Day 1: Upon arrival at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, visit the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. This paddle steamer offers an insight into the historic era of the Klondike gold rush. Afterward, grab a savory meal at the Burnt Toast Cafe, which offers an extensive breakfast menu. Next, take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the natural scenery at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
Day 2: Begin your day by hiking the trails of the Miles Canyon Basalts. Afterward, explore the exciting exhibits and collections at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre. End the day with a heartwarming meal at the Antoinette's, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious comfort food.
Day 3: Take an adventurous trip through the Kluane National Park and Reserve, which showcases the breathtaking glacier-carved landscapes. Visit the Mount Logan Visitor Centre where you can take a guided ranger tour, and learn about the stunning beauty of the park. In the evening, indulge in some lip-smacking food at Klondike Rib & Salmon.
Day 4: Visit the Copperbelt Railway & Mining Museum and learn from the exhibits about the coal mining and railway history of the area. Later, head towards the MacBride Museum showcasing the history of the Yukon. Finish your day with a tasty meal at the Wheelhouse Restaurant, offering spectacular views of the Yukon River.
Day 5: Embark on an adrenaline-fueled day trip to the Takhini Hot Springs, known for its natural hot springs pool. After this, visit the Yukon Transportation Museum to learn about the rich history of transportation in the Yukon. End your day with a wholesome meal at the Wayfarer Oyster House, known for its seafood delicacies.
Time and Costs Estimates
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site (1-2 hrs, $8.30)
Burnt Toast Cafe (1-2 hrs, $10-20)
Yukon Wildlife Preserve (2-3 hrs, $18)
Miles Canyon Basalts (2-3 hrs, $0)
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre (2-3 hrs, $12)
Antoinette's (2-3 hrs, $15-30)
Kluane National Park and Reserve (6-8 hrs, $0)
Mount Logan Visitor Centre (1-2 hrs, $5.80)
Klondike Rib & Salmon (2-3 hrs, $10-30)
Copperbelt Railway & Mining Museum (1-2 hrs, $7)
MacBride Museum (2-3 hrs, $10)
Wheelhouse Restaurant (2-3 hrs, $20-40)
Takhini Hot Springs (3-4 hrs, $18)
Yukon Transportation Museum (1-2 hrs, $10)
Wayfarer Oyster House (2-3 hrs, $20-40)
Total Estimated Costs = $163.10
Transportation
Whitehorse is a traffic-free city that is best explored on foot, bicycle, or car. Therefore, it is advisable to have a private car as the commute between the tourist spots can be quite a distance from each other. Taxis are also available but are considerably more expensive. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city center. This method of transportation ensures optimal flexibility with your itinerary.
Useful Tips
If you have extra days to spend, consider taking a day trip to the Tombstone Territorial Park, featuring unique wilderness, hiking trails, and photogenic mountain views. For a shorter trip, consider watching the Northern Lights at the Aurora Centre or indulging in some exhilarating outdoor activities like dog mushing or snowmobiling. If you have less time, opt for a guided tour, which efficiently covers the top tourist destinations in an organized manner.
Airports
Whitehorse's Airport, known as Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), is located just outside of the Yukon capital, approximately 4 KM from the city center, and houses a single terminal with limited facilities. It is the main airport serving the Yukon area, with daily direct flights from major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary, and a few international destinations in Alaska.