The McBride Museum is located right along the edge of the Yukon River in the downtown area of Whitehorse. Things to Do in Whitehorse, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 11,523 traveller reviews and photos of Whitehorse tourist attractions. But this isnt your everyday visit to the lake. explore concerts, meetups, open mics, art shows, music events and a lot more. If you have no way to print the map, just head on over to the office and theyll provide you with one free of charge. by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 27, 2021 | Canada, North America, Travel Tips. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. Another cool place to stop for a short visit is the Yukon Territorial Government Building, which is home to some beautiful tapestries and paintings produced in the Yukon. They are on the site of the former Takhini Hot Springs which was demolished in September 2020 after a half century of use. Lots of skiing. Pinterest. This page and website in general may contain affiliate links. One of winter's most noteworthy events is the world-renowned Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race1,000 miles between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska. Rent a bike in Whitehorse, and we promise itll put your previous bike excursions to shame. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Things to Do in Whitehorse Popular things to do Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours 4WD Tours Top Picks Tours & Sightseeing Cultural & Theme Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Private & Custom Tours Ports of Call Tours Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Walking Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours Please check your inbox and hit confirm. Know before you go: travel guidelines for visitors entering the Yukon are currently in place. If youre interested in heading out on a 28-km canoe trip, check out Up North Adventures. If you want to go even deeper into the history of the Yukon, head over to the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, which is located near the Yukon Transportation Museum. Built in 1929 in Whitehorse by the British Yukon Navigation Company, it had a large cargo capacity and the. Grab your FREE Trip Planning Guide and Canada Packing Checklist, including lists for camping, hiking, and winter excursions! I soon discover that this compact place with its wide streets and charming 20th-century buildings has a huge history, with sights to prove it. I will be working in Whitehorse for a little under 2 months from February to the end of March. If youre looking to do a short road trip or if youve driven to Whitehorse, you might want to stop at Emerald Lake, a beautiful lake that looks emerald-green on a calm day, while surrounded by Surprise Mountain and Mt Gilliam. Whats an activity that will get you familiar with the territory in no time, while having a good time? Schwatka to Miles Canyon and Schwatka Lake. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I breathe in the cool air as I survey this stunning scene. Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North, Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs. Another great place to learn about the history of Whitehorse and Yukon is the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, which features a large collection of items and photographs from the gold rush, as well as information about the Yukon First Nations. The Gold Rush gallery in particular tells the story of how the discovery of gold near . There is a lot to do and see in Whitehorse in late winter to early spring. Tour Experiences operates out of Whitehorse and is the leading Tour Operator for adventure & sightseeing tours in the Yukon and Alaska. The Yukon River in Whitehorse in winter beside the Millenium Trail, Leigh McAdam is an award-winning photographer and three-time author. Intermediate Snowshoeing with Barb Gauthier - Members Series price; Named after the creamy rapids of the 3,200km-long Yukon River on which the town is located (the rapids were thought to have resembled horses manes), Whitehorse is compact indeed. Whether you catch the big one or not, youll have more than fish stories to tell after this experience. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. Maybe rip out the pages and sleep with them on a pillow next to you-whatever helps plan the trip of your dreams. Ride along with one of Whitehorse's horseback riding adventure companies for day trips or multi-day excursions. Whitehorse has a unique history and so it makes sense to learn about some of that history when you visit the city. You wont find a warmer welcome anywhere. DAWSON CITYWATSON LAKEWHITEHORSECAMPBELL REGIONFAROROSS RIVERKLONDIKE REGIONCARMACKSDAWSON CITYPELLY CROSSINGSTEWART CROSSINGSILVER TRAILKENO CITYMAYOKLUANE REGIONBEAVER CREEKBURWASH LANDINGDESTRUCTION BAYHAINES JUNCTIONNORTH YUKONEAGLE PLAINSOLD CROWSOUTHERN LAKES REGIONCARCROSSMARSH LAKEMOUNT LORNETAGISHTESLIN, ATLINCHETWYNDDAWSON CREEKFORT NELSONFORT ST. JOHN, FORT MCPHERSONINUVIKPAULATUKTSIIGEHTCHICTUKTOYAKTUKULUKHAKTOK (HOLMAN), WHITEHORSE AIRPORT ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES, DAWSON CITY EVENTSFARO EVENTSMAYO EVENTSWATSON LAKE EVENTSWHITEHORSE EVENTS. 