7 Days in Yukon: Your Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on January 3, 2026

One cold winter evening in our home in Toronto, my partner Lucas and I were chatting about where we should travel next. We’d thrown some ideas around, like Italy, or the UK, but we kept coming back to a place right here, at home in Canada. 

The Yukon Territory. 

It wasn’t top of mind by coincidence. The summer before we had met someone while traveling Cape Breton who’d spent a few years living in Yukon, and they had shared countless stories with us of life in the territory. We were intrigued by how passionate they were about the Yukon, and so we knew we had to go. 

With summer around the corner, Lucas and I knew it was the perfect time to go. Summer in this northern territory brings long daylight hours, beautiful landscapes, sunshine, and many chances to spot wildlife. 

We rented an RV, booked our flights, and in July 2025, we were off! We spent 7 days in Yukon, traveling around the southern region of the territory, enjoying it’s accessible landscapes, cultural sites, and small towns. And now, I’m sharing our tested Yukon road trip itinerary with you!

While it’s tempting to try and see it all, the distances between regions in the Yukon are long, and services can be few and far between. So instead of spending days behind the wheel, this itinerary keeps things manageable with shorter drives and more time out of the car.

You’ll hike in Kluane National Park, learn Indigenous history, wander through Carcross, soak in natural hot springs, and support local businesses in Whitehorse. 

Whether you’re traveling in a camper van or sticking to hotel stays, our itinerary offers a mix of nature, history, and community, without rushing from one end of the territory to the other.

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Scenes from our 1 week of road tripping southern Yukon!

Day 1: Arrive in Yukon and Drive to Haines Junction

Day 1 of this Yukon road trip will be your arrival day, so you’ll want to treat it in the way we did, as a “get supplies and get oriented” day. 

After picking up our vehicle, we drove into Whitehorse to stop by a few shops where we could pick up most of the things we needed for our road trip. This is important to do because once you leave Whitehorse, you won’t have as many shopping options. 

Prepare for Your Yukon Roadtrip

Whether you’re arriving by flight, or by road, make a pit stop in Whitehorse before heading to Kluane National Park. Here’s what you will likely need to pick up for your road trip:

Groceries

We dropped by the Real Canadian Superstore on 2nd Avenue to pick up all the groceries and snacks we needed for our road trip. We were also able to find bug spray at Real Canadian Superstore. We actually didn’t end up using the bug spray at all! But it’s good to have, just in case. 

Camping and hiking gear

Next, swing by THE BASE Outdoor Rentals to pick up hiking and camping rentals. I have a (probably healthy!?) fear of bears, and so we picked up a canister of bear spray. I do think this is essential for anyone visiting the Yukon because the territory has a large population of grizzlies, black bears, and polar bears.  

You can also rent any other gear you might need, like an axe. If you’ll be camping, renting an axe is recommended because although Yukon campgrounds provide firewood, you will need to split it. Don’t end up like us! We didn’t know we would need an axe and so we found ourselves asking fellow campers in the campgrounds if we could borrow theirs. 

Gas

It’s a good idea to fill up your vehicle with gas before you start the drive to Haines Junction, your base point for Kluane National Park. There are two convenient gas stations you can stop at, right as you leave Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway. Fas Gas will come up first, it’s just a few minutes outside of Whitehorse, and then there’s Integra Fuel Centre which is just 10 minutes further down the highway.

Enjoy the Scenic 2-hour Drive to Haines Junction

Once you’ve picked up your groceries, supplies, gas, and bear spray in Whitehorse, it’s time to hit the road. 

You’re heading today to Kluane National Park, by way of Haines Junction. You’re going to notice Haines Junction mentioned a lot, because it’s  the main gateway to Kluane National Park. 

Haines Junction is a small community where you’ll find the park’s visitor centre, hiking trailheads, and essential services like gas, groceries, and lodging. It’s the best base for exploring Kluane’s front-country trails and learning about the region’s natural and cultural history.

