Whitehorse City
City in Yukon with natural landscapes
Whitehorse stands on the Yukon River as a staging point for northern adventures: museums on Gold Rush history, aurora viewing, dog‑sled tours, river paddling and access to hiking and fishing wilderness.
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69°F
Why Visit Whitehorse?#
A frontier city where Yukon history, riverfront scenery and northern lights converge, making it ideal for adventurous travelers and culture seekers alike. The S.S. Klondike sternwheeler and the Yukon River waterfront recall Gold Rush days, while nearby trails, winter festivals and opportunities to see the aurora or try dog-sledding highlight outdoor life. Local cuisine features bannock and wild game, and First Nations arts and museums bring regional stories into everyday visits.
Best Things to Do in Whitehorse#
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Whitehorse Bucket List#
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site - S.S. Klondike museum ship explains riverboat history and Yukon gold-era transportation.
MacBride Museum of Yukon History - MacBride Museum covers Yukon pioneers, gold rush artifacts, and regional stories.
Miles Canyon - Miles Canyon features turquoise waters, suspension bridge, and short scenic trails.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre - Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre explores Ice Age megafauna and ancient Bering land bridge finds.
Takhini Hot Pools - Takhini Hot Pools relax with mineral waters and mountain views just outside town.
Local artisan shops and markets - Small galleries and markets feature northern craft, jewelry, and locally produced foods.
Kluane National Park - Kluane National Park’s glaciers, peaks, and wildlife lie a two- to three-hour drive west.
Carcross and Emerald Lake - Carcross and Emerald Lake offer colourful shorelines, short hikes, and local artisans.
Best Time to Visit Whitehorse#
Whitehorse has long, cold winters and pleasantly warm summers. Visit June-August for hiking, fishing, and long daylight; winter offers northern lights but requires serious cold-weather preparation.
November - March
-40-10°C (-40-14°F)
Extremely cold, snowy, and dark with prime aurora viewing; travel demands insulated gear, vehicle prep, and flexibility for icy road conditions.
April - May & September - October
-10-10°C (14-50°F)
Unpredictable thaws or early freezes; great for watching seasonal change, fewer tourists, and bargain fares, but expect muddy or icy trails.
June - August
10-25°C (50-77°F)
Short, delightful summer with long daylight, mosquitoes in some areas, and excellent canoeing, trails, and festivals-book ahead for peak outdoor activities.
Whitehorse's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -22°C to 21°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -14°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 40 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Whitehorse#
Whitehorse is served by Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International (YXY) with short transfers into the city centre. There’s no passenger rail - taxis, rental cars and the local bus network are the usual ways to get around.
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY): Whitehorse’s airport is about 5-7 km from downtown; taxis and hotel shuttles take roughly 10-15 minutes. Scheduled flights connect Whitehorse with Canadian hubs (e.g., Vancouver, Calgary).
Train: There is no passenger rail service to Whitehorse.
Bus: Whitehorse has a municipal bus network covering the city (routes and seasonal schedules); frequency is lower than in larger urban centres. For regional travel outside the Yukon, scheduled coach services are limited and air travel is common.
How to Get Around Whitehorse#
Whitehorse visitors rely on short taxi or shuttle transfers from YXY, a limited municipal bus network for local trips, and rental cars or guided tours for wider Yukon exploration.
- Taxis & shuttles (CAD 20-30) - Taxis provide quick transfers between YXY and downtown Whitehorse (approx. 10-15 minutes) and are useful for late arrivals or carrying gear. Many hotels offer shuttle services for guests - check availability and any fees in advance.
- Municipal bus (CAD 2-3 (typical)) - Whitehorse operates a local bus service with routes across the city; schedules are modest compared with large cities but cover main residential and commercial areas. Buses are cost-effective for short trips; verify seasonal timetables before travelling.
- Car hire (CAD 50-120/day (typical)) - Renting a car is a good option for exploring beyond town and accessing nearby wilderness, trails and historic sites. Winter driving requires experience with snow and ice; ensure the rental has appropriate equipment for the season.
- Guided tours & charters (Varies by tour) - Many visitors use guided tours for wilderness experiences, wildlife viewing and northern-lights trips; operators generally include pickup from central hotels. These remove the need to drive in winter conditions and can provide expert local knowledge.
- Cycling (CAD 10-30/day) - In summer, cycling on dedicated paths and quieter streets is popular; winters are generally unsuitable. Seasonal bike rentals are available from local shops.
- Walking - Downtown Whitehorse is compact and very walkable with restaurants, waterfront paths and museums within easy reach. Walking is a comfortable way to explore the core area in fair weather.
Where to Stay in Whitehorse#
Downtown / Riverfront - CAD $80-140/night
Whitehorse has a range of budget motels and economy chain options; simple rooms are available year-round but book ahead in summer and festival times.
Westmark Whitehorse (economy rooms) - Chain with basic amenities
Local motels & B&Bs - Affordable near downtown
City Centre / Near Airport - CAD $140-230/night
Mid-range hotels provide dependable comfort, many with on-site dining and shuttle services. Good for aurora-viewing logistics and local tours.
Westmark Whitehorse - Well-located with full services
Coast High Country Inn (listings) - Comfortable, full-service option
Surrounding Wilderness / Boutique Lodges - CAD $250+/night
True luxury in Whitehorse is limited; expect boutique upscale lodges or privately run wilderness retreats with premium services and higher rates.
Upscale lodges and boutique stays - Higher-end, limited availability
Luxury remote lodges (nearby) - Exclusive wilderness options
Where to Eat in Whitehorse#
Whitehorse offers hearty Yukon comfort food: morning bakeries, game and fish dishes, plus cafés serving local produce and warming plates.
- Burnt Toast Café - Popular breakfast and brunch spot
- Antoinette’s - Home-style meals and local ingredients
- Local burt and casual eateries - Comfort dishes suited to northern climate
Markets, breweries and cafés showcase Yukon ingredients and provide warming meals and drinks after outdoor adventures.
- Whitehorse farmers’ market - Local produce, preserves and crafts
- Local breweries - Small-batch beers and snack plates
- Independent coffee shops - Warm cafés ideal for cold days
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Whitehorse’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Whitehorse#
Whitehorse’s shopping mix includes outdoor outfitters, galleries selling Indigenous and northern art, and small boutiques along Main Street. Practical stores for winter gear are well represented. For specialty items and regional crafts, check downtown galleries and market events.
Nightlife in Whitehorse#
Whitehorse has an active small-city nightlife with pubs, live-music venues and breweries providing most evening entertainment. Seasonal festivals boost after-dark activity, and locals gather at a handful of well-known bars. Expect comfortable, friendly venues rather than large nightclub complexes.