99/month for 3 months . Sign up with Muktuk Kennels (who will provide all the warm-weather clothing you need) if you want what I would call an experience of a lifetime. Ironically, my favourite local animal is, in fact, extinct. They even have after dark hours with a discounted rate; although these are specifically children-free times due to safety regulations. But please dont keep the looniewe need it for next year. Just on the outskirts of Whitehorse is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Yukon. Whitehorse winter days may be short and chilly, but our citizens offer long stays and warm hospitality. Built in 1929 in Whitehorse by the British Yukon Navigation Company, it had a large cargo capacity and theS.S. Klondike carried supplies and ore from the Mayo Mining District, where silver was being mined. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. One of the chief reasons people literally flock to the Yukon from all over the world in winter is to see the Aurora Borealis the Northern Lights. This 366m-long contraption, the longest in North America, was specially constructed for salmon to be able to bypass the dam wall which would impede their natural if arduous upriver journey for hundreds of kilometres to spawn (the salmon run). When to go: They don't call it the Great White North for nothing. Nature & Wildlife Areas. Its not a huge museum but there are a number of exhibits, including a log cabin belonging to Sam McGee, a variety of machinery and implements, and even an exhibit about the beautiful wildlife that calls Yukon home. Lots of snow. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Take a break and smile as you bask in late winter sunshine while chowing down on a perfectly smoked sausage cooked over a fire on the shore of the lake. Its a modern, convivial place where thankfully, the word barista is understood. Interpretational signs along the Millenium Trail offerhints about the rivers wild and woolly past. From Dawson City to Whitehorse to wherever really, heading out on a snowmobile adventure in winter is one of the most exciting ways to tell boredom to eat your dust (or snow). Its a festival celebrating the Yukons frontier spirit. Explore. Whitehorse, the capital of Canadas Yukon Territory, is a small city with a big heart. If youd like a life-changing experience, rent a pair of skis, drop by the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and glide your way from animal to animal. Youll see woodland caribou, wood bison, Arctic fox, wood bison and Thinhorn sheep (a species of Dall sheep) to name a few. Thanks for subscribing. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net. This changes with the time that the sun sets throughout the winter months; starting as early as 4 pm in December. The video was outstanding! If you prefer to go on a self-guided trek, there is an abundance of places where you can rent snowshoes as well. You must reserve online as walk-ins are nor permitted. But no ride-sharing app can ever compare to sharing your ride with a pack of energetic huskies. The Yukon is a very cool place. The snowy trails with frosty views are other worldly, and snowshoes are the best way to start walking in these winter wonderlands. Are their nice Winter hiking trails and fun bars to go too? Eventually, many years and circuitous turns later including stints as a grape picker in France, a dancer in a Bolivian folkloric dance troupe and a volunteer in Peru, plus a two years working in Mozambique -- I eventually became a full-time travel writer. One word for this document. Things to Do in Whitehorse Map Popular things to do Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours 4WD Tours Top Picks Cultural & Theme Tours Tours & Sightseeing Luxury & Special Occasions Private & Custom Tours Ports of Call Tours Walking Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Spa Tours Water Sports Ways to tour Whitehorse How do I prepare for the temperatures accordingly? What is a muskox, anyway? You can typically find snowshoeing bundled on a tour with a bunch of other fun, frosty things to do around Whitehorse. Dog Sledding If you are looking for a unique experience in Whitehorse, then dog mushing may be the thing for you. List of cafes, restaurants and museums. Soak in the warm waters of the earth at the two pools of Takhini Hot Pools. The staff are very supportive and will make sure you have a great time. Then its the Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre, a fascinating facility