The drive to Haines Junction takes just under 2 hours (about 155 km), following the Alaska Highway (Highway 1) west through winding valleys and subalpine forest.

This stretch of the Alaska Highway is known for its wide-open views, big skies, and chances to spot wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, and foxes, especially in the early evening or morning hours. 

A great place to stop and stretch your legs on this drive is Canyon Creek Bridge, a historic wooden bridge built during WWII as part of the original Alaska Highway. There’s not much to do there beyond the bridge itself, but it makes for a quick photo stop and a chance to take in the river views.

As you approach Haines Junction, the St. Elias Mountains, which are  home to some of Canada’s tallest peaks, begin to rise dramatically in the distance. It’s a preview of what’s to come in Kluane National Park!

You’ll need a Parks Canada permit to enter Kluane National Park. I recommend purchasing your permit online, ahead of time. Just print your permit to display in your vehicle. If you prefer, you also have the option of getting the permit at the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre in Haines Junction.

Good news! You don’t need to purchase a permit if you’re visiting in 2025 – Entry is free for all visitors this year as part of the Canada Strong Pass. 

Drive the Alaska Highway Cautiously

What not to do in the Yukon? Drive distracted or drive too fast. Because there is so much wildlife around, it’s best to drive slow enough that you can stop if you need to. 

Wildlife is often hidden in the brush along the sides of the highway, and so you won’t always spot animals right away. We know from experience! While driving between Whitehorse and Carcross, a massive moose appeared on the highway, seemingly out of nowhere. We had to screech to a halt not to hit it.

So, while driving, make sure you’re hyperaware of the shoulders of the highway, and always be prepared to stop quickly. 

Where to Stay on Day 1 

After your drive to Haines Junction you’ll probably be ready to set up camp, get some dinner, and have a chill evening! Head to your campground, or grab dinner in Haines Junction before turning in to your motel. Mile 1016 Pub in Haines Junction is a great spot for a meal. I recommend the Alaskan salmon burger with onion rings or vegetable medley fries. 

Camping: Kathleen Lake Campground

If you’re camping, I recommend staying at Kathleen Lake Campground. This was my favourite campground out of the 3 we stayed at in Kluane National Park. It has great amenities and is a short walk from Kathleen Lake, which is stunning. 

You will need to reserve Kathleen Lake Campground in advance, it’s popular! 

If you can’t get a spot at Kathleen Lake, Pine Lake and Dezadeash are good alternative options. Pine Lake is the most convenient, it’s just an 8 minute drive from Haines Junction. It has a nice beachfront area with a dock and a playground. 

Dezadeash is about a 30 minute drive from Haines Junction, and so it’s a quieter campground. Many of its sites are right along the beach of Dezadeash Lake, so if you’re lucky, you can snag a really beautiful campsite with views of the lake and mountains. 

Hotel: The Alcan Motor Inn

The Alcan Motor Inn is a simple, budget-friendly motel located right in Haines Junction, just minutes from the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre. Rooms are clean and come with basic amenities like a microwave, mini fridge, and free Wi-Fi. It’s one of the few accommodation options in town, and offers easy access to trails, gas, groceries, and most parts of the park.

If you’re staying in hotels for this itinerary, I would book 3 nights at Alcan Motor Inn. This way you can stay settled in one room during your whole time in Kluane National Park.  

Day 2: Enjoy the South End of Kluane National Park 

On your second day in the Yukon, you’ll enjoy Kluane National Park! 

Lucas and I love hiking, but we aren’t backcountry hikers by any stretch, so we stuck to the shorter, accessible trails in Kluane National Park. This is something about the park that I really love – it offers a great mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails, so there’s something for everyone. 

In this itinerary, I’ve covered the easy and moderate trails that we enjoyed in the park, but I have also included a mention of the more lengthy hike options, in case you want more of a challenge. You are welcome to choose your own adventure! 

Morning: Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake is a glacier-fed lake just outside Haines Junction.It’s a popular spot for camping, hiking, paddling, and picnicking, with a day-use area and easy access to trails like the Kokanee Trail and King’s Throne. 

