The Yukon is vast, wild, and full of take-your-breath-away beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or adventurous family, this 7-day itinerary from Whitehorse to Dawson City blends outdoor exploration, Indigenous culture, quirky northern charm, gold rush adventure and breathtaking landscapes.
This itinerary was initially done with a kid in tow, so you’ll find a mix of family-friendly stops and immersive wilderness experiences that are perfect for all ages.
We respectfully acknowledge that this itinerary visits the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dùn First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and other First Nations whose lands we travel through, including Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation.
Planning your trip to the Yukon
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How to Get There
Flying
The easiest way to begin your Yukon journey is by flying into Whitehorse, the territory’s capital. Flights are available from most Canadian cities, served by Air North and other major airlines. Air North offers convenient and direct flights from cities in Western Canada and other northern locations.
Car rentals are available at the airport through Budget and Driving Force car rentals. A vehicle is highly recommended for flexibility. The highways and destinations in the Yukon are remote, and public transportation is very limited. Book your rental car in Whitehorse.
Driving
If you have the time and want a road trip adventure, consider driving to Whitehorse via the Alaska Highway! From Edmonton, for example, this trip can take anywhere from two to four days, depending on your stops. Places you must check out include:
- Liard River Hot Springs
- Muncho Lake
- Stone Mountain Park
- Watson Lake and the Sign Post Forest
How to Get Around
A road trip is the best way to explore this route. The drive between Whitehorse and Dawson City is part of the Klondike Highway, and while it’s well-maintained, it can be remote in places. There are long stretches with no services, including cell phone reception and gas. Be sure to fuel up and download offline maps before setting out.
Where to Stay
Whitehorse offers a range of accommodation options, from campgrounds and motels to modern hotels, vacation rental suites and rustic lodges. In Dawson City, you can stay in a historic inn, riverside cabin, or unique Klondike-style hotels like the Downtown Hotel or Klondike Kate’s Cabins.
Whitehorse to Dawson City: A 7-Day Yukon Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse and explore
Depending on when your flight gets in or when you arrive, you should have a little time to settle in and explore Whitehorse. Here are some things you can do to fill a half-day or evening in town.
Check out Main Street
Nestled in the heart of downtown Whitehorse, Main Street gives you the first taste of the Yukon’s famous gold rush history. Main Street is done up in late 1800s style, and is lined with boutique shops, souvenir stores, restaurants and cafes. Along Main, you’ll also find public art that celebrates the territory’s history, including the busts of novelist Jack London, artist Ted Harrison and poet Robert Service.
Visit the S.S. Klondike
As you enter town, you’ll see the S.S. Klondike, one of Canada’s few remaining steam-powered paddlewheelers. These huge paddlewheelers arrived in the 1860s and provided transportation throughout the Yukon for almost 100 years. Visitors will learn about the changes in life on the rivers and how Indigenous people have utilized the rivers for travel, fishing, and gathering since time immemorial.
Note: At the time of writing, June 2025, the S.S. Klondike was undergoing extensive restoration and lead removal. Although it is not accessible to visitors, there are still things to see and learn at the Visitor Welcome Centre and through outdoor exhibits.
Explore Miles Canyon
A visit to Miles Canyon is a must during your trip to Whitehorse. The canyon was created millions of years ago by a rush of basaltic lava spilling over a pre-glacial landscape. It created columnar jointing, which is the name for lava in the cliff walls that resembles standing rock posts. These vertical columns are weaker, which allows more downward erosion to occur. That’s why this section of the river has deep canyon walls, while other parts don’t.
Miles Canyon is pretty easy to access. You can get there on foot or by car, and the area features a series of trails that allow you to choose the length and difficulty of your walk. There is a unique suspension bridge, and the Rim Trail offers the best views of the canyon.
Warning: There are no barriers along the canyon wall, and sections of the Rim Trail are narrow and close to steep drop-offs. Keep young children close!
Day 2: Whitehorse Wilderness, Wildlife and History
Morning: Paddle the Yukon River
The Yukon River has historical and cultural significance to Yukoners. Indigenous people have used it for travel, fishing, sustenance, trade, gathering and ceremony for thousands of years. It also played a vital role in transportation during the Klondike Gold Rush and for settlers in the Yukon.
