things to do in whitehorse winterthings to do in whitehorse winter

There are many fun things to do in Whitehorse in the summer and in the winter. Want to see some Canadian wildlife on your visit? While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. Thanks Vishal, I hope you make it up there soon! Traveling with kids? READ MORE: Where to Stay in Whitehorse / The Best Festivals in Canada. It felt glorious after the restrictions of the plane. Whitehorse is renowned for the dogsledding culture and is home to The Yukon Quest, one of the toughest sled dog races in the world. Youll find historic photographs of Whitehorse on display leading to the art gallery.

At the height of the Gold Rush over 40,000 people lived in Dawson, now its just over 1,000 who brave the below 40 winters. Everyone thinks of snow and ice when they think of Canada, so visiting Whitehorse in winter is a stereotypically Canadian experience. Whitehorse offers easy access to pristine wilderness, yet still provides all the amenities found in larger cities in southern Canada. However, for many people, the extreme cold and snow of the winter season can be intimidating. Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards. You might even meet people there who you can share petrol and car costs with to go between Dawson and Whitehorse. We were only able to get a car for 2 day of our 6 days trip so had to rearrange our out-of-town plans to accommodate. Both are excellent breweries and if you cant decide on a beer, make sure to order a flight of tasters.

The view of the Yukon River is never more picturesque than when Grey Mountain is covered with snow and sparkling in the winter sun. Only ever use official marked paths to walk and if you see any sort of large dead animal, dont go near it. WebWinter in Whitehorse. Be collected from the Whitehorse hotel and board a comfortable warm minibus to begin your scenic trek out of the city. Looks like so much fun!

Local outfitters can provide gear, guides, and even a heated ice fishing tent for added comfort.

1. You can explore Whitehorse without a vehicle especially if relying on tours that include transportation. After just three days here it was time to head to Dawson City. WebKLUANE NATIONAL PARK - Day-Trip from Whitehorse 4 Full-day Tours from $282.67 per adult Miles Canyon: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour Private Sightseeing Tours from $5.21 per adult Nature and Wildlife Tours See all Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour 1 Bus Tours from $101.02 per adult WebThe most popular things to do in Whitehorse with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Miles Canyon; Yukon Wildlife Preserve; Yukon Visitor Information Centre; Emerald Lake; Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre; See all Mile 919.28 Alaska Highway Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 5B7 Phone: (867) 667-6198 Email: macbridecopperbelt@gmail.com A few desperate prospectors had apparently once timed their trip to Dawson wrong, and were stuck on the boat in the ice of the Yukon River until it thawed in spring. It was great to learn about the Gold Rush while I was there, but I think it wouldve been even better to have done more research before I left. There are definitely cheap ways to enjoy the Yukon though hiking is one of the best. And you can always ask us when you get here for our recommendations on great things to do. From my experience on a five day trip to Whitehorse in early March (which I appreciate is hardly the dead of winter) I can tell you with certainty that not only is it an awesome destination but there is a heck of a lot to do. Driving here is easiest although the Preserve often has shuttle options or you can book a tour like this one to take you there. Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! Of course there are ways to cut down on costs. Sign up today.

A few hours later and I was at the most photographed spot in Whitehorse, Miles Canyon. Time melts as you get lost in the magic of a dancing sky. Minus 30 brrrrrrrr the ultimate Canada experience for sure! Experience the preserve on foot, walking either a 2.5 or 5.0 kilometre trail or via a narrated 75-90 minute bus tour. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Another way residents prepare for the cold weather in Whitehorse is by insulating their homes to keep warm air in and cold air out. Glacier flightseeing tours to the Kluane icefield and the massive Kaskawulsh Glacier are there for anyone who can afford it. If you want to get out of Whitehorse for a few nights but you dont want to drive far, visit the Inn on the Lakelocated on the shores of Marsh Lake about a 30 minute drive away. The Glacier Sightseeing looks amazing and the views while snowmobiling look to be amazing! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I agree with your post. One of the newest places to open in Whitehorse is called the Black Spruce Hotel, designed to blend into the natural beauty of its surroundings. There you can go horse riding at Fish Lake, one of the jewels of the Yukon. Make noise as you wander around, clap or sing or talk loudly if you fear there could be one about. Required fields are marked *. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's museums. Then head for the trail beside the Yukon River and walk south, past the SS Klondike Historical Site, around the bulge in the Yukon River and hook up with the 5 km Millenium Trail. Dont leave without checking out the Cold Chamber. Watching the sun stream over the mountain ranges as massive glaciers loom in the distance is a spectacular way to soak in the Yukons natural beauty, guaranteeing that an afternoon spent glacier flight seeing will be a memory that stays with you forever. Unlike many other operators, Cathers Wilderness Adventures allows guests to steer the sleds themselves, ensuring an authentic experience. Thank you for your support. Locals were really nice, and very welcoming. Ever since 1973 you get a certificate and kudos if you knock back a drink with a real life amputated toe rotting at the bottom of the glass. One of the best trails we found was pointed out to us by a local, I still dont even know what it was called.