Kathleen Lake was one of our favourite spots in Kluane National Park. We couldn’t get enough of the views of the clear blue water and gorgeous surrounding mountains.

When you arrive at Kathleen Lake, snag a parking spot (there’s plenty) and then spend some time on the beach, taking in the views. There are bathroom facilities and day-use facilities right by the beach. 

Then, go for a hike! You have three good options to choose from. 

We decided on the Kokanee Trail, a 0.5 kilometre wheel chair accessible boardwalk that skirts the shores of Kathleen Lake starting from the day-use area. There’s lots of nice seating areas along the trail, and the views of the lake only get better the further along you walk.

When the boardwalk ends, there’s a trail through the woods that you can continue on. It runs parallel to the shores of Kathleen Lake, and ultimately ends at a little beach where there are some muskoka (Adirondack) chairs that you can enjoy. 

Walking the Kokanee Trail takes 10-30 minutes, but we spent about an hour because we brought some snacks and settled into the muskoka chairs! It was a great spot to have a little picnic. 

Another trail option is the King’s Throne Trail. This is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in Kluane National Park because it’s a steep incline up to a viewpoint that overlooks Kathleen Lake and the surrounding mountains. 

The full hike is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) round trip with over 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) of elevation gain, and takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete. The trail starts off gently through forest, then becomes steep and rocky as it climbs a natural cirque that’s shaped like a throne on the side of the mountain. It’s a tough climb, but the views from the throne make it worth the effort.

We did not tackle this hike ourselves because we wanted to spend our day seeing other parts of the park, too, and we weren’t sure we were in good enough shape for the King’s Throne. If you choose to do this hike, you can dedicate the whole day to it (ie. skip everything else I’ve listed to do on this day). 

Coffee and Lunch at Village Bakery & Deli

After spending the morning at Kathleen Lake, drive back up to Haines Junction to have lunch at The Village Bakery & Deli. 

We stumbled on this bakery while driving around town, and when we saw how busy it was, we knew we had to pop in! Village Bakery & Deli is a cozy local spot that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack between hikes. 

They are especially known for their fresh baked goods, hearty soups, daily specials, and coffee. If you stop in, don’t miss the cinnamon buns, they’re a local favourite for good reason!

Village Bakery & Deli is counter service, so you’ll order your meal, and then you can enjoy it at one of their indoor tables, or out on their patio.

Visit Da Ku Cultural Centre

Once you’ve refueled, drive a few minutes up the road to the Da Ku Cultural Centre in Haines Junction. This is a must for anyone wanting to understand the deep cultural roots of the area’s local First Nations. 

The centre is run by the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and offers a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits focused on language, storytelling, traditional practices, and life on the land. You’ll find displays of beading, carving, and tools, as well as personal stories that speak to the community’s past and present.

Da Ku (which means “Our House” in the Southern Tutchone language) is that it’s more than just a museum. It’s also a gathering space where cultural knowledge is passed on and shared through events, workshops, and performances. 

While visiting Da Ku be sure to look at the floor! In chatting with some of the center’s staff, we learned that designs on the floor of the building’s central room are a map of the dákéyi (“our country”). On the map you can spot settlements where people live today, and have in the past, as well as the walking routes that connected them. 

Attached to the cultural centre is the Parks Canada visitor centre for Kluane National Park, where you can pick up trail maps, check current hiking conditions, and get advice from staff about weather, wildlife activity, and safety tips for backcountry travel. 

The Parks Canada visitor centre also has a few interesting exhibits that cover the history of Kluane National Park, the park’s wildlife, and more. 

Afternoon Hike: Rock Glacier Trail

After spending an hour or so at Da Ku, hop back in the car and drive south to the Rock Glacier Trail. This is a short but rewarding hike that covers 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) round trip. 

The trail starts off relatively flat, winding through forest before climbing gradually over rocky terrain that was formed by an ancient glacier. The path is well-marked but uneven in spots, especially as you reach the viewpoint, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear.

