Yukon Highlights

Today you’ll have time to explore the region and take advantage of all that Whitehorse has to offer. Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve (included), this unique wildlife viewing property features 10 species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment. Encompassing over 700 acres with various natural habitats, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

Depart Whitehorse today on a leisurely two hour drive along the historic Alaska Highway to Haines Junction. This small town has fewer people than the total number of grizzly bears in Kluane National Park! The park is home to Canada’s highest peak and the world’s largest non-polar Icefields, which lie behind the façade of mountains that provide the town’s spectacular backdrop.

Your journey continues along the Haines Highway, with the road climbing from the Chilkat River Valley to the windswept Chikat Pass. You skirt the boundaries of the Tatshenini-Alesk Provincial Park of British Columbia and Kluane National Park in the Yukon, part of the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness on earth and a United Nations World Heritage Site.

Your journey continues along the Haines Highway, with the road climbing from the Chilkat River Valley to the windswept Chikat Pass. You skirt the boundaries of the Tatshenini-Alesk Provincial Park of British Columbia and Kluane National Park in the Yukon, part of the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness on earth and a United Nations World Heritage Site.

In pictures

There’s time to go on a short hiking trip this morning, before driving north along the shores of beautiful Kluane Lake. Make a stop at Sheep Mountain, where you can spot Dall sheep alongside the mountain slopes. Continue along the famous Alaska Highway and its wild and isolated surroundings before arriving into Tok, often referred to as the “Dog Mushing Capital of Alaska”.

The Top of the World Highway provides you with views of spectacular backcountry and historical gold mining areas. When the highway reaches its highest elevation the most incredible views into far-reaching countryside open up. Cross the Yukon River by ferry, before arriving into Dawson City, where you might feel you just landed in a different century. Take in the glory of old Klondike, with its well-kept colour and fame.

You’ll have two full days to visit the various historical sights of Dawson City. Depending on your interests you might like to visit Dredge No 4, a giant gold digging machine or SS Keno, the last steamer ship to run the Yukon River from Whitehorse. The Grand Palace Theatre is home to the “Gaslight Follies Show” and there’s Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Casino, with legal gambling tables and “Can-Can” floor shows. Do not miss the short drive to the top of the Midnight Dome on Ridge Road, offering excellent views over Dawson, the Ogilvie Mountains, and the Yukon and Klondike Rivers.

Heading south, enjoy the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape. Stop at the Five Finger Rapids and hike down to the shore of the Yukon River. Later this afternoon you will reach the Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse, a city with a unique combination of pioneer values and urban sophistication.

Your Yukon self drive adventure comes to an end.