Explore Whitehorse

Year Round Adventure in Whitehorse

No matter which time of year you visit, you'll find plenty to do in Whitehorse. In the fall and winter, the dark skies are perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. In the summer, the Yukon experiences the midnight sun, with between 18-21 hours of sunlight each day.

Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse

Pick up your car rental at the Erik Nielsen International Airport in Whitehorse and make your way a short distance to the Black Spruce Cabins.

You'll gain access to your cabin with a door code. Take time to admire all the cool features of the cabins, such as the Shou Sugi-Ban siding (a Japanese technique of treating wood by burning), the cedar sauna that was cleverly built around existing boulders and is heated by a Finnish wood stove, and the rocky cliffs and forest of the adjacent park.

Once you've settled in, head into Whitehorse to shop for groceries to stock your kitchen and maybe even get some take out from one of the city's eateries to enjoy in your home-away-from-home.

In the summer:

Take advantage of the long summer days in the Yukon and go for a hike. With more than 700 kilometres of marked trail, you won't have trouble finding on that interests you. For a scenic walk, the narrow trail by the Yukon River above Miles Canyon is a good spot to stretch your legs and take in some of the local history with interpretive signs.

In the winter:

If the night is clear, drive a few kilometres away from Whitehorse to see the Northern Lights. It is possible to see the Aurora in town, but the city lights can interfere so we always recommend getting slightly away from the city.

End the day with a visit to the sauna at the Black Spruce.

Day 2: Hot Springs/Wildlife Preserve

Wake up surrounded by the serenity of the forest in your eco-cabin. You can enjoy breakfast while looking out over the quiet landscape or head into the city (just a few minutes away by car) to dine out at one of the many local restaurants.

Next, head for a visit to the recently renovated Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (adults only, formerly known as Takhini), which is located about 30 minutes from Whitehorse.

At the Hot Springs, you can relax and rejuvenate in the ancient restorative mineral springs and enjoy the onsite amenities that feature both Scandinavian and Japanese Onsen healing practices.

Afterwards, visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, located close to the Hot Springs, to see northern wildlife such as Elk, Moose, Canada Lynx, Thinhorn Sheep, Wood Buffalo and Muskox.

In the evening, go out on the town with dinner in Whitehorse.

Day 3: Whitehorse

Spend the day exploring Whitehorse.

For a taste of the Yukon’s culture and history, visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, the MacBride Museum, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site.

After lunch, shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or try your hand at glassblowing at Lumel Studios.

If you'd like to venture further from the city, Carcross is approximately 45 min away by car and makes for an easy and scenic day trip.

Day 4:

Time to say good-bye to Whitehorse and your cozy cabin at Black Spruce. Enjoy one last breakfast surrounded by the stillness of the Boreal forest before departing on your flight home.

If you are flying with Air North, you can read more about the airline's links to community in our feature Taking Flight.