What makes this hike special is the chance to walk across a unique geological feature, an inactive rock glacier, that looks like a slow-motion wave of boulders frozen in time. As you hike, you’ll come across lots of interpretive signs that explain the glacier’s history

At the viewpoint of the Rock Glacier Trail, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding valley, mountains, and glacial formations that make Kluane so striking. I recommend doing what we did – bring along some snacks and take a few minutes to enjoy the view over a mini picnic. 

On the Rock Glacier Trail

Where to Stay on Day 2

After the Rock Glacier Trail, you’ll probably be ready to take it easy. We sure were! Head to your campground or hotel for the evening. If you’d like to dine out for dinner, stop by Lucky Dragon Restaurant for a home-cooked Cantonese meal!

Camping: Kathleen Lake

If you’re camping, I recommend staying again at Kathleen Lake Campground. Reserve this one in advance, it’s popular! 

Hotel: The Alcan Motor Inn

Spend your second night at Alcan Motor Inn as well. It’s a simple, budget-friendly motel located right in Haines Junction, just minutes from the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre. 

Day 3: Enjoy the North End of Kluane National Park

Today, you’ll enjoy the northern part of Kluane National Park! Get an early start because the region you are headed to is about an hour’s drive from Haine’s Junction. 

You’ll be heading up to Kluane Lake. This part of the park is super interesting to see because the landscape looks quite different compared to the south. Parts of the lake are dry, which means lots of dust, and the rocky mountains are home to lots of Dall sheep. 

I recommend packing lunch for the day, because the closest restaurant to the region you’ll be hiking is a 30 minute drive out of the way. 

Morning Hike: Sheep Creek Trail 

When you arrive at Kluane Lake, you’ll start one of the most famous hikes in Kluane National Park: The Sheep Creek Trail. This trail is known for its views of the St. Elias mountains, and because while on it, you have a good chance of spotting Dall sheep.

Finding the trailhead for Sheep Creek Trail is a bit challenging because it’s tucked away. We had to duck into the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre to find out where it was! When you exit the Alaska Highway to visit the centre, you’ll notice a grave road off to the right. This is the road you will take to the trailhead.

The Sheep Creek Trail is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) round trip, with a steady uphill climb that gains around 430 metres (1,400 feet) in elevation. The terrain is a mix of gravel path, alpine meadows, and rocky sections, but it’s well-marked and well- maintained. It takes most people between 3-6 hours to complete. 

Visit to Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre

After the Sheep Creek Trail, you’ll be hungry! Enjoy your packed lunch, or, drive 30 minutes up the Alaska Highway to Destruction Bay, where you can eat at Talbot Arm Restaurant and Saloon.

When you’ve refueled, head over to the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre, located near the base of Sheep Mountain. This is a small but super informative centre that offers interpretive displays about Dall sheep, glaciers, and the park’s ecosystems, along with helpful resources like maps, trail info, and updates on wildlife sightings. 

From the viewing deck or the short interpretive trail nearby, you have a good chance of spotting Dall sheep with binoculars, especially in the spring and early summer when they graze on the slopes above. There are also public washrooms and picnic tables on-site, making it a perfect pit stop part-way through the day. 

Afternoon Hike: Soldier’s Summit

After visiting the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre, I recommend squeezing in one more hike! Now, if you spent 6 hours on the Sheep Creek Trail, you might be hiked out. If that’s the case, feel free to skip this trail and head back toward Haines Junction. But if you’ve got some energy left, Soldier’s Summit is worth it!

It’s a short, interpretive trail located along the Alaska Highway near Kluane Lake. The hike is about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) round trip, with a gentle incline leading to a lookout point. 

Soldier’s Summit marks the site where the official opening ceremony for the Alaska Highway took place in 1942. Walking the trail offers a chance to reflect on the massive engineering effort that connected Alaska to the rest of North America through Canada.

