Tombstone and Kluane Yukon Hiking Experience

Day 1: Whitehorse
Arrive in Whitehorse and take the shuttle to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may want to head out to explore the city. Perhaps do an interpretive tour of the SS Klondike or stop to look at the Log Skyscraper and the Old Log Church.

Accommodation at the the BW Goldrush Inn or similar

Day 2: Whitehorse – Dawson City
Your journey north begins with a very scenic flight from Whitehorse on Air North. Right away you will know you are in for something special as you soar over the vast and rugged northern landscape.

After landing in Dawson, you’ll have time to relax at your hotel before joining a late morning Parks Canada walking tour of the town and visiting the Danoja Zho Cultural Centre. This 1.5 hour tour will give you the foundation to understand what a special place Dawson is and the role it has played in Canadian history.

In the afternoon, you’ll be whisked away on a private tour of the many sightseeing highlights around Dawson that will help to bring its famous Gold Rush history to life. Dawson is the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush, which began when three men discovered gold on what is now known as Bonanza Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River. This tour will show you all the important spots including the Goldfields, Dredge number 4 and Bonanza Creek.

In the evening you’ll have time to explore on your own. We recommend a visit to ‘Gerties’ – the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall is a local institution with a unique Klondike period style, cancan entertainment and a friendly vibe.

Accommodation at the the Aurora Hotel or similar

Day 3: Dempster Highway Day Trip
Today you’ll take a journey to one of the most scenic highways in the world: the 740 km Dempster Highway joins Dawson to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories and is the only all-season road to cross the Arctic Circle. It is known for its incredible scenery, wide open spaces and stunning remoteness.

Your private tour will begin with a scenic drive along a portion of this world-famous highway and into Tombstone Territorial Park – a place of rugged wilderness set among stunning mountains . There will be spots to get out of the car and explore on foot with spectacular viewpoints and a scenic stop for a hearty picnic lunch. Be on the lookout for wildlife as fall is a great time to spot Dall’s sheep, caribou, moose, wolves and bears.

The highlight of the day, however, will be your one-hour private flight in a Cessna over the spectacular Ogilvie mountains. An unforgettable experience that will give you a unique view over the vast landscape.

In the evening, we suggest you wind down with another unique Dawson experience – a Sourtoe Cocktail at the Downtown Hotel’s Sourdough Saloon. The Sourtoe Cocktail is a time-honoured tradition in Dawson, with a legend that dates back to the 1920s. More than 100,000 people have dared to try it and join what is known as “Sourtoe Cocktail Club” which includes getting your name in the ledger and a certificate to take home. And yes, it does include drinking a cocktail with a genuine dehydrated toe dropped in the drink. Even if you are not interested in the drink, a visit to the Saloon is a must for the atmosphere and history.

Accommodation at the the Aurora Hotel or similar

Day 4: Indigenous culture in Dawson
This morning, you’ll have a special opportunity to learn firsthand about the culture and history of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation during either a private experience with a local artist or a foraging walk and plant talk with a local medicine maker.

The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation was one of the Indigenous groups most affected by the Gold Rush and settlers in their traditional territories and have been working actively to reclaim their traditional cultural ways.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore on your own and then head out on a private visit to the Top of the Midnight Dome – a breathtaking lookout point that offers 360 degree views of the region. From here you can see the beauty of the Yukon River and the Klondike Valley, as well as the Ogilive mountains in the distance.

For your last evening in Dawson, we suggest a special dinner at Bon Ton & Company if you have not yet dined there. It is truly a worthwhile dining experience.

Accommodation at the the Aurora Hotel or similar

Day 5: Dawson City – Whitehorse – Haines Junction
Take in your final morning in the Klondike as you explore Dawson City one last time by foot before your mid day shuttle transfer to the Dawson Airport

Fly from Dawson to Whitehorse. Upon arrival in Whitehorse pick up your rental car and depart for the short scenic drive to Haines Junction. As you approach Haines Junction, take in the towering St. Elias mountain range and surrounding beauty of Kluane National Park and Reserve. Depending on your arrival time, stop by the Kluane National Park and Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre to gain insight into the
park’s cultural and natural treasures.

Accommodation at Mount Logan Lodge

Days 6 & 7: Haines Junction (Kluane National Park)
Kluane National Park and Reserve is part of the largest internationally protected area in the world including four interconnected wilderness parks in Alaska, B.C. and the Yukon which are designated a World Heritage Site. Haines Junction is the ideal base for wilderness excursions like river rafting, canoeing, hiking, fishing and glacier flightseeing.

Included Activity: Half day guided hike
The St-Elias Mountain Range, which lies within Kluane National Park and Reserve is 22000 sq km giving unlimited possibilities for customized hikes to fit different levels of ability as well as daily weather conditions and wildlife alerts. We also like to go off the beaten track in less explored areas that might be in the Park or outside the Park.

Recommended: Rafting on the Dezadeash River (2.5-3 hours)
This trip is suitable for all members of the family and all fitness levels. We will be paddling and floating down the river and will be traveling through abundant wildlife habitat; be on the lookout for moose, bears, eagles,lynx, seagulls and other wild species. The Dezadeash River will be met by the stunning glacier blue water of the Kathleen River. The Dezadeash flows into the Alsek River which will then flow into the Pacific Ocean. About mid-way through, we will stop for a small break with a cozy campfire to enjoy some marshmallows and other treats. The trip will reach its final destination at the village of Haines Junction. We will have an incredible view of the St-Elias Mountain Range, which lies within Kluane National Park. You can do this trip during the day, or a few hours before sunset – this is a truly epic way to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun!

Recommended Activity: 4×4 Wilderness Interpretive Jeep Tour of the Alsek Valley with Hike (7 hours)
The jeep tour is 2.5-3 hours along a 15km trail into the Park. Don’t think you are going for a smooth ride! You will be adventuring through creeks, old river beds, alluvial fans, and mountainsides. We will stop and discover the remains of an old boat, and learn about the history of the former Great Alsek Lake which is now the Alsek Valley. There is no guarantee of wildlife sightings but your chances are very good in this area! The Park is home to moose, bears, eagles, sheep, lynx and many more animals and there will be a chance to look for animal tracks by the Dezadeash River. En route we will stop for a 4 hour hike through this spectacular wilderness.

Recommended: Icefield Discovery Flight seeing with Glacier Landing – The Ultimate Experience! (1.5 hours)
Take off from Silver City and fly over the St. Elias Mountains in a ski plane. We are headed towards Mt Logan but along the way there are many impressive peaks. The pilot’s interpretive talk will help you identify the mountains and glaciers. Weather permitting the highlight of the trip is landing on the icefield just across from Mt. Logan at the Icefield Discovery Base Camp. This is the opportunity to get out on the snow, take some great photos and absorb the vastness and silence of the largest non-polar icefield in the world.

Accommodation at Mount Logan Lodge (room only)

Day 8: Haines Junction – Whitehorse
Drive back to Whitehorse to enjoy one last day in the Yukon. Enjoy some of the excellent northern eateries or craft breweries in Whitehorse or try your hand at Glass Blowing in an artists studio. If you want one Last tase of Northern Nature, hike the beautiful paths along Miles Canyon.

Day 9: Whitehorse – Departure