Summary
Short description
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Yukon's landscapes on this curated summer road trip
Highlights
- Explore the Yukon's gold-rush heritage in Whitehorse
- Drive some of Canada's most spectacular highways
- Hop across the border to Tok in Alaska
- Look out for wildlife including caribou and grizzly bears
- Travel in late-August for the chance to see the Northern Lights
In Brief
- 1 Night Whitehorse
- 1 Night Watson Lake
- 1 Night Carmacks
- 2 Nights Dawson City
- 1 Night Tok
- 2 Nights Haines Junction
- 2 Nights Whitehorse
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
History & culture | Natural world | Self-drive
This circular route explores the modern and ancient cultures of the Yukon, and provides the perfect introduction to this rugged and spectacular region. From the echoes of the Gold Rush to the new world of eco-tourism, this wonderland in Canada's remote northwest offers something trul;y unique. A day in famous Dawson City offers the chance to pan for gold, while the wilds of Kluane National Park entice outdoor adventurers to explore remote trails between sparkling lakes and vast forests. What's more, it's all linked by some truly spectacular driving routes, which showcase the Yukon's ever-changing landscapes at their best. Our tip? Travel in late August for the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Whitehorse
After a complimentary lounge stay, fly via Vancouver to Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon Territory. This northern city offers all the modern conveniences and amenities, as well as the historical and cultural remnants of the days of the Gold Rush.
Stay: The Sternwheeler Hotel, Whitehorse (Superior)
Day
2
Whitehorse to Watson Lake
Departing eastward along the Alaska Highway into the interior of the Yukon, you'll pass through small towns and villages that have carved unique communities out of a rugged wilderness. Arriving in Watson Lake, take some time to visit the ‘signpost forest’ – a collection of over 10,000 signposts donated by visitors from around the world, or the World War II historical display at the airport.
Stay: Air Force Lodge, Watson Lake (Superior)
Day
3
Watson Lake to Carmacks
Turning northward on to the Campbell Highway, follow the path of several rivers and long lakes, many only previously seen by the most avid outdoorsman. If time permits, stop in Faro to visit the Campbell Region Interpretative Centre and learn about the history and geography of the surrounding area. Arrive in Carmacks later in the day for an evening at leisure.
Stay: Hotel Carmacks (Superior)
Day
4
Carmacks to Dawson City
Journeying further northward, you'll embark on a day of discovery, travelling through the wilderness of the Yukon heartland, home to such wildlife as moose, caribou and grizzly bears. Later in the day, arrive in the famous former prospector town of Dawson City. Perhaps visit one of the local eateries, serving up everything from hardy frontier fare to tastes of the Far East.
Stay: Midnight Sun Hotel, Dawson City (Superior)
Day
5
Dawson
The day is yours to independently discover Dawson's Gold Rush heritage as the town comes alive with period actors on local walking tours and historical buildings. The Bonanza Creek with Discovery Claim and Dredge 4 National Historic Site provides an in-depth look into the industry that made the town famous . The Midnight Dome offers dramatic views of the town at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers.
Stay: Midnight Sun Hotel, Dawson City (Superior)
Day
6
Dawson City to Tok
Beginning with a short crossing of the Yukon River by ferry, your journey takes you along picturesque sections of the Top of the World Highway and the Taylor Highway, traversing the wilds of the Yukon and across the to Alaska in the USA. The wonderfully named crossroads town of Chicken provides the ideal midway point to stop and experience a slice of local life. Continue on as you go west arrive in the small town of Tok for the evening.
Stay: Three Bears Tok Motel, Tok (Superior)
Day
7
Tok to Haines Junction
Today’s shorter driving distance back on the Alaska Highway allows time to independently explore natural wonders such as the shores of Lake Kluane, or the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains of spectacular Kluane National Park . Well-marked hiking trails and scenic viewpoints showcase some of the unique landscape of these protected parklands. Arrive later in Haines Junction and perhaps take some time to explore the First Nations Daku Cultural Centre, a highlight of this frontier town.
Stay: Dalton Trail Lodge, Haines Junction (Superior)
Day
8
Haines Junction
A day free at leisure is a good opportunity to explore the village. Perhaps pay a visit to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' Da Kų Cultural Centre, an interactive living museum that celebrates the history, culture and art of the Indigenous people of the area. Afterwards, perhaps drop by the St.Elias Convention Centre to see the permanent and rotating collection of art, reflecting the modern interpretations of local and recent artists.
Stay: Dalton Trail Lodge, Haines Junction (Superior)
Day
9
Haines Junction to Whitehorse
A short drive to Whitehorse today leaves ample time to check into your hotel and independently explore this frontier town that has grown up into a northern hub city of commerce, industry and tourism.
Stay: The Sternwheeler Hotel, Whitehorse (Superior)
Day
10
Whitehorse
The day is free to independently discover why Whitehorse has cultivated a name as the Yukon’s hub of local guided and independent sightseeing and local touring activities . We suggest making a visit to some of the local sites such as the SS Klondike, Beringia Centre, the Transportation Museum or the MacBride Museum.
Stay: The Sternwheeler Hotel, Whitehorse (Superior)
Days
11-12
Departure
Today your Yukon experience comes to an end as you check out of your hotel, drop your car at the airport and take your overnight flight back from Whitehorse via Vancouver, arriving the next day.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,460 pp incl. flights
Superior
Special Offer
Early Bird savings for Yukon car hire: Save up to £130 pp.
Book by: 31 March 2025
Validity: 26 May - 31 Aug 2025
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Flights between UK and Whitehorse (via Vancouver)
- 10 nights Superior level accommodation
- 11 days car hire
- Yukon River ferry crossing (day 6)
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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