Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Yukon for Adventure Seekers

This vast northern wilderness is home to breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and incredible wildlife. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, Yukon offers something for everyone. From the majestic peaks of Kluane National Park, home to Canada’s highest mountain, to the shimmering northern lights that dance across the sky, Yukon is a place of wonder. If you're ready to explore this epic region, here are 10 must-see attractions that will leave you amazed, including the historic Klondike Gold Rush sites, the scenic beauty of Miles Canyon, and the picturesque town of Dawson City.

For those with an adventurous spirit, Yukon is one of Canada’s premier destinations, filled with exciting experiences and stunning landscapes. This epic territory in Canada's northwest is known for its vast wilderness, vibrant history, and unique natural phenomena.

From witnessing the mesmerising Northern Lights to exploring rugged trails and historical sites, Yukon offers endless opportunities for adventure seekers. Whether you're looking to hike through untouched terrain, drive along remote highways, or immerse yourself in the history of the Gold Rush, Yukon promises unforgettable adventures.

Read on and discover some of Yukon’s must-visit attractions and get inspired for a memorable Canada holiday.

10 fun things to do in Yukon

1. Northern Lights Viewing
2. Tombstone Territorial Park
3. The Chilkoot Trail
4. Dempster Highway
5. Whitehorse
6. Dawson City
7. Emerald Lake
8. Yukon Wildlife Preserve
9. Kluane National Park and Reserve
10. Yukon Beringia Centre

1. Northern Lights Viewing

The Northern Lights are one of the world's most sought-after natural phenomena, a beautiful feat of nature on many people’s bucket lists. Yukon happens to be one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, especially during the winter months. 

The best way to experience the Northern Lights in Yukon is to head to a remote lodge somewhere in the territory’s vast wilderness or to join a guided tour led by star-gazing experts. If you are planning to hunt for the Aurora Borealis, don’t forget to take a high-quality camera to capture the mesmerising lights in all their glory.

Monica from the blog The Travel Hack has hunted Aurora herself in Yukon and has the following recommendation: “Whitehorse is an incredible base for an aurora hunting holiday, as it’s so far north the lights are often seen around the area. But don’t just stay in the city. If you’ve rented a car, you can drive just ten minutes out of the downtown area, in pretty much any direction, and your view will be clear and unobstructed.”

READ ALSO: The Northern Lights of Yukon – when and where to see them

2. Tombstone Territorial Park

Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, but there is something about Tombstone Territorial Park that simply takes the breath away. Known as the “Patagonia of the North”, Tombstone is a remote and jaw-dropping wilderness area, featuring jagged mountain peaks, gorgeous alpine meadows, and vibrant tundra landscapes.

The scenery is something out of a fantasy movie and is the perfect place to embark on your own adventure. One of the best things to do in Yukon, those exploring Tombstone Territorial Park can look forward to a series of incredible hikes, such as on the epic Grizzly Lake Trail and backpacking along the eponymous Tombstone Mountain Range.

Travel blogger Angela Liguori has spent time hiking around Tombstone Territorial Park and shared this insight about the journey from the trailhead to Grizzly Lake: “From the trailhead, the hike to Grizzly Lake is 11.5 km with 797m of elevation gain. It took us about 6-7 hours because we were stopping for photos a lot and taking our time. This trail is incredibly beautiful with views the entire way.”

3. The Chilkoot Trail

The Chilkoot Trail certainly deserves a place on the list of top attractions in Yukon, a must-see for history buffs and hikers alike. This 53-kilometer trail follows the route taken by Klondike Gold Rush prospectors over a century ago, from Alaska into Yukon.

As you trek through lush forests and across rugged terrain, you’ll encounter relics from the Gold Rush era, including abandoned tools and makeshift shelters. Completing the Chilkoot Trail is both a physical challenge and a journey back in time, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Please note that public access beyond mile 4.0 on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail will be closed for the 2024 season.

4. Dempster Highway

Canada was built for driving and features some of the world's most majestic road trip routes. Yukon’s Dempster Highway is one of the most scenic and remote drives in North America, a 740km gravel road that takes you from Dawson City across the Arctic Circle to the Arctic Ocean.

Driving along Dempster Highway with a motorhome or car rental will take you through some of the continent’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll traverse rolling tundra, cross the continental divide, and possibly even spot wildlife like caribou and grizzly bears.

Adam and Kathryn from the travel blog Adventures of A + K have traversed the Dempster Highway themselves, sharing: “Hands down one of the greatest adventures of our lives (and we have had many incredible experiences!) was driving the Dempster Highway in Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories. Over the course of a week, we experienced epic mountain peaks, complete solitude, wildlife, the northern lights, and small, authentic Indigenous towns.”

READ ALSO: How to plan a road trip in Canada

5. Whitehorse

In Whitehorse, you can look forward to discovering Yukon’s historic capital city, though like the rest of the territory, it’s far from a concrete jungle. Instead, Whitehorse is the perfect hub for Yukon exploration, with plenty of thrills beginning in the town or nearby.

Try walking along the waterfront, for instance, for a relaxing exploration of the capital, or how about learning about the Gold Rush at the MacBride Museum? For a spot of pampering after Yukon’s rugged adventuring, consider having a peaceful soak in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. 

Don’t miss the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Nestled along the Yukon River, the Centre offers a deep dive into Indigenous art, history, and traditions through interactive exhibits, workshops, and events.

For something a bit more heart-pumping, you could kayak down the Yukon River, hike to the dramatic cliffs of Miles Canyon, or cycle along the pretty Millennium Trail.

6. Dawson City

Dawson City is another must-explore location during your time in the territory. This historic town has preserved much of its 19th-century charm, with wooden boardwalks and colourful frontier-style buildings. It’s the perfect spot to step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era as you wander through its historic buildings and visit gold panning sites.

Visitors can choose to sample the vibrant arts scene or hike up the Midnight Dome for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A boat trip on the Yukon River is another great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and imagine the challenges faced by early gold seekers.

7. Emerald Lake

Canada has no shortage of beautiful lakes, including Emerald Lake, which is just a short drive from Whitehorse. This stunning lake is famous for its vibrant turquoise waters, which are caused by the light reflecting off the marl – a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate – on the lakebed.

This gorgeous natural wonder is perfect for photography enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful picnic while soaking in the serene beauty. Nearby trails offer additional opportunities to explore the forested landscape and enjoy the tranquillity of this picturesque location. Fishing and canoeing are also popular activities at Emerald Lake.

READ ALSO: 15 most picturesque lakes in Canada

8. Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Yukon boasts some truly incredible wildlife, which are among the many reasons to explore the territory during a trip to Canada. One of the best ways to spot some of the local inhabitants is at Yukon Wildlife Preserve, located near Whitehorse. This 700-acre preserve is home to many of Yukon’s (and Canada’s) most iconic animals, including moose, bison, elk, and mountain goats.

There are numerous ways to explore the preserve, including on a guided tour where you can learn all about the wildlife and their habitats. You can also explore on foot or by bike for a more personal experience, allowing you to get up close with Yukon's diverse animal population and learn about their conservation.

9. Kluane National Park and Reserve

For more adventures in Canada’s great outdoors, make sure to visit Kluane National Park and Reserve. The park is known for its breathtaking vistas and rugged trails. This sprawling location boasts the country's highest peak, Mount Logan, and is also home to some of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world.

For those seeking a challenging hike, the King’s Throne offers spectacular views of surrounding mountains and glaciers. Alternatively, take a flightseeing tour over the ice fields for an unforgettable aerial perspective. Wildlife spotting is also a popular activity, with opportunities to see grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and eagles.

10. Yukon Beringia Centre

The Yukon Beringia Centre is a fascinating cultural and natural history museum located in Whitehorse, Yukon. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient landscape of Beringia, the land bridge that once connected Siberia to North America during the last Ice Age. The center showcases the rich heritage of the Yukon’s prehistoric era, featuring impressive exhibits, including woolly mammoths and other megafauna.

The Beringia Centre delves into the geological and climatic transformations that shaped this unique region, while also celebrating the Indigenous cultures that have thrived here for millennia. The Yukon is home to some of the oldest human habitation sites in the Americas. Remarkably, their descendants continue to call this land home today, preserving a deep connection to the rich history of Beringia. Interactive displays, informative panels, and engaging programs make it an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, the Yukon Beringia Centre provides an unforgettable journey through time, revealing the stories of the land and its ancient inhabitants.

READ ALSO: 10 reasons why the Yukon is the Canada you imagined

Why Yukon is a must-visit

For those with an adventurous heart, Yukon is a destination that must be visited. Offering a diverse range of experiences that blend natural beauty, history, and wildlife, there is so much to look forward to.

From the awe-inspiring Northern Lights to the rugged landscapes of Tombstone Territorial Park and the historic charm of Dawson City, there’s something for every type of traveller. Whether you're looking to embark on a road trip, tackle a challenging hike, or simply relax in a hot spring, Yukon has it all.

Ready to plan your Yukon adventure? Explore our Yukon holidays and discover the amazing itineraries that are available. We are the Canada travel experts, and we can tailor-make a Yukon holiday that includes everything you want to do.