Whitehorse – capital of the Yukon Territory

Whitehorse was named after the white crests of the Yukon River rapids – which were difficult to overcome in historical gold rush times. Whether you’re arriving by plane, coming from the south or north via the Alaska Highway, Whitehorse is one of the first stops in the Yukon for most travelers.

Of the approximately 36,000 inhabitants of the province, only around 25,000 people live directly in and around Whitehorse. The remaining residents share the sheer endless nature of the Yukon.

Summer visitors and winter admirers

Tens of thousands of visitors come to Whitehorse every year: adventure & nature-seeking summer travelers, US citizens passing through to Alaska and in the winter months the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – are the biggest attraction. Nevertheless, it never does get crowded in the Yukon.

Summer vacationers are mostly roadtripping with a rental car or mobile home. The spectacular nature, gold rush romance and abundance of wild animals lure them to the far north.

How do you get to Whitehorse?

Due to the international airport – YXY – Whitehorse is a popular start or destination for tours and trips in northern Canada and to Alaska. During summer season, Condor airlines flies non-stop once a week from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Whitehorse (YXY). These limited non-stop flights are very popular Europe connectors used also by travellers from Scandinavia and all over Europe.

A visit to the Yukon can also be easily combined with a stopover in Vancouver or Calgary. Air Canada and Air North connect both airports to Whitehorse.

You can reach Whitehorse by car or camper via the legendary Alaska Highway and the Klondike Highway.

What is there to see in Whitehorse?

A small downtown with a variety of small shops and restaurants makes Whitehorse, Yukon quite a lively place. Sights in and near the town are:

• the historic sternwheeler S.S. Klondike – a National Historic Site from the Gold Rush era
• Miles Canyon – with its suspension bridge spanning turquoise water, a popular photo stop
• the fish ladder on the Yukon River, that helps salmon migrate and also counts migrating fish
• at the Beringia Interpretive Center you will learn exciting primeval facts about the ancient land bridge to Asia
• Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center introduces visitors to the culture, art and history of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation
• MacBride Museum vividly tells the history of the city of Whitehorse. There are many live performances throughout the summer.
• Whitehorse first timers: stop at the Yukon Visitor Information Centre. You can get local/regional maps and lots of great tips here

Yukon attractions in and around Whitehorse

• Thakini Hot Springs to relax after a day full of excursions & experiences
• canoe the mighty Yukon River directly from Whitehorse
• Horseback riding and winter dog sledding tours are available in the Fish Lake area
• Carcross is famous for its very own desert – the Carcross Desert
• Carcross town center is known for its craft shops on the Carcross Commons
• the legendary White Pass & Yukon Railway also starts in Carcross and leads to Skagway in Alaska on a spectacular panoramic route
• Emerald Lake – between Whitehorse & Carcross is worth a photo stop with its turquoise to deep blue colors

My recommendation

Take to the air! From the seaplane base at Schwatka Lake you can explore the Yukon region around Whitehorse on a “float plane” from Alpine Aviation. Whether you fly to Southern Lake Resort for dinner or take a grand air tour over Chikoot Pass and the ice fields. Every scenic flight in the far north is a breathtaking highlight.