Getting out on a canoe and kayak is the best way to immerse yourself in the wilderness and experience the Yukon River. Several outfitters in Whitehorse offer self-guided trips that include rentals and shuttle services for half- or full-day paddles. You can also opt for a fully guided trip. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy!
Northern Explorers had a great experience doing a self-guided trip with UpNorth Adventures.
Afternoon: Wildlife and Yukon History
Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Discover the iconic wildlife of the north at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. The area features beautiful natural landscapes spanning over 350 acres and is home to more than a dozen native species. You can walk (self-guided) or take a guided driving tour of the 5 km loop to view wood bison, caribou, arctic fox, lynx, muskox, elk, moose, mountain goats, mule deer, tundra sheep, and more! Plan your trip to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (adults only)
Nearby are the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (also known as Takhini Hot Springs), which offer a complete Nordic spa experience. A soak in the healing waters is a great way to end the day, but the facility is only for adults aged 19 and older.
Discover history and culture.
There are so many museums and cultural centres in Whitehorse that you could easily spend a day or two exploring them. Learning about the rich cultural and natural history of the Yukon is interesting and fun for the whole family. Here are some places to check out:
- Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre: Explore ice age history, ancient animals and First Nations culture in the land before time!
- MacBride Museum of Yukon History: The Yukon’s first museum shares the history of the Yukon, including the gold rush and colourful characters of those times.
- Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre: Situated on the banks of the Yukon River, the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre shares Indigenous culture, art and history through exhibits, programs and special events.
- Yukon Transport Museum: Boats, planes and trains! Discover the innovative ways Yukoners have travelled throughout the north.
Day 3: Drive to Dawson City from Whitehorse
The drive between Whitehorse and Dawson City is about 533 km and takes about 6 hours (without stops). The road is mostly remote, with a few services available in Carmacks and Pelly Crossing. Be sure to fuel up and stock up on snacks and supplies before hitting the road.
Things to see between Dawson City and Whitehorse
Fox Lake: The highway runs along beautiful Fox Lake, offering sweeping views of the lake. If you want to check out the water, pull into the Fox Lake Campground. It has a sheltered area for swimming, canoeing and walking.
Braeburn Lodge cinnamon bun: If you’re feeling snacky, pull into the Braeburn Lodge for a massive cinnamon bun. They’re $20 each, but the size of a dinner plate. You’ll be snacking on it for days.
Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre: Located in Carmacks, this small interpretive centre shows the traditional lifestyle of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation. Sit inside a moose skin home, view a collection of Northern Tutchone tools, interesting dioramas and more.
Five Finger Rapids Lookout: Just north of Carmacks, pull over at the Five Finger Rapids lookout. Walk down the 219-step staircase and trail to a viewing platform to view the rapids that gold seekers and paddlewheelers had to navigate during the gold rush.
Arrive in Dawson City
Once you arrive in Dawson City, settle into your accommodation and go for a walk through town. Dawson City is part of the Klondike National Historic Site of Canada, and over 17 buildings are part of the Dawson Historical Complex. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you walk along wooden sidewalks and unpaved roads. All of the buildings in town are either restored historic buildings from the late 1800s or built to look like one.
While some are only accessible through a guided tour with Parks Canada, some restaurants and shops will be open during the summer into the early evening. Find places to eat in Dawson City.
Day 4: Discover Historical Dawson
Morning: Historical Downtown Walking Tour & S.S. Keno Tour
Parks Canada offers several tours that allow visitors to learn more about the interesting history of Dawson City, the gold rush and the First Nations people who have lived and cared for this area since time immemorial. Tickets for these tours are available at the Visitor Information Centre on Front Street.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour: While Dawson City captured the world’s attention with the Klondike gold rush, people lived here long before anyone struck gold. Led by a costumed interpreter, this tour takes you through historic Dawson and into several restored and protected buildings that help tell the story of Dawson’s past.
S.S. Keno Tour: Part of the current-day Dawson City skyline is the historic steam-powered paddlewheeler, the S.S. Keno. Visitors will have the opportunity to step inside the boat and learn about the pivotal role paddlewheelers played in Yukon River life for nearly 100 years.
Afternoon: Explore Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in history and culture
The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in have called this area home for thousands of years before any prospectors came looking for riches. Their traditional fish camp was at the confluence of the Klondike (Tr’ondëk) and Yukon Rivers.
