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The Yukon

The wilderness is always close by

Visit The Yukon

Introduction

Canada's Yukon is a wild region of mountains, lakes, glaciers and rivers, home to an abundance of wildlife including moose, elk and grizzly bears, Canada’s five tallest mountains and the world’s largest sub-Arctic ice field. It’s also a region steeped in history, with a past that speaks of Aboriginal longevity and the ephemeral nature of the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, when an estimated 100,000 prospectors arrived in search of their fortune.

Most journeys through the province begin in its capital, and largest city, Whitehorse. Spread along the banks of the Yukon River, at the crossroads of the province’s two great highways – the Alaska and the Klondike – this is a city that rewards those who scratch beneath its surface. Among its surprises are a vibrant arts scene and several heritage buildings hidden among an otherwise modern cityscape. But it’s the world beyond the city that defines this region, one that can be enjoyed under the glow of the Midnight Sun in summer and the celestial Northern Lights in winter.

Northern Lights over The Yukon
Whitehorse

The Yukon's wildlife

The glaciers and ice fields of the Kluane National Park support all manner of native wildlife, with everything from wandering herds of moose to Dall sheep and bears. With more animals than humans, a visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve affords chances to see wildlife indigenous to the north, including spotting otter and trout in the Yukon River with self-led or guided canoeing trips, admiring the rich flora and fauna and even spying on roaming grizzlies – the population of which is the highest of the whole of Canada. Fishing trips, hiking trails and biking routes also afford chances to spot woodland caribou, deer, bison, arctic foxes and dozens of bird species.

Dall Sheep in the Yukon
Dall Sheep in The Yukon

The Yukon's cultural & natural world 

The wilds of Yukon are all rugged mountains, enormous glaciers, alpine lakes and winding trails. Harness the long hours of bright sunshine and head out into the tundra; an ultra-scenic self-drive affords chances to stop along the spectacular landscapes. And, during the summer months, the sun never sets, meaning wildflowers bloom, migratory birds gather, and the ethereal midnight sun glows among the nearly half a million square kilometres of land, home to only 32,000 people.

Climb Grey Mountain's rocky ridges, valleys and alpine trails for a glimpse of capital Whitehorse, shadowed by volcanic cliffs, former gold rush towns and hot mineral springs – a wonderful setting to seek the dazzling Northern Lights. A scenic drive along the Silver Trail between Keno and Mayo showcases the province’s rich First-Nations heritage.

Then there’s Dawson City, an authentic gold-rush town, reliving the Klondike Gold Rush with working saloons, theatres and Diamond Tooth Gertie's gambling house, and the starting point of the Top of the World Highway. This magnificent stretch of road brings visitors west through a landscape of barren, snow-capped peaks and across the border into neighbouring Alaska.

Autumn on Klocike Highway, Yukon
Klocike Highway, Yukon

 

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Top itineraries in The Yukon

The Yukon, Canada

Yukon's Summer Highlights

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,655 pp incl. flights

Take in the very best of the Yukon, from historic Whitehorse to the wild landscapes of the Kluane National Park, home to wolves, grizzly bears and Canada's highest peak.

Northern Lights in the Yukon

Yukon Northern Lights Adventure

9-day tailor-made holiday from £2,290 pp incl. flights

Experience the Yukon in winter on this spectacular tailor-made journey. Between stays in Vancouver, and Whitehorse, you'll head to Canada's remote northwest for wilderness adventures and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Alaska & Yukon Summer Explorer

18-day tailor-made self-drive from £5,650 pp incl. flights

Inspiring landscapes, rich wildlife and quaint towns and villages are among the attractions on this highly rewarding self-drive tour. Gold rush cities, the awe-inspiring Northern Lights and a chance to learn about the culture of Inuit people are among a host of other highlights.

Northern Lights in the Yukon, Canada

Rocky Mountaineer & Yukon's Northern Lights

13-day rail journey and tour from £7,115 pp incl. flights

Explore Canada’s natural treasures on an ultra-scenic train ride and stay under the Northern Lights in Yukon. You'll enjoy a host of excursions throughout

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Top places to stay in The Yukon

Boreale Ranch, Yukon

Boréale Ranch, Whitehorse

Contemporary ranch

See the Northern Lights in winter and explore the Yukon's magnificent landscapes under summer Midnight Sun at this wilderness lodge, 30 minutes from Whitehorse.

Northern Lights Resort & Spa

Northern Lights Resort & Spa, Whitehorse

Traditional lodge

The Northern Lights Resort & Spa is a charming property that sits in open countryside close to the Yukon River, just 20 minutes from Whitehorse.

Where to go in The Yukon

Dawson Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Dawson City

Dawson City lets you delve back to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Klondike National Historic Sites relive the past and a walk through the dirt streets of the town sees working saloons and the well-known Diamond Tooth Gertie's gambling house.

Whitehorse, Yukon, under the Northern Lights

Whitehorse

The capital of The Yukon, Whitehorse, is a city that combines its gold rush history with vast natural landscapes and wildlife found along the Yukon River.

When to go to The Yukon

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While the Yukon never gets really busy, the summer (May to September) sees the biggest crowds, and towns like Whitehorse and Dawson come alive with festivals. Summer also brings the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun, making it a popular time for adventure seekers, with hiking, rafting and canoeing all on the agenda. Although winters can be bitterly cold, it's also a time for activities including dog-sledding and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

See regional weather

The Yukon articles

  • Panning for gold near Dawson City, the Yukon, Canada

    125 years of gold in the Yukon

    As the Yukon marks 125 years since the start of the Klondike Gold Rush, we take a look at the Canadian territory's unique history and adventure-packed present.

  • Yukon, Canada

    The Yukon: adventures in Canada's wild northwest

    Wexas Canada specialist Heather Harris explores the wilderness and heritage of one of Canada’s remotest provinces.

  • Top reasons to travel to the Yukon in the summer

    There are many reasons to visit the vast, wild expanse of the Yukon in the summer. One of the main attractions is that during the summer months, from May–August, the sun never sets, meaning wildflowers bloom, migratory birds gather, and wildlife flourishes.

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Meet our The Yukon experts

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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