The YukonDispatches from the Yukon
Stories, local knowledge and travel guides from across the territory.
Where to Stay in Downtown Whitehorse, the Heart of the Yukon’s Capital
Your guide to finding the perfect downtown Whitehorse accommodation for exploring Canada’s northern frontier, from historic riverfront stays to modern comfort near Main Street.
Where to See the Northern Lights Near Whitehorse
A Yukon local's guide to the best aurora spots around Whitehorse, where to watch, how far to drive to escape the city lights, and how to plan nights that actually deliver.
The Yukon in summer vs winter: which trip should you take?
Two completely different territories in one, a side-by-side of what you get in July vs January.
Best day trips from Whitehorse
Six destinations that justify the round trip, from a coffee-and-desert loop in Carcross to a full day across the border to Alaska.
Getting around the Yukon: transport that actually exists
There is no train and no intercity bus network worth relying on, so most visitors drive, but a patchwork of small operators can get you further than you'd expect if you don't.
Is Yukon safe? An honest answer for 2026
Crime stats show a mixed picture, but tourists are more at risk from the wilderness and the weather. Here are the things actually worth thinking about.
When to visit the Yukon: month-by-month
Twelve months, two very different Yukons, and the details that matter for each one.
Yukon on a $200 a day upgrade
A mid-range trip built around one big experience a day, with free days in between to keep the average where you want it.
The Yukon on a Tight Budget
The territory can be costly, but a low-cost trip is possible if you camp, drive your own vehicle and cook.
Haines Junction: a guide for tourists
The gateway to Kluane National Park and Canada's highest mountains, plan 2 to 3 nights.
Dawson City: a guide for tourists
Six blocks of preserved gold-rush town on the Yukon River, plan for 2 to 3 nights and a rental car to reach the Top of the World or venture into the gold fields.
Downtown Whitehorse: a guide for tourists
Everything happens between the clay cliffs and the Yukon River, a compact, walkable core that holds most of the city's restaurants.
Best Klondike Gold Rush sites in the Yukon
From Skagway to Dawson City, the real route stampeders took, not just a list of stops.
Best Yukon Wildlife Viewing Spots
Where to actually see sheep, elk, and grizzlies, with real odds, real seasons, and one guaranteed option.
A Day at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve: Up Close with Arctic Mammals
Muskox, wood bison, lynx and caribou — guaranteed sightings 25 minutes from town.
Angler’s Paradise: A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing the Yukon
Lake trout, pike, and arctic grayling — licences, gear, and the best spots to cast.
Bear Jams & Moose Pull-Offs: Watching Roadside Wildlife Safely
Stop, watch, move on. Keeping the wild in our wildlife.
Beating the Winter Blues: A Guide to the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous
Chainsaw carving, flour-packing races, and cabaret, the wildest winter festival in the North.
Beyond the Aurora: Stargazing Under the Yukon’s Dark Skies
The Milky Way, meteor showers, and deep-space clusters in near-zero light pollution.
Chasing Crimson: Autumn in Tombstone Territorial Park
Fiery red-and-gold tundra beneath black granite peaks — and the returning aurora.
Chasing the Northern Lights: A Beginner’s Guide to Aurora Spotting
When they appear, know what gear you need and where to watch them. Hunt the lights like a local.
Climbing Aboard the S.S. Klondike: The Sternwheeler That Shaped the North
How paddlewheelers were the lifeline of the territory before the highways.
Cold-Weather Camera Gear: How to Protect Your Tech at -30°C
Keep batteries alive and lenses fog-free while shooting the aurora and winter landscapes.
Daring to Drink the Toe: Dawson City’s Infamous Sourtoe Cocktail
The rules, the shock factor, and the strange history behind the North’s wildest drink.
Disconnect to Reconnect: 5 Cozy Off-Grid Yukon Cabins to Rent
Wood stoves, lakeside saunas, and zero cell service, the ultimate wilderness retreats.
Don’t Freeze Your Engine: Essential Winter Driving Hacks for the North
Block heaters, survival kits, and ice-road know-how for a safe subarctic drive.
