Canada

Yukon Territory

Region

Welcome to the Yukon Territory, a fascinating land where Canada's untouched wilderness meets a rich Gold Rush history, and the spectacular Northern Lights paint the sky in magical colours.

by Felix Gillen

Welcome to the Yukon Territory, a fascinating land where Canada's untouched wilderness meets a rich Gold Rush history, and the spectacular Northern Lights paint the sky in magical colours. Here you can immerse yourself in a world full of adventure, from majestic mountain landscapes and icy glaciers to vibrant rivers and a unique Indigenous culture that will immediately captivate you.

Das Yukon-Territorium in Kanadas Nordwesten ist geprägt von unberührter Wildnis und einer faszinierenden Goldrauschgeschichte. Hier erstrecken sich majestätische Bergketten, darunter der Kluane-Nationalpark mit Kanadas höchstem Gipfel, dem Mount Logan, sowie weite Tundra und der historische Yukon River. In Dawson City, dem Zentrum des Klondike-Goldrausches, erlebst du die lebendige Geschichte des 19. Jahrhunderts, während die Hauptstadt Whitehorse als zentraler Ausgangspunkt für Erkundungen dient und indigene Kultur präsentiert. Die Region bietet im Sommer endlose Tageslichtstunden für Outdoor-Aktivitäten wie Wandern und Kanufahren. Im Winter präsentiert sich der Himmel mit spektakulären Nordlicht-Erscheinungen, die du am besten zwischen Ende August und April bei klaren Nächten beobachten kannst. Plane ausreichend Zeit für die Erkundung der weitläufigen Landschaften ein und informiere dich über die oft großen Distanzen und die nötige Infrastruktur.

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Haines Junction

Haines Junction serves as a charming gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kluane National Park, captivating visitors with breathtaking alpine scenery.

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Dawson City

A historic gold rush town at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers, whose preserved buildings and stories take you straight back to the wild past of the Klondike Gold Rush.

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Kluane National Park and Reserve

This UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site is home to Canada's highest mountains and the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, offering you breathtaking landscapes for incomparable nature experiences.

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Whitehorse

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, serves as an important regional hub and a gateway to Canada's Arctic wilderness. This city on the Yukon River blends history with a deep connection to nature.

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Sights in Yukon Territory

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Yukon River

The Yukon River flows right through Whitehorse. At approximately 3,190 km, it is one of North America's longest rivers, emptying into the Bering Sea in Alaska. During the Klondike Gold Rush, it was the main route to Dawson City. Along its banks runs the Millennium Trail, an approximately 5 km flat loop trail that connects both sides of the river via two bridges and passes the SS Klondike.

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Sculpture on Front Street

Along Front Street and the waterfront promenade by the Yukon River in Whitehorse, there are several public artworks. This sculpture is one of them and is located directly on the path between downtown and the river – a quick stop during a stroll along the water.

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Wooden Mountie Statue

On Front Street in Whitehorse stands a roughly nine-meter-tall **wooden figure of a Mountie** in the red parade uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The mounted police played a central role in the Yukon during the Gold Rush – today, the figure is primarily a popular photo spot along the riverbank path.

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Kindness Meter

The Kindness Meters are disused parking meters in downtown Whitehorse that have been repurposed as donation boxes: Dropping in spare change supports local social organizations. A small curiosity along the way, not a destination in itself.

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North End Gallery

The **North End Gallery** on Front Street in Whitehorse exhibits and sells art and handicrafts from the Yukon and the Canadian North: carvings, jewelry, prints, and paintings, including many works by indigenous artists. A great place if you're looking for a souvenir that genuinely originates from the region.

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Dining & Drinks

Yukon cuisine is simple and hearty; much of it comes from hunting, fishing, or has a connection to the Gold Rush.

Arctic Char, and Salmon

Fish from the rivers and lakes of the North appears on many menus, grilled or smoked.

sourdough

Gold prospectors carried their sourdough starter with them – 'Sourdough' is still the nickname for long-time Yukoners, and sourdough pancakes are a breakfast staple.

Yukon Brewing

The Whitehorse brewery, brewing beer since 1997, offers a popular tasting room.

Sourtoe Cocktail

At the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, a schnapps with a mummified toe has been served since the 1970s – a bizarre ritual where the toe must touch the lips.