The terrain of Soldier’s Summit  is a mix of gravel and dirt trail, with benches and signs along the way that share the history of the Alaska Highway’s construction during World War II. It’s a pretty easy walk, with rewarding views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Soldier’s Summit Trail

Where to Stay

After Soldier’s Summit trail, you’ll drive an hour back to Haine’s Junction to wrap up your day with dinner and relaxing. If you’d like to eat out, you can head to Frosty’s Restaurant. They are known for their ice cream but they also make great burgers. 

Camping: Pine Lake Campground

Camping? I recommend staying at Pine Lake Campground. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Haines Junction and offers spacious, quiet sites nestled in the forest, many with lake access. The campground has outhouses, fire pits, and picnic tables, plus a beautiful day-use area with a sandy beach and swimming dock. Reserve in advance—it’s a popular spot, especially in the summer.

Hotel: The Alcan Motor Inn

The Alcan Motor Inn is a simple, budget-friendly motel located right in Haines Junction, just minutes from the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre. Rooms are clean and come with basic amenities like a microwave, mini fridge, and free Wi-Fi. It’s one of the few accommodation options in town, and offers easy access to trails, gas, groceries, and most parts of the park.

If you’re staying in hotels for this itinerary, I would book 3 nights at Alcan Motor Inn. This way you can stay settled in one room during your whole time in Kluane National Park.  

Day 4: Indigenous Learning & Glacial Lakes

On your fourth day road tripping the Yukon, you’ll leave Kluane National Park to head to Carcross. This was one of our favourite days of the trip! 

To drive from Haines Junction to Carcross, take the Alaska Highway (Hwy 1) south, turn left onto Tagish Road (Hwy 8), then right onto South Klondike Highway (Hwy 2) for a 1 hour and 45 minute drive covering about 140 km (87 miles).

Total drive time will be about 2.5 hours, but don’t worry, the drive will be broken up. For lunch, I recommend packing a meal, or you can plan to stop at a roadside diner as you’re passing through Whitehorse. 

Morning: Visit Long Ago Peoples Place

Long Ago Peoples Place (Kwäday Dän Kenji) is a cultural site and learning space just outside of Champagne, Yukon. Founded and operated by Harold Johnson, a Champagne and Aishihik First Nations knowledge keeper, the site is designed to share traditional Southern Tutchone First Nations culture and ways of life. 

When we arrived at Long Ago People’s Place, co-founder Meta welcomed us by teaching us the traditional way to introduce ourselves. She, Luke, and I took turns introducing ourselves by stating our names, where we are from, our parents names, where they are from, and our grandparents names, and where they are from. 

Then, we went on a walking tour led by Harold. Harold guided us through several buildings that represent different time periods. For example, we visited a cabin that had been his grandfather’s. 

Harold shared with us many traditions and stories. We learned about the two clans of local First Nations, which are Crow Clan and Wolf Clan, and how children inherit their clan affiliation from their mothers. We also learned about how Indigenous people lived off the land for generations by harvesting, trapping, and building with natural materials.

Our walking tour lasted about an hour, and then we headed to a cozy cabin where we enjoyed some freshly made bannock with butter and jam, as well as coffee and tea. We stayed a while chatting more with Harold and Meta, and had such a nice time, we were reluctant to leave!

A visit to Long Ago People’s Place offers more than a look at historic practices. It’s a chance to learn about local Indigenous culture, and better understand the deep relationship between land and Southern Tutchone First Nations culture. 

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours at Long Ago People’s Place. Be sure to contact them in advance to book your walking tour. We booked the 11:00 AM tour. 

Drive South to Carcross 

After Long Ago People’s Place, you’ll be ready for lunch. Enjoy your packed meal, or hop back on the highway and drive 1 hour to Smoke & Sow. It’s a casual eatery just off the highway where you can have a yummy lunch. 

After lunch, head to your next stop: Emerald Lake. 

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is an easy roadside stop that you’ll reach about 15 minutes before arriving in Carcross. This lake is famous for its striking green and blue water, which is caused by light reflecting off the lakebed’s white marl. 

