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Day Trips from Whitehorse

Day Trips from Whitehorse

Whitehorse Yukon Territory, Canada Travel Guide

Carcross

A historic Tlingit First Nation village and The Quest for gold town, approximately 1 hour south of Whitehorse on the Klondike Highway.

Drive yourself along the Klondike Highway South. Guided tours from Whitehorse are an option. The White Pass & Yukon Route offers seasonal train-bus tours including Carcross.

Carcross Highlights

  • Carcross Desert: Referred to as the world's smallest desert, an unique sandy area.
  • Bennett Lake: A beautiful, large lake with a role in the Gold Rush era.
  • Tlingit Culture: A nice spot to experience contemporary Tlingit culture.
  • Matthew Watson General Store: A historic general store from the Gold Rush era, still operating today.

Further Day Trip Possibilities

Extend your explorations to diverse communities and experiences near Whitehorse.

Skagway, Alaska USA

A historic Gold Rush port town, about 2.5 hours to the south of Whitehorse (with border crossing). The drive has incredible views.

Skagway Features

  • Cruise Ship Port: A major make a stop for Alaska cruises, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • White Pass & Yukon Route railway: Scenic train rides from Skagway into the White Pass mountains.
  • The Old town: Well-preserved buildings and boardwalks from the The Quest for gold era.

Haines Junction

A community about 1.5 hours west of Whitehorse, a gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve.

Haines Junction Access

  • St. Elias Mountains: Stunning views of Canada's highest mountains.
  • Kluane National Park Access: Direct access to various trails within Kluane.
  • St. Elias Convention Centre: Home to the main Kluane National Park visitor information.

Cultural Excursions

Champagne & Aishihik First Nations

  • Explore traditional territory.
  • Learn about culture and history.
  • Specific attractions may not always be open.
  • Public transport for remote sites is limited.

Museums Outside Whitehorse

  • Yukon Suspension Bridge (BC): Adventure and history displays.
  • Tagish Historical Site: Local history insights.
  • Many attractions operate with seasonal hours.
  • Get updates on road conditions for remote access.

Important Travel Considerations

  • Carcross Time:Half-day to full-day.
  • Skagway Time:Full-day required.
  • Border Crossing:Passport & documents needed for US.
  • Border Wait Times:Can vary, factor this in.
  • Haines Junction Time:Half-day to full-day.
  • Kluane Access:Car is best for park entry.
  • Scenic Drives:Klondike Hwy & Alaska Hwy.
  • Northern Lights:Drive outside city for viewing.

Driving Tip

Before any road trip outside Whitehorse, check Yukon 511 (511yukon.ca) for current road conditions. This is especially important in winter or shoulder seasons.

Natural Escapes

The Whitehorse region has magnificent natural beauty, ideal for day excursions.

Kluane National Park & Reserve

A A World Heritage Site with Canada's highest ranges and large icefields.

Scenic Landscapes

The park has stunning mountain ranges, massive glaciers, and pristine lakes.

Activities

Hiking on various trails and flightseeing tours over the icefields are popular.

Yukon Territorial Parks

The Yukon has many well-maintained territorial parks, many a short drive from Whitehorse.

Lake & Recreation

  • Lakes: Many lakes provide camping, fishing, and paddling.
  • Quiet Retreats: Marsh Lake, Tagish Lake, and Kusawa Lake offer serene recreation.
  • Scenic Drives: Klondike Highway South and Alaska Highway West offer continuous views.

Kluane Access & Activities

Kluane is best accessed by car. Drive to Haines Junction for the visitor center and trails.

Park Experiences

  • Hiking: Trails range from short walks to multi-day treks.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Observing animals is frequent in the park.
  • Seasonal Phenomena: Glacier viewing is year-round, active wildlife in spring/summer.

Northern Lights Viewing

Visibility:Optimized outside city lights.
Popular Spots:Takhini Hot Springs road, Fish Lake Road.
Preparation:Warm blanket and hot drinks for cold viewing.
Avoid:Light pollution reduces aurora visibility.
:Find a dark, quiet area on a highway.
Best Time:Clear, dark winter nights.

Multi-Day Extension Overview

  • For longer stays, consider trips to Dawson City or Tombstone Territorial Park.
  • Dawswithin The city offers Gold Rush history and unique events.
  • Tombstone Territorial Park has dramatic mountains and pristine wilderness.
  • An Alaska road trip has a comprehensive northern adventure.
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