Randonner à Miles Canyon : eaux émeraude, pont suspendu et histoire
La plus belle balade de Whitehorse — des eaux turquoise à 10 min du centre.
Just ten minutes from downtown Whitehorse, the Yukon River narrows and squeezes between steep basalt cliffs, creating the swirling turquoise water of Miles Canyon. Once a treacherous obstacle that wrecked gold-rush boats, today it’s the city’s most beloved easy hike — a scenic canyon loop with a suspension bridge, cliffside trails, and a surprising amount of history. Here’s how to explore it.
A little history
During the 1897–98 stampede, the rapids here were so dangerous that they claimed boats and lives until authorities required pilots to guide craft through. The tramway and the settlement of Canyon City sprang up nearby, remnants of which you can still find on the trails. The rapids were later tamed by the downstream hydro dam, calming the water you see today.
The trails
The classic outing crosses the Robert Lowe suspension bridge and follows the canyon rim on both sides, with numerous loop options from a quick 30-minute stroll to a couple of hours. Paths are well maintained and mostly gentle, suitable for families, though cliff edges call for care with young children.
What to look for
Beyond the striking water and rock, watch for interpretive signs about the gold rush and the Canyon City site, and enjoy the wildflowers and birdlife in summer. The light on the water is beautiful in the low sun of morning and evening.
Practical tips
Wear decent shoes, bring water and bug spray in summer, and start from the main Miles Canyon parking area off the Alaska Highway. It’s free, dog-friendly on leash, and open year-round — in winter the trails become a snowy walk with the canyon under ice.
Perfect for an afternoon when you’re based in town, Miles Canyon proves you don’t have to travel far from Whitehorse to find genuine natural drama and a real slice of Yukon history.