Whitehorse

M.V. Schwatka in Miles Canyon on the Yukon River

The Wilderness City

The community of Whitehorse in Yukon has it all―wilderness out the back door as well as all the modern conveniences and amenities of downtown. A network of hiking trails surrounds what's known as the Wilderness City, and the Yukon River flows right through town, with trails and parks on its banks. Visitors are often surprised to learn that this cosmopolitan capital city of about 25,000 people offers all the amenities and comforts of a southern metropolis.

Whitehorse welcomes headline entertainment acts and international performers, and hosts a large number of superb festivals throughout the year. The city has an international airport with daily flights from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary; scheduled departures to Inuvik and other points north, plus charter carrier services.

The city of Whitehorse lies in the traditional territory of two First Nations―the Kwanlin Dun and the Ta’an Kwach’an―and boasts a vibrant arts and cultural community. The classic ambiance of Main Street coupled with great shopping, restaurants and quality visitor accommodation make Whitehorse a superb destination as well as a base for explorations around the Yukon.

Whitehorse hosts a thriving number of supermarkets, camping supply retailers, vehicle and equipment rentals, and just about everything you'd expect to find in a major city. With a full range of visitor services, including two golf courses, a hot springs, fine dining and cafés, great museums, well-appointed accommodation and an assortment of spa and salon offerings, visitors to Whitehorse can relax and enjoy their vacation fun.

Take the time to visit some of the Yukon’s top attractions during your stay in Whitehorse. Tour Parks Canada’s restored sternwheeler, the S.S. Klondike, and explore the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and MacBride Museum. Wander the Whitehorse waterfront where you’ll discover many ways to enjoy the historic Yukon River―by raft, canoe, or tour boat.

And there’s so much to do just a stone’s throw from Whitehorse. Explore hiking trails minutes from downtown at Miles Canyon, ride mountain ridges overlook­ing the city, or fish in a pristine alpine lake just a short flight by bush plane.