Driving Above the Clouds: A Guide to the Top of the World Highway
A ridge-running gravel road from Dawson City to Alaska, high above the tree line.
Driving the Alaska Highway: The Legendary Northern Route
History, frost heaves, and must-stops on the road that opened up the North.
Driving the Dempster Highway: What to Know Before the Arctic Circle
740 km of unpaved wilderness to the edge of the Arctic. Tires, fuel, and timing sorted.
Engineering for Nature: The Whitehorse Fishway & Salmon Ladder
The world’s longest wooden fish ladder, with windows onto a 3,000 km salmon run.
Exploring Yukon First Nations Arts, Traditions & Heritage Centres
How to respectfully connect with 14 living cultures and support Indigenous tourism.
Forgotten Frontiers: 4 Yukon Ghost Towns Frozen in Time
Abandoned boomtowns, rusted dredges, and untouched cabins deep in the wilderness.
From Freezing to Floating: What to Expect at Yukon’s Winter Hot Springs
40°C water, -25°C air, and the famous frozen-hair photo, the ultimate cold-weather soak.
Hidden Gems of the Southern Lakes: Carcross, Tagish & Marsh Lake
Turquoise water, white dunes, and deep heritage, the perfect day trip from Whitehorse.
Hiking Miles Canyon: Emerald Waters, a Suspension Bridge, & History
Whitehorse's best afternoon hike, swirling turquoise water 10 minutes from downtown.
Hiking the Chilkoot Trail: The ‘Meanest 33 Miles in History’
The gold-rush stampeders’ route, now the world’s longest outdoor museum.
How to Dress for -30°C: The Science of Extreme Winter Layering
Base, insulation, and shell, fabrics, footwear, and face protection that actually work.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Phone or DSLR
Focus, exposure, and ISO settings for frame-worthy aurora shots, gear optional.
How to Travel the Yukon on a Budget (Without Missing the Magic)
Smart planning, budget camping, and timing tips that save thousands up north.
Latitude 66°33′ North: Everything About Crossing the Arctic Circle
The signpost, the science behind it, and what that line on the map actually means.
Leave No Trace at 60° North: How to Be a Responsible Yukon Visitor
7 impactful ways to protect a fragile subarctic landscape for generations to come.
Leaving Your Mark: The History of Watson Lake’s Signpost Forest
How one homesick soldier in 1942 started a forest of over 100,000 signs from around the world.
Life at 60 North: 7 Quirks of Whitehorse You Only Notice After Arriving
Blackout curtains in July, plug-in cars in January, the real rhythm of northern life.
More Than Northern Lights: 5 Unforgettable Winter Days in Whitehorse
Dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more, how to fill your daylight hours.
Mush! What It’s Really Like to Drive Your Own Dog Sled Team
Huskies, commands, and quiet snowy forest, the quintessential northern experience.
Northern Craftsmanship: Where to Find Authentic First Nations Art
Beadwork, carving, and prints. Shop ethically and support local Indigenous artists.
Old Crow: Life in the Yukon’s Northernmost Community
A fly-in Gwitchin community above the Arctic Circle, tied to the caribou.
Paddling the Iconic Yukon River: What Every Canoeist Needs to Know
Route details, gear, and difficulty for the great gold-rush float to Dawson.
Riding the Rails: The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
An 1898 engineering marvel of cliff edges and trestles from Skagway to Carcross.
RVing the North: Tips for Driving the Alaska Highway Without Breakdowns
Frost heaves, gravel chips, and fuel gaps: Road-tested advice for a smooth journey.
Secrets of Kluane Lake: Glacial Dust, Turquoise Water & Ancient Ice
The Yukon's largest lake. Wind, silt flats, Dall sheep, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Singletrack in the Wilderness: Why Carcross is a World-Class MTB Destination
65 km of hand-built trail on Montana Mountain, built largely by First Nations youth.
Sip & Savour: The Ultimate Guide to Yukon’s Craft Beer & Food Scene
Wild game, northern berries, and award-winning breweries, where to eat and drink.
