Yukon offers plenty of opportunities to travel, visit national parks, attractions, and historical landmarks, play sports, and just relax, go shopping, and have fun.

National Parks

There are many national parks and wildlife preserves in Yukon, among which the Kluane National Park and Reserve, Tombstone Territorial Park, and Vuntut National Park. Found in southwest Yukon, the Kluane National Park and Reserve is the home to birds and mammals such as mountain goats, Dall sheep, mountain bluebirds, and yellow-rumped warblers. Featured activities include camping, mountaineering, rafting the Alsek River, and hiking. The Tombstone Territorial Park is found in central Yukon and is also worth visiting. There is plenty to do in the area, for example, wildlife viewing, backcountry and car camping, and hiking. The park is the home to a diverse population of species such as grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. The Vuntut National Park offers plenty to do as well, including outdoor activities such as winter ski trips, hiking, and canoeing the Old Crow River. Species inhabiting the area include pine martens, golden eagles, Yukon moose, and foxes. The Ivvavik National Park is situated in northern Yukon and is inhabited by lemmings, black and grizzly bears, and other species. Only a minimal number of visitors are allowed to enter the park each year. There is plenty to do in the park, from rafting and hiking to backcountry camping and animal watching.

Visitors of Yukon who are up for outdoor recreation enjoy activities such as ice fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and paddling. They can choose from different scenic itineraries such as Hiking the Chilkoot Trail, Rock Glacier Trail, and Millennium Trail.

Natural Wonders

From mid-August to mid-April visitors flock to Yukon to experience the northern lights. Some of the best areas to watch the lights are the Whitehorse Region, Watson Lake Region, Kluane, Klondike, and Campbell. There are different ways to watch the lights, be it from a hot tub, on a dog sled, or on a guided tour.

Museums and Historical Sites

Museums and historical sites also abound in Yukon, among which the Former Territorial Court House, Kluane Museum of History, and George Johnston Museum. The Former Territorial Court House is found in Dawson City and is a fine example of an early 19-century territorial courthouse, designed by architect Thomas Fuller. The George Johnston Museum features exhibits showcasing traditional artefacts, Tlingit ceremonial regalia, and George Johnston’s photographs. The Kluane Museum of History is the home to exhibits featuring gemstones and minerals, and weapons, tools, and clothing worn by the Southern Tutchone people.

Found in Whitehorse, the Yukon Transportation Museum is also an interesting one, displaying aircraft, boats, stagecoaches, dog sleds, and snowshoes. Three guided tours are offered – the Winter, Ingenuity, and Lemonade Tour. The Ingenuity Tour, for example, focuses on DIY transportation while the Lemonade Tour traces the history of lemonade in Yukon. Visitors who join the Winter Tour learn more about winter modes of transportation that are used here.

The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is a good place to experience indigenous storytelling, dance, and music and learn more about the history and heritage of First Nations people.

Events and Festivals

Some of the most visited and noteworthy festivals and events in Yukon are the National Indigenous Peoples Day, Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival, and Frostbite Music Festival. A Canada-wide event, the National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed in Dawson City and features dancing, traditional food, ceremonies, artist demonstrations, and live music. The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival features a diverse array of activities and festivities such as chainsaw chucking, flour packing, dog sledding, and axe throwing. The Frostbite Music Festival features music, dancing, and workshops held in Yukon College and the Yukon Arts Centre. Other events worth attending are dogsled races, golf tournaments, motorbike events, craft fairs, and more.  Plenty of events and activities take place throughout the year, including jam sessions, karaoke nights, sewing nights, and astronomy presentations.

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Yukon offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and alpine sports, including snowshoeing, curling, snow biking, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing. Other winter sports include dog sledding, sledding, tobogganing, and skating.

Skiing

The best ski trails and resorts in Yukon are found at Mount Sima and Mount McIntyre. Visitors staying in Whitehorse can try the multi-use ski trail that goes along the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. It offers spectacular views and opportunities to see mountain goats, moose, caribous, and muskox. Mount Sima has 4 terrain parks, 15 marked runs, a kitchen, and a lounge. The resort also hosts a variety of events such as community and sports events, artistic performances, workshops, weddings, conferences and meetings, and holiday parties.

Opened in 1993, Mount Sima offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports, including snowboarding, freestyle skiing, and alpine skiing. The 2012 Arctic Winter Games and 2007 Canada Winter Games were also held here.

The Watson Lake Ski Club at Mt Maichen operates a ski area with a chalet, two lifts, and 9 km of slopes for snowboarding and skiing. The ski chalet features a change area, ski patrol room, ski shop, lounge and concession, and eating and viewing areas. Snowboarding and ski rentals are offered at the ski shop. Family, adult, and junior season passes are available. Freestyle skiing days are organized in the form of guided workshops.

Fat Biking

The Whitehorse region is a popular location for fat biking or riding in the snow. There are popular spots for fat biking such as Mount McIntyre, Grey Mountain, Fish Lake, and Bennett Lake. Fat bike rentals are available in Whitehorse.  The cross country ski trails are not allowed to be used for fat biking and only the single-track bike trails. The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club and Mountain Bike club are working to create such trails. The Collective and Fetish trails at Mt McIntyre are suitable for more experienced riders while the Porcupine trail is ideal for beginners. Fat Bike Fever is another multi-use trail along the Gray Mountain Trail. Backcountry routes are also available, including the Dawson Overland Trail, Alligator Lake, and Bonneville Lakes Loop Trail.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife and enjoy winter landscapes. Areas with good snowshoeing trails include the Whitehorse Region, Watson Lake Region, Southern Lakes, and Arctic and Northern Yukon. Guided multi-day and single-day tours are also available for all skill levels. Multi-activity tours include wildlife viewing, ice fishing, snowshoeing trips, snowmobiling, and dog sledding tours.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is popular with residents and visitors alike and offers unique opportunities to enjoy stunning landscapes and experience life in local communities. Areas to visit for dog sledding include the Whitehorse Region, Southern Lakes, Kluane, and Klondike. There are plenty of options, from rides to watch the Northern Lights to overnight and day excursions. One of the popular dog sledding itineraries is the Yukon Quest Trail.

Ice Fishing

Yukon is also a popular destination for ice fishing given the multitude of winding rivers and lakes where grayling and lake trout live. Guided tours are also available and include warm drinks and snacks, lures and tackle, fishing rods, and a guide. Popular spots for ice fishing include the Southern Lakes, Watson Lake Region, Arctic and Northern Yukon, and Whitehorse Region.  Many spots are accessible by both car and snowmobile. The winter season is ideal for ice fishing which can be combined with Aurora viewing and other outdoor activities.