Pre-Trip Checklist: Whitehorse

Strategic Planning

Systematic planning manages all trip aspects.

Planning Timeline: Actions

Organize your preparations over months, weeks, and days.

-6 Months Out

Travel Documents

Research visa/eTA, check passport validity, apply if needed.

Major Bookings

Book flights and main accommodation, especially for peak season.

Tour Reservations

Research and book major tours (Northern Lights, dog sledding).

-2 Months Out

Vehicle & Itinerary

Book rental car. Plan detailed itinerary, day trips, activities.

Health & Insurance

Update vaccinations. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Additional Stays

Secure any additional accommodations for multi-day excursions.

-4 Weeks Out

Packing & Permits

Start packing list, acquire specialized gear. Arrange International Driving Permit.

Financial Notifications

Notify bank/credit card companies of travel plans.

Connectivity

Arrange mobile phone roaming or local SIM card.

Pre-Trip Deep Dive

Dive into Yukon history, First Nations culture, and climate.

Research Recommendations

Dive deep into Yukon history, especially the Gold Rush era.
Learn about First Nations culture and enduring heritage.
Understand the local climate and prepare thoroughly, especially for winter.
Familiarize yourself with local wildlife and safety protocols.

Home Front Prep

Prepare your home for departure.

Home Preparation Checklist

Inform trusted contacts of your itinerary and emergency contacts.
Arrange mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.
Secure your home by locking doors and windows and notifying neighbors.
Pay any upcoming bills to avoid late fees during your absence.

Arrival & Departure Flow

Smooth arrival and stress-free departure.

Arrival Logistics

Clear Canadian immigration and customs. Documents ready.
Collect your baggage from the carousel.
Pick up rental car or find pre-arranged airport transfer.
Check into your accommodation.

Orientation & Supplies

Visit the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre for maps and local advice.
Walk around downtown to get your bearings.
Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers (911).
ATMs for cash. Purchase a local SIM card if using one. Get groceries.

Departure Details

For large souvenirs, inquire about shipping options with the vendor.
Be aware of customs regulations for your home country.
Allow ample time for rental car return and airport arrival (90 mins domestic, 2 hours international).
Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible.

Souvenir Travel Tip

Pack a small, empty bag in your luggage for souvenirs. You might find more unique items than expected, and extra space comes in handy.

Essential Travel Tips

Seamless transitions for your trip.

First Days

1
Immigration & Customs:
Clear Canadian immigration and customs. Have documents ready.
2
Baggage Claim:
Collect your baggage from the carousel.
3
Transport:
Proceed to pick up your rental car or pre-arranged airport transfer.

Final Day

Souvenir Shipping:
If large or valuable, inquire about shipping with the vendor.
Customs Regulations:
Be aware of rules for bringing items back to your home country.
Airport Timing:
Arrive at YXY at least 90 minutes before domestic, 2 hours before international flights.

Connectivity & Health

Offline Mapping

Download offline maps for your phone. This proves useful when exploring outside Whitehorse.

Cell service can be intermittent or nonexistent in remote areas.

Local SIM Cards

Arrange mobile phone roaming or plan for purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival.

This ensures continuous local communication.

Medication Prep

Pack all prescription medications you need for your trip.

Assemble a basic first-aid kit for minor ailments or injuries.

Flight Confirmation

Confirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Check for any delays or changes.

Financial & Tech Tips

Prepare for a journey that leaves a profound mark.

Financial Considerations

Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel plans.
ATMs are available for cash withdrawals upon arrival.
Keep a record of your expenses to stay within budget.
Have emergency funds accessible for unexpected situations.

Tech Readiness

Arrange mobile phone roaming or plan for a local SIM card upon arrival.
Download offline maps and any useful travel apps before leaving.
Charge all your electronics: phones, cameras, power banks.
Consider noise-canceling headphones for long travel periods.

Tax Information

Canada's tax system has specific rules for visitors.

Visitor Tax Details

Goods and Services Tax (GST):5%
Yukon Sales Tax (PST/HST):Not applicable (Yukon has GST only)
Tourist Refund Program:No general program exists.
Specific Exemptions:Rarely apply to typical tourist purchases.

Document Backups

Print physical copies of your important documents.
Save digital backups on a cloud service or email them to yourself.
Store copies separately from originals.
Keep emergency contact information readily accessible.

Departure Reflection

The Yukon leaves a lasting impression. Take time to reflect on your experiences.

Consider how you can continue to support responsible tourism in all future travels.

Pre-Trip Checklist