Whitehorse is the gateway to Yukon adventure in Canada’s north.
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Overview
Whitehorse is the capital and only city in Canada's Yukon Territory, a region famous for its rugged wilderness, rich Indigenous culture, and the legendary Klondike Gold Rush. While Whitehorse is not a direct cruise port on the Alaskan Inside Passage, it serves as a significant and popular inland excursion destination for passengers on Alaska cruises, primarily accessed via the port of Skagway, Alaska. The historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, connects Skagway to the Yukon, making Whitehorse a fascinating extension to an Alaskan cruise itinerary.
For cruise passengers, Whitehorse offers a unique opportunity to venture deeper into the Canadian North, beyond the coastal towns. It provides a blend of historical sites, authentic local experiences, and access to stunning natural attractions. A visit to Whitehorse promises a memorable journey through the heart of the gold rush country and a taste of the Yukon's vast and untamed beauty.
The journey to Whitehorse often begins with a scenic ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This narrow-gauge railway, built during the Klondike Gold Rush, offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, and historic sites as it climbs from Skagway into the Yukon Territory. Many excursions combine a train ride with a motorcoach return.
Tip: Book this excursion through your cruise line as it often includes convenient dockside service. Have your camera ready for stunning vistas. A passport is required as you will be crossing the US-Canada border.
Visit the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, a restored sternwheeler that once plied the waters of the Yukon River, transporting passengers and freight during the gold rush era. Step aboard and explore the decks and cabins, learning about the pivotal role these paddlewheelers played in the development of the Yukon.
Tip: It's a fantastic way to visualize the scale of transportation during the gold rush and life on the river.
Delve into the rich history of the Yukon at the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. Its extensive collection includes artifacts from the Gold Rush, exhibits on First Nations culture, natural history displays, and stories of the early pioneers and their challenges.
Tip: The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Yukon's unique heritage. Look for the "Whitehorse Copperbelt Mining Museum" as well.
Experience the diverse fauna of the Yukon at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. This unique facility allows you to observe various northern Canadian species, such as moose, caribou, elk, Dall sheep, and muskoxen, in their natural or semi-natural habitats.
Tip: Tours are often by bus, but there are also walking paths. It's an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography.
Unwind and rejuvenate at the Takhini Hot Springs (now known as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs). These natural mineral hot pools offer a relaxing soak amidst the Yukon wilderness, a perfect contrast to active sightseeing.
Tip: This is a great option for unwinding, especially after a day of travel and exploration. Check with your tour operator for accessibility.
Explore Miles Canyon, a dramatic basalt canyon carved by the Yukon River. There are walking trails and a suspension bridge offering stunning views. Nearby, visit the Whitehorse Fishway (also known as the Fishladder), one of the longest wooden fish ladders in the world, designed to help Chinook salmon bypass the Whitehorse Rapids during their epic migration.
Tip: Miles Canyon is picturesque and offers relatively easy walking. The Fishway is particularly interesting during the salmon run (typically July-August).
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