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Capital and largest city of Yukon, Canada
Photo: Brett Elliot, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon. It has spectacular scenery, and easy access to the natural splendor and recreational opportunities around it, such as paddling on the Yukon River and hiking, biking, or skiing its many trails. As the territory's largest city, it has museums and services.
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A sternwheeler paddleboat, turned into a museum.
The Miles Canyon Basalts are volcanic rocks exposed and easily accessible at Miles Canyon on the Yukon River south of Whitehorse. The former White Horse Rapids (now a hydroelectric generating site) represented the head of navigation for paddle-wheel river boats which could proceed no further. The townsite of Closeleigh (now the City of Whitehorse) was chosen because of this obstacle to navigation.
Local historic museum, opened in the 1960s in former Government Telegraph Office building. The Yukon Historical Society operates the MacBride Museum (1124 Front St.), the MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum (Mile 919.28 Alaska Highway, +1 867 667-6198) and the MacBride Waterfront Trolley (1127 Front St, +1 867 667-6355). Programs include museum tours, recreational gold panning and the occasional live music event.
A research and exhibition facility tells the story of Beringia, a 3200-km landmass which stretched from the Kolyma River in Siberia to the MacKenzie River in Canada during the Pleistocene era. Archeologists and paleontologists believe this non-glaciated crossing played a crucial role in the migrations of many animals and humans between Asia and the Americas.
Outdoor hot spring. Must be 19+ to enter.
Automotive and air transportation museum. Home of the world's biggest wind vane - a DC-3 mounted on a pivot pedestal, with the nose always pointing into the wind.
A collecion of material related to the history of the Anglican church in the Yukon back to 1861.
The longest wooden fish ladder in the world allows migratory salmon to bypass a Yukon Energy hydroelectric station. View fish through the underwater window and learn about salmon and other species from displays inside the interpretive centre. A fish hatchery, located just downstream from the fish ladder, operates year-round; the fish are tagged and stock various waterways.
Cultural centre with collection showcasing the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Interpretive programming available upon request.
The main centre for indoor recreation activity in Whitehorse. Includes, among other things, a large aquatic centre and three skating rinks.
A winter festival showcasing Canadian and Yukon musical acts.
A popular cross country skiing facility with 85 km of groomed trails. There is also a large indoor wax room, washrooms and changeroom facilities and saunas for getting toasty warm apres ski. Plus 20 km of single track trails for mountain biking in summer.
Annual two-day dance event in February with live music by professional African musicians.
Full marathon, half marathon, relay and half marathon walk.
This bakery and café offers excellent organic breads and other baked goods, hand-made chocolates, and fair trade coffee. A hot daily special and hearty soups are also offered during lunch time hours.
This restaurant provides a reliable source of satisfactory Japanese food. It features a large menu, average prices, friendly staff, and ample Japanese pop music.
Italian food.
Good breakfasts. No WiFi.
Yukon favourites such as shawarma poutine and artisan pizzas & plant-based bowls
Bar which has decent food and brews their own beer. Tacos on Wednesday.
Micro-brewery with a large gift shop and a tiny tasting room.
Micro-brewery with a tasting room.
A hostel in a house in a residential area near downtown. Has free internet and free coffee but no TV. Kitchen, BBQ, and laundry available.
This hotel is converted from a former air force base. It has a restaurant, bar and bakery on site. Pets friendly ($20 per pet per day).
Three bedrooms plus a suite. Complimentary breakfast.
Each of the four theme rooms has a private bathroom, hairdryers, telephone, TV, Internet access and work desk. One of the highlights of the facility is the large lounge area with a full kitchen, laundry and a 32" TV. It is near the scenic clay cliffs, which have hiking and walking trails. No pets, no smoking. The innalso has rooms in nearby buildings.
As featured on Martha Stewart Living and listed by National Geographic Traveller as Top 150 places to stay for 2009, this lodge is 35 minutes by car from Whitehorse. It is the top-rated accommodation and conference centre in the Yukon.
No pets.
Log chalets with snowmobile and snowshoe trails. All chalets are single or double occupancy. No kids under 16.
Gift shop. Souvenirs, art.
Yukon-branded apparel, souvenirs.
Natural products from local sources include skin care and aromatherapy products. Herbal teas.
By car
Two highways combine on to the same road within Whitehorse, and diverge once they leave this city:
By bus
By public transit
By taxi
Taxis are metered and cost $4.50 plus $2.25/km; a trip from downtown to the airport is $18 (as of 2018).
By bicycle
By car
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Whitehorse · Regional · YXY
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