Soaking in Paradise: A Local’s Guide to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
Thermal pools, cold plunges, and frosted hair, what to expect and when to visit.
Soaring Over Canada’s Highest Peak: A Kluane Flightseeing Tour
Gliding past massive icefields and Mount Logan, the Yukon's ultimate bird's-eye view.
Step Back in Time: How to Spend 48 Hours in Dawson City
Boardwalks, saloons, and gold-rush history: A curated two-day Klondike itinerary.
Sun Dogs, Pillars & Mirrors: Optical Phenomena of the Subarctic Sky
The science and beauty behind the North's rarest daytime sky spectacles.
Surviving the Shadows: How Yukoners Embrace the Dark Days
Potlucks, saunas, and night skiing, turning the darkest months into a celebration.
Sweet Northern Flavours: A Guide to the Yukon’s Wild Berries
Cranberries, blueberries, and "tundra gold" cloudberries, plus how to pick them safely.
The Golden Circle: Fjords, Alpine Passes & Gold-Rush History
A 600 km loop through the Yukon, BC, and coastal Alaska, one of the North's great drives.
The Switzerland of the North: A Day Trip to Atlin, BC
A tiny lakefront town of glaciers and peaks, reachable only through the Yukon.
The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre: Clans, Canoes & Carving
Totem poles, five clans, and living Inland Tlingit culture on Teslin Lake.
The Toughest Race on Earth: The History and Heart of the Yukon Quest
Frozen rivers and mountain passes test the bond between mushers and elite sled dogs.
What to Pack for the Yukon: The Ultimate All-Season Layering Guide
Stay warm, dry, and ready — the master layering list for July heat to January cold.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Yukon? A Season-by-Season Guide
Daylight, weather, aurora odds, and activities compared season by season.
Where to Safely See Wildlife in the Yukon (Bears, Moose & Caribou)
Clear, responsible advice on where to look and how to stay safe and ethical.
Yukon Singletrack: Mountain Biking Whitehorse, Carcross & Dawson City
Three towns, three trail networks, one of the North's great two-wheeled road trips.
Where to Eat in Yukon: Neighbourhoods and Booking Advice
Real food, town by town, and how to actually get a table when you get there.
Yukon After Dark: What's Open and What to Budget
Long summer light and short winter days change everything about a Yukon evening, from when you eat to what a room costs in Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake.
What Yukon Locals Actually Eat, and Where Tourists Can Find It
The road up from the south is long, and freight costs shape almost everything about how people eat here. That's why Yukon food culture leans so heavily on what can actually be grown, harvested, or preserved close to home.
The People Behind the Yukon's Food Scene
A Top Chef Canada competitor, an airline with its own in-house kitchen, and a Dawson City restaurant with a national reputation, here's who's actually shaping how the Yukon eats.
Carcross Desert: The World's Smallest Desert Isn't Actually a Desert
Just off the Klondike Highway near Carcross, Yukon, sits one of the strangest landscapes in the North.
Moose in the Yukon: Where to See Them and How to Watch Safely
The largest member of the deer family lives across the whole territory, and it's harder to spot than most visitors expect.
Whitehorse on Intrepid Travel's 2027 Not Hot List: What It Means
The first Canadian destination ever to make the list, and what the recognition does and doesn't say.
Day Trip to Tombstone Territorial Park from Dawson City
A drive up the Dempster Highway to alpine tundra, short trails and the Interpretive Centre, starting in Dawson City.
Yukon Wild Foods and Where to Taste Them
A guide to the berries, birch sap and other wild foods of the Yukon, and where visitors can meet them at markets and in communities.
Beaver Creek, Yukon: A Traveller's Guide to Canada's Westernmost Town
Here's what to know before you drive the last stretch of the Alaska Highway to Canada's westernmost community and its border crossing with Alaska.
Christmas and New Year 2026 in Yukon: Where to Stay and How to Book Early
With Christmas Day and New Year's Day falling on the usual nationwide statutory holidays in 2026, Whitehorse fills up fast, so lock in a base before the aurora season peaks.
Dawson City in November: What's On and What to Expect
Between the summer gold-rush crowds and the deep-winter festivals, Dawson City in November is quiet, cold and strangely rewarding for travellers who plan around it.
