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Whitehorse Travel Checklist

Whitehorse Travel Checklist

Yukon Territory Canada Travel Guide

Strategic Planning

Systematic planning manages all trip aspects.

Planning Timeline: Actions

Get your preparations in order over months, weeks, and days.

1

-6 Months Out

Travel Documents

Research visa/eTA, check passport validity, are valid if needed.

Major Bookings

Book flights and main accommodation, especially for peak season.

Tour Reservations

Research and book major tours (Northern Lights, dog sledding).

2

-2 Months Out

Vehicle & Itinerary

Book rental car. Plan detailed itinerary, day trips, activities.

Health & Insurance

Update vaccinations. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Additional Stays

Secure any additional accommodations for multi-day excursions.

3

-4 Weeks Out

Packing & Permits

Start packing list, acquire specialized gear. Arrange International Driving Permit.

Financial Notifications

Notify inform your bank/credit card providers about your travel plans.

Connectivity

Arrange mobile phone roaming or local SIM card.

Pre-Trip Deep Dive

Dive into Yukon history, First Nations culture, and climate.

Research Recommendations

  • Dive deep into Yukon history, especially the Gold Rush era.
  • Learn about First Nations culture and enduring heritage.
  • Understand the local climate and prepare thoroughly, especially for winter.
  • Familiarize yourself with local wildlife and safety protocols.

Home Front Prep

Prepare your home for leaving.

Home Preparation Checklist

  • Inform trusted contacts of your trip details and emergency contacts.
  • Arrange mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.
  • Secure your home by locking doors and windows and rather thanifying neighbors.
  • Pay any upcoming bills to avoid late fees during your absence.

Arrival & Departure Flow

Smooth arrival and stress-free departure.

Arrival Logistics

  • Clear Canadian immigration and customs. Documents ready.
  • Collect your baggage from the luggage carousel.
  • Pick up rental car or find pre-arranged airport transfer.
  • Check into your accommodation.

Orientation & Supplies

  • Visit the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre for maps and tips from the area.
  • Walk around downtown to get your bearings.
  • Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers (911).
  • ATMs for cash. Purchase a local SIM card if using one. Get groceries.

Departure Details

  • For large souvenirs, inquire about shipping options with the vendor.
  • Know the customs rules for your home country.
  • Allow ample time for rental car return and airport arrival (90 mins domestic, 2 hours international).
  • Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible.

Souvenir Travel Tip

Pack a small, empty bag in your luggage for souvenirs. You might find more unique items than expected, and extra space comes in handy.

Essential Travel Tips

Effortless transitions for your trip.

First Days

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs:

    Clear Canadian immigration and customs. Have documents ready.

  • 2
    Baggage Claim:

    Collect your baggage from the luggage carousel.

  • 3
    Transport:

    Proceed to retrieve your rental car or pre-arranged airport transfer.

Final Day

  • Souvenir Shipping:

    If large or valuable, inquire about shipping with the vendor.

  • Customs Regulations:

    Be aware of rules for bringing items back to your nation of origin.

  • Airport Timing:

    Arrive at YXY at least 90 minutes before domestic, 2 hours before international flights.

Connectivity & Health

Offline Mapping

Download offline maps for your phone. This proves useful when exploring outside Whitehorse.

Cell service can be intermittent or nonexistent in remote areas.

Local SIM Cards

Arrange mobile phone roaming or plan for purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival.

This ensures continuous local communication.

Medication Prep

Pack all prescription medications you need for your trip.

Assemble a basic first-aid kit for minor ailments or injuries.

Flight Confirmation

Confirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Verify if there are any delays or changes.

Financial & Tech Tips

Prepare for a journey that leaves a profound mark.

Financial Considerations

  • Notify your bank and your credit card providers about your travel plans.
  • ATMs are available for cash withdrawals upon arrival.
  • Keep a record of your expenses to stay within budget.
  • Be prepared with emergency funds accessible for surprising events.

Tech Readiness

  • Arrange mobile phone roaming or arrange for a local SIM card upon arrival.
  • Download offline maps and any useful travel apps before leaving.
  • Make sure all your devices are charged electronics: phones, cameras, power banks.
  • Consider noise-canceling headphones for long travel periods.

Tax Information

Canada's tax system has certain rules for visitors.

Visitor Tax Details

  • Goods and Services Tax (GST):5%
  • Yukon Sales Tax (PST/HST):Not applicable (Yukon has GST only)
  • Tourist Refund Program:No general program exists.
  • Specific Exemptions:Rarely apply to typical tourist purchases.

Document Backups

  • Print physical copies of your important documents.
  • Save digital backups on a cloud service or email them to yourself.
  • Store copies separately from originals.
  • Keep emergency contact information readily accessible.

Departure Reflection

The Yukon makes a memorable impact. Make time to reflect on your experiences.

Consider the ways in which you can continue to support responsible tourism in all future travels.

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