Whitehorse is a unique city in Canada, with a population of about 25,000 people. Located in the Yukon Territory, it's known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. The weather is cool year-round, and it experiences all four seasons. Whitehorse has many tourist attractions that you can visit while you are here, including museums, galleries, restaurants, and more! All this information makes for an excellent guide to anyone who wants to know what Whitehorse has to offer them as a visitor or resident alike.
Whitehorse is located in the Yukon Territory and shares a border with Alaska. It was named after the rapids that were on the nearby river (yukon means 'big water' in French). In 1953, Whitehorse became the capital city of the Yukon territory after the construction of the Klondike Highway.
You can fly into Whitehorse through Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, with daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Driving is another option as access to Whitehorse is possible through a network of highways with the Alaska Highway being the main highway that goes through Whitehorse.
Whitehorse has a rich history. The first European to arrive was Samuel Black in 1824 when he came searching for furs and was disappointed when the land didn't produce much (he then moved on). Whitehorse began as a gold rush town that sprang up after George Washington Carmack found gold along Bonanza Creek which is now part of Klondike Highway. Soon after, steamboats came up the river to transport goods and people which made it possible to make it a full-size town.
Whitehorse has many activities for its residents and visitors to enjoy. Some of these activities include:
This is a historic steamboat that has been fully restored and is a National Historic Site, and part of Parks Canada. There are interpretive tours and a gift shop in the vessel that is permanently moored along the banks of the Yukon River.
There are many boat tours available in Whitehorse such as kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, and more! These can be great for people who want to enjoy nature without going too far from Whitehorse itself.
Whitehorse has many museums that are free or have reasonable prices. The MacBride Museum of Yukon History is a good place to start for anyone who wants to discover the history behind this unique city in Canada!
This is a free trolley that will take you around downtown Whitehorse and includes information about the city's history.
During summer, take a day trip to Inuvik by driving along the Dempster Highway. It's an incredible experience and should not be missed out on during your time in Whitehorse.
These springs are a great place to relax and soothe your muscles. You can enjoy these springs inside or outside depending on the time of year!
Whitehorse has many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or drink with friends!
This is an excellent place to learn about the prehistoric era and what happened in Yukon during that time.
Whitehorse has a cool climate, and it is best to visit between May-September. During winter, the temperatures can get as low as -50 degrees Celsius! Temperatures in the summer months, average 20 degrees, but you will need warm clothing if you want to enjoy activities outside regardless of when you visit Whitehorse.
There are many choices for where you can stay in Whitehorse. Here are some of the places we recommend:
This hotel is located downtown and includes free breakfast, an indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, and a restaurant/bar with live entertainment.
Another option for where to stay in Whitehorse, this hotel is located by the river and has a restaurant/bar with outdoor seating, sauna, fitness room, and pool table.
This hotel is located downtown and offers free breakfast, a business center, and a fitness room.
Regardless of where you stay in Whitehorse, you can expect friendly people and a great place to visit!
Whitehorse is a great place to visit if you want an authentic Canadian experience. There are many activities for tourists and locals to enjoy, so it can be said that there is never a dull moment in Whitehorse!
