Yukon Territory, Canada
Air North, Yukon's Airline: The main airline. It flies direct from Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), and Ottawa (YOW). Seasonal direct flights include Kelowna (YLW), Yellowknife (YZF), Dawson City, and Inuvik. Air North is known for its Yukon-focused service.
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport offers a comfortable experience despite its smaller size. The terminal is modern and efficient. Car rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Enterprise) have counters within the terminal. Taxi services are available outside. Limited food/beverage, typically a small cafe. Free Wi-Fi is available. A gift shop offers souvenirs.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A ride to downtown Whitehorse takes approximately 10-15 minutes and costs about CAD $15-25.
Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for guests. Inquire with your accommodation provider when booking or before arrival.
Renting a car directly from the airport is a popular option. Booking your car rental in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, as vehicle supply can be limited.
Approximately CAD $15-25 for a 10-15 minute ride to downtown Whitehorse.
Many hotels offer complimentary services for guests; confirm availability.
Whitehorse Transit (city bus system) does not directly serve the airport.
Whitehorse functions as a major stop along the historic Alaska Highway. This highway connects Whitehorse to British Columbia to the south and Alaska to the northwest. The nearest major border crossings with Alaska are at Beaver Creek, Yukon (approximately 480 km/300 miles northwest of Whitehorse), and Fraser, British Columbia (on the Skagway-Whitehorse route).
Whitehorse does not have active passenger train services connecting it to the broader North American rail network. The historic White Pass & Yukon Route scenic railway operates seasonally between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Yukon. From Carcross, bus connections to Whitehorse are available as part of tour packages.
Driving to Whitehorse is a popular way to experience the northern landscape.
Be aware of wildlife on roads, specifically moose, caribou, bears, and deer. They are common, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Collisions with large animals can be serious.
No direct ferry service connects Whitehorse to coastal areas. However, the Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferries along the Inside Passage to Skagway, Alaska. From Skagway, Whitehorse is accessible. This involves a drive of approximately 2.5 hours along the scenic Klondike Highway or by utilizing the White Pass & Yukon Route scenic railway, which runs seasonally to Carcross, Yukon, with bus connections onward to Whitehorse.
The Yukon River flows directly through Whitehorse. Historically, it served as a major transportation route for sternwheelers during the Gold Rush. Today, commercial passenger services on the river are limited. Multi-day canoe or kayak trips are popular. Many of these trips start from or pass through Whitehorse, offering an immersive way to experience the river's history and natural beauty.
Always check current road conditions before departure, especially during winter. The Yukon 511 service (511yukon.ca) provides up-to-date road information for your safety.
Distances between service stations can be long, especially on less-traveled highways. Maintain a full fuel tank when driving in the Yukon, and consider carrying extra fuel for very remote areas.
Be prepared for long stretches of highway with no cell service. Plan accordingly and inform someone of your route, especially when venturing into remote sections.
No specific departure taxes or exit fees are charged when leaving Whitehorse (YXY) or Canada by air or land. Any applicable taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price.
If departing by land, especially when crossing the Canada-US border, allow ample time for border crossing procedures. Wait times can occur, notably during peak travel periods or if you have goods to declare.
Double-check your flight status before heading to the airport. Whitehorse flights can sometimes experience delays due to weather conditions or operational issues.
Be ready with all necessary documents for border crossings, whether by land or sea, to ensure a smooth transition.
Maintain a full fuel tank when driving in the Yukon. Distances between service stations can be long, notably on less-traveled highways.
Maintain a full fuel tank when driving in the Yukon. Distances between service stations can be long, notably on less-traveled highways.
