things to do in whitehorse winter

The museum brings to life through a fantastic and educational set of displays, skeletons and artwork the life in Beringia and for only $6 per adult. If you sign on for the 90 minute flight, not only will you see Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, but another 16 of Canadas highest 20 peaks and some of the most impressive glaciers on the planet. Things to Do in Whitehorse Popular things to do Food, Wine & Nightlife Airport & Hotel Transfers Cultural & Theme Tours Shore Excursions Ways to tour Whitehorse Book these experiences for a close-up look at Whitehorse. 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Even though the hours of daylight are short - 10 o'clock to about 3, nights in winter are surprisingly bright - all that snow reflects moon-light, even star-light. Hotels near popular Whitehorse Attractions, Things do in popular destinations worldwide, Discover Miles Canyon with a GPS-Guided Audio Nature Tour, S.S. Klondike National Historic Site Vacations, Yukon Visitor Information Centre Vacations, Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre Vacations, MacBride Museum of Yukon History Vacations, Sundog Carving Studio & Gallery Vacations, Lorne Mountain Community Centre Vacations, Historic Post Office at Carcross Vacations, Hotels near Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Hotels near MacBride Museum of Yukon History, Hotels near Lorne Mountain Community Centre, Hotels near Historic Post Office at Carcross, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and focus on planning an unforgettable vacation. Salmon are incredible creatures, swimming against the current to make their way upstream to spawn. Plus, as an added bonus, you can also stop the Carcross Desert, which is one of the smallest deserts in the world. If youre up for some camping, head to Robert Service Campground along the Yukon river banks. Yukon: Aurora Borealis Evening Viewing Tour") . Do you have to be half-baked to visit? Who knew snowmobiling could be so much fun? See all Arctic Day: Aurora Viewing Tour | evening 20 Bus Tours from $103.42 per adult White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge Tour 54 Bus Tours from $124.00 per adult Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Dog Sledding and Sightseeing Tour 38 In addition, there are also options for exploring Whitehorse by bus, horse-drawn carriage, or by hopping aboard the M.V. Top Restaurants in Whitehorse. All opinions are my own. A popular trail is the Fish Lake Loop which is a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit. It might be a bit chilly in this winter wonderland but don't expect the locals to be hibernating. Visitors can also enjoy a five-kilometre hike on the trail that loops around the site. You can choose your own escapade; from short, half-day tours to week-long immersion programs; there is something for everyone! and Miles Canyon, where more signage explains more about the rivers history. The longest such structure in the world, the site also features an interpretation centre that educates about the fish and their journey while providing an underwater window and viewing platform to enjoy the experience. Whether you are looking to take part in adrenaline-pumping activities or spend your evenings chasing the northern lights, Whitehorse has something for you. Whether you catch the big one or not, youll have more than fish stories to tell after this experience. Dont worry, theres more to Whitehorse than history, but before getting into the adventure side of things, there are still more museums to check out, such as the Old Log Church Museum, which was the first Anglican church to be established in the Yukon. This isnt the celebration of the most delicious bread known to mankind. Explore the historical and cultural side of yukon. Nature. There are miles of trails for snowmobilers as well. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". EPIC NORTH Tour Experiences operates out of Whitehorse and is the leading Tour Operator for adventure & sightseeing tours in the Yukon and Alaska. Designed by Melissa Giroux | Copyright 2023 A Broken Backpack, Whitehorse is considered one of the largest northern cities in. Any advice on how to prepare for this or fun things to do while I'm there will be greatly appreciated. Required fields are marked *. Just on the outskirts of Whitehorse is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Yukon. If you have no way to print the map, just head on over to the office and theyll provide you with one free of charge. You may even get lucky and see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your cabin. Things to Do in Whitehorse Ways to tour Whitehorse Book these experiences for a close-up look at Whitehorse. Whitehorse homes for sale and homes for sale in Whitehorse. Read our disclosure. The Bard of the Yukon, Robert Service, was born in Preston, England. Winter 2023-Pilates with Penny - Level I; Show all events; W 11. I had giggled, thinking of how the elk-in-the-airport might be Whitehorses version of Lenny Bruces cannon-in-the-park. Enter your email below and be the first to know about new articles on Must Do Canada as well as exclusive deals, giveaways, and promotions. