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4 February 2025 by David Ward
From jagged mountains and mighty glaciers to swathes of alpine tundra and sprawling taiga forests, the Yukon is a territory of vast wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Below, we explore what to expect from the sharply contrasting seasons of Canada’s spectacular northwestern corner.
Winter
The winter months are cold in the Yukon, with temperatures consistently well below freezing, but if you come well-equipped and ready to embrace the icy conditions, this is a richly rewarding time to visit. Whether it’s bathing in natural hot springs, snowmobiling across frozen lakes, gliding through snow-laden forests by husky sled or gazing up at the Northern Lights, there’s something uniquely exhilarating about a winter adventure in the Yukon. Road conditions can be difficult, however, so it’s best to choose a base for your trip and arrange excursions.
Northern Lights on the Dempster Highway (image: Pete Mather / Travel Yukon)
Spring
As temperatures gradually climb above zero, the Yukon’s landscapes burst into life, as a vibrant colour palette replaces the monochrome shades of winter. Wildflowers bloom in the meadows, frozen lakes morph from sheets of white to emerald green, millions of migratory birds return and bears emerge from hibernation. It’s still possible to see the Northern Lights through to early April. By May, many lower-altitude hiking trails and most roads are easily accessible.
Yukon in spring (image: Robert Postma / Travel Yukon)
Summer
Summers in the Yukon are mild, making it an ideal time for hiking, mountain biking, wild swimming, fishing and horseback riding. Indeed, temperatures typically climb into the mid-20s and the sun barely dips below the horizon throughout June and July, meaning it doesn’t get fully dark at any point in the height of summer. Late summer, meanwhile, is a prime window of opportunity for picking wild berries, such as cloudberries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Summer hiking (image: F Mueller / Travel Yukon)
Autumn
Autumn is a glorious but relatively fleeting season in the Yukon, as the tundra is ablaze in shades of crimson and gold and the Northern Lights return to cast their celestial glow across the night sky. This is perhaps the best time of the year to drive the Dempster Highway – the only road in Canada that crosses the Arctic Circle – and to see wildlife such as bears, moose and herds of Porcupine caribou.
Emerald Lake in autumn (image: Victor Aerden)