Visit the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre: Located on Front Street, overlooking the Yukon River, this cultural centre, operated by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, offers summer programs that feature local crafts, culture, and art. You can take a guided tour of the Hammerstone Gallery, where you’ll learn about the rich history and culture of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. There is also a theatre with a Welcome Film and a gift shop where you can purchase traditional beadwork.
Red Serge, Red Tape Interpretive Program: Facilitated by Parks Canada in consultation and collaboration with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, this program offers a critical examination of the impacts of a colonial government and the settlement of the area. As part of an open discussion, participants are encouraged to reflect on their role in reconciliation and building a better, shared future. Tickets are available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Option for kids: Xplorers Program
If you’re travelling with kids, head to the Visitor Information Centre and get your Xplorers Program booklet. This book guides kids ages 6 to 11 through the historic, natural and cultural wonders of Dawson City and is a must-do on your Yukon itinerary. Once they complete the activities and fill out the book, they can take it to the visitor centre to collect a prize and their official Xplorers certificate. It’s a thorough, fun and very kid-friendly way to explore and learn about Dawson City.
Evening option for adults: Diamond Tooth Gerties
Walk into yesteryear and experience Canada’s first casino, complete with saloon vibes and an old-fashioned can-can show at Diamond Tooth Gerties. You’ll find modern-day familiars like flashing slot machines and craft beer on tap, and everything you’d expect to find in a casino.
There are three live shows featuring Diamond Tooth Gertie herself, who entertains with powerhouse vocals along with a co-host and some very talented dancers. Shows are at 8:30 PM, 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM. Your ticket is good for the entire season!
Day 5: Day trip to Tombstone Territorial Park (Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän – “ragged mountain land”)
Tombstone Territorial Park is called the “ragged mountain land” by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and must be part of your Yukon itinerary. The scenery is otherworldly, featuring jagged rocky peaks, swaths of tundra shrubs, rivers, pretty lakes and rolling hills. It is a must-see if you’re in the northern Yukon territory.
The drive from Dawson City to Tombstone Territorial Park is roughly 1.5 hours. There are no services, including cell phone service, food or gas, so make sure you head out with a full tank and everything you need for your day trip adventure. There is a self-serve gas station at the junction of the Klondike and Dempster Highways.
Here are things to do in Tombstone Territorial Park:
Visit the Tombstone Interpretive Centre
The Tombstone Interpretive Centre should be your first stop. Here, you’ll find friendly staff, maps, and plenty of information about the park, trails, and scenic drives. You can spend some time here exploring interpretive displays, art exhibits, enjoying tea time, and visiting the library. There are also children’s activities, including puppets and puppet theatre, colouring and crafts.
While you’re there, learn about guided walks and programs offered on the day of your visit. Find a schedule of Tombstone Territorial Park Interpretive Programs.
The Tombstone Interpretive Centre also has flush toilets and a water refill station.
Take a scenic drive to the end of the park
Driving through the park will allow you to see the soul-stirring scenery the park has to offer. It starts with rugged, sharp and rocky mountains and smooths out into shrub-covered, rolling tundra the further north you go. Make sure you stop for photos at the Tombstone Mountain Lookout (KM 72), Two Moose Lake (KM 102.6), and Chapman Lake (KM 116).
There is also a scenic picnic spot on the Blackstone River just after KM 100 down a long dirt driveway. You’ll have crossed the Continental Divide, where the rivers start running north into the Arctic Ocean.
Go on a hike
A day or half-day hike is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the wildlands of this park. Here are three of the best hikes with the best views you can do in part of a day:
North Klondike River Trail (easy): This easy 3km in-and-out trail follows the North Klondike River into the pretty valley. There is a lengthy section of boardwalk, and you’re in the open valley with epic mountain views all around you. It takes about an hour, and the trailhead is in the Tombstone Mountain Campground.
Goldensides Trail (moderate): A gentle ascent leads up the side of Goldensides Mountain to a rocky ridge overlooking expansive valleys. The total hike is around 6-7 km (you start walking up a service road before hitting the trail). This moderate hike offers some of the best views and scenery in the park, making it a great choice for a half-day adventure. The trailhead is at KM 74.5.
