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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Yukon Territory, Canada

Iconic Landmarks

These locations narrate the Yukon's past and showcase its natural splendor.

Whitehorse's landmarks represent a rich blend of human history and stunning natural formations, inviting visitors to explore both.

Landmarks Overview

  • S.S. Klondike: Historic sternwheeler, Gold Rush link.
  • Miles Canyon: Dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, suspension bridge.
  • Yukon Wildlife Preserve: Observe northern animals in natural habitats.
  • Takhini Hot Springs: Relaxing natural mineral springs.

Major Landmarks

River & Wilderness Icons

  • S.S. Klondike National Historic Site: Restored sternwheeler, central to Gold Rush river transport. Learn about northern commerce.
  • Location: 300 Mavis Rd, Yukon River banks.
  • Operates seasonally (May-Oct). Admission for tours. Check Parks Canada for hours/fees.
  • Tip: Arrive early/late to avoid crowds. Exterior views are also good.
  • Explore tickets for Attractions on GetYourGuide

Natural Wonders & Wildlife

  • Miles Canyon: Stunning natural landmark on Yukon River. Basalt cliffs, turquoise waters, Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge. Access is free, outside Whitehorse.
  • Yukon Wildlife Preserve: 700-acre facility for various Yukon wildlife in expansive, natural habitats. Operates year-round.
  • Takhini Hot Springs: Natural mineral hot springs for a relaxing soak in a forested setting. Magical in winter; possible Northern Lights view while soaking.

These sites offer unique perspectives on the Yukon's wild beauty and history.

Historical Sites

  • White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Depot: Historic train station downtown, reminder of Whitehorse's railway terminus role.
  • Canyon City: Archaeological site near Miles Canyon. Remnants of a bustling Gold Rush settlement.
  • Robert Service Cabin: Original cabin where "The Bard of the Yukon," Robert Service, penned famous poems (at MacBride Museum).
  • Northwest Mounted Police Barracks: Historic buildings downtown, representing early police presence and establishment of law and order.

Historical Themes

  • Gold Rush Legacy

    The discovery of gold shaped the Yukon, attracting thousands and establishing Whitehorse.

  • River Transportation

    Sternwheelers like the S.S. Klondike were for moving goods and people across the vast territory.

  • Law and Order

    The Northwest Mounted Police played a role in maintaining peace during the chaotic Gold Rush.

  • First Nations History
  • Resource Development

    Beyond gold, copper mining and other industries contributed to the region's growth.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Whitehorse provides several museums and cultural centers that explore the Yukon's past, art, and natural history.

Museums & Cultural Hubs

History & Heritage

  • MacBride Museum of Yukon History

    Premier museum, comprehensive look at Yukon's natural, cultural, Gold Rush history.

  • Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

    Focuses on Ice Age Beringia, ancient land bridge history. Displays megafauna fossils.

  • Old Log Church Museum

    Whitehorse's oldest building, now a museum of Anglican Church history and early settlers.

Arts & Culture

  • Yukon Arts Centre

    Main performing arts venue, hosts local, national, international artists. Hub for creative community.

  • Local Galleries

    Explore various art galleries demonstrating Yukon artists.

  • Concert Venues

    Find live music events throughout the city.

Heritage Sites

Explore remnants of the Gold Rush and early settlement.

Natural Wonders

Experience Whitehorse's stunning landscapes and waterways.

Wildlife Viewing

Opportunities to observe northern animal species.

Yukon Transportation Museum

Home to interesting historical vehicles, including the world's largest weather vane (a DC-3 aircraft). The museum focuses on the history of transportation in the North, from dog sleds to bush planes and the Alaska Highway.

  • Location: Next to Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.
  • Operates seasonally.
  • Admission fees apply.

Natural Attractions

The natural environment surrounding Whitehorse presents abundant beauty and recreational opportunities.

Whitehorse's Natural Beauty

The city is nestled within a stunning natural setting, with access to various outdoor spaces.

River & Trails

  • Yukon River: Iconic river flowing through Whitehorse. Enjoy walking, cycling, paddling, and scenic views.
  • Schwäka Park: Beautiful urban park along Yukon River. Walking trails, salmon ladder (seasonal viewing), scenic viewpoints.
  • Whitehorse Millennium Trail: Paved, multi-use loop trail with scenic views of river and city. Ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

Lakes & Outdoor Spaces

Beyond the river, lakes and expansive parks offer quick escapes into nature.

Lakes & Beyond

  • Chadburn Lake Park: Southeast of the city. Extensive hiking trails and a quiet lake suitable for paddling.
  • Fish Lake: Picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. Popular for fishing, hiking, snowmobiling in winter.
  • Green Spaces: Numerous smaller parks and natural areas exist within and around the city, perfect for quiet strolls.

Historical Connections

Whitehorse's story is deeply intertwined with the Gold Rush and its river.

Gold Rush Era

  • Canyon City: Experience the rapid development and abandonment of a Gold Rush town.
  • Robert Service Cabin: Connect with the literary legacy of the Gold Rush.
  • NWMP Barracks: Witness sites that exemplify early law enforcement challenges.
  • Yukon Transportation Museum: Discover the evolution of travel in the North.

River's Role

The mighty Yukon River shaped Whitehorse's development and continues to be a central feature.

