Whitehorse Yukon Territory, Canada Travel Guide
Air North, Yukon's Airline: The main airline. It flies straight 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 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 plus expenses about CAD $15-25.
Some hotels offer complimentary transfer services for guests. Inquire with your lodging 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 the central business district Whitehorse.
Many hotels offer complimentary services for guests; make sure it's free.
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 in a southerly direction 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 From North america train system. 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 entails 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 straight through Whitehorse. Historically, it served as a major transportation route for sternwheelers during the The Quest for gold. Today, commercial passenger services on the river are limited. Multi-day canoe or kayak trips are popular. Many of these trips start from or travel through Whitehorse, offering an immersive way of enjoying the river's history and natural beauty.
Always confirm the latest road conditions before departure, especially during winter. The Yukon 511 service (511yukon.ca) provides up-to-date road information for your safety.
How far it is between service stations can be long, notably on a reduced number of-traveled highways. Maintain a full fuel tank when driving in the Yukon, and consider carrying extra fuel for extremely isolated areas.
Be prepared for long sections 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. Queue times can occur, particularly in 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 circumstances or operational issues.
Be ready with all necessary documents for border crossings, either by land or sea, to facilitate a smooth transition.
Maintain a full fuel tank when driving in the Yukon. How far it is between service stations can be long, notably on a reduced number of-traveled highways.
Maintain a full fuel tank when driving in the Yukon. Distances between service stations can be long, notably on not as many-traveled highways.
