Vacation rentals in Whitehorse

Located along the scenic shores of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon territory and its pristine wilderness. Gold prospectors from the Klondike Gold Rush gave the city its name, attributing it to the nearby white water rapids that reminded them of a white horse’s flowing mane. The river is now home to a fish ladder, where you can head to the indoor or outdoor viewing galleries to watch the spectacular sight of chinook salmon passing safely up the river. You can also paddle the waters and breathe in some of the cleanest air in the world.

Marked trails follow the river’s course and guide you into the surrounding countryside, where you can cross-country ski in the winter. The multi-use Dawson Overland Trail is a favourite that follows an old stagecoach route. Downtown, you’ll find independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. An official rule states that buildings can be no more than four storeys high, so you’ll always have views of the breathtaking landscape with evergreen forests and endless mountains stretching into the distance. The city’s pride in the culture and heritage of the First Nations is visible in the 11-foot healing totem pole in the heart of town, and at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre celebrating the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

Hiking is best during the summer months, when you can make the most of the long daylight hours. As the nights draw in during the autumn and winter and the snow arrives, you may get the chance to see the Northern Lights, nature’s own light show dancing across the sky. The city hosts various events during the year, including a two-day music festival in February, where you can listen to musicians from Yukon, Canada, and the rest of the world. The Adäka Cultural Festival is a seven-day celebration of the history, arts, and traditions of the First Nations from the end of June through the beginning of July. The city is also a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, holding its Out North Queer Film Festival over a week in November that showcases LGBTQ+ films.

SS Klondike

The SS Klondike II is a paddle steamer that stands on the banks of the River Yukon. It was built in 1937, and you can take a self-guided tour to learn about the heyday of river travel before there were improved roads. You will discover how this boat used to transport passengers and goods, including silver lead ore, between Dawson and Whitehorse, with journeys lasting from 1.5 days to five days.

MacBride Museum

You’ll take a journey through the history of Whitehorse and the Yukon territory during a visit to the MacBride Museum in the heart of town. There are 11 different galleries to take in and around 40,000 objects that present stories of this region, including the First Nations and the Klondike Gold Rush. Special events and programmes also take place throughout the year.

Miles Canyon

Walk or drive the five-mile route south from Whitehorse to witness one of the most incredible natural sites in the area, Miles Canyon. You’ll observe the canyon, created from basaltic lava around nine million years ago, from steep cliffs looking down into the rushing turquoise waters. You can also cross the 1922 suspension bridge, which is 85-feet long, high above one of the canyon’s most dramatic sections.