Find a comprehensive guide to the Goldensides Hike in Tombstone Territorial Park.
Grizzly Lake Trail (difficult): Considered a challenging (but very rewarding) route, the Grizzly Lake hike is 11km return and climbs nearly 800 metres. Backpackers camp at the lake, but it can easily be done as a day hike. The trail goes over a ridge, through alpine meadows and opens up to views of a wall of jagged rocky peaks backdropping pretty Grizzly Lake. The trailhead is at KM 58.5.
Day 6 – Yukon River, forest trails and epic valley views
Back in Dawson City, spend your last day exploring the natural beauty of the area. Here are some recommendations:
Morning: Take the free ferry across the Yukon River and explore!
Explore West Dawson and the Yukon River
Walk onto the free river ferry and enjoy a boat ride across the rushing Yukon River. On the other side, you’ll find the peaceful Yukon River campgrounds. Shady and cool, a walk through the campground brings a welcome break from the sometimes hot and dusty streets of Dawson City. There is a brand new playground here with a large rope-style climbing structure and a fun zipline.
At the end of the campground, you’ll find a trail to the beach. When the river is lower, there will be a sandy beach with driftwood for sitting on. This is a great place for a picnic, and kids will love throwing rocks in the water. The current is strong, so keep kids on the beach.
Option: Check out the Paddlewheel Graveyard
If you walk down the beach about 300 metres from the campground, you’ll get to the Paddlewheel graveyard. After the highway to Dawson was built in the 1950s, these steam-powered paddlewheels were no longer needed, were drydocked up the river, and were completely abandoned. You can explore the massive wrecks of wood planks and tipping smoke stacks, but at your own risk.
There are several hazards, and a visit with children is not recommended.
Afternoon: Ice cream and nature walks
Riverbank walk with stops for ice cream and the Farmer’s Market
Back in Dawson, take a walk upstream along the Yukon River banks. This picturesque trail follows the river and features beautiful parkland on the opposite side. On Saturday, you’ll walk right past the Farmer’s Market, which is worth a visit. Pop onto Front Street and treat yourself to an ice cream at Klondyke Cream & Candy.
Near the end of town, you’ll come to the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers, where interpretive signage will teach you about the significance of the area to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and how it was drastically changed during the gold rush.
Ninth Avenue Trail
The Ninth Avenue trail is a family-friendly forest walk that loops around the town. It’s only 2.5 KM and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. This shady trail provides relief from the sun and links up to other trails, including the Midnight Dome Trail.
Option: Visit Dredge No. 4
If you’re interested in history and mining, consider driving about 20 kilometres out of town to visit the Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site. Guided tours are available (get your tickets at the Visitor Information Centre in Dawson City). The massive mining machine teaches visitors about the introduction of corporate industrial mining that has forever altered the landscape.
Evening: Enjoy the views from the Midnight Dome
Watching the sun set from the Midnight Dome is a popular summer activity in Dawson City. On the summer solstice, people gather at the top to see the midnight sun lower behind the mountaintops down the Yukon River valley. Whether you go late at night or during the day, the views of the Klondike and Yukon River valleys are spectacular.
Day 7: Drive back to Whitehorse
On the last day, you’ll drive back to Whitehorse. Now is your opportunity to catch the sights, museums or activities you might have missed before catching your flight home the next day or driving to your next destination.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
Pack layers: Though summers in the Yukon can be pretty warm, the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Make sure you have rain gear and warm layers, just in case the weather turns.
Drive carefully: Driving will be a big part of your Yukon itinerary. Although the Yukon does its best to maintain the roads, they take a heavy toll due to the drastic freeze-thaw cycles. Potholes, frost heaves and rough sections are common on Yukon highways. Drive carefully, and slow down if you see flags on the side of the road. Those usually indicate a bump, hole or rough patch.
Check your fuel: There are long stretches of highway without access to services, including gas and cell phone services. Check Google Maps for distances, and fill up your gas tank and snack supply before hitting the road!
Support local: With such a small population, the Yukon is brimming with local, small businesses. Show your support by shopping at locally run shops and dining at family-run restaurants.
Book in advance: Accommodations in both Whitehorse and Dawson City can fill up during the peak summer season. Plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance.
