Yukon Territory Facts
- Capital: Whitehorse
- Area: 482,443 sq km (186,272 sq mi)
- Population: 35,874
- Yukon is one of Canada’s most sparsely populated areas (moose outnumber people here).
- About 80% of the Yukon Territory is wilderness.
- Yukon is home to the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world.
- Kluane National Park is home to seventeen of Canada’s tallest mountains.
Yukon Territory Map
Yukon is located in northwestern Canada and borders Alaska to the west and the Northwest Territories to the east. To the north lies the Beaufort Sea and to the south lies British Columbia.
The territory is crossed by the Arctic Circle, making it one of the world’s best places to chase the Northern Lights. Do so on our expertly designed Aurora Viewing Tour in the Yukon.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Yukon is to catch a flight to the capital city, Whitehorse. There are regular flights from Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Victoria, and Yellowknife. In summer there are also non-stop flights from Germany.
Airlines serving Whitehorse include Air North, Air Canada, WestJet, and Condor.
All of our tours depart from Whitehorse and we’ll be waiting for you there.
Alternatively, you can reach the territory by car from Alaska or British Columbia. A Yukon road trip is something you won’t soon forget. Expect stunning views around every turn of your adventure.
Love cruising? Board a cruise ship to Skagway, Alaska and then take a bus, car, or train to Yukon. Along the way, marvel at shimmering glaciers and breaching whales.
Yukon Weather
Yukon isn’t always chilly. Summers are short but warm, and you’ll love the seemingly endless daylight hours. During the season, the territory revels in the Midnight Sun and experiences up to 24 hours of sunshine. Late evening walks recommended.
The average summer temperature is 15°C (59°F) but can jump to 31°C (88°F).
Winters can be cold with an average temperature of -18°C (-0.4°F). However, there is nothing good clothing can’t solve! We guarantee you’ll love the silent wintry landscapes.
So When’s the Best Time to Visit Yukon?
Summer and winter offer the best activities for your vacation plans. If you wish to go hiking in Kluane National Park or sightseeing through Yukon, come from May to September. These months offer the best combination of good weather and long days.
If you would like to go on a Yukon dog sled trip or Northern Lights tour, come from August to April.
No matter what activity you choose, Yukon will surprise you every season!
Insider tip: For incredible display of colors, consider visiting Yukon in autumn. Autumn leaves are vibrant during the day while the Northern Lights are active at night.
What to See in Yukon Territory: Top Tourist Attractions
Whether you want to go hiking in remote wilderness or chase the Northern Lights, Yukon offers something for everyone. To help you decide where to go, we have put together a list of the top 5 tourist attractions in the Yukon Territory.
1. Backpack the Fabled Chilkoot Trail
The 53-km (33-mi) long Chilkoot Trail was the route Klondike gold seekers took to get over from Skagway and into the Yukon. Today, hikers from every corner of the world seek to retrace the scenic route of hardy prospectors. After all, the Klondike Gold Rush is considered the last great adventure of the 19th century.
Today, hikers from every corner of the world seek to retrace the scenic route of hardy prospectors.
The trail begins near Dyea, Alaska and goes all the way to Lake Bennett, British Columbia. The hike reveals superb views of alpine lakes, lush forests, and gold rush artifacts. Discover these outstanding sceneries on our Backpacking on the Chilkoot Trail Tour.
2. Go Hiking in Kluane National Park
There is no doubt about it — Kluane National Park is Yukon’s most precious treasure. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kluane is a kingdom of ice and mountains. There you’ll find the world’s largest non-polar ice fields and Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Over 2,000 glaciers call the park home. Just don’t forget to bring your binoculars as the area harbors fascinating wildlife such as Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and mountain goats.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kluane is a kingdom of ice and mountains.
Explore this rugged and remarkable wilderness on foot without a heavy pack on our Base Camp Hiking Trip Into Kluane National Park.
3. Raft on the Spectacular Tatshenshini River
Dreaming about scenic waterways in a remote place? Then discover the Tatshenshini River, one of the most impressive rivers in North America. The river originates in British Columbia and flows into Yukon before returning to British Columbia, where it meanders through the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Wilderness Park.
Be amazed by the world’s largest bio-reserve, dramatic mountains, and glistening glaciers on our whitewater rafting trip on the Tatshenshini River. This Yukon adventure is suitable for all skill levels and promises views out of this world!
Be amazed by the world’s largest bio-reserve, dramatic mountains, and glistening glaciers on our whitewater rafting trip on the Tatshenshini River.
4. Watch the Northern Lights
If there is one destination in particular that can guarantee you see the Northern Lights, it’s Yukon. The territory is crossed by the Arctic Circle and sits at the ideal distance from the Earth’s magnetic poles. If you add wide open spaces with no light pollution, you get an outer space lover’s dream. A short drive out of Whitehorse will take to the world’s best places to spy the aurora.
If there is one destination in particular that can guarantee you see the Northern Lights, it’s Yukon.
Want to add more activities to your Northern Lights quest? Enjoy a full day of adventures on our Aurora Borealis Tour from Whitehorse. Spend days dog sledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing, and spend nights watching the elusive lights.
5. Paddle Down the Yukon River
Yukon River is a world-famous canoeing destination. In fact, the Yukon River Quest — the world’s premier canoeing and kayaking race — takes place on this epic river. But you don’t need to be a professional paddler to enjoy Yukon’s most famous waterway.
Our canoe trip excursion on the Yukon River is perfect for beginner canoers who are in search of undiscovered routes. Venture off the beaten path to discover Canada’s most scenic corners!