Best Time to Visit

When is the best time for your trip?

June

July

August

September

February

March

-12–14°C

From June to August, the days are long, and all roads, campsites, and river tours are in full swing. In September, autumn colours and the Northern Lights season begin. February and March are suitable for dog sledding and Northern Lights, with longer days than in the heart of winter.

Monthly average temperatures for Whitehorse. Dawson City is significantly colder in winter, somewhat warmer in summer.

Seasons

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Summer season

Northern Lights

Quiet Time

Best Time to Visit

▶Show detailed monthly data

Month	Temp (°C)
January	-15.0
February	-12.0
March	-6.0
April	1.0
May	7.0
June	12.0
July	14.0
August	13.0
September	8.0
October	1.0
November	-9.0
December	-13.0

Culture & History

First Nations of the YukonFourteen First Nations live in the Yukon, including the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in in Dawson City and the Kwanlin Dün in Whitehorse. Many of them have concluded modern land claims agreements with Canada and manage parts of their territory themselves. Cultural centres such as the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse and Danöja Zho in Dawson City present their history.The Klondike Gold RushIn 1896, gold was discovered at Bonanza Creek. In the following two years, tens of thousands made their way across the Chilkoot Pass and along the Yukon River to Dawson City, which briefly became one of the largest cities in Western Canada. Wooden facades, paddle wheelers, and the poems of Robert Service keep this era alive.Life in the NorthWith around 45,000 inhabitants in an area larger than Germany, the Yukon is sparsely populated; most live in Whitehorse. Midnight sun in June, Northern Lights in winter, and events like the Yukon Quest dog sled race define the year.

Getting Here & About

Getting ThereWhitehorse Airport (YXY) is the gateway to the Yukon, with connections to Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton; in summer, Condor offers seasonal direct flights from Frankfurt. By land, you can reach the Yukon via the Alaska Highway from British Columbia.By Car or RVDistances are vast: Whitehorse to Dawson City is approximately 530 km on the Klondike Highway, Whitehorse to Haines Junction about 160 km.Gas stations can be over 150 km apart – refuel at every opportunity.The Dempster Highway northwards and the Top of the World Highway to Alaska are gravel roads; many rental companies exclude them in their contract.Without a CarPublic transport between towns is scarce. Alternatives include guided tours, canoe transfers, and regional flights with Air North to Dawson City.

Round trips through this region

Yukon & Alaska Highway

From Whitehorse, you drive for just under two hours on the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, on the edge of Kluane National Park. After that, the route takes you via Whitehorse and the Klondike Highway for about eight hours to Dawson City, the gold rush town on the Yukon. Gas stations are rare, so refuel at every opportunity.

10 Days

3 stops

Nearby

Whitehorse

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, serves as an important regional hub and a gateway to Canada's Arctic wilderness. This city on the Yukon River blends history with a deep connection to nature. Among its most prominent attractions is the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, a restored sternwheeler that impressively conveys the river's historical significance during the Gold Rush. The MacBride Museum of Yukon History and the Beringia Interpretive Centre offer comprehensive insights into local culture, history, and prehistoric wildlife. A stroll along the picturesque Miles Canyon or the Yukon River waterfront is recommended to experience the immediate natural surroundings. The winter months are ideal for observing the Northern Lights, though one should avoid the city's light pollution. Summer months are excellent for outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing.

Haines Junction

Haines Junction serves as a charming gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kluane National Park, captivating visitors with breathtaking alpine scenery. Nestled at the confluence of the Alaska and Haines Highways, you'll discover a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, enveloped by some of North America's most majestic mountains. A visit here promises unforgettable natural experiences and insights into the local Yukon culture.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Dawson City

A historic gold rush town at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers, whose preserved buildings and stories take you straight back to the wild past of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Campbell River

Welcome to Campbell River, the unofficial heart of northern Vancouver Island and the self-proclaimed “Salmon Capital of the World”! You'll love this coastal city, nestled picturesquely along the Discovery Passage, offering the ideal starting point for unforgettable outdoor adventures.Whether you're looking to explore legendary salmon runs, hike through lush rainforests, or experience Canada's maritime culture, Campbell River promises you an authentic and invigorating Pacific getaway.