Travel tips
Your LGBTQ2S+ guide to exploring the Yukon
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With northern lights and accepting vibes, all are welcome here.
Inclusive destinations are not limited to big cities, and smaller populations are not always small-minded. You’ll find it’s a different world up here, with vibrant rainbow walkways, queer owned and allied businesses, and a bumping annual Pride festival. Plan your getaway to The North and experience all-inclusivity.
Travel mindset: come as you are
You’re headed to the Yukon! Here we like to let loose and embrace our true selves. As you begin planning your trip, be sure to keep an eye out for any local events happening during your stay. The Yukon has an active LGBTQ2S+ community and there may well be meet-ups or festivals that you wouldn’t want to miss.
It’s also worth tapping the vast selection of online resources available from other LGBTQ2S+ travellers. Whether it's a blog, a vlog or a social media account, seeing and hearing about other people’s first-hand experiences will give you tons of ideas and a fresh perspective. Remember, Canada as a whole is an accepting and inclusive destination—our niceness isn’t just a stereotype! So, relax, be yourself, and enjoy the Yukon’s welcoming nature.
Where to stay: rainbow-friendly accommodation
Why settle for a run-of-the-mill vacation when you can have an unforgettable experience in The Yukon? With plenty of accommodations owned and operated by LGBTQ2S+ individuals and allies, you're sure to find a warm and welcoming home base for this big adventure.
Photo: @lezseetheworld
From cozy inns to beautiful boutique hotels, to queer-friendly home rentals, there's something for every taste and budget. Plus, you’ll find the locals are more than happy to steer you in the direction of their fave queer owned and allied bars, restaurants, and activities, so you can skip the hassle of having to figure things out on your own.
Where to eat: dine with pride at queer owned and allied eateries
The Yukon is cooking up a storm with a bunch of queer owned and allied eateries that are begging your taste buds to come and explore! Not only are these great spots for chowing down on delicious eats, but they're also community hubs where you can hang out with friends and connect with the LGBTQ2S+ community.
By grabbing a bite at one of these gems, you'll be treated to Yukon hospitality and be supporting a diverse and inclusive local food industry. So whether you're in the mood for a scrumptious breakfast, long lunch, a cold brew, or even a full meal, swing by and help build a tastier and more inclusive community while you’re up here.
Where to shop: support local queer artists and makers
Our art reflects the unique perspectives and talents of the small but diverse population here in the Yukon. Whether you're looking to catch a thought-provoking performance or pick up a carefully inked design, there are plenty of LGBTQ2S+ practitioners and allies to seek out this way. With cultural institutions and grassroots markets showcasing the work of queer artists, you won’t be finding boring souvenirs here.
Especially since our territory is home to several indigenous communities, whose artists often blend cultural traditions with contemporary styles. Keep an eye out for our rainbow crosswalks when out and about, and be sure to catch the Gwaandak Theatre, which is queer owned and allied and frequently explores themes that relate to queer culture in its productions.
What to do: plan your own adventure
The Yukon is a haven for outdoor adventures! To make the most out of your trip, plan ahead and explore its vast lakes, rivers, mountains, and wildlife. Remember, where you stay will determine the type of adventure you'll embark on. For easy planning, we've highlighted a few must-visit locations around Whitehorse, Dawson, Carcross, and in between. But keep in mind that these spots can be over 500 km apart, so factor in distance when hatching plans.
Whitehorse is perfect for nature lovers with its pristine landscapes and exciting outdoor activities. Take a stroll along the waterfront or go hiking at Grey Mountain, Fish Lake Trail, or Miles Canyon Trail. In winter, hit the slopes at Mount Sima and join Queer Yukon's socials for the LGBTQ+ community. When summer arrives, mountain bike trails await!
We don’t discriminate, and neither does the Midnight Dome. No matter what season it is, this Dawson viewpoint is always filled with the most amazing sights. So, feel free to take a spring hike, soak up the summer’s midnight sun, catch a stunning sunset in the fall, or marvel at the northern lights in the winter. But if you really want the inside scoop on the best views, a guided tour with Klondike Experience will set you on the right path. They regularly head out on tours to view the Aurora Borealis and a range of other hotspots around Dawson and Tombstone Park.
If you like mountain biking (or are game to rent a bike and try), you’ll love Carcross - home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. For a more chill pace, we suggest Bennett Beach for picnics, refreshing dips, and mountain views. This spot is also home to ‘the world's smallest desert’, a sub-Arctic sandpit where visitors like to explore, take in the scenery, and get a little sand between their toes.
If you're road tripping on the Alaska Highway, enjoy a relaxing pitstop at Watson Lake. There's plenty to do in this area, like sunbathing at Lucky Lake, strolling through Wye Lake Park, or hitting up Mt. Maichen Ski Hill & Chalet for some skiing or hiking. Another great find is the Northern Lights Centre, where you can learn all about this phenomena at any time of year. And if you’re looking to leave your mark in the Yukon, add a sign from your hometown to Sign Post Forest.
People always say, “Let your freak flag fly!” And we couldn’t agree more. In fact, we let them fly as high as possible. So, in the spirit of visibility, why not take a flightseeing tour to spot Canada’s highest peak? Mount Logan is located in the Saint Elias Mountains, near the community of Haines Junction. It’s one of the most dazzling and impressive ranges around. And if you can manage to stop staring at the mountains for a minute, you’ll find plenty of other great activities as well. Learn all about the area’s culture, paddle Kathleen Lake, or hike around the historic trails. However you spend your time in Kluane National Park and Reserve, excitement always runs high in this area.
