Aurora, Sauna and Hotsprings: A Whitehorse Eco Retreat

Modelled after the famous Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway, the Black Spruce cabins are a unique environmentally focused accommodation in the outskirts of Whitehorse. Located just a few minutes from the airport and the city centre, the cabins offer a different style of lodging from local hotels. You will stay in a fully contained passive solar cabin made from rough cut local Yukon spruce while being within a short drive of all the best restaurants, bars and attractions in Whitehorse.

Day 1:

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.

Head into Whitehorse to shop for groceries to stock your kitchen and maybe even get some take out from one of the city's great eateries to enjoy in your home-away-from-home. 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.

Day 2:

Wake up in the quiet of the boreal forest. Today you will 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 the onsite amenities that feature both Scandinavian and Japanese Onsen healing practices. The spa is located approximately 30 minutes from Whitehorse.

Then take a trip to 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, head out to try one of Whitehorse’s best restaurants for dinner (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 favourite Northern Lights viewing hotspots on your own.

Day 3:

Spend your day 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, which makes for an easy and scenic day trip.

You can easily spend the full day exploring Whitehorse. Visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, the Beringia Interpretive Centre and the MacBride Museum for a taste of the Yukon's culture and history. A visit to the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site is also recommended.

In the evening, head out for one last dinner in the north, followed by Northern Lights viewing at one of the many scenic spots on the outskirts of town.

Day 4:

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