DAY ONE

After arriving in Whitehorse – the capital of Yukon – you will meet your tour guide at the airport and begin a city tour. (Note that the city tour will take place on Day 2 if your plane arrives after 2pm)

City Tour (1.5-2 hours)

The Iron Horse of Whitehorse: The iron statue of Whitehorse is the symbol of the City of Whitehorse. It was ingeniously designed and carefully crafted by a local artist using a variety of metal waste donated by the local community, representing the unity and enterprising spirit of the people of Whitehorse. Since its completion in 2010, it has stood on the hillside, watching over the city, a proud landmark.

The Mighty Yukon River and the SS Klondike Steam Ship : The melting water of glaciers and snow-capped mountains nourishes the Yukon River which flows through Yukon and Alaska, and empties into the Bering Sea. The Yukon River originates in northern BC and Yukon and is the third longest river in North America at approximately 3,000 kilometers. It acted as the transportation“highway”for First Nations people in the area and for settlers during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Steamboats became the only means of transport for people and goods between Whitehorse and Dawson. In the 1950s, after the Alaska Highway was built, shipping gradually faded and the steamboats were retired.

.The steamship SS Klondike on the banks of the Yukon River is a famous Yukon landmark. After its last voyage in August 1955, the owner donated it to the federal government of Canada. The ship is about 64 meters long and 15 meters wide, and it was powered by steam generated by burning wood. It took nearly 300 tonnes of wood to move the steamship from Whitehorse to Dawson.

Log Church: The Old Log Church, a quaint log structure, was built in 1900 as the center of worship in Whitehorse. It is one of the few hundred-year-old log buildings in Canada. In 1962 the old log church became a museum, and in 1982, the Yukon Church Heritage Society was formed to restore and preserve the building. In 2014 the Old Log Church and Rectory were officially designated as a historic site.

Yukon Visitor Information Center: At the Yukon Visitor Center, your tour guide will introduce you to the glorious landscapes, history, and culture that you will further discover on your tour in the coming days. Here are some examples of what you will learn:

• Yukon hosted the second largest gold rush in North America and is still extremely rich in minerals.
• Yukon is home to 14 First Nations, 11 of whom have their own self-government agreements.
• Yukon is home to a rich diversity of wildlife whose number far exceeds that of its human population.
• Yukon boasts the only road in Canada which crosses the Arctic Circle at 66°33′ north latitude and leads to the Arctic Ocean.
• Yukon is an exceptional place for aurora viewing in the winter and shoulder seasons.
• Yukon is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and exercise.

Old Railway Station: Construction of a train route between Skagway, Alaska and Whitehorse began in 1898 to support those heading to the Klondike gold fields. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad (YPYR) reached Lake Bennett (a location on the Yukon River) in 1899 where goods were shipped down lakes and rivers to Whitehorse. A rail link to Whitehorse was completed in 1900. Whitehorse, and specifically the Old Railway Station, then became the major operational base for the company’s rail and water transportation system (and somewhat of a company town). The Station, built in October 1900, is located along the Yukon River at the end of Main Street, and is one of a very few structures that remain from the era. A few of the piers which once supported the vast wharf and buildings remain.

Miles Canyon: Miles Canyon, a feature on the Yukon River, was formed millions of years ago by geological events. The colorful rock walls, the turbulent water, the vibrant blue river water, and the suspension bridge joining the two banks makes Miles Canyon a must-see place for summer visitors.

Break for dinner, and check-in at hotel. To prepare for the next activity at Eclipse Hot Springs, pack your swim suit, towel and sandals.

Eclipse Hot Springs (19y+)

Eclipse Hot Springs is a natural open-air hot spring located just north of Whitehorse. The hotsspring has a history of nearly 100 years and the water is rich in iron and calcium. Newly renovated, it includes a coffee bar, sauna, sunbathing, a yoga studio, lounge and more.

DAY TWO

Whitehorse – Carcorss  300km return trip

After breakfast, we will head out on the Alaska and Klondike Highways to visit the beautiful town of Carcross. Along the way we will see:

Emerald Lake where glacier minerals on the bottom of the lake have created the vibrant emerald-green lake.

Carcross Desert: Formed by the uplift of the bottom of nearby lake ice, it is only 2.8 square kilometers. When you reach the top in summer, you can have a panoramic view of the distant town.

Carcross Railway Station: This was the relay station of the Yukon Gold Rush in 1898. Now a large number of cruise tourists disembark at Skagway and take the historic sightseeing train to Carcross Station to explore routes of goldrushers and take in the abundant natural beauty.

Bennett Lake:

First Nation Cultural Plaza: A place to appreciate First Nation arts and culture. Arts and crafts are available to purchase while you enjoy a cup of coffe with a view of the mountains.

US – Canada Border: Going south from Carcross, you will experience the most beautiful section of the “Klondike” road with rolling mountains on one side and gorgeous clear lakes on the other.

DAY THREE

Whitehorse – First Nation Camp – Kluane National Park 250KM

Long Ago People’s Place: We will drive along the Klondike Highway for 80km to visit the Long Ago People’s Place, an important cultural site of the Southern Tutchone First Nation people. Local hosts will share stories and teach about the heritage of the First Nation people there, including traditional First Nation’s food – bannock.

Kluane National Park Visitor Center: We will continue along the Alaska Highway for another 80 kilometers to visit the Kluane National Park Visitor Center. There we will learn about the park and more about the local First Nations.

Kathleen Lake and Rock Glacier Trail: We will then head to beautiful Kathleen Lake and Rock Glacier Trail for viewing and hiking.

Stay overnight at Haines Junction hotel.

DAY FOUR

Haines Junction – Kluane Lake – Glacier flight tour (optional) – Whitehorse  300km

Depart after breakfast.

Kluane Lake: We will visit Kluane Lake, an excellent location for photographers. We can observe mountain goats through a telescope here – these hardy creatures live at an altitude of 1000 meters. From there, we will head to “Soldier’s Summit”, a trail overlooking Kluane Lake.

Glacier Tour: Glacier Air Tours Company (C$375 / person + 5%GST, 1.5 hours ). See  Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan (6000m) and the world’s largest non-polar icefield, where the ice layer is 1000 meters thick. The plane will land on the glacier in front of Mount Logan for a stunning 10 minute stop. (Note: the maximum capacity of each aircraft is 4 people. Flight availablity depends on weather conditions).

Return to Whitehorse

DAY FIVE

Shopping

After Breakfast, you will have time to browse for souvenirs & gifts in the Main Street shops.

Return to Airport

Your Yukon exploration journey will end here. Time to head back to your warm home!