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are her passion. Drinking wine and watching couples dancing is one of the things to do in Whitehorse I had not imagined Id really enjoy. November 23, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto. Today, its meandering watercourse as it approaches the city belies the excruciating treachery of Miles Canyon before the hydro dam drowned its rapids in 1958. Yukon Fat Horse Company: Winter sunset sleigh ride - See 7 traveller reviews, 10 candid photos, and great deals for Whitehorse, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitehorse? Plus, if youre up for an even bigger adventure, you can drive further north on the adventurous 700-km Dempster Highway that takes you all the way to Inuvik. It weaves through a natural area, crosses a narrow section of the Yukon River and then takes you along the rivers edge to Lewes Boulevard. Or visit the wooden fish ladder in Whitehorse, the longest in the world, used by Chinook salmons on their way to spawning areas. Whitehorse is considered one of the largest northern cities in Canada and was once a major hub during the gold rush in 1898. How do I prepare for the temperatures accordingly? Pinterest. Book an outing with Northern Tales. The Yukon is a very cool place. Thankfully, the Yukon Historical & Museums Association provides information on three self-guided tours that you can do at your own pace. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. . Look for migrating chinook salmon through an underwater window. and our roundup of slow . 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. Most residents of the far-north territory of Yukon live here in Whitehorse, its capital city. We have reviews of the best places to see in Whitehorse. Regardless if you choose to experience Yukons everlasting daylight in the summer or the darkest nights of the winter, there is no shortage of things to do on your visit. Youve probably casually strolled through a nature preserve, but have you ever skied through one? Whether its racing a team of enthusiastic sled dogs, or diving head first into a haystack to find a loonie, (yes, thats a real thing), theres a lot to do. KLUANE NATIONAL PARK - Day-Trip from Whitehorse 4 Bus Tours from AU$429.99 per adult Day-Trip To Skagway - Gateway to the Klondike Goldrush 3 Full-day Tours from AU$429.99 per adult 4-Day Whitehorse Northern Lights tour with roundtrip tickets from Vancouver 1 Bus Tours from AU$2,074.30 per adult (price varies by group size) Nature & Wildlife Areas. There is nothing that takes the chill out of your bones like a soak in a steaming hot pool. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Photo: Yukon Tourism Stay up till the early hours of the morning to the Northern Lights. Tags. One of winter's most noteworthy events is the world-renowned Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race1,000 miles between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska. was the first sternwheeler steamboat to navigate the Yukon River. Pack your warmest jacket, Whitehorse is ready for you! Everything listed in this blog can be done as a day trip from Whitehorse. While I enjoy wine, couples dance on the stage wings. There are countless places to explorethese things are kind of a necessity up here. Spray mist fills the air and when it clears I spot a long wooden ladder that snakes its way along the river. A visit to Dawson City in the winter combines gold rush history with amazing aurora viewing for an unforgettable northern experience. We bundle up to cheer on the mushers and dog teams who travel through Whitehorse and Fairbanks during the Yukon Quest sled dog race. Oh. In my humble opinion, you simply cannot come to the Yukon and not go to Dawson City. Buy Now! Answer: Whitehorse residents do just what all other northern folk do in winter - get out and enjoy it. Although the city is now home to more than 28,000 people and serves as a major hub for Canadas north, it owes its existence to the Klondike Gold Rush, which started way back in 1897. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Today, there are many hiking trails to explore and a cool 25-metre-long suspension bridge. Winter is upon us, which means the days are short and the cooking times are long. And they'll seize any opportunity to get outside and take in the region's breathtaking wilderness beauty, whether they prefer hunting, angling or cheering . Moose, mountain goats, dall and stone sheep, close up, bison in the distance, glimpses of a wily young fox and a slee. Theres nothing quite like a soak in a natural hot spring and thanks to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (formerly Takhini Hot Springs), you can do this just 30 minutes from Whitehorse. If mesmerizing ribbons of colour swirling across the sky sounds like a must-see, we have you covered. Whitehorse is the perfect base for day trips. Theres so much nature. So, if youre looking for things to do in Canada and love small cities, put Whitehorse on your to-visit list. However, the Yukon boasts amazing natural phenomena too: its the Land of the Midnight Sun and home to the massive ice fields of Kluane National Park. Dawson, which is a six-hour drive from Whitehorse, is a famous gold-mining town that still looks like the wild-west. Whitehorse is situated on a wild and mighty river, the Yukon. Do not forget about the Aurora. Read: Dogsledding in the Yukon: Learning to Mush Like a Local. Touch device users can explore by touch or with swipe gestures. On a previous visit I spent a few hours with my husband in the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, just minutes away from the airport and a great last stop on any trip. January and February are great for ice fishing, dog sledding, snow shoeing, snow mobiling, skiing and anything else you can think of to do in the snow! When the railway was built in 1900, the . Displayed in the centres foyer is a life-size and very life-like cast. With this tour, pull on your lightweight snowshoes and stomp through the snow. Yukon aurora viewing combines just the right amount of excitement, inspiration and comfort. Its home to 13 species of northern animals living in their natural environment. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Top Things to do in Whitehorse. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. There is nothing else like it on earth and the area near Whitehorse is one of the most accessible for dark night skies. You wont find five star properties in Whitehorse but there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs that are clean and comfortable. The Gold Rush brought over 60 of these steamboats. I've heard there's a much better chance in the Winter and would very much like to see them. 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. There were no glaciers or forests but a landscape of plains called the mammoth steppe. Copper mining in the first decades of the 1900s and the construction of the Alaska Highway during WWII secured Whitehorses place on the map. You can even extend the experience and spend a night at the on-site hotel. The biggest attraction for visitors coming in winter is the Aurora watching. Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou, wolves, grizzlies and black bears all roam various parts of the massive park. If youre not visiting during winter, there are otherthings to do in Whitehorsearound the year. Did you know that the Yukon has 10 times more moose, bears, wolves, caribou, goats and sheep than people? Scroll down if you're interested in seeing more articles and trip itineraries on the horizon. Thanks for subscribing. This recently expanded and updated museum contains an amazing amount of Yukon historic items and information about the First Nations of the area, along with wildlife exhibits. This post includes some affiliate links. Canada Events; Yukon Events; Things to do in Whitehorse, Canada; Whitehorse Classes; Whitehorse Health Classes; Share . Beringia was the land bridge that connected Siberia to the Yukon. Whitehorse is surrounded by mile after mile of natural beauty where you can spend years exploring the rolling hills, rugged mountains, and never-ending parks, but the stunning nature must not distract you from the challenges you could face if you are planning on making Whitehorse your new home. 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. If youre looking for even more things to do up north, check out our other travel guides below: Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. She herself admits to rushing home from work to watch the birth her soapies feathery stars. Whitehorse. 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. Sounds easier said than done. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitehorse? There are so many reasons why youll love visiting Whitehorse and a surprisingly long list of things to do in Whitehorse to fill your itinerary. Please check your inbox and confirm :). Come here for rest and relaxation, great food and the chance to explore the area on snowshoes (which the inn provides). We couldve called it Nature Thawing Spring Festival, but we just didnt think it rolled off the tongue. You'd better bring some comfy walking shoes if youre hoping to experience all that this glorious city has to offer. As I wander past the restored White Pass and Yukon Railway Depot, I can almost hear the clatter and whistles, steam and shouts as men prepared frantically for their prospecting adventure. On Whitehorse's "I'm Not Crying, You're Crying," the singer-songwriter-husband-wife partnership Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland trade the lead and share their love of classic country music. Receive helpful Yukon tips, information on unique events and activities, and inspirational ideas that are sure to stay out of your junk mail folder. People tend to love the Queen of the Yukon, which is the sister plane of Lindberghs Spirit of St. Louis, but there are also many great personal stories of Yukon ingenuity and self-sufficiency. Noma, the Copenhagen restaurant consistently called one of the best in the worldif not the bestannounced on Monday that it would be closing at the end of 2024. Its one of our favourite hot springs in the country as its much more rustic and wild. Those travelling with children will also enjoy the kids programming that occurs throughout the year. You can easily do it as a day trip from Whitehorse. Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs during your travels in Whitehorse. - This post may contain affiliate links. Seek out breathtaking landscapes and panoramic vistas. I will be working in Whitehorse for a little under 2 months from February to the end of March. You can certainly explore on your own but you can also opt for the free 30-minute guided tour, which offers a great overview of the facility, its collections, and research. Are their nice Winter hiking trails and fun bars to go too? Season: May to November. Incredibly, this tall rod is on the tourist map. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Yukon Wildlife Preserve. The Aurora Borealis is free to see, but if you want the most optimal experience, you might want to join a tour. Its so unique. There is a lot to do and see in Whitehorse in late winter to early spring. Love hiking but want to add an extra element to your adventures in Whitehorse, Yukon? Your email address will not be published. However, timing is critical when it comes to the dancing lights. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. 1- Learn about theWhite Pass and Yukon route railway. But surely the most unusual of all the towns sights is the one that greets guests at the local airport (and Im not talking Canadas former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, whod been in town and happened to fly out on my arrival). Allow 60-90 minutes. Cross the bridge and return to your starting point. Takhini Hot Springs. Canadas northern territories are full of adventure. If youre like most people and have always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, the Yukon is a great place to be. Located near the Nature Preserve, 28 kilometres north of Whitehorse, the hot pools are open year round. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. The S.S. Klondike is is a reminder of how these boats transported people, livestock and goods along the waterways. That evening, I return to the museum to hear a local band, Hank Karr and the Canucks, perform. 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. Ride along with one of Whitehorse's horseback riding adventure companies for day trips or multi-day excursions. Folk HAVE electricity, and lig. Oh yes! You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. Before experiencing the Yukon first-hand, get free guidebooks and maps-any way you like: online, downloaded or delivered right to your door. Sign up with Muktuk Kennels (who will provide all the warm-weather clothing you need) if you want what I would call an experience of a lifetime. Another great place to learn about the history of Whitehorse and Yukon is the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, which features a large collection of items and photographs from the gold rush, as well as information about the Yukon First Nations. It might be a bit chilly in this winter wonderland but dont expect the locals to be hibernating. 2022 Must Do Canada. 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. Explore the campus of Yukon University during your stay in Whitehorse. 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. I would recommend it to all visitors. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Things to Do in the Northwest Territories. Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North, Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs. Hot Spring. After this point, the trail loops around over the river at the Centennial Bridge, which affords a great view of the impressive Whitehorse Dam, a hydroelectric project that garnishes the power of the gushing waters. Things to Do in Whitehorse Map Popular things to do Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours 4WD Tours Top Picks Cultural & Theme Tours Tours & Sightseeing Luxury & Special Occasions Private & Custom Tours Ports of Call Tours Walking Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Spa Tours Water Sports Ways to tour Whitehorse If your winter tires cant handle your need for speed, then snowmobiling is a great way to go on an adventure fast. The canyon, striking for its vertical basalt walls, was one of the major obstacles for the gold-seeking prospectors because of its narrow width and fast waters. If you want to stay outside of the city have a look at Northern Lights Resort & Spa. You wont find a warmer welcome anywhere. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Youll learn about massive animals like the woolly mammoth and giant beavers, as well as the areas history, geographical events, and culture, all illustrated through fossils, First Nation exhibits, murals, and dioramas. Thank you for the extraordinary experiences all of which are available to anyone should they choose to visit. Short days can have effects on people. You must reserve online as walk-ins are nor permitted. Travel2Next.com provides travel inspiration and information about world travel. Transportation is obviously a key component of economic activity and the Yukon Transportation Museum is a great place to learn about the early means of transportation that helped Yukon become what it is today, including snowshoes, dog sleds, stagecoaches, boats, aircraft, and vehicles used during the construction of the Alaska Highway. Our Museums MacBride Museum 1124 Front St. Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Y1A 1A4 Phone: (867) 667-2709 Email: frontdesk@macbridemuseum.com MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum Mile 919.28 Alaska Highway Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 5B7 Phone: (867) 667-6198 Email: macbridecopperbelt@gmail.com Visit MacBride Museum - Downtown Just outside of Whitehorse there's a lengthy list of fun winter adventures, from downhill skiing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing, to snowshoeing, hot pools, dog sledding and snowmobiling,. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided on this website may have changed since the initial publication. Here are nine winter activities that will soon be on your bucket listand you wont even need a bucket to do them. What's On Festivals and Events Planning Your Event Parks & Playgrounds Sports Facilities If you want to go even deeper into the history of the Yukon, head over to the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, which is located near the Yukon Transportation Museum. Have fun snowmobiling on a frozen lake, such as Lake Laberge (the lake in Sam McGees poem) or Fish Lake. The phenomenon of the aurora borealis can technically occur all year round but our ability to see them is determined by a few factors; how dark it is, how clear the sky is, and how lucky are you feeling? There is an interpretation centre at the Whitehorse Rapids Fishladder. Whitehorse has a unique history and so it makes sense to learn about some of that history when you visit the city. List of cafes, restaurants and museums. Located between Alaska and Canadas Northwest Territories, Whitehorse is the capital city of the Yukon and the largest city in Northern Canada. Sanchez Cantina; 3. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for hours. These days, the only trip from Whitehorse is via a restored waterfront 1925 trolley that runs between the two ends of town. Another wonderful outdoor adventure is canoeing. Trade in those tight spandex and streamlined bikes for a pair of snow pants and fat tiresits how we roll in the winter. Getting out into the fresh air will lift your spirits, even in the cold weather.