Yukon Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip to the North
Here is how to time a Yukon trip, pick a base, and build a route that actually works with the territory's distances and seasons .
Getting to Downtown Whitehorse: By Road, Bus and Air
Whether you are flying in or driving, here is how to reach downtown Whitehorse.
Downtown Whitehorse on a Budget: Tips for a Walkable Stay
The Yukon's capital is compact enough to explore on foot, which makes it one of the easiest northern cities to visit without a taxi or rental car.
Best Time to Visit Marsh Lake: A Month-by-Month Guide
Marsh Lake changes character with every season, and choosing the right month shapes whether you're chasing swans, midnight light, or the aurora over the lake.
Day trip to Carcross from Whitehorse
A drive down the South Klondike Highway to Emerald Lake, the Carcross Desert and Carcross Commons, starting in Whitehorse.
Travel guides
48 hours in Yukon
Two days is enough to see Whitehorse, dip into the wilderness, and eat a bison burger. Here is a tight plan that skips 3 tourist traps most first-timers fall into.
One week in Yukon
Seven days lets you loop Whitehorse, Kluane, and Dawson City with 2 real wilderness days built in. Around 1,800 km of driving total — plan for one long push.
Yukon in 3 days on a budget
You can do Whitehorse and one wilderness trip for under $400 all-in beyond the flight. Here is the exact plan with 4 free activities anchoring each day.
Yukon in 3 days, upgraded
The high-end 3-day version: private guides, one flightseeing tour, and 2 of the best rooms in the territory. Budget around $3,500 per person excluding flights.
Day trip to Atlin from Yukon
Atlin is technically in northern BC but only accessible via Yukon — 178 km south of Whitehorse on a mix of paved and gravel road. Allow a full 10-hour day.
Day trip to Skagway from Yukon
Skagway, Alaska is 175 km from Whitehorse on the South Klondike Highway — 2.5 hours plus a US border crossing. Bring your passport and $10 USD in cash for parking.
Where to stay in Yukon
Yukon has 4 real accommodation zones and roughly 2,200 hotel rooms total. Here is how to match neighborhood to trip style, from downtown Whitehorse to Dawson boutique.
When to visit Yukon
Yukon has 2 tourist peaks (July and February-March) and a shoulder that most people miss. Here is what each of the 12 months actually looks like on the ground.
Getting around Yukon
Yukon is 483,000 km² with 43,000 people. There are 5 practical ways to move around, and knowing which to use where saves days of pain.
Money, tipping, and prices in Yukon
Yukon is 25 to 40% more expensive than southern Canada. Here is what things actually cost, when to tip, and 3 ways to blunt the sticker shock.
Safety and Street Smarts in Yukon
The real risks here are wildlife, weather, and distance, and the real safety net is a specific set of tools worth knowing about before you need them.
Signature dishes of Canada in Yukon
Forget maple syrup and poutine (they exist here but aren’t the story). Yukon's real food identity centres on 6 dishes rooted in game, fish, and gold-rush baking.
Best markets in Yukon
Yukon has 4 markets worth planning around — 2 in Whitehorse, 1 in Dawson, and 1 in Atlin. Prices are steep but produce is fresher than anything at the supermarket.
Cheap eats in Yukon under $10
Yukon is expensive but 8 specific spots let you eat under $10. Most are food trucks, delis, or happy hours — here is the working list.
Free things to do in Yukon
Yukon looks expensive on paper but the biggest experiences — mountains, rivers, aurora — cost nothing. Here are 12 free activities across the territory.
Yukon Nightlife: Whitehorse, Dawson, and Everywhere In Between
Real bars, real traditions, and an honest look at where the evening actually happens.
Best sunset spots in Yukon
In June and July Yukon barely has sunset — the sun dips and comes back. In August through October the golden hour lasts 90 minutes. Here are 6 spots that deliver.
Every stay booked through The Yukon funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, the climate action already built into checkout.
You're not charged more and the hotel isn't paid less. It's just what happens when you tap Reserve.