River's Influence

  • S.S. Klondike: Understand the role of sternwheelers in northern transportation.
  • Miles Canyon: Appreciate the natural obstacle faced by early prospectors on the Yukon River.
  • Fishway: Learn about salmon migration and conservation efforts on the Yukon River.

Hidden Gems

Industrial Past

  • Whitehorse Copper Belt Interpretive Trail: Explore remnants of Whitehorse's copper mining history on this trail system.
  • It offers a look at the industrial past of the area, with interpretive signs explaining the mining operations.
  • Discover a lesser-known side of Whitehorse's development.

Tranquil Retreats & Education

  • Squanga Lake: A beautiful, lesser-known lake located south of Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway.
  • Good for fishing, camping, and spotting wildlife in a more secluded setting. A peaceful alternative.
  • Northern Lights Centre (Watson Lake): While a longer drive, this interpretive center offers educational insights into the aurora borealis.

Additional Attractions

Whitehorse offers even more to explore, from scenic viewpoints to unique local spots.

Emerald Lake Lookout

A stunning viewpoint on the South Klondike Highway. Worth a stop for photos.

Takhini River Suspension Bridge

A less-visited suspension bridge offering views of the Takhini River.

Yukon Arts Centre Trails

Behind the Arts Centre, discover quiet walking paths with art installations.

More Local Favorites

Whitehorse Fishway

Visit the fish ladder during salmon runs to observe spawning salmon.

View spawning times

Rotary Centennial Bridge

A pedestrian bridge over the Yukon River with great city and river views.

Walk the bridge

Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

Explore the Ice Age history of Beringia and its megafauna fossils.

Learn more

Old Log Church Museum

Whitehorse's oldest building, now a museum of early missionary and settler life.

Discover history

Yukon Transportation Museum

Home to historical vehicles including the world's largest weather vane (a DC-3 aircraft).

View exhibits

Museums & Cultural Hubs

Whitehorse provides several museums and cultural centers that explore the Yukon's past, art, and natural history.

History & Heritage

  • MacBride Museum of Yukon History: Premier museum, comprehensive look at Yukon's natural, cultural, Gold Rush history.
  • Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre: Focuses on Ice Age Beringia, ancient land bridge history. Displays megafauna fossils.
  • Old Log Church Museum: Whitehorse's oldest building, now a museum of Anglican Church history and early settlers.

Natural Attractions

The natural environment surrounding Whitehorse presents abundant beauty and recreational opportunities.

River & Lakes

  • Yukon River: Iconic river flowing through Whitehorse. Enjoy walking, cycling, paddling, and scenic views.
  • Schwäka Park: Beautiful urban park along Yukon River. Walking trails, salmon ladder (seasonal viewing), scenic viewpoints.
  • Chadburn Lake Park: Southeast of the city. Extensive hiking trails and a quiet lake suitable for paddling.
  • Fish Lake: Picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. Popular for fishing, hiking, snowmobiling in winter.

Visitor Tip

When visiting the S.S. Klondike, take time to walk the adjacent Millennium Trail along the Yukon River.

This offers a fuller picture of the river's historical role and its contemporary use for recreation.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known sites, Whitehorse has several lesser-explored spots that offer unique insights.

Industrial Past

Explore the remnants of Whitehorse's copper mining history on this trail system.

Whitehorse Copper Belt Interpretive Trail

  • Offers a look at the industrial past of the area, with interpretive signs explaining the mining operations.
  • A unique way to connect with local history beyond the Gold Rush.
  • Discover trails winding through former mining sites.

Tranquil Retreats & Education

Find peaceful natural settings and opportunities for unique learning.

Squanga Lake & Northern Lights Centre

  • Squanga Lake: A beautiful, lesser-known lake south of Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway. Good for fishing, camping, and spotting wildlife in a more secluded setting.
  • Northern Lights Centre (Watson Lake): While a longer drive, this interpretive center offers educational insights into the aurora borealis, a worthy stop for a southern Yukon road trip.
  • Unique perspectives on nature and science.

Emerald Lake Lookout

A stunning viewpoint on the South Klondike Highway. Worth a stop for photos.

Scenic Stop

  • Capture turquoise waters.
  • Easily accessible from the highway.
  • Interpretive signs detail geology.

A memorable brief stop on your Yukon journey.

Takhini River Suspension Bridge

A less-visited suspension bridge offering views of the Takhini River.

River Views

  • Experience a quiet crossing.
  • Access trails for riverside walks.

A peaceful alternative to busier viewpoints.

Yukon Arts Centre Trails

Behind the Arts Centre, discover quiet walking paths with art installations.

Art & Nature

  • Outdoor sculptures integrate with nature.
  • Peaceful urban green space.
  • Easy access for a stroll.

A blend of creativity and natural beauty.

Other outstanding Attractions

Whitehorse Fishway

Visit the fish ladder during salmon runs to observe spawning salmon.

Rotary Centennial Bridge

A pedestrian bridge over the Yukon River with great city and river views.

Schwatka Park

A beautiful urban park along the Yukon River with walking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Local Insights

Whitehorse offers a depth of experiences beyond its main landmarks. Explore these lesser-known spots for a appreciation of the region's diverse character.