that celebrates the regions First Nations people, the Kwanlin Dn, and exhibits everything from artworks to a traditional canoe to beadwork. I meed some advice! All Rights Reserved. Theres also a collection of more than 100 works by Canadian artists, from painters to musicians, all of which can be seen in the facilitys permanent collection. Whitehorse is the perfect base for day trips. Please come prepared for outside winter activity, wearing good winter boots and warm outerwear, including a toque, mitts and neck warmer, and layers to shed when we sweat. The phenomenon of the aurora borealis can technically occur all year round but our ability to see them is determined by a few factors; how dark it is, how clear the sky is, and how lucky are you feeling? Grab your boots, bundle up and go for a walk in the woods. A happening state capital that's packed with fun things to do. If interesting sights and hard-core outdoor activities fishing, sledding and skiing around them these parts are plentiful, eating options are more so. Things To Do Around Whitehorse In Fall During fall, finding activities is a little trickier. 1997 - 2022 PR Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Or visit the wooden fish ladder in Whitehorse, the longest in the world, used by Chinook salmons on their way to spawning areas. Our Museums MacBride Museum 1124 Front St. Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Y1A 1A4 Phone: (867) 667-2709 Email: frontdesk@macbridemuseum.com MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum Mile 919.28 Alaska Highway Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 5B7 Phone: (867) 667-6198 Email: macbridecopperbelt@gmail.com Visit MacBride Museum - Downtown But what's there to do when you're waiting for the lights to come out? Sign up today. Just outside of Whitehorse, the Yukon River carves its way through a basaltic lava flow revealing colorful cliffs of volcanic rock. When you picture the Yukon, what do you see? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Instead, Erin drives me west of town to a viewpoint above the Miles Canyon. Although Whitehorse doesnt quite make it into the party cities in Canada category, theres still plenty to enjoy after dark. Operated by Parks Canada as a National Historic Site, you can explore its decks or get a tour of the steamship. Its so unique. 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This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do in Whitehorse, but it will give you some . Top Things to do in Whitehorse. With this tour, pull on your lightweight snowshoes and stomp through the snow. Today, there are many hiking trails to explore and a cool 25-metre-long suspension bridge. Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links. Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! November 23, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto. Looking for your next holiday? Your hosts with EPIC NORTH have more than 15 years of experience traveling around the northern regions of Canada and Alaska. S.S. Klondike (Parks Canada Historic Site) The S.S. Klondike is a former paddle sternwheeler that once serviced the Yukon River, travelling between Whitehorse and Stewart Landing, eventually moving up to Dawson City. Our content is a fusion of experienced journalism and new media, a marriage of award-winning journalists and new media influencers. For a trip that feels light-years removed from civilization sign up to do a flightseeing trip with Rocking Star Adventuresover Kluane National Park. Visitors can explore on their own with a self-guided tour booklet or guided tours are available as well. : Answer: Whitehorse residents do just what all other northern folk do in winter - get out and enjoy it. Trade in those tight spandex and streamlined bikes for a pair of snow pants and fat tiresits how we roll in the winter. The Yukon is one of those destinations that can satiate your craving for adventure. From the Whitehorse Festival Season hosted annually each year to the Morack Golf Course in Vermont South, the arts, culture, leisure and sports facilities are all thriving, active places where the community meets to be entertained, to be active and to have fun. Check to see if a curling bonspiel or hockey game is taking place while youre in town: watching a game is a great way to spend a winter night. Cover the ground with ease, and enjoy uninterrupted views over the Canadian wilderness. You can certainly explore on your own but you can also opt for the free 30-minute guided tour, which offers a great overview of the facility, its collections, and research. Transportation is obviously a key component of economic activity and the Yukon Transportation Museum is a great place to learn about the early means of transportation that helped Yukon become what it is today, including snowshoes, dog sleds, stagecoaches, boats, aircraft, and vehicles used during the construction of the Alaska Highway. There werent any proper highways back then either. Nature. 