So, the best way to defend yourself from a bear is not to see one in the first place. If youre planning to visit Whitehorse during the winter, its important to be prepared and know what to expect. I can say that booking Air North the easiest way to get there from Vancouver you get 2 checked bags included in your ticket which really helped with the packing. Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. I love that you even got to see a moose!

I have really fancied visiting White Horse in the summertime, but you are showing it also look fantastic (and sooo quintessentially Canadian) in the winter! The pictures added are so beautiful I almost cried!

On a previous visit I spent a few hours with my husband in the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, just minutes away from the airport and a great last stop on any trip. This fantastic history museum is right downtown and a gem of a place Dog Sledding. And we are bringing back a fan favourite all week, Beef Tartare. One of the essential things they do to prepare is to check and ensure their heating systems are functioning correctly, as they will be the primary source of warmth during the cold season. This Wed and Thurs we are taking $5 off both 6 and 12 plates of oysters. Things to Do in Whitehorse Enter dates Filters Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Museums Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Classes & The dogs are so cute and I just want to cuddle with them. Most excursions start out from the cabins along Lake Laberge, which is a 45 minute drive from Whitehorse. Gather around the outdoor fire pit as the dusky sky turns pitch black, then cross your fingers and hope for a show! An eclectic assortment of animals lived here from the giant beaver pictured below to giant short-faced bears, American lions, woolly mammoths and North Americans first humans. What better place for a Canadian winter wonderland adventure than Whitehorse in Yukon Territory. It's especially fun to visit in winter, when many of these same trails are used for snowshoeing and cross country ski adventures. Still, as we approached Haines Junction just on the edge of Kluane National Park, these brilliant blue and white mountains that Canadas so famous for became larger and larger bringing us back to the present. And that wonderfully hued ribbon is Miles Canyon. The sightseeing tour while chasing glaciers also looks to entice me! Its the same in Whitehorse, theres only one hostel in town. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". There is truly no better way to see the true beauty of Kluane than from above. Fab post Emma! Learn all about the S.S. Klondike Keep up the good work , You know Whitehorse is a favourite of mine! Youll see woodland caribou, wood bison, Arctic fox, wood bison and Thinhorn sheep (a species of Dall sheep) to name a few. Instead of waiting for my room to be ready at the Edgewater Hotel, I walked the Millennium Trail along the Yukon River. Your email address will not be published. In addition, it is crucial to prepare oneself accordingly for the winter, especially when going out. We pulled over to an island and foraged for wood to make the fire for our BBQ.

Theres even a ski hill about 15 minutes outside Whitehorse called Mount Sima, which has 10 runs and a vertical drop of over one thousand feet. The Yukon is accessible via a 2 2.5 hour direct flight from Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton on Air North (free baggage) and Air Canada. After a week of learning about the Gold Rush the plight of the prospectors cut deep, and the uprooting of their families based on a hope and a dream. The dogs can be heard blocks away yapping with excitement about getting to run in the snow. Back in Dawson City and I saw the queue to try the famous Sourtoe Cocktail at Downtown Hotel. TOP TIP: Reserve your spot in advance, the team there are incredibly accommodating and helpful. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. A must-see activity here to really understand the most important moment in history for the area. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Visitors can also enjoy a five-kilometre hike on the trail that loops around the site. Save money and book directly from local suppliers. Required fields are marked *. Plus, you wont want to overheat when you go inside a store or a restaurant. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and focus on planning an unforgettable vacation. Book an outing with Northern Tales. If you want to stare a moose in the face visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, an easy25 minute drive north of Whitehorse. On average, Whitehorse receives around 140 cm of snowfall per year, with most of it falling between November and April. Dog sledding tours are popular among tourists, where they can experience the thrill of driving a team of dogs through the scenic winter landscape. Cheap oysters this Wed and Thurs! The only sound is dozens of paws crunching on the snow, as the sled glides through the fresh snow tracks. WebMacBride Museum of Yukon History. Flanked by mountains, and the last city north before the Arctic Circle 240km away, Dawson City is now a peaceful sanctuary, popular with artists thanks to the stunning scenery all around.

