See the Best Yukon Attractions & Natural Wonders
From hot springs to historic districts, Yukon packs a lot to see and do into its nearly half-million square kilometers of wilderness, mountains, forests, and rivers.
Whitehorse – Yukon’s Action-packed Capital
Just 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve showcases animals native to the area. The facility is run by passionate staff who care for injured wild animals before returning them to the wild. Grab your camera and set out on the 3-mile viewing loop – by foot, ski, snowshoe, or bus – for a chance to see lynx, elk, bison and other creatures who live here.
One of the territory’s most spectacular and easy to see sights is Miles Canyon, which is just minutes from downtown Whitehorse. The canyon was once an obstacle to gold miners, who struggled to navigate the canyon’s turbulent waters. Today, you can walk a historic suspension bridge for a gorgeous view of the canyon, and nearby you’ll find trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.
Yukon’s history is closely tied to gold mining, and you can try your luck at the MacBride Museum of Yukon History in downtown Whitehorse. Try panning for gold or see First Nations beadwork and tools. You can walk through Sam McGee’s cabin or view historic artifacts and photographs. Nearby, the S.S. Klondike sits on the shores of the Yukon River. Walk aboard this historic riverboat to learn how the ship worked and what passengers did to pass the time.
One of the most photographed sites in Yukon is Emerald Lake – it’s just off the Klondike Highway and close to Carcross. The other is the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake – a maze of 77,000 town signs brought by visitors from around the world.
Relive the Gold Rush or Drive the Alaska Highway
Dawson City became one of Canada’s biggest cities practically overnight thanks to the Klondike Gold Rush. Today you can walk the town’s historic streets and see restored buildings like the telegraph office and the Robert Service Cabin. The S.S. Keno is moored downtown and open for tours, and the Dawson City Museum hosts exhibits and archives chronicling the settlement of the north. Ready to unwind? Soak the day away in the 107-degree waters of Takhini Hot Springs.
Every road in Yukon is a scenic highway, but none is more famous than the Alaska Highway. The historic route traverses the Yukon and weaves past memorable landscapes including sprawling icefields, Canada’s highest mountain, historic First Nations sites, and pristine rivers and lakes.
One of Yukon’s greatest attractions can be found by looking up – the clear night sky. Rhapsodized by Robert Service and memorable to everyone who sees them, the aurora borealis is visible roughly 200 nights per year in the Yukon. While the lights can be seen from cities and towns, tour operators in the territory will outfit you with warm winter clothing and take you to cabins deep in the wilderness to visit the spectacle unhampered by ambient lighting. And speaking of tours, there are more than a dozen providers who can arrange trips to parks, mountains, and historic sites, including day trips to the Arctic and dogsledding adventures!
No matter where you go in the Yukon, adventure awaits – get ready for the trip of your life.
Dawson City
Dubbed the Paris of the North, Dawson City is an Old West town in western Yukon near the border with Alaska. Settled in 1896 on the Yukon River, Dawson City hosts eight National Historic Sites of Canada right in town. Dawson City boasts walking tours, outdoor recreation, cultural spots, and events. Explore the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture, set down the Yukon River on the Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler, and be sure to tour the Palace Grand Theatre. DC also hosts events like the Dawson City International Short Film Festival and Dawson City Music Festival, as well as a stop over on the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. And this being the northwest, be sure to hit the Ridge Road Heritage Trail, or tee off at the Dawson City Golf Course.
Muktuk Adventures
The capital city of Whitehorse, in the northern territory of Yukon, is home to a variety of wonderful museums, activities and attractions. For an unforgettable experience, schedule a visit to Muktuk Adventures, north of downtown Whitehorse. This incredible "preferred national attraction" offers a wonderful variety of sled dog tours and summer tours that include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, rafting and fishing on the Takhini River. Since 1995, year-round fun abounds at Muktuk Adventures, a proud recipient of the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Whether you play with the puppies, take a walk with the dogs or learn more about the sport of mushing from one of the interpretive guides, there is plenty of outdoor adventure to be had. Stay close to the action in a comfortable Best Western guest room and enjoy your time in Yukon.
Sky High Wilderness Ranch
Ready for fun? While in Whitehorse, visit the Sky High Wilderness Ranch for an authentic Yukon experience. Choose a horseback or dogsled adventure tour, from one hour to all day, for a great time outside. The "Hike with the Huskies" and "Salmon BBQ and Kennel Tour" are great new tours being offered this summer. Kick up feet in a comfortable Best Western guest room after a fun-flled day at the ranch.
S.S. Klondike
Southern Yukon territory visitors looking for a fun day of sight-seeing, have wonderful options in Whitehorse. Touring the historical S.S. Klondike, located on the Yukon River, is a definite must-do. The original S.S. Klondike sternwheeler was built in 1929 and hauled freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City. Once it ran aground in 1936, parts were salvaged by the British-Yukon Navigation Company and the S.S. Klondike II was built. Klondike II hauled freight in Yukon through the 30s and 40s, until 1950. Once the highway from Whitehorse to Dawson City was built, the sternwheeler was decommissioned. The ship was converted into a cruise ship and remained active for five years, before it was sent to the Whitehorse shipyards. Thankfully, the ship was restored and moved to its current location, in 1966. While in town, stay close to this National Historic Site of Canada and many other city attractions, in a comfortable Best Western guest room.
Takhini Hot Springs
Relax and take a break while visiting Whitehorse. Stop by the Takhini Hot Springs and for an afternoon of fun at the newly renovated pool complex in this natural odorless hot springs pool. Enjoy a snack or meal in the licensed cafe, climb the rock wall or try the zip line. The hot springs are open year-round. After soaking in the hot springs, kick up your feet in a comfortable Best Western guest room.