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Travel Yukon
It’s a different world up here
Travel Yukon is the official tourism website for the Yukon Territory in Canada, offering comprehensive resources for planning a visit to this unique region. The site provides detailed information on the Yukon’s rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore various activities available across different seasons, including viewing the northern lights, dog sledding, hiking, and cultural experiences with Yukon First Nations. The website also features itineraries, experience packages, and practical travel tips to help plan your trip. Additionally, it offers a traveller quiz to tailor recommendations based on individual preferences. For personalized assistance, the site provides contact information for travel advisors.
Plan & Stay
Planning a trip to the Yukon Territory involves several key steps to ensure a memorable and well-organized experience. Here’s a concise guide to help you prepare:
1. Determine the Best Time to Visit
The Yukon offers unique experiences across all seasons:
Summer (June to August): Enjoy extended daylight hours, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife viewing, and exploring national parks.
Autumn (September to October): Experience vibrant fall colours and the onset of the Northern Lights.
Winter (November to March): Engage in activities like skiing/snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.
Spring (April to May): A transitional period with fewer crowds, offering opportunities for early-season hiking and wildlife spotting.
For more detailed insights on seasonal activities, visit Travel Yukon’s guide on When to Visit the Yukon.
2. Plan Your Itinerary
Tailor your itinerary based on your interests and the duration of your stay:
Iconic Drives: Embark on scenic road trips such as the Golden Circle Route, which takes you through picturesque towns and alpine passes into Alaska.
Outdoor Adventures: Explore a wide range of trails, canoeing routes, and wildlife viewing spots.
Cultural Experiences: Visit local museums, art galleries, and First Nations cultural centers to immerse yourself in the Yukon’s rich heritage.
For curated itineraries and inspiration, explore Travel Yukon’s Itineraries section.
3. Choose Your Accommodations
The Yukon offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences:
Hotels & Motels: Comfortable stays in urban centres like Whitehorse.
Cabins & Lodges: Rustic accommodations nestled in nature offering private chalets and Aurora Borealis viewing. Stay at Mt. Sima’s Alpine Escape for a unique glamping experience.
Bed & Breakfasts: Personalized experiences with local hosts.
Camping & RV Parks: For those seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
Explore a comprehensive list of accommodations on Travel Yukon’s Where to Stay page.
4. Book Experience Packages
To enhance your visit, consider booking specialized experience packages:
Winter Adventures: All-inclusive packages like Winter at Its Best offer activities such as northern lights viewing, snowshoeing, and gourmet dining.
Wildlife Tours: Guided excursions focusing on the Yukon’s diverse fauna.
Cultural Tours: Interactive experiences with Indigenous communities.
Discover available packages on Travel Yukon’s Experience Packages page.
5. Utilize Travel Resources
Equip yourself with essential information:
Yukon Highway Map: Familiarize yourself with the road networks and scenic pit stops.
Welcome Guide: Learn about the 14 First Nations, local festivals, and events.
Access these resources through Travel Yukon’s Get Familiar with the Yukon section.
By following these steps and utilizing the resources available on TravelYukon.com, you can effectively plan and enjoy a remarkable stay in the Yukon Territory.
Experience Providers
The Yukon Territory boasts a diverse array of experience providers catering to both summer and winter adventures.
Year-Round Experience Providers
Mt. Sima: Located just 15 minutes from Whitehorse, Mt. Sima is a non-profit alpine adventure park offering skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski events in the winter, as well as downhill mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
Epic North Tour Experiences: Based in Whitehorse, this premium tour operator offers scheduled and tailor-made day and multi-day tours for small to large groups, exploring the stunning landscapes of the North, including Alaska.
Boréale Explorers: Located 35 minutes from Whitehorse, this modern adventure lodge provides year-round accommodations and activities, including hiking, biking, and northern lights viewing.
Yukon Wild: A collective of adventure companies offering tours and products for groups, families, and independent travellers, focusing on authentic wilderness experiences.
Summer Experience Providers
Alayuk Adventures: Offers guided hiking or backpacking trips, with or without their friendly huskies, and exclusive sightseeing tours.
Cathers Wilderness Adventures: Provides cabin-based stays with guided day trips by foot, canoe, or boat, as well as camping trips, including hiking with pack dogs and canoeing on the Yukon River.
- Yukon Horsepacking Adventures: Explore Yukon’s untamed wilderness on horseback with guided trips ranging from scenic day rides to immersive multi-day backcountry adventures.
Winter Experience Providers
Muktuk Adventures Limited: Offers dog sledding tours, allowing guests to drive their own team or share with a guide, ranging from half-day to longer expeditions.
Yukon Alpine Adventures: Provides guided alpine adventures, including ice climbing and backcountry skiing, tailored to various skill levels.
Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Features all-inclusive winter packages, combining luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and exclusive activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding, all while experiencing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
These providers ensure that visitors can immerse themselves in the Yukon’s natural beauty and cultural richness, regardless of the season.
Air North
Air North, Yukon’s Airline, is a Canadian carrier based in Whitehorse, Yukon. Founded in 1977 by Joe Sparling and Tom Wood as Air North Charter and Training, the airline initially focused on charter flights for the mining industry and flight training services. Over the years, Air North has expanded its operations to include scheduled passenger and cargo services across various destinations.
Destinations:
Air North operates flights to multiple locations within Canada, including:
Yukon: Whitehorse, Dawson City, Old Crow
British Columbia: Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna
Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton
Ontario: Toronto, Ottawa
Northwest Territories: Yellowknife, Inuvik
Services:
Beyond passenger flights, Air North offers:
Air North Getaways: A range of affordable air and accommodation packages, as well as unique experiences, in many of the destinations they serve.
Cargo Services: Comprehensive cargo solutions across their network, catering to various shipping needs.
Air North is committed to providing exceptional service, reflecting the spirit and hospitality of the Yukon. Their dedication to passenger experience has garnered positive reviews, with travellers praising their friendly staff and onboard offerings.
Indigenous Respectful Guidelines
The Yukon is home to 14 distinct First Nations, each with its own rich cultural heritage. To ensure respectful and meaningful interactions when visiting these communities, consider the following guidelines:
Educate Yourself Before Visiting: Prior to your trip, take time to learn about the histories, cultures, and traditions of the First Nations communities you plan to visit. This demonstrates respect and fosters deeper connections.
Engage with Indigenous Tourism Operators: Participate in guided experiences led by First Nations tourism operators. These tours offer authentic insights into Indigenous cultures, traditions, and perspectives, enriching your understanding of the land and its people.
Visit Cultural Centres: Explore First Nations cultural centres in various Yukon communities. These centres showcase Indigenous art, history, and traditions, providing valuable learning opportunities and supporting local cultural preservation.
Attend Indigenous Events and Festivals: Participate in First Nations events and festivals to experience the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures. These gatherings often feature traditional music, dance, storytelling, and cuisine, offering immersive cultural experiences.
Support Indigenous Artisans: Purchase authentic artworks and crafts directly from First Nations artists. This not only supports local economies but also honours the cultural significance of their creations.
Practice Leave-No-Trace Principles: When exploring natural areas, especially those within traditional territories, adhere to leave-no-trace principles. This approach respects the land and aligns with Indigenous values of environmental stewardship.
Seek Permission and Follow Protocols: Always seek permission before entering Indigenous lands or participating in cultural activities. Respect any guidelines or protocols shared by community members to ensure your presence is welcomed and appropriate.
By following these guidelines, visitors can ensure their travels in the Yukon are respectful, enriching, and supportive of Indigenous communities.