21 Unique Things To Do in Yukon Canada in Summer & Winter
Wondering about the best things to do in Yukon, Canada? After road-tripping across the territory with Sean, I can tell you firsthand that there’s a lot more to see and experience than most people realize.
From remote hiking trails and historic gold rush towns to glacier-fed lakes and scenic drives where you won’t pass another car for hours, Yukon delivers the kind of adventure you don’t find in more developed parts of Canada.
This guide covers the top things to do in Yukon, Canada by season, along with unique experiences, ideas for couples, family-friendly activities, and a few unexpected highlights. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or a winter getaway, you’ll find plenty here to build an unforgettable itinerary.
You’ll also get practical travel tips, a custom map, and answers to the most common questions we had before visiting. If you’re after wild landscapes, fewer crowds, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, Yukon is absolutely worth the trip.
Unique Things To Do in Yukon Canada
1. Drive the Dempster Highway
This remote highway stretches over 740 km from Dawson City to the Arctic Circle and eventually into the Northwest Territories. It’s one of the only roads in Canada that actually crosses the Arctic Circle, and it feels like another planet out there.
The scenery is surreal: rolling tundra, jagged peaks, and zero cell service. Take our advice and fill up your tank (gas stations aren’t dependable outside of the major cities), pack extra snacks, and be ready for long stretches with no other cars in sight.
2. Soak in the Takhini Hot Springs (Now Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs)
After a long hike or day on the road, nothing beats a soak in natural mineral waters under the northern sky. The hot springs just outside Whitehorse were recently rebranded and upgraded, offering a more spa-like experience without losing their rustic charm.
Go at night during the winter months for a chance to spot the northern lights while you soak. It’s peaceful, low-key, and a great way to warm up in any season.
3. Explore the Historic Town of Dawson City
Dawson City marks “Mile 0” of the Alaska State Highway and it feels like stepping into a living museum, but not in a stuffy way. The wooden boardwalks, restored buildings, and gold rush stories are woven right into the town’s DNA.
You can pan for gold, tour old saloons, or catch a cheeky can-can show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s. It’s quirky, colorful, and full of personality, and we find it to be totally different from anywhere else in Canada.
4. Visit the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake
We actually drove by the Sign Post Forest without knowing anything about it and literally did a double-take and turned around to go see it again! What started as a homesick soldier hanging a sign in the 1940s has turned into a forest of over 80,000 signs from around the world.
You can bring your own sign to leave behind or just wander through and read the stories people have left. There’s license plates, hometown signs, and even street signs from overseas! We know this is one of the more unusual things to do in Yukon, Canada, but it’s definitely worth a stop.
5. Canoe or Kayak the Yukon River
The Yukon River has a deep history tied to Indigenous communities, fur traders, and gold prospectors. We haven’t done it ourselves, but we know that people rent canoes in Whitehorse and float down to one of the nearby campsites or commit to a multi-day adventure if they’re feeling ambitious.
It’s peaceful, remote, and a completely different way to see the landscape. Just be prepared for fast-moving water and changeable weather.
6. Hike in Tombstone Territorial Park
Tombstone is sometimes called the “Patagonia of the North”, and for good reason. The jagged peaks and dramatic valleys look like something out Torres del Paine in Chile!
Even short hikes offer incredible views, but if you’re up for a challenge, consider a backcountry trek. The park is remote and wild, so safe preparation is key, but the solitude and scenery make it more than worth the effort.
Things To Do in Yukon Canada with Kids
7. Visit the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
This kid-friendly museum is all about the Ice Age animals that once roamed this part of the world like mammoths, sabretooth cats, and giant beavers. The exhibits are hands-on, colorful, and surprisingly fun for adults too.
There’s even a life-size woolly mammoth outside that makes for a great photo op. It’s an easy stop right near the Whitehorse airport, so perfect for day one or your last day.
8. Pan for Gold in Dawson City
Let the kids get their hands dirty and try their luck at finding real gold. Several places in Dawson offer gold panning experiences with all the tools provided. It’s an easy, no pressure, and fun activity for all ages.
It’s also a great way to teach kids about the Klondike Gold Rush!
9. Watch the Salmon Run at the Whitehorse Fish Ladder
This is the world’s longest wooden fish ladder, and it’s super cool to watch massive chinook salmon fight their way upstream!
Peak season is late July through August, and there’s an underwater viewing window so kids can get a front-row look. It’s both impressive and educational, and a great chance to talk about the salmon life cycle and conservation.
10. Ride the S.S. Klondike Paddlewheeler
While it’s no longer cruising the river, the S.S. Klondike is fully restored and docked as a national historic site.
Families can tour the old steamship, learn how people traveled the Yukon River before roads were built, and imagine life on board. It’s a great mix of history and adventure, and the open deck is fun for little explorers.
11. Explore Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge
Just a few minutes from downtown Whitehorse, this short scenic hike crosses a dramatic turquoise canyon via a suspension bridge. It’s a manageable walk for most kids, and the views are seriously impressive without being too strenuous.
It’s a great break if you’ve been in the car all day or you just need a city break! Pack a snack and bring your camera.
12. Play at the Rotary Peace Park & Splash Pad
As one of the best things to do in Yukon, Canada in summer, this place is a great place to just let kids burn off some energy!
There’s a playground, picnic tables, and a splash pad to cool off. It’s also walking distance from downtown and right by the Yukon River trail, so the adults can stretch their legs too.
13. Stop at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
About 25 minutes from Whitehorse, this is a great way for kids to safely see some of Yukon’s native animals up close – moose, bison, foxes, lynx, and other animals can often be seen. You can walk or take a guided bus tour around the large enclosures, which makes it doable even for younger kids.
It’s a solid mix of wildlife watching, learning, and fresh air.
Things To Do in Yukon Canada for Couples
14. Chase the Northern Lights Together
There’s something undeniably romantic about standing under a sky filled with dancing auroras. We’ve seen them all over Alaska, and peak viewing season runs from late August to April.
The farther you get from city lights, the better your chances of seeing them. Bring a thermos of hot tea, bundle up, and find a pull-off or cozy lodge with a view. It’s a quiet, exciting romantic experience even if the lights don’t make an appearance, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Yukon, Canada in winter!
15. Stay in a Remote Off-Grid Cabin
Yukon has some incredible off-grid cabins where you can unplug and reconnect with each other and with nature. Whether it’s a rustic backcountry hut or a full-service lodge with wood-fired hot tubs, the sense of privacy is unmatched.
Many offer snowshoeing or canoeing right outside the door, depending on the season.
16. Hike to Hidden Viewpoints in Kluane National Park
If you’re the kind of couple that prefers lacing up hiking boots to lounging around, Kluane is paradise. With options ranging from short ridge hikes to full-day alpine climbs, there’s something for every energy level.
King’s Throne Peak is quite popular and offers insane panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Kathleen Lake! You’ll share the trails with almost no one, so pack a picnic and soak it all in.
17. Take a Scenic Flight Over Icefields
For a serious once-in-a-lifetime moment, book a scenic flight over Kluane’s icefields or the Saint Elias Mountains.
These flights often leave from Haines Junction and offer a bird’s-eye view of glaciers, rugged peaks, and the largest non-polar icefield in the world. It’s exhilarating, humbling, and perfect if you want to mark a special trip or anniversary!
18. Share a Soak at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
I know we already mentioned these hot springs, but that makes them one of the best things to do in Yukon for two reasons. Located just outside Whitehorse, this modern take on a classic hot spring makes for a relaxing afternoon or evening.
The setting is peaceful, and the mineral pools are just the right temperature for a long, cozy soak. It’s especially magical if you go in the winter when everything is blanketed in snow. Bonus points if you catch the aurora while you’re there!
19. Enjoy a Sunset Paddle on a Quiet Lake
Rent a canoe or kayak and head out for a sunset paddle on one of Yukon’s many still, clear lakes. We’ve always been so jealous of the pictures photographers get while out on the water since the reflections of the sky on the surface are stunning in the golden hour.
Marsh Lake, Lake Laberge, and Kathleen Lake are all great options depending on where you’re based!
20. Wander Through Dawson City’s Old-Time Charm
With its wooden boardwalks, historic hotels, and quirky gold rush history, Dawson City is a great spot to slow down and wander hand-in-hand. Stay in a heritage inn, grab drinks at a local saloon, and catch a live show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s.
It’s playful, weird, and romantic in a totally unexpected way.
21. Camp Under the Midnight Sun
In the summer, Yukon hardly gets dark and it makes for a surreal and beautiful camping experience. Pitch a tent at a lakeside campground, build a fire, and stay up late talking, stargazing, or just enjoying the silence.
Whether you’re in a park or somewhere wild off the highway, there’s no shortage of spots to choose from since you’ll be in one of the world’s most remote territories anyway!
Map of the Best Things To Do in Yukon
Here’s a map with all the places mentioned in this post to help you plan your route. It includes major sights, hikes, towns, and a few lesser-known spots we enjoyed during our trip. You can use it to get a sense of where everything is and decide what makes the most sense for your itinerary!
Tips for Visiting Yukon, Canada
1. Plan for Long Distances
Yukon is huge and towns, gas stations, and even trailheads can be hundreds of miles apart. Always fill up your gas tank when you can, and don’t rely too heavily on Google Maps for travel times. We love that the distances are a part of the adventure, but it pays to plan ahead.
2. Expect Limited Cell Service
Once you leave Whitehorse or Dawson, service drops off fast. We have both AT&T and Verizon, and outside of Whitehorse our phones were pretty much useless.
Download offline maps, save your reservations and directions in advance, and let someone know your travel plans, especially if you’re heading into remote areas or driving the Dempster Highway.
3. Dress in Layers, Even in Summer
Weather can shift quickly here. A warm, sunny afternoon can turn into cold rain or gusty wind without warning. Bring a good waterproof jacket, insulating layers, and sturdy shoes no matter what month you’re visiting.
4. Book Accommodations Early in Peak Season
Summer is short and busy, especially in places like Dawson City and Kluane. We’ve seen campgrounds get booked up 6+ months in advance, so if you’re traveling between June and August, book campsites, lodges, or hotels well in advance to avoid being stuck with limited options!
5. Watch for Wildlife on the Road
Moose, bears, and bison are commonly seen along highways, and sometimes right in your lane. Drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk, and keep a safe distance if you spot animals.
You don’t want to hit a big animal. Not only can you face fines, but you’ll also likely wreck your car and get injured in the process.
6. Don’t Count on Fast Food or Grocery Stores in Small Towns
Outside of Whitehorse and Dawson City, food options can be super limited and expensive. Stock up on groceries, road snacks, and basic supplies before you leave the bigger towns.
Some gas stations are your only food stop for hours, and seeing a nice thick layer of dust on the top of cracker boxes and soup cans is quite common.
7. Respect Indigenous Land and Culture
Much of Yukon is traditional territory for First Nations communities. Be respectful when visiting cultural sites, and take the time to learn about the local history. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the land and its people, and you’ll be less likely to accidentally insult the locals.
8. Pack Bug Spray and Bear Spray
Mosquitoes are relentless in the summer, especially near water or in the forest. And while bear encounters are rare, it’s smart to carry bear spray if you’re hiking or camping, just make sure you know how to use it.
9. Bring Cash for Remote Stops
Some lodges, campgrounds, and roadside shops still operate on a cash-only basis or have spotty card readers. It’s a good idea to have some Canadian dollars on hand, just in case.
10. Embrace the Slow Pace
Yukon isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. Give yourself time to explore, take detours, and just be in the moment. The best experiences often come from the unexpected stops or roadblocks along the way.
Yukon FAQ
What is Yukon best known for?
Yukon is best known for its wild landscapes, gold rush history, and northern lights. It’s home to remote highways, massive national parks, and some of the best stargazing in Canada.
Many people also come for the sense of solitude considering it’s one of the least populated regions in North America!
How many days do you need in Yukon?
Ideally, plan for at least 7 to 10 days if you want to see more than just Whitehorse. That gives you time to explore Dawson City, drive part of the Dempster Highway, visit Kluane National Park, and take things at a slower pace.
You can absolutely do a shorter trip in 4–5 days if you stay local, but you’ll be covering a lot of ground either way.
Is it expensive in the Yukon?
Yes, it can be. Groceries, gas, and accommodations are more expensive than in southern Canada, especially in remote areas.
That said, most of the outdoor activities like hiking, exploring, wildlife viewing are free, so you can keep costs reasonable if you plan ahead.
There are also tons of great campgrounds around (we love Caribou RV Park in Whitehorse!), so you can significantly save on costs if you don’t mind pitching a tent.
What is the best time to visit Yukon?
The best time to visit Yukon depends on what you want to do. For hiking, camping, and road trips, June through early September is the best window.
For northern lights and winter sports like skiing or snowshoeing, aim for late fall through early spring (October to March). Just be prepared for snow and extreme cold, since the Yukon experiences temperatures as bitter as Alaska!
What food is Yukon known for?
Yukon doesn’t have a long list of regional dishes, but local specialties include Arctic char, wild game like caribou and moose, and bannock – a type of Indigenous pan-fried bread.
You’ll also find excellent coffee and surprisingly good baked goods in the small towns.
Can you see the Northern Lights in the Yukon?
Yes, Yukon is one of the best places in Canada to see the northern lights! The aurora is visible from late August to April, with the clearest skies often in the middle of the winter when the chance of rain and clouds are lower.
You’ll need to be away from city lights and have some patience, but the show is worth it.
Do you need a car in Yukon?
Unfortunately, it is almost 100% necessary to have a car in Yukon, Canada. Unless you’re only staying in Whitehorse, you’ll need a car to get around, and it preferably comes with a high clearance so you can easily navigate national parks and dirt roads.
Public transportation is basically non-existent once you leave major cities, and distances between places are long. Without a car, you’d be paying for private taxis everywhere you go, which would cost 10x as much as a car rental!
How cold is Yukon in summer?
Summer days can be surprisingly warm, with highs in the 60s and 70s°F (15–25°C), especially in July.
But evenings get chilly fast, and temperatures can dip near freezing in the mountains even in mid-summer. The last time we visited was in late August, and it never got warm enough for us to wear shorts or t-shirts.
Do you need a passport to go to the Yukon?
If you’re coming from outside Canada then yes, you’ll need a valid passport. U.S. and international visitors should also be aware of Canadian entry requirements, which can include eTAs or visas depending on your country of origin.
Are there bears in the Yukon?
Both black bears and grizzly bears are common in Yukon, especially in wilderness areas and national parks. If you’re hiking or camping, carry bear spray, store food properly, and know what to do if you encounter one.
It’s always best to be “bear aware” and understand the dos and dont’s of exploring bear country. Here is a great resource for learning what to do in bear country in Yukon!
Is it safe to travel in Yukon?
Yes, Yukon is very safe, but it’s also very remote. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, carry extra food, water, and warm layers, and let someone know your route if you’re heading into backcountry or isolated areas.
The biggest safety issue most travelers face revolves around proper remoteness and wildlife safety.
Can you fly into Yukon?
Yes, Whitehorse has an international airport with direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and seasonally from other cities. Most visitors fly into Whitehorse and then rent a car to explore the territory.
Yukon is one of those rare places that still feels wild. Whether you’re visiting in the glow of the midnight sun or under the shimmer of the northern lights, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
From scenic drives and remote hikes to quiet moments in small towns, there’s no shortage of things to do in Yukon, Canada. I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels both grounded and adventurous, whether you’re coming for a week or just passing through on a bigger journey!
Up next, head to Alberta where you’ll see our Banff vs Jasper Complete Comparison of Canada’s Top Parks!
