Whitehorse Yukon Territory, Canada Travel Guide
For extreme cold, effective layering is necessary. Start with moisture-wicking thermal underwear, then add a Fleece jacket or down vest for insulation. A heavy, insulated, Waterproof and windproof jacket and matching pants are necessary. Ski pants or Snow pants are good choices. Look for parkas rated for Arctic conditions if spending extended time outdoors in extremely chilly weather.
Prepare for warm days and cool nights in summer (June-August). Lightweight, breathable t-shirts or Long-sleeved shirts (synthetic/merino wool) form the base. A fleece, light sweater, or light insulated vest works for cool evenings. A Packable rain jacket and Rain pants are necessary for sudden summer rains. Convertible Hiking pants and shorts offer versatility.
High-quality, insulated, Waterproof boots with good traction are required. Brands like Sorel or Baffin are popular.
Sturdy hiking boots or Trail shoes are necessary for outdoor activities.
Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents travel delays and issues.
Whitehorse offers modern amenities, but preparing your electronics for travel is wise, especially given northern conditions.
Optimal camera gear captures Whitehorse's unique light and phenomena, notably the Northern Lights. Protection for your gear is .
Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Portable hard drive for pictures and papers provides a secure backup.
Google Maps, Apple Maps, or offline mapping apps like Gaia GPS are useful for trails. The Weather Network or AccuWeather provide important weather updates. My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts predict Northern Lights activity.
WhatsApp works for international calls/messaging. Google Translate (offline languages) is useful. Local taxi companies have apps or phone services; major apps like Uber/Lyft do not operate here. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are options for secure browsing.
A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and emergencies. Include: basic wound care items (Bandages, cleansing wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape), pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), allergy medication (antihistamines), and Anti-diarrhea medication.
Whitehorse is generally safe, but preparing for its unique environment is wise. Sunburn and eye damage are concerns year-round, even in winter. Mosquitoes and black flies are prevalent in summer. Wildfire season can affect summer travel. Smoke haze reduces air quality and visibility. Always check local fire bans and conditions.
Quick-drying clothing, Sturdy hiking boots, and a comfortable Daypack are necessary. Trekking poles are useful for uneven terrain.
Extreme cold-weather outer layers. These are often provided by tour operators, but check beforehand. Thermal base layers are useful.
For Northern Lights photography: a Tripod, remote shutter release, and extra batteries. A Headlamp with a red-light setting is useful.
These items add comfort, security, and utility to your travel experience.
Local specific items improve your experience.
Reduces plastic waste.
Avoids plastic bag fees.
Lightens your load.
Eco-friendly power.
Pack clothing you can layer. Temperatures fluctuate quickly in the Yukon, even within a single day.
Prepare to add or remove layers as conditions change.
