confluence of the Old Crow and Porcupine rivers. You cannot drive into Old Crow; there’s no road that connects it to the rest of the Yukon. Rather, you have to fly in, and there’s just one grocery store in town. Still, the journey is more than worth it for determined visitors. “It’s a choice to go to Old Crow,” says Hunter. “Old Crow has a unique, powerful energy in the area. It’s vibrant and alive, and when you’re up there, you really feel that you’re far up north.”

Hunter recommends exploring the region with an outfitter like Josie’s Old Crow Adventures, which offers packages with experiences like dog sledding, ice fishing, and northern lights viewings.

Carcross

Originally known as “Caribou Crossing,” the small Yukon town of Carcross packs a punch for adventurous travelers. Carcross is home to mountain biking trails, which were built by local First Nations youngsters and wind through scenic alpine vistas and lakes. (Fun fact: Carcross also has the smallest “desert” in the world, which is comprised of glacial silt.) However, the town has a rich and ancient history—the area was once a popular hunting camp for Tlingit and Tagish people. You can learn more about Carcross’s Indigenous roots at the Haa Shagóon Hídi center.

How to Get There

The easiest and most common way to get to the Yukon is by flying into its capital, Whitehorse, through Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). Though there are a few smaller airports throughout the region, this is the largest and where you’ll find the most flight options. You can pick up a rental car here, too.

If you’re traveling to the area from another part of Canada, driving is also a good option. The easiest way to get here from Vancouver is on Highway 37, but if you’re coming from Alberta, you can hop on the iconic Alaska Highway, which runs all the way to Delta Junction, Alaska. 

Some travelers reach the Yukon by sea, and it’s easy to do so if your cruise has a stop in Skagway, Alaska. After docking in Skagway, you can hop aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, which follows the original, historic path of gold prospectors who came to the area looking to strike it big. Keep in mind if you’re planning to travel between Canada and Alaska, you will need your passport.

How to Get Around

Considering the vast size of the Yukon, you will need a car to properly explore. Most travelers will fly into Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, where you can pick up a rental car. There are no car rentals available at Dawson City Airport (YDA). If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to pack tire chains, just in case you get into a slippery situation. Keep in mind some parts of the territory, such as Old Crow, are only accessible by boat or plane.