I was at the exact spot where gold was first discovered, but over 130 years of insatiable mining quashed any prospects I had. I stood scouring the banks of Bonanza Creek, hopeful to set eyes on just a little nugget of gold left over from the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush. MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum. A roaring bonfire greeted us, which was surrounded by a number of rustic log cabins warmed with wood-burning stoves.

Its the best and most unique way to get around here in Whitehorse. I have never experienced anything colder than -5 Celsius so -30 will be very testing but Id be curious so see how long I can go without turning into an ice statue . What is the average temperature in Whitehorse during the winter months? There are a number of companies in Yukon that offer dog mushing excursions, including the family-owned Cathers Wilderness Adventures headed up by Ned Cathers, his wife Mar and daughter Jennine, who just so happens to hold bragging rights as the youngest musher to ever enter the famed Yukon Quest race. You dont realise how dense the air youre so used to breathing is until you fill your lungs, nostrils and soul up with clean, mountain air. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitehorse? We, Canadians can handle -30 degrees toque, mitts and all! For the photographer they provide heavy duty tripods and lots of advice on how to get great pictures. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I went into the Yukon on an Alaskan cruise and I knew right then that I wanted to return in the winter. Just because Whitehorse is white with snow a lot of the time doesnt mean there arent bright spots around the city. We recommend that if something catches your eye, you visit the website for hours and visitor fees before visiting an attraction, because not all attractions are open year-round or open every day. I was on a gold panning tour with Claim 33, just outside Dawson City in the Yukon, Canada. You can spend time studying the exhibits at Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse. Whos the hot winter chick in the red jacket? Come here for rest and relaxation, great food and the chance to explore the area on snowshoes (which the inn provides). The biggest attraction for visitors coming in winter is the Aurora watching an included experiance for our guests from our private deck. Marie cold in winter? Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, A Guide to 3 Perfect Days in the South Okanagan, Cottage Grove Covered Bridges Bike Tour, Oregon, Camping for Beginners What You Need to Know, Dominica Adventures with Wanderlust Caribbean, A Complete Guide to Camping in Kananaskis, A Stay at Historic Reesor Ranch in Saskatchewan, 2022 HikeBikeTravel Outdoor Lovers Holiday Gift Guide, Mountain Hardware PCT 70 L Backpack Review, 2022 Outdoor Lovers Spring Products Guide, flightseeing trip over Kluane National Park, Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures, The Fort McMurray Northern Lights Viewing Experience - Hike Bike Travel, Rafting the Tatshenshini River from the Yukon to Alaska - Hike Bike Travel, Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada - Hike Bike Travel, 87 Fabulous Things to Do in Canada in Winter - Hike Bike Travel, A Quick Visit to Dawson: Canada's Klondike City - Hike Bike Travel, A Trip to See the Yukon Northern Lights - Hike Bike Travel, Yukon Dogsledding - Mush Like a Local - Hike Bike Travel, What to Wear on a Northern Lights Trip - Hike Bike Travel. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

WebAnother popular winter activity in Whitehorse is ice fishing. Id love to visit in winter, to see the Northern lights and a dogsledding tour. @Anna Sounds like I need to check that out. Whitehorses unique history and cultural traditions also make it a fascinating destination to explore during the winter season. Its that easy. Fun things to do to escape the cold. As the cold weather season approaches, Whitehorse residents take necessary steps to prepare for the frigid temperatures that can reach as low as -40C. Sault Ste. I didnt feel vulnerable or in danger on any of the activities I did, or around the centres of the cities. Whitehorse in winter walk the Millenium Trail. Im not much of a winter person either, but living in Canada I dont have much of a choice! 5 Things to do in Whitehorse in winter Stay up till the early hours of the morning to the Northern Lights. Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. The festival features carnival rides, ice sculpting competition, and traditional Canadian cuisine. Tourists can book a tour to go aurora hunting or watch the Aurora from the comfort of their accommodation. By Ctour Holiday Canada Ltd. White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge Tour 54 By Rainbow Glacier Adventures LLC Bus Tours 3 hours