You will know when you’ve reached Emerald Lake on the South Klondike Highway because there will be a pull off on the right side of the highway, allowing you to park and enjoy a viewpoint of the lake. 

The view of the lake from above is truly stunning, so spend some time taking it in! And don’t forget to look southward too, because on a clear day, you have a nice view of Nares Mountain from this viewpoint. 

We were curious about whether you could go down to the lake. We did find a pull-off just a minute further down the South Klondike Highway, which appeared to us to be where people park if they are going paddle-boarding on the lake. 

We followed a path from the pull-off that brought us to the edge of the lake. To be honest, the view of the lake from the higher up point was nicer, but we still appreciated seeing the lake up close. 

Emerald Lake

Carcross Desert

After Emerald Lake, continue driving toward Carcross for about 7 minutes to reach the Carcross Desert. Yes you read that right… There’s a desert in the Yukon! 

The Carcross Desert is a small patch of sand dunes just outside of Carcross, often called the world’s smallest desert. Now, if we want to be technical about it, the Carcross Desert isn’t actually a desert. It’s a series of sand dunes left behind from an ancient glacial lake that used to cover the area. 

After the lake drained thousands of years ago, the sandy lakebed remained, and today, strong winds blowing through the valley keep the dunes active. So while it looks like a desert you’d find in a hot climate, it’s really a leftover from the last ice age.

The Carcross Desert is a quick stop right off the highway, with a short walking trail and a pull-off for parking. You can climb the dunes, walk around, and get a feel for the area’s unique landscape. Be sure to get a picture with the “Carcross Desert” sign! 

Where to Stay

After the Carcross Desert you’ll head to your accommodations for the night, either a campground, or a hotel. 

Camping: Conrad Campground

Conrad Campground is a quiet, first-come, first-served campground located about 30 minutes south of Carcross, near the shores of Tagish Lake. 

It’s known for being peaceful and less busy than other campgrounds in the area, but because you can’t reserve in advance, it’s best to arrive early to grab a spot, especially on weekends. The campground has outhouses, bear-proof storage, and fire pits, and a short hiking trail leads from the site, all around the lake. Plan to spend 2 nights at this campground. 

Hotel: Boreale Ranch

Boreale Ranch is a boutique lodge located about 30 minutes south of Whitehorse, offering a quiet, scenic stay just outside the town of Carcross. 

The property is tucked into the forest with mountain views, modern Scandinavian-style cabins, and a main lodge with a cozy common area. What makes Boreale Ranch special is the focus on comfort and design. It has heated floors, local artwork, and big windows that frame the landscape. 

It’s not right in town, but it’s not a long drive to Carcross. A homemade breakfast is included, and there’s free parking on-site. Plan to spend 2 nights at Boreale Ranch. 

Day 5: Art, Culture & Hiking in Carcross

On the 5th day of this Yukon road trip, you’re going to take it easy in Carcross! You’ll spend the whole day in the community and surrounding region. 

Carcross is a small Yukon community located where Bennett and Nares lakes meet. Historically a seasonal gathering place for the Carcross and Tagish First Nation, the area has long been important for fishing, trading, and travel. 

Carcross played a key role during the Klondike Gold Rush, serving as a stopover point for hopeful goldrushers travelling from the coast to the goldfields in Dawson City. Prospectors passed through by boat, trail, and later by train on the White Pass and Yukon Route, which still runs through town today. 

Today, it’s a hub for cultural tourism, where you can enjoy Indigenous art, learn local history, and connect with the living traditions of the Tagish and Tlingit peoples.

Morning: Enjoy Carcross Commons

Start your morning by driving from either Conrad Campground or Boreale Ranch into Carcross. 

Parking in Carcross is free and easy to find. There’s a large public lot right next to Carcross Commons, just off the main road, with plenty of space for cars and RVs. We opted to park our RV in this parking lot, and get around Carcross only on foot. This is very doable because Carcross is small!

