Hiking

Peaks, lakes and hiking trails surround Whitehorse

Imagine your exhilaration as you reach the summit of a mountain in Canada's Yukon. Here you’ll retrace historic Yukon trading routes, photograph wildflower meadows and sneak peeks at northern wildlife in their habitat. The Yukon's stunning landscapes beckon hikers from around the world for the ultimate hiking adventures, combining nature, athleticism and northern wilderness.

If there’s a singular trait that defines hiking in the Yukon, it’s the ability to traverse pristine larger than life landscapes without seeing a soul. Yukon hiking tour operators and their experienced guides are industry leaders, adhering to the highest standards for safety, wilderness skills and environmental responsibility.

Our Yukon Hikes

If you dream of finding the best hiking in Canada, plan a trek in Yukon territorial or national parks renowned for their incredible hikes. Tackle the challenging 100-km Donjek Glacier route or the 85-km Cottonwood Trail in Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon's World Heritage Site. Witness the explosion of fall colours on the tundra landscapes of magnificent Tombstone Territorial Park. Chart your own journey over the historic 53-km-long Chilkoot Trail used by First Nation traders and Klondike Gold Rush prospectors.

Enjoy unparalleled backcountry ridge hikes overlooking the Wind and Snake rivers. Explore the Dena Cho Trail connecting Faro and Ross River, the Ridge Road Trail in the Klondike goldfields, or the alpine trails crisscrossing Keno Hill. Meander along historic roads, hike under the midnight sun and stand atop pinnacles that reach for the sky...you’re about to discover memorable hikes like Montana Mountain, King’s Throne, Mount Haldane and Sapper Hill.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Before deciding on a specific walking or hiking route, it’s a good idea to determine what level of challenge you’re looking for. Are you an avid day-hiker who relishes the comforts of a lodge at the end of a day in the mountains? Is a 50-pound pack and two weeks without a shower your idea of a good time? Are you an experienced wilderness traveller, or would you rather be under the watch of a guide?

For adventurers seeking a few hours, a few days or even a couple of weeks of hiking, the Yukon offers unlimited possibilities. If a classic wilderness expedition is your goal, join a guided hiking trip on one of the Yukon’s signature routes, from a few days on the Chilkoot Trail to a week or more in Kluane or Tombstone parks. If you’re looking for a hiking trip with a twist, try hiking with huskies, heli-hiking or a creative journey with a spiritual purpose. Join a half-day walk on local trails near town, or take a van tour that features daily hikes in a new, wild corner of the Yukon.

It’s Time to Start Planning!

Start your journey at the Yukon bookstore known for its great selection of northern titles. At Yukon Books you’ll find guidebooks, narratives and maps describing everything from short walks to remote hiking routes. Learn the local natural and cultural history, and find out about traveling in bear country. Read about the Chilkoot Trail, routes and trails in Kluane and Tombstone, and the network of essential hikes and bikes around Whitehorse. Check with Parks Canada for information about hiking in Kluane National Park and Reserve or the Chilkoot Trail, and Yukon Parks offers information about Tombstone Park, Herschel Island and other territorial parks.

If you are inclined to do-it-yourself, Yukon outdoor equipment rental companies can outfit you with the gear you need and arrange your transportation. Make sure you have the necessary wilderness skills before you embark on your trip. Conditions can be unpredictable—good planning is the key to a safe and successful wilderness adventure.