You can find out about the history of Whitehorse when you stop by S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. Youve probably casually strolled through a nature preserve, but have you ever skied through one? Explore the historical and cultural side of yukon. In fact, its one of the best places in the world to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis. The site consists of one large pool that has two sections; a hot side that sits at around 42 degrees celsius and a cool side at 36 degrees. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Here are nine winter activities that will soon be on your bucket listand you won't even need a bucket to do them. There you can go horse riding at Fish Lake, one of the jewels of the Yukon. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Make sure you have shoes with enough tread to keep you . Look out for native coyotes and hares, and listen as your guide brings centuries of history to life. Here are nine winter activities that will soon be on your bucket listand you wont even need a bucket to do them. Named after the creamy rapids of the 3,200km-long Yukon River on which the town is located (the rapids were thought to have resembled horses manes), Whitehorse is compact indeed. Or visit the wooden fish ladder in Whitehorse, the longest in the world, used by Chinook salmons on their way to spawning areas. Sounds easier said than done. I breathe in the cool air as I survey this stunning scene. My first confrontation with wildlife comes, however, in the form of a stuffed and mounted moose head (along with a complete Canadian Mountie) in the foyer of our hotelBest Western Gold Rush Inn. Whitehorse homes for sale and homes for sale in Whitehorse. Explore a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna; unique to this northern region. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Spray mist fills the air and when it clears I spot a long wooden ladder that snakes its way along the river. If youre looking for fun things to do in Whitehorse, how about learning how to do glassblowing? Trade in those tight spandex and streamlined bikes for a pair of snow pants and fat tiresits how we roll in the winter. Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs during your travels in Whitehorse. You can easily do it as a day trip from Whitehorse. If youd like to make your travel savings last a while, sign up for a. After taking part in all the exciting winter activities, why not wind down and relax in Takhinis natural hot springs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Takhini Hot Pools, Whitehorse. This was my fourth trip and was made possible by Travel Yukon. I will be working in Whitehorse for a little under 2 months from February to the end of March. How do I prepare for the temperatures accordingly? A chemical mild response triggered when photo voltaic power interacts with the Earth's environment, producing . The name Beringia refers to the route that was believed to be travelled by the first people who entered North America from Asia thousands of years ago. Whitehorse is considered one of the largest northern cities in Canada and was once a major hub during the gold rush. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are her passion. If youre taking a self-guided walking tour of Whitehorse, it will likely include the Government Building and this is because of the lobby-long mural of stained glass that people enjoy seeing. "200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta" - Published June 2022. Who ventures up to the Yukon Territory in the dead of winter? Or learn to maneuver your machine through the trees of a scenic valley without flipping on a side hill. The Gold Rush brought over 60 of these steamboats. Explore. Schwatka to Miles Canyon and Schwatka Lake. Is their fun stuff to do during the Winter that's accessible. Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. We then head to the nearby Takhini Hot Springs, which in addition to its warm waters, holds a winter hair freezing competition. 2. Ive been to Whitehorse a few times, starting back in the 90s when I was just a child visiting my uncle on a road trip with my parents, and most notably, in 2017 when my wife and I embarked on a 150-day road trip across Canada. Things to do in Whitehorse. - See 48 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Whitehorse, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Ren Redzepi, whose style of cooking ushered in the New Nordic movement, will turn his focus to . Passionate locals even installed a webcam at the site and, according to my guide Erin, the website gets thousands of hits, especially when the eggs are hatching and the chicks are learning to fly. Those travelling with children will also enjoy the kids programming that occurs throughout the year. Early one morning we rocked up outside the shop and met Julien, our guide for the day. Driving just an hour outside of Whitehorse to the Carcross Desert or Marsh Lake will meet you with unbelievable views for stargazing and a higher chance to spot the colorful hues of the aurora borealis. Learn how your comment data is processed. Witnessing this would typically be hard to do but at the Whitehorse Fishladder & Hatchery, visitors can watch this incredible spectacle first-hand. Find a tour if you are a bit pressed for time in order to make the most of your trekking experience. With so much activity, a small settlement grew next to the river, and due to the foaming waters of the mighty rapids that looked like white steeds, the settlement became known as Whitehorse. Its part of the Riverfront Trail and a connector route of the Trans-Canada Trail. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. Are their nice Winter hiking trails and fun bars to go too? Try your angler's savoir-faire on the Lake Trout, the Northern Pike, the Arctic Grayling among others. The suspension bridge across Miles Canyon will make for some great photos. Youll even find the original Whitehorse telegraph office and the MacBride Waterfront Trolley, which takes visitors on a ride along the Whitehorse waterfront in a fully-restored 1925 trolley. 1997 - 2022 PR Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. When visiting a new place, its always nice to take a general tour of the area to get a feel for the layout and the history thats hidden all around you. What does your ideal itinerary have in store for you? If you prefer to go on a self-guided trek, there is an abundance of places where you can rent snowshoes as well. A popular trail is the Fish Lake Loop which is a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit. The park boasts a large green space, picnic tables, local art installations, and historical elements. is is a reminder of how these boats transported people, livestock and goods along the waterways. In 1866, the S.S. Wilder was the first sternwheeler steamboat to navigate the Yukon River. Take this moment to see another side of the Yukon by touring different trails to stunning viewpoints without being restricted to the main roads. Learn all about the S.S. Klondike 10 things to do in Whitehorse Yukon's capital will keep visitors so busy in the wintertime with hot springs, wildlife watching, northern lights photography, and sled, snowmobile and plane rides,. Whether you catch the big one or not, youll have more than fish stories to tell after this experience. The museum is a gem and wandering around it is one of the best things to do in Whitehorse, especially when the weather is inclement. The Yukon is accessible via a 2 2.5 hour direct flight from Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton on Air North (free baggage) and Air Canada. Congrats. There is a lot to do and see in Whitehorse in late winter to early spring. Its a tick-off-the-Canadian-animal experience seeing resident moose, mountain goats, elk, caribou, Dall sheep and musk ox live in surrounds that closely replicate their habitats. He emigrated to Canada in 1895 and fell in love with the north, penning many novels and volumes of poetry. If your winter tires cant handle your need for speed, then snowmobiling is a great way to go on an adventure fast. This protected place is home to the largest non-polar icefields in the world as well as 17 of Canadas 20 tallest mountainsincluding Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada. I will be working in Whitehorse for a little under 2 months from February to the end of March. Now that were done with the museums, its time to focus on the thing that sets the Yukon apart from most other destinations in North America. Today, there are many hiking trails to explore and a cool 25-metre-long suspension bridge. Canoe on the stunningly beautiful Yukon River Canoe on the stunningly beautiful Yukon River One of my favourite activities we did while in Whitehorse was go canoeing on the Yukon River with Up North Adventures. You can easily do it as a day trip from Whitehorse. But this isnt your everyday visit to the lake. The Yukon is one of those destinations that can satiate your craving for adventure. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Dog Sledding. Come here for rest and relaxation, great food and the chance to explore the area on snowshoes (which the inn provides). To try to look as outdoorsy as the locals (whose canoe-laden 4x4s, Gor-Tex jackets and all-round can do natures make me feel like a city-slicker wimp), I stroll along the Millennium Trail, a 5km paved track that runs along the Yukon River. The weather in Whitehorse in July is warm enough for shirt sleeves so many of the animals looked pretty motley as they were in the process of shedding their winter coats. Sam McGee's relocated cabin is part of the MacBride Museum in Whitehorse. Things to Do in the Northwest Territories. It might be a bit chilly in this winter wonderland but don't expect the locals to be hibernating. They are on the site of the former Takhini Hot Springs which was demolished in September 2020 after a half century of use. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You wont find a warmer welcome anywhere. I love the Yukon and have since I visited the first time in 1999 when I came to raft the Tatshenshini River. Yukon Visitor Information Centre is just one of the places to see in Whitehorse, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? And finally finish the day beside a bonfire at the beautiful Fox Bay Retreat. Sights to see in Whitehorse Some of the sights worth a visit in Whitehorse include the Yukon Transportation Museum, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Black Mike's Gold Mine and the SS Klondike II National Historic Site. DAWSON CITYWATSON LAKEWHITEHORSECAMPBELL REGIONFAROROSS RIVERKLONDIKE REGIONCARMACKSDAWSON CITYPELLY CROSSINGSTEWART CROSSINGSILVER TRAILKENO CITYMAYOKLUANE REGIONBEAVER CREEKBURWASH LANDINGDESTRUCTION BAYHAINES JUNCTIONNORTH YUKONEAGLE PLAINSOLD CROWSOUTHERN LAKES REGIONCARCROSSMARSH LAKEMOUNT LORNETAGISHTESLIN, ATLINCHETWYNDDAWSON CREEKFORT NELSONFORT ST. JOHN, FORT MCPHERSONINUVIKPAULATUKTSIIGEHTCHICTUKTOYAKTUKULUKHAKTOK (HOLMAN), WHITEHORSE AIRPORT ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES, DAWSON CITY EVENTSFARO EVENTSMAYO EVENTSWATSON LAKE EVENTSWHITEHORSE EVENTS. A visit to Dawson City in the winter combines gold rush history with amazing aurora viewing for an unforgettable northern experience. Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Touch device users can explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Miles Canyon is a gorgeous canyon created by the powerful Yukon River. The annual event welcomes all to the Yukon to see who has the best frozen hair creation around. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. The museums beautiful dioramas depict life as it was, along with profiles of the towns shady and colourful characters, many of whom made and subsequently lost fortunes. Book an outing with Northern Tales. Located only 30-minutes from downtown Whitehorse, guests can take a guided tour to see many wonderful animals, such as muskoxen, moose, mountain goats, wood bison, mule deer, elk, woodland caribou, and two species of thinhorn sheep. Top Attractions in Whitehorse 1 Miles Canyon 2 Takhini Hot Springs 3 S.S. Klondike National Historic Site 4 Emerald Lake, Yukon Things to Do in Whitehorse 1 Whitehorse Nature & adventure 2 Whitehorse Outdoor sports 3 Whitehorse Photography tours 4 Whitehorse Northern Lights Experience the preserve on foot, walking either a 2.5 or 5.0 kilometre trail or via a narrated 75-90 minute bus tour. Today. Allow 60-90 minutes. Unfortunately, this is also the time when the sun almost never sets, making it very difficult to see the Northern Lights. Canada Events; Yukon Events; Things to do in Whitehorse, Canada; Whitehorse Classes; Whitehorse Health Classes; Share . I soon discover that this compact place with its wide streets and charming 20th-century buildings has a huge history, with sights to prove it. Introduced in the 1860s, these boats were a vessel for new immigrants to Canada. List of cafes, restaurants and museums. Travel in Winter Winter Conditions Affect Our Travel Share the Road - with cyclists, pedestrians, transit and all vehicles Slow down - stopping distances are longer and more unpredictable in the winter Ensure your vehicle is in good winter condition Snow plows and snow clearing equipment will clear Whitehorse roads and trails on a priority basis Beringia was the land bridge that connected Siberia to the Yukon. After all, you dont usually start off your fishing trip by snowmobiling across a lake and drilling a hole in the vast wilderness of the most northern parts of Canada. When to go: They don't call it the Great White North for nothing. Not only will they pick you up and drop you off at your Whitehorse hotel, they stoke big bonfires and offer warming cabins with hot drinks and snacks. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year . Northern lights destinations offer up creative ways to enjoy the auroras dazzling displays. You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. 1898. The S.S. Klondike is is a reminder of how these boats transported people, livestock and goods along the waterways. Snowy owls are also on the property. On the expanse of Lake Laberge made famous in the poem The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service, you have the opportunity to let er rip. The biggest attraction for visitors coming in winter is the Aurora watching. Whitehorse boasts loads of nearby fun things to do for you and the kids. After all, most people explore the Yukon in the summer when the weather is at its warmest. This isnt the celebration of the most delicious bread known to mankind. This 366m-long contraption, the longest in North America, was specially constructed for salmon to be able to bypass the dam wall which would impede their natural if arduous upriver journey for hundreds of kilometres to spawn (the salmon run). However, just because there are lots of wild animals doesnt mean youll see them, so if you want to see the beautiful native animals, youll want to head to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. 01 Activity Dogsledding With electric cars, Ubers and Evos, transportation has come a long way. Its a modern, convivial place where thankfully, the word barista is understood. Receive helpful Yukon tips, information on unique events and activities, and inspirational ideas that are sure to stay out of your junk mail folder. You can try your hand at axe throwing, chainsaw chucking and pancake eating. Whats an activity that will get you familiar with the territory in no time, while having a good time? Whitehorse winter days may be short and chilly, but our citizens offer long stays and warm hospitality. Just a short 30-minute ride from Whitehorse is Sky High Wilderness Ranch. Tour Experiences operates out of Whitehorse and is the leading Tour Operator for adventure & sightseeing tours in the Yukon and Alaska. There is nothing else like it on earth and the area near Whitehorse is one of the most accessible for dark night skies. Our content is a fusion of experienced journalism and new media, a marriage of award-winning journalists and new media influencers. The Bard of the Yukon, Robert Service, was born in Preston, England. The centre serves as both a meeting spot and a place to celebrate the Kwanlin Dn First Nations rich cultural heritage and history and includes a sizeable collection of rare Kwanlin Dn cultural artifacts, and the chance to experience performances of dance and storytelling. Incredibly, this tall rod is on the tourist map. Every day, a new exciting excursion awaits to take you deep into the wilderness. The staff are very supportive and will make sure you have a great time. If you believe hiking is reserved for the summer season, youre missing out on some prime times in the Yukon winter. A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. You can follow the tours by downloading the audio program to your mobile phone and/or by printing out the accompanying map. You'd better bring some comfy walking shoes if youre hoping to experience all that this glorious city has to offer. Yates Mountain Hike via Prairie View Trail, A Guide to 3 Perfect Days in the South Okanagan, Cottage Grove Covered Bridges Bike Tour, Oregon, Camping for Beginners What You Need to Know, What is ETIAS? However, timing is critical when it comes to the dancing lights. WOW ! Rent a bike in Whitehorse, and we promise itll put your previous bike excursions to shame. Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! Learn how your comment data is processed. You can choose your own escapade; from short, half-day tours to week-long immersion programs; there is something for everyone! This museum offers insight into the establishment of the Christian faith in the territory with displays and artifacts focusing on the pioneer days and the role of religion during this period. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitehorse? One of the newest places to open in Whitehorse is called the Black Spruce Hotel, designed to blend into the natural beauty of its surroundings. Although chilling under the slow dance of the northern lights is the star attraction, there are a lot of other epic activities to dofrom slow and relaxing to fast and thrilling. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. hints about the rivers wild and woolly past. 1. Youll see woodland caribou, wood bison, Arctic fox, wood bison and Thinhorn sheep (a species of Dall sheep) to name a few. The modern interior features a kitchenette, heated marble tiles, hardwood flooring, and a sauna that opened in summer 2022. @Anna Sounds like I need to check that out. I had giggled, thinking of how the elk-in-the-airport might be Whitehorses version of Lenny Bruces cannon-in-the-park. Judging by the crowd, its clear that Hank, a 70-or-so-year-old country crooner and his musicians, are legends among his aged groupies. If you do want to see them, youre best to time your visit for the fall or winter when darkness is more often than daylight. Nevertheless, I come face to face with one back in town, at the Yukon Beringia Interpretative Centre. You can typically find snowshoeing bundled on a tour with a bunch of other fun, frosty things to do around Whitehorse. Short days: There are long days in summer and short days in winter with a lot of darkness. You may even get lucky and see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your cabin. 5.0 . This is a great way to use your hands and your imagination and learn a new skill that is not only fun but also results in a physical product that you can bring home. It became famous for its navigational challenges from 1897 to 1899, the early Gold Rush days. Stunning Kluane National Park is a two drive away, the scenic Tatshenshini River is about two and a half hours, and Skagway, Alaska can be reached in three.