First, head to Carcross Commons, which is a small but vibrant gathering of shops, galleries, and food stalls in the heart of Carcross. 

If you’re like us, you’ll head straight for the coffee shop! As much as we love making our own coffee while road tripping, sometimes you just want an espresso or cappuccino. So our first stop at Carcross Commons was Caribou Crossing Coffee. It did not disappoint, in fact, we went twice to get our coffee fix. 

There’s lots of cool shops to pop into in the commons, where you can browse locally made goods. Head to Shelley MacDonald Jewellery to check out Shelley’s handmade and one-of-a-kind rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets inspired by Northern Canada. 

And, be sure to drop by The Maple Rush to sample their maple products. We ended up leaving with two maple butters!

One of the highlights of the Commons is the Indigenous art that you’ll spot around the space. There are murals, wood carvings, and totem poles created by local Tlingit and Tagish artists that reflect the area’s cultural history and ongoing traditions.

Lunch: The Bistro

After spending your morning browsing the Carcross Commons, head over to The Bistro for lunch. 

The Bistro is a casual spot that serves up comfort food with a northern twist. You’ll find options like Alaskan cod, bison burgers, soups, salads, and vegetarian choices available too. It’s a good place to grab a sit-down meal while enjoying the area, with both indoor and outdoor seating and views of the surrounding mountains. 

Something to note around lunchtime in Carcross is that around 1:10 PM, a train slowly rolls through! We planned our lunch around this, because we thought it would be fun to see. We weren’t the only ones who thought this, tons of people gather around the Carcross train station to watch the train go by.  

Afternoon: Wander Carcross

Once you’re done with lunch, spend a laid-back afternoon in Carcross by walking to some of the town’s most meaningful historical and cultural sites. Start at Haa Shagóon Hídi, which translates to “Our Ancestors’ House” in Tlingit. 

This cultural centre, run by the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, is a gathering space that shares stories, language, and traditions from the community’s past and present. 

From there, walk to the SS Tutshi Memorial, where you’ll learn about the once-thriving era of sternwheelers in Yukon. The SS Tutshi was a steamship built in the 1910s to carry passengers and freight along Bennett Lake during the gold rush economy. 

A fire destroyed most of the ship in 1990, but what remains has been turned into a small interpretive site that tells the story of transportation and trade in the region.

Then, walk over to the Matthew Watson General Store, the oldest continuously operating store in Yukon. It’s a good spot to browse local goods and grab a small souvenir or snack. 

Just down the road from the general store is the Chilkoot Trail Sourdough Bakery. If you’d like a tasty treat, drop by this bakery for a cinnamon bun or a cookie. Be sure to check out some of the old photographs displayed on the walls of the bakery!

End your afternoon with a quiet walk along Bennett Beach, where you can look out over the lake that was once a vital link in the Klondike Gold Rush trail.

Now, if you prefer to go on a hike, you can spend your afternoon doing that instead! We heard great things about the Sam McGee Trail. It is a 20 km out-and-back hike that follows an old tramway path to sweeping alpine views over Tagish Lake and the surrounding mountains. 

This hike is on the challenging side, so be sure you’re in good physical shape for the climb, and bring the hiking necessities with you: bear spray, lots of water, food, and good footwear.  

For dinner, head back to your campsite to cook, or if you’d like a sit-down meal, return to The Bistro in Carcross. If you’re staying at Boreale Ranch, you have the option to book their dinner service. 

Where to Stay

After your day in Carcross, head back to Conrad Campground for a second night, and if you aren’t camping, go back to Boreale Ranch. 

Day 6: Wildlife and Hot Springs 

On day 6, you’re heading back toward Whitehorse! If you love coffee, you’re going to want to do what we did on this day – swing through Carcross to visit Caribou Crossing Coffee before you hit the road. 

Once you’ve grabbed coffee (and maybe some breakfast from the cafe, too!) get on the Klondike Highway heading north. You’ll drive 45 minutes to your first stop of the day, Miles Canyon. 

Morning: Miles Canