Aurora, Sauna and Hotsprings: Modern Cabin Stay in Whitehorse

Please note: this sample itinerary is based on a seven day stay. If you have chosen a shorter duration, please disregard the additional days at the Black Spruce.

Modelled after the renowned Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway, the Black Spruce Cabins offer unique, environmentally focused lodging. Made from rough-cut local Yukon spruce, these cabins feature a full kitchen and are nestled in nature, yet just a short drive from Whitehorse’s best restaurants, bars, and attractions. With three nights at Black Spruce, you’ll have ample time to enjoy their unique features, such as the Shou Sugi-Ban siding (a Japanese wood-burning technique), the cedar sauna built around existing boulders and heated by a Finnish wood stove, and the rocky cliffs and forest of the adjacent park.

Day 1:

Upon landing in Whitehorse, pick up your rental car at Erik Nielsen International Airport and drive a short distance to your accommodations. Check into your fully contained passive solar cabin at Black Spruce Cabins using a door code. Enjoy the serene feeling of being surrounded by forests while being only a few minutes from downtown Whitehorse.

Head into Whitehorse to shop for groceries to stock your kitchen. Consider getting takeout from one of the city’s great eateries to enjoy in your home-away-from-home. If the night is clear, drive a few kilometers away from Whitehorse to see the Northern Lights. While it’s possible to see the Aurora in town, city lights can interfere, so we recommend venturing slightly outside the city.

Day 2:

Wake up in the quiet of the boreal forest. Today, you’ll head to the recently renovated Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (adults only), where you can relax and rejuvenate in the ancient restorative mineral springs and enjoy amenities that feature both Scandinavian and Japanese Onsen healing practices. The spa is located approximately 30 minutes from Whitehorse.

Afterward, visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, located very close to the spa, to see northern wildlife such as elk, Canada lynx, thinhorn sheep, wood buffalo, and muskox.

In the evening, dine at one of Whitehorse’s best restaurants (we highly recommend the Wayfarer) and then drive out of town a bit to catch the Aurora Borealis. You can join an optional Aurora viewing tour or visit some of the local favorite Northern Lights viewing hotspots on your own.

Day 3-6:

Spend your days relaxing in the cozy cabin, visiting eclectic Whitehorse and exploring the vast northern landscape.

This northern getaway is perfect for those looking to travel independently and enjoy staying in one-of-a-kind accommodations. The proximity to the city and all of its amenities is a huge bonus, especially during the winter months. The Black Spruce cabins are about 45 minutes from Carcross, making for an easy and scenic day trip.

You can easily spend a full day exploring Whitehorse. Visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, the BeMacBride Museum for a taste of the Yukon’s culture and history, and the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site.

From mid-November to the end of March, you can enjoy optional winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.

In the evenings, dine at some of Whitehorse’s best restaurants and enjoy Northern Lights viewing at one of the many scenic spots on the outskirts of town.

Day 7:

Depending on the time of your flight home, you may have time for some souvenir shopping in Whitehorse or a stroll through downtown. Return your rental car at the airport.