5- Learn about First Nations at Kwanlin Dun. I stayed at the conveniently located Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitehorse? Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Please check your inbox and confirm :). If that sounds too soft, you can always join them on a 15-day excursion as well! A popular trail is the Fish Lake Loop which is a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit. Try your angler's savoir-faire on the Lake Trout, the Northern Pike, the Arctic Grayling among others. Love hiking but want to add an extra element to your adventures in Whitehorse, Yukon? Things to Do in the Northwest Territories. Just a short 30-minute ride from Whitehorse is Sky High Wilderness Ranch. By then, steamship traffic had been superseded by rail, but S.S. Klondike II continued to serve, transporting supplies for the construction of the Alaska Highway. Travel in Winter Winter Conditions Affect Our Travel Share the Road - with cyclists, pedestrians, transit and all vehicles Slow down - stopping distances are longer and more unpredictable in the winter Ensure your vehicle is in good winter condition Snow plows and snow clearing equipment will clear Whitehorse roads and trails on a priority basis Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Its part of the Riverfront Trail and a connector route of the Trans-Canada Trail. A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You can follow the tours by downloading the audio program to your mobile phone and/or by printing out the accompanying map. This includes moose, mountain goats, wood bison and many more interesting animals that you wouldnt normally get a chance to see in the wild. What are my chances of seeing the Northern Lights in the time period I will be there? Snowshoes distribute your weight and allow you to walk on top of the snow-covered trails, instead of sink into them. Whitehorse ; Whitehorse - Things to Do ; Aurora Borealis & Northern Lights Tours Yukon . There you can go horse riding at Fish Lake, one of the jewels of the Yukon. Are there cheap things to do in Whitehorse? To really understand what makes the Yukon tick, there's no better place to start than at the MacBride Museum in downtown Whitehorse. Yukon: Aurora Borealis Evening Viewing Tour") . Today. Despite short daylight hours, Yukoners dont just tolerate winter; they embrace it. Dont miss out on up-to-date Yukon news, events and activities, customized to your interests. Yukon aurora viewing combines just the right amount of excitement, inspiration and comfort. If youre looking for fun things to do in Whitehorse, how about learning how to do glassblowing? Author of, Get travel tips & outdoor inspiration by signing up for our monthly newsletter. We couldve called it Nature Thawing Spring Festival, but we just didnt think it rolled off the tongue. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, the options are quite honestly endless when thinking of where to go hiking around this capital city. But no ride-sharing app can ever compare to sharing your ride with a pack of energetic huskies. There is nothing else like it on earth and the area near Whitehorse is one of the most accessible for dark night skies. His Cremation of Sam McGee is a Canadian classic and a poem most visitors will enjoy reciting. Whitehorse boasts loads of nearby fun things to do for you and the kids. As an aside the washrooms here are the best in the north! Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year . From Trump to governor: Sanders prepares to take on new role. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. 1. The view of the Yukon River is never more picturesque than when Grey Mountain is covered with snow and sparkling in the winter sun. Located only 30-minutes from downtown Whitehorse, guests can take a guided tour to see many wonderful animals, such as muskoxen, moose, mountain goats, wood bison, mule deer, elk, woodland caribou, and two species of thinhorn sheep. Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. - See 48 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Whitehorse, Canada, at Tripadvisor. This recently expanded and updated museum contains an amazing amount of Yukon historic items and information about the First Nations of the area, along with wildlife exhibits. Enter your email below and be the first to know about new articles on Must Do Canada as well as exclusive deals, giveaways, and promotions. This extraordinary creature is a legacy of Beringia when the Bering land bridge joined Asia and North America, encompassing part of modern-day Yukon. Judging by the crowd, its clear that Hank, a 70-or-so-year-old country crooner and his musicians, are legends among his aged groupies. You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at SS Klondike during your trip to Whitehorse. 8- Meet wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, 9- Explore the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, 15- Check out the Whitehorse airport baggage carousel, Kluane National Park Glacier Flightseeing, Riding The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, 20 Things To Do In Niagara Falls At Night, Meanwhile In CanadaAwaken The Six Senses, 101 Travel Quotes Inspiring The Journey, Stay up till the early hours of the morning to the. Visitors can go hiking, camping, or even take a plane ride to one of the glaciers, allowing you to actually walk on the worlds largest non-polar icefield. Read our disclosure. 2. Whitehorse is surrounded by mile after mile of natural beauty where you can spend years exploring the rolling hills, rugged mountains, and never-ending parks, but the stunning nature must not distract you from the challenges you could face if you are planning on making Whitehorse your new home. If you want to get out of Whitehorse for a few nights but you dont want to drive far, visit the Inn on the Lakelocated on the shores of Marsh Lake about a 30 minute drive away. The water, which is rich in natural minerals flows into the hot spring pool at 47C and the temperature holds up at between 36C and 42C. There's a good choice of wilderness lodges near Whitehorse. Located between Alaska and Canadas Northwest Territories, Whitehorse is the capital city of the Yukon and the largest city in Northern Canada. The trail connects to the 15km Yukon River Loop Trailand Miles Canyon, where more signage explains more about the rivers history. However, just because there are lots of wild animals doesnt mean youll see them, so if you want to see the beautiful native animals, youll want to head to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Any advice on how to prepare for this or fun things to do while I'm there will be greatly appreciated. Canoe on the stunningly beautiful Yukon River Canoe on the stunningly beautiful Yukon River One of my favourite activities we did while in Whitehorse was go canoeing on the Yukon River with Up North Adventures. . They radiate with passion and are ready to share that experience with every single one of their guests. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Witnessing this would typically be hard to do but at the Whitehorse Fishladder & Hatchery, visitors can watch this incredible spectacle first-hand. a Yukon winter trip is simply full by viewing the aurora borealis cascading throughout the night time sky. Although the rush of it all is long over, there are still gold mining operations in the area and you too can pan for gold as part of the experience. Is their fun stuff to do during the Winter that's accessible. Regardless if you choose to experience Yukons everlasting daylight in the summer or the darkest nights of the winter, there is no shortage of things to do on your visit. And happy travels! Its also home to ancient glaciers that feed the Alsek River that flows through the sprawling Alsek Valley. I won't have a car. For several years its been occupied by pair of Bald-headed eagles (with family) whose nest perches on top (apparently, since my visit, the eagles have moved nest and will do so while their home-on-the-pole airs out, after which, according to local biologists, she will return to her former home). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Start the adventure with a scenic 150 kilometre drive to Haines Junction. One of the best places to do so is at the SS Klondike National Historic Site, which is home to the largest sternwheeler that once navigated the rivers during the gold-rush era. Short days: There are long days in summer and short days in winter with a lot of darkness. Hit the slopes at Mount Sima during your trip to Whitehorse. Its even more fun if you can spend the whole day with the dogs. We Fought the Road - Christine and Dennis McClure, The Caribou Hotel: Hauntings, hospitality, a hunter and the parrot, Klondike, Kluane, Southern Lakes, Whitehorse Region, Dawson City, Haines Junction, Carcross, Marsh Lake, Whitehorse, Activities, Dogsledding, Fat Biking, Fishing, Ice Fishing, Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Heritage & Culture, Festivals and Events, Wilderness & Wildlife, Wildlife. Get ready to find out. Sounds easier said than done. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. You can choose your own escapade; from short, half-day tours to week-long immersion programs; there is something for everyone! This is a great way to use your hands and your imagination and learn a new skill that is not only fun but also results in a physical product that you can bring home. Incongruously, as though accidentally left on a sidewalk stands a giant desk sculpture, a tribute to Robert Service an author and poet, whod visited the Yukon during the gold rush.