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Accommodation

Accommodation

Yukon Territory, Canada

Accommodation Types

Traditional Lodging

  • Hotels

    Full range from budget to upscale, downtown and along major routes. Amenities often include restaurants, fitness, business facilities.

  • Motels

    Ample parking, direct access for car travelers. Simpler accommodations, clean and comfortable.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Personalized, intimate stays. Charming residential settings, home-like atmosphere. Breakfast often included.

  • Cabins/Cottages

    Within city or secluded natural settings. Rustic charm, private, self-contained, often with kitchens.

Alternative & Outdoor Stays

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly, dorms & private rooms. Good for solo travelers. Common kitchens, shared lounge areas. Find hostels on Hostelworld.com

  • Vacation Rentals

    Growing option for self-catering or longer stays. Apartments, houses, cabins. Suitable for families/groups, with more space and kitchen access. Explore rentals on Vrbo.com

  • Wilderness Lodges

    Outside city, short drive/bush plane access. Northern Lights viewing, wildlife encounters, remote nature immersion. Connects to Yukon wilderness.

  • Camping & RV Parks

    Well-maintained government campgrounds (Robert Service, Wolf Creek). Private parks with full hook-ups, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi. Backcountry camping also permitted.

Neighborhood Guide

Whitehorse's neighborhoods offer different experiences and advantages.

Downtown Whitehorse

Benefits
  • Central location, walkable to most attractions.
  • Access to dining, shops, and services.
  • Main public transport hub.
  • Lively atmosphere.
Considerations
  • Can be noisier than residential areas.
  • Parking might be more limited.
  • Typical urban precautions at night.

Riverdale

Benefits
  • Quieter atmosphere.
  • Good access to trails and green spaces.
  • Many B&Bs or vacation rentals.
  • Peaceful ambiance.
Considerations
  • A walk or short drive/bus ride to downtown attractions.
  • Fewer immediate dining options.

Northern/Highway Corridors

Benefits
  • Good for long-term stays (more vacation rentals).
  • Access to services in strip malls.
  • Convenient for vehicle travelers.
  • Ample parking.
Considerations
  • Further from downtown attractions.
  • Driving or longer bus ride for city exploration.
  • Less scenic than downtown.

Area Considerations

Attraction & Transport Access

Downtown is ideal for walking to major city attractions and transit. Alaska Highway areas suit vehicle travelers.

Ambiance

Downtown has ambient noise from traffic/nightlife. Residential areas like Riverdale offer a quieter, peaceful ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation and save money.

Advance Booking

  • Summer (High Season): Booking hotels, cabins, and popular RV sites several months in advance is wise, specifically for July and August. Availability becomes very limited, and prices are at their highest.
  • Winter (Northern Lights Peak): For popular Northern Lights viewing packages and lodges, book 6-12 months ahead. Hotel rooms in Whitehorse are also in demand, so booking 2-3 months in advance is wise.
  • Shoulder Season (May, September, October): Booking 1-2 months in advance is generally sufficient. You might find good deals closer to the date if you are flexible.
  • Check Policies: Confirm deposit and cancellation policies carefully before finalizing your reservation, especially for non-refundable rates.

Trusted Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are widely used and reliable for hotels. Book on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms for finding apartments, houses, and cabins. Find rentals on Vrbo.com.
  • Camping: For territorial campgrounds, use the Yukon Parks website (yukon.ca/camping). Private campgrounds often have their own direct booking sites.
  • Direct Booking: Booking directly with independent hotels or B&Bs can sometimes result in better rates or special packages. This supports local businesses directly.

Booking Tips

Flexibility

Being flexible with dates or property types can sometimes result in better prices during off-peak times.

Travel Insurance

Consider travel insurance for unexpected changes to plans. Read policies carefully.

Read Reviews

Consult recent guest reviews to understand real experiences at properties.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for various budgets and travel styles in Whitehorse:

Budget Options

Hostel: Beez Kneez Bakpakers Hostel

Central, friendly atmosphere, common kitchen, dorms & private rooms.

  • Social hub for travelers
  • Downtown Whitehorse location
  • Good value accommodation
  • Shared amenities
Budget Hotel: Skookum Jim's House

Basic, clean, good value, central location.

  • Simple, comfortable rooms
  • Close to downtown attractions
  • Economical stay
  • Local character

Mid-Range Stays

Coast High Country Inn

Central location, river views, restaurant, popular with tour groups. Book IHG Hotels

  • Riverfront access
  • On-site dining
  • Comfortable rooms
  • Group friendly
Edgewater Hotel

Historic building, central, close to shops and dining.

  • Historic charm
  • Walkable to city sights
  • Modern amenities
  • Dining nearby

Luxury & Unique

  • Raven Inn Whitehorse

    Modern, upscale amenities, central, excellent service. Contemporary design with downtown convenience. Top-tier comfort.

  • Sundog Retreat

    Rustic-luxury cabins, prime Northern Lights viewing, peaceful setting. Outside city limits, for immersive nature experiences and aurora.

  • Klondike Valley Guest House

    Cozy, comfortable, often with personal touches in Riverdale. A quiet retreat with personalized hospitality, close to trails.

  • Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo)

    Good for families or longer stays, kitchen facilities. Search for 'Downtown Whitehorse Apartment' or 'Riverdale Cabin' for tailored space.

Camping & Outdoor

  • Robert Service Campground

    Closest to city, walking distance to downtown, basic facilities. Yukon River setting, convenient city access for campers.

  • Wolf Creek Campground

    Yukon Territorial Park, scenic, well-maintained, quiet. South of Whitehorse, a peaceful escape with natural beauty.

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Vacation rentals offer space and kitchens. Hotels with pools, like Coast High Country Inn, appeal to families. Campgrounds like Wolf Creek Campground feature playgrounds and open spaces for kids.

  • Solo Traveler & Long-Stay

    Beez Kneez Bakpakers Hostel provides a social atmosphere. Vacation rentals and RV parks suit extended visits. Downtown hotels offer city access; some hotels have extended-stay rates.

Cultural Significance

Edgewater Hotel

Holds historical charm, providing a sense of the past within the city center.

  • Original building from early 20th century
  • Central to downtown history
  • Reflects pioneer era architecture
MacBride Museum

While not accommodation, it provides deep historical context for the city, enriching visits.

  • Comprehensive Yukon history
  • Gold Rush artifacts
  • First Nations heritage exhibits
  • Local wildlife displays

Budget Tip

Self-Catering Stays

Consider accommodations with kitchen facilities for longer stays or budget management.

Local Markets

Visit local markets for fresh, seasonal ingredients to enhance your home-cooked meals.