Whitehorse
Around Whitehorse
Photo: Murray Foubister · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Yukon · 31k people
Whitehorse
“Wilderness City”
Northern lights, northern comfort.
Yukon BlueYukon GreenKlondike Gold
Welcome to Whitehorse, where the Yukon River runs through town and the northern lights dance overhead. Whether you're here for the outdoors or the friendly community, you'll find a place that feels like home.
Clubs for Whitehorse
No clubs for Whitehorse yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Whitehorse. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Whitehorse. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- SS Klondike National Historic Site Restored sternwheeler on the Yukon River.
- Miles Canyon Scenic gorge with trails and a suspension bridge.
- Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre Exhibits on the Beringia land bridge and ice-age animals.
- MacBride Museum Local history and First Nations artifacts.
- Whitehorse Fishway Watch salmon climb the ladder in summer.
- Takhini Hot Springs Natural hot pools, a classic soak after a winter day.
- Outdoors Hiking in Miles Canyon
- Outdoors Canoeing on the Yukon River
- With kids Visiting the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
- With kids Exploring the SS Klondike
- Evenings Live music at the Yukon Arts Centre
- Evenings Pub nights at local breweries
- Locals love Aurora viewing spots
- Locals love Wilderness cabins
Through the year
- Yukon Quest February International sled dog race from Whitehorse to Fairbanks.
- Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous February Winter carnival with dogsled races, pancake breakfasts, and more.
- Yukon River Quest June Canoe and kayak race down the Yukon River.
- Frostbite Music Festival February Winter music festival featuring local and touring acts.
Whitehorse has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to be out is summer for long days and moderate temps, while winter offers aurora displays and snow sports. Best: Summer (June–August) for long daylight hours and moderate temps; winter for aurora and snow sports.
Talk like a local
- “Cheechako”
- A newcomer to the Yukon.
- “Sourdough”
- An old-timer or long-time resident.
- “Outside”
- Anywhere not in the Yukon.
- “Mush”
- Command to sled dogs to go.
Getaways
- Kluane National Park Glaciers, hiking, and mountain scenery.
- Dawson City Gold rush history and the Sourtoe Cocktail.
- Juneau, AK Flightseeing and glacier tours.
- Ketchikan, AK Totem poles and salmon fishing.
Local flavour
Rooting for Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Eat and drink
- Bannock
- Smoked salmon Local river salmon, often smoked
- Wild game (caribou, moose) Common in local cuisine
- Sourdough bread Yukon is famous for its sourdough tradition
- Fireweed honey Local honey from fireweed flowers
Where people go
- Wilderness lodges Remote lodges for outdoor adventures
- Aurora viewing sites Spots away from city lights to watch the northern lights
- Dog sledding trails Winter trails for mushing
- Riverfront trails Walking and biking paths along the Yukon River
Heritage and traditions
Whitehorse is proud of its rugged northern spirit, where the midnight sun meets a thriving arts scene and deep First Nations heritage.
This time of year in Whitehorse
- Berry picking and hunting Fall (September-October) Popular seasonal activities.
Say it like a local: “Cheechako” — A newcomer to the Yukon
Festivals
- Adaka Cultural Festival Summer Celebrates Yukon First Nations arts, music, and dance.
- Available Light Film Festival February Showcases northern and Canadian films.
- Yukon Craft Beer Festival September Features local craft breweries and Yukon brews.
Landmarks with a story
- Old Log Church Museum A log-built Anglican church from 1900, now a museum.
- Yukon Legislative Building Home to the Yukon Legislative Assembly, with a distinctive design.
- Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre A gathering place for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, showcasing heritage.
- Whitehorse Waterfront The riverfront area with historic buildings and trails.
- White Pass and Yukon Route depot The northern terminus of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway.
Food traditions
- Midnight sun garden produce Long daylight hours allow for huge vegetables, and locals take pride in their gardens.
Music and arts
- Yukon Arts Centre A hub for performing and visual arts in the territory.
- First Nations art Carving, beadwork, and other traditional crafts are prominent.
- Literary community Home to authors like Pierre Berton and Ivan Coyote.
A little history
- 1900 White Pass and Yukon Route railway reaches Whitehorse, connecting to Skagway.
- 1942 Alaska Highway construction brings an influx of workers and military.
- 1950 Whitehorse is incorporated as a city.
- 1953 Yukon's capital moves from Dawson City to Whitehorse.
- Game day Hockey
- Game day Curling
- Outdoors Ice fishing
- Outdoors Snowshoeing
- With kids Yukon Transportation Museum
- With kids Old Log Church Museum
People in Whitehorse speak a Canadian English with a laid-back northern vibe, using terms like 'out bush' for the wilderness and 'cheechako' for a newcomer.
Only here
- The midnight sun in summer and the aurora borealis in winter.
New here? A few tips
- Prepare for cold winters; temperatures can drop below -40°C.
- The midnight sun in summer can disrupt sleep; use blackout curtains.
- Winter tires are essential from October to April.
- The community is friendly; don't be afraid to say hello.
- Learn to pronounce 'Yukon' as 'YOO-kon'.
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaWhitehorse. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.