Whitehorse is the gateway to the Yukon, a city with pure wilderness at its doorstep! Whitehorse is nestled along the banks of the mighty Yukon River, below towering peaks and amidst rolling tundra. Because of its protected location, Whitehorse boasts a milder climate, which may be why nearly 70% of the Yukon’s population resides here! Whitehorse serves as the Yukon Territory’s capital, and its only city. While Whitehorse houses all of the amenities and attractions of a capital city, the pristine wilderness that surrounds it makes it unique – just outside city limits, adventures and natural treasures abound in the Yukon Territory.
The area was used by First Nations tribes as a fishing and hunting camp for thousands of years before the gold rush raged through. When Skookum Jim, Tagish Charlie, and George Carmack discovered gold along Klondike Creek, the land around present-day Whitehorse exploded into a frenzy of stampeders, prospectors, and businessmen eager to strike it rich. For decades, the port town of Skagway and Whitehorse were connected by the White Pass & Yukon Route railway. Mushers still travel between Whitehorse and Fairbanks each year in the grueling 1,000 mile Yukon Quest sled dog race. Whitehorse is the perfect marriage of city living and outdoor adventure!
On our itineraries that visit Whitehorse, we explore the wilderness landscapes that make the Yukon so famous - emerald-colored glacial lakes, mighty roaring rivers, mountain ranges standing sentinel, and the world's smallest desert! We will explore the natural history back to Stone Age, Gold Rush history, and modern day living while strolling the streets of Whitehorse. Enjoy exquisite dining, upscale riverside accommodations, sweeping vistas, and the best sightseeing and adventure experiences that the wild Yukon Territory has to offer!
