Day trips & escapes
Best day trips from Whitehorse, ranked
5 min read
Emerald Lake near Carcross
The top three
Carcross and Emerald Lake: 75 km south, about an hour. Stop at Emerald Lake viewpoint (that turquoise photo you’ve seen), then Carcross Commons for coffee and First Nations artwork, then the world’s smallest desert. Whole loop 5-6 hours. Miles Canyon: 15 minutes from downtown, 90-minute walk on the suspension bridge trails. Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (30 km north): half-day soak, $50 entry.
Longer but worth it
Kluane Lake and Sheep Mountain: 220 km round trip, allow 7-8 hours with hiking and photos. Atlin, BC (through Carcross): full day, 250 km each way — Atlin is otherworldly and worth an overnight but doable long-day. Skagway, Alaska: only if you have your passport and want the White Pass railway — 6 hours round trip driving, 8+ with the train and border crossings. Skip it if it’s foggy on Chilkoot Pass.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pack a lunch?
For Kluane and Atlin, yes — options are limited; for Carcross and Miles Canyon, food is available.
Best time of day to leave Whitehorse?
8-9 am — you’ll catch morning light, better wildlife activity, and avoid the tour bus schedules at Emerald Lake.
Where to stay
Rooms worth pairing with this guide.
Ready to plan this trip?
Real prices for the places this piece names.