See wildlife like caribou, goats, elk, and moose at the Yukon We took a suitcase with all the winter clothing, and the second piece was our snowshoes which we took with us. Whitehorse, the capital city of Yukon Territory in Canada, is located in the subarctic climate zone. Back in Whitehorse centre the colourful buildings and lively main street are surrounded by mountains this is the point where the three big Yukon mountains meet. TOP TIP: Rental cars are popular and often limited so make sure to book one as early as possible. But the views were phenomenal. Oh Emma, as gorgeous as your pictures of Whitehorse in winter are, but there is no way in this world where I would voluntarily holiday in a winter destination. Too long outdoors at one time and you might get so cold you wont enjoy it. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with the earths atmosphere. Yes, there are plenty of popular winter activities in Whitehorse that draw tourists and locals alike. WebCommunities: Dawson City, Haines Junction, Carcross, Marsh Lake, Whitehorse. What a charming, and friendly place. Would definitely try to make dog mushing happen though its such a unique and as you said, very Canadian thing! Moreover, a special natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter season in Whitehorse is the beautiful Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. The natural surroundings are also spectacular, no matter what time of year you visit.

Do not plan a trip to Whitehorse, or the Yukon, without making sure youve packed these items: Balance your day with outdoor time when its sunny and cozy indoor activities when its not.

and make yourself appear big. You wont find five star properties in Whitehorse but there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs that are clean and comfortable.

There is a backpackers hotel in Dawson City, but just the one and it can get busy and booked up during festival times. The aurora can emerge as early as 10 pm and as late as pre-dawn, so theres no saying when/if theyll make an appearance. One that is so valuable in todays fast paced world the precious remoteness. Despite short daylight hours, Yukoners dont just tolerate winter; they embrace it. Closer to the center of town is Polarity Brewing. Featuring zany events like a hard water canoe race (so basically skating with a canoe), axe throwing and a chainsaw chuck (seriously), the family-friendly festival also has free activities including a toboggan hill, snowboard park and snow carving that the public can vote on. Looking down to the river I was eager to see a run of salmon, so indigenous this area, but no luck. Thank you for the extraordinary experiences all of which are available to anyone should they choose to visit. When I saw winter activities, I immediately thought of Skiing that I am not a fan. Checking heating systems, duct cleaning, and home insulation are among the critical preparations that ensure they stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter months. And if nothing else, you know itll be warm in here. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Booking a tour will help if you dont have a car. Whitehorse boasts loads of nearby fun things to do for you and the kids. It was a wonderful time to be so far north, with local music and bands playing to the small crowd of 1000 in the Midnight Sun but I was also in the Yukon for an adventure. Dont worry, there still are tons of other activities you can try during your winter trip including snowshoeing, ice fishing, fat biking and cross-country skiing. It is the best place on earth to see Northern Lights. Downtown Whitehorse has some lovely little shops selling unique crafts and locally made products. Are there cheap things to do in Whitehorse? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Its my goal to see as much of Canada as I can, and I am beyond thrilled that I booked this last minute winter getaway to the northern city of Whitehorse. One of the unique features of the Whitehorse winter season is the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. This post makes me want to go back . WebSkiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, and snowshoeing are all popular activities to do in the winter wonderland that is Whitehorse. Allow 60-90 minutes. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Reserve. Learn all about the first settlers of the Yukon, how Whitehorse grew as a city and stories of the First Nations from the area. Depending on how much youre willing to spend (and how nervous of a flyer you are! Firstly, lets address the elephant in the room the temperature. I was very surprised to see all those alternatives. I didnt realise there was so much stuff to do in this area! Who knew snowmobiling could be so much fun?

Local outfitters can provide gear, guides, and even a heated ice fishing tent for added comfort. Animal lovers wont want to miss the many dog-themed events including a pet parade, dog howling contest (hint: bring earplugs) and a dog pull, and there is also lots of free entertainment courtesy of groups like the iconic Snowshoe Shufflers, who have been performing at the festival for more than three decades. One of the most unique things to do in Whitehorse has to be taking a glass blowing class.

While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. This means that the city has long and cold winters, with temperatures often dropping to -20C or lower. This fantastic history museum is right downtown and a gem of a place to visit. Your email address will not be published. You must reserve online as walk-ins are nor permitted. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What I imagined to be the adventure highlight of my few days here was the Tombstone Territorial Park rugged mountains with permafrost landforms and rare wildlife. You may find me in one of those cosy ski huts and drinking a hot coffee instead. Sign up with Muktuk Kennels (who will provide all the warm-weather clothing you need) if you want what I would call an experience of a lifetime. Dont risk not seeing the lights by not booking a tour in advance. They also serve food and have a good selection of seasonal and year-round brews on tap. Northern lights destinations offer up creative ways to enjoy the auroras dazzling displays. Fill up, then jump back onto the sled and let the dogs do what they do best: run all the way home. Whether youre new to the sport or an expert, snowmobiling Yukon styleis memorable. Looks like you had a great experience.

Dressing in layers, wearing proper boots and gloves and using thick blankets and coverings provides protection against the cold winter season.

Your email address will not be published. Disclosure: Advertising and affiliate services, including Amazon Associates, help the cost of running my blog. You can camp, or stay in a hostel. Unfortunately they cancelled the trips that week due to the festival so I missed the untouched forest and incredible mountains, but I did get to see Inuit throat singing and to experience the Yukon through its culture at a festival. Want to know more about the Yukon? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Alaska borders the Yukon Territory to the west. The trail loop starts and ends in downtown Whitehorse and is just under 3-miles in length. This post includes some affiliate links. Located about 25-minutes out of town, the Preserve is set over 700-acres and has more than ample space for its resident animals. Wrap up warm to spend a few hours letting a bunch of dogs drag you around in the snow. Whitehorse in Winter: 9 Reasons You Should Visit Approximate location of the activities accessed from Whitehorse. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The best Whitehorse restaurants. The class is about an hour long and youll get step by step instructions. Am surprised that they have a brewery there, are they able to grow hops etc in the Summer or is it all imported in and brewed in the area? Coffee in Whitehorse. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are her passion.

It could be a bears dinner, and they might not be finished yet! These are some of my top picks for enjoying Whitehorse in the colder months a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Never having properly seen the Aurora Borealis we were disappointed to find that all local tours were fully booked. As Ive alluded to, the Yukon isnt cheap! Even if you dont rent a car for your entire stay, one or two days with a car will open up possibilities for further exploration. All rights reserved. If you have a car you can of course head out of town to do some solo viewing Fish Lake is a popular option. April is one of the best times to visit #Oregon: t, If you love castles, did you know southwest #Germa, A lil throwback to that time (like, a month ago, Incredible day trips from Haines Junction, Yukon, Tracking the northern lights in Yukon, Canada, glacier flightseeing tour over Kluane National Park, Chasing glaciers on a Kluane National Park flightseeing tour, Dawson City, Yukon: A guide to the town that time forgot, 25 photos that will inspire you to visit Yukon, Canada, A travel guide to the incredible 7 wonders of Oregon, 10 unique Kelowna attractions you wont want to miss, Fall in Alberta: Fun things to do around Calgary during autumn, Globe Guides 2016: Karma, a new gig and a whole lot of Canada, Tracking the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada. They are on the site of the former Takhini Hot Springs which was demolished in September 2020 after a half century of use. This is a great place to stock up on more local beer to take home. Thats probably the key to enjoying Whitehorse in the winter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Yes its a great place for non-skiiers for sure, tons to do! Wood Street Ramen was once such place but the wait was worth it, and we even were served a beer while we waited for a table. Theres a whole bunch of things you could get from that besides a certificate and I didnt want any of them! Plus, of course, movie theatres and live theatre production and concerts. So what are winters actually like in Whitehorse? Adequate insulation helps maintain heat in the house and reduces energy bills during the winter months. An easy one is the Black Street Stairs and Airport trail. Theres even a ski hill about 15 minutes outside Whitehorse called Mount Sima, which has 10 runs and a vertical drop of over one thousand feet. I hiked a few km of it, envious of anyone who had the time to explore the full 15km loop. However, there are several reasons why it could be a New Canadian Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In conclusion, Whitehorses winter season is unique and offers a plethora of winter activities, outdoor sports, and impressive natural phenomena.

Why not leave with some leather goods, or Northern Lights inspired tea/coffee? Beef Tartare is on special all week! Viking Adventure in the Wilderness Hiking around the capital city Snowshoeing in the Winterwonderland Dog Sledding Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs Dont go alone, go with EPIC NORTH! Yukon Visitor Information Centre is just one of the places to see in Whitehorse, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?