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Whitehorse Travel Resources

Whitehorse Travel Resources

Whitehorse Yukon Territory, Canada Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps:

    Useful for navigation. Download offline maps for areas with limited cell service.

  • Weather App:

    Accurate forecasts assist planning activities and appropriate dress.

  • Aurora App:

    My Aurora Forecast / AuroraNow: These applications present Northern Lights predictions.

  • AllTrails:

    Trail information, maps, descriptions, and user reviews. Download offline maps.

  • WhatsApp:

    Useful for international communication with friends and family.

Useful Websites

  • Travel Yukon:

    (travelyukon.com) The official tourism website for comprehensive regional information.

  • City of Whitehorse:

    (whitehorse.ca) Local services, public transit, and city event calendars.

  • Yukon Parks:

    (yukon.ca/camping) Information on territorial campgrounds, amenities, and booking.

  • Parks Canada:

    (pc.gc.ca) Details for S.S. Klondike and Kluane National Park.

  • Yukon 511:

    (511yukon.ca) Current road conditions throughout the Yukon.

Social Media & Digital Content

Follow Travel Yukon

@TravelYukon (Instagram, Facebook, X): Official accounts feature stunning photography and inspiration.

Learn More

City of Whitehorse

@cityofwhitehorse (Instagram, Facebook, X): Updates on city events, services, and local news.

Discover Events

Yukon Podcasts

Podcasts about the Klondike The Quest for gold, Yukon history, or northern living provide context plus narratives.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

  • Yukon Official Road Map: Available at visitor centers and gas stations. Useful for operating a vehicle.
  • Local Trail Maps: Obtain these from MacBride Museum, outdoor stores, or the Visitor Information Centre.
  • A general Canada travel guide that includes the Yukon offers some information.
  • Wildlife Guides: Field guides on local plants and animals add to outdoor excursions.

Yukon Literature

  • Pierre Berton's 'The Klondike The Quest for gold' depicts a comprehensive history.
  • Robert Service's 'The Cremation of Sam McGee' embodies Yukon poetry.
  • Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild' captures the spirit of the North.
  • Yukon News and 'What's Up Yukon' provide local events and insights.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Klondike (Discovery Channel miniseries) dramatizes the The Quest for gold.
  • Northern Exposure, though fictional, shares a quirky take on northern life.
  • Alone, often filmed in northern landscapes, shows wilderness survival.
  • Gold Rush (reality show) documents modern gold mining in the Yukon.

Music & Art

  • Listen to music by Yukon artists like The Midnight Sons.
  • Dakhká Khwáa Dancers & Dänojà Zho Arts Center has traditional Tlingit music.
  • Browse online galleries showing Yukon artists.

Online Communities

  • Reddit communities like r/Yukon or r/Whitehorse present local advice.
  • Travel forums focusing on Northern Canada answer specific questions.
  • Facebook Groups: Search for Whitehorse or Yukon travel communities for peer advice.
  • Many travelers share their Yukon experiences on personal blogs.

Safety & Information

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911 (toll-free on any phone in Canada).
  • RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - non-emergency): 867-667-5555.
  • Poison Control Centre: 1-800-567-8911.
  • Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre: 867-667-3084.

Medical Facilities

  • Whitehorse General Hospital: 5 Hospital Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0B6, the main medical facility.
  • Several walk-in clinics are present. Search 'Whitehorse walk-in clinic' for current locations.
  • Local pharmacies are available for prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine.
  • Dental clinics are available for urgent needs.

Document Procedures

  • Report lost or stolen passports to local police immediately. Get in touch with your embassy for travel documents.
  • Call your bank immediately to cancel lost or stolen credit cards.
  • Contact your embassy or consulate in Ottawa, Vancouver, or Calgary. Keep their contact information.
  • Have your travel insurance details readily available for urgent situations.

Safety & Health

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Stay informed via local news, Yukon 511, and the Yukon government website. Follow evacuation orders.
  • Follow advisories. Dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and ensure your car is winter-ready.
  • In any emergency, listen to official guidance.

Medical Preparedness

  • Check and update vaccinations with your doctor before travel.
  • Pack everything prescription medications and assemble a Basic first-aid kit.
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for health crises and travel disruptions.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Home Preparation

  • Inform trusted contacts of your itinerary and information for emergencies.
  • Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.
  • Secure your home by locking doors and windows and notifying neighbors.

Travel Document Check

  • Verify all your bookings: flights, hotels, tours, and rental cars.
  • Print physical copies of your important documents and save backups in the cloud.
  • Power up all your electronics, including phones, cameras, and power banks.

Arrival & Departure

First Steps Upon Arrival

  1. Clear Canadian immigration and customs. Have documents ready.
  2. Collect baggage from the luggage carousel.
  3. Proceed to get rental car or pre-arranged transfer.
  4. Check into accommodation.
  5. Visit Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre.

Departure Preparation

  1. Inquire about shipping options for large souvenirs.
  2. Understand customs regulations for items back home.
  3. Allow ample time for rental car return and the airport check-in.
  4. Ensure all travel documents are accessible for departure.
  5. Confirm flight status before heading to the airport.

Yukon Travel Tips

Souvenir Bag

Pack a small, empty bag in your luggage for souvenirs. Extra space comes in handy.

Offline Maps

Download offline maps for your phone, especially for areas with intermittent cell service.

Charge Electronics

Power up all your electronics, including phones, cameras, and power banks, prior to leaving.

Critical Note: Road Conditions

Always check Yukon 511 for current road conditions before extended road trips, especially in winter or during wildfire season. Conditions change quickly.

Financial & Practical Advice

Currency & Payments

Financial Preparedness

  • Bank Notification:

    Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid card holds.

  • Cash Access:

    ATMs are available at the airport and throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

  • Budget Tracking:

    Keep a record of your expenses to stay within budget.

Tax & Emergency Funds

  • Local Tax:

    Canada has GST/PST/HST. No general tourist refund program applies towards these taxes.

  • Emergency Funds:

    Be prepared with emergency funds accessible for unanticipated situations.

  • Upcoming Bills:

    Pay any upcoming bills to avoid late fees during your absence.

Home & Tech Prep

Home Security

Inform trusted contacts of your itinerary and emergency contact information. Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.

Mobile Connectivity

Arrange mobile phone roaming or plan for purchasing get a LOCAL sim card when you arrive for continuous connection.

Offline Maps & Apps

Download offline maps and any useful travel apps before you go. This helps in areas with limited cell service.

Arrival & Departure Steps

First Days

  • Clear Canadian immigration and customs. Have documents ready.
  • Collect your baggage from the carousel.
  • Proceed to pick up your rental car or pre-arranged airport transfer.
  • Check into your accommodation.

Initial Orientation

  • Visit the Whitehorse Visitor Information Hub for maps and local advice.
  • Take a walk around downtown to get your bearings.
  • Familiarize yourself with area emergency contacts (911) and general security measures.
  • ATMs are available for cash withdrawals. Grab basic groceries if your accommodation has a kitchen.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir & Shipping

  • If you purchase large or valuable souvenirs, inquire about shipping options with the vendor.
  • Be aware of customs regulations for your home country regarding bringing specific items back.
  • This is notably important for natural products or items made from animal parts.
  • Canada has GST/PST/HST. No general tourist refund program for these taxes.

Departure Timing

  • Allow ample time for rental car return, especially if dropping off at the airport.
  • Arrive at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight.
  • Allow 2 hours before a flight connecting internationally.
  • Confirm your flight status before heading to the airport.

Rental Car Return

Allow ample time for rental car return, especially if dropping off at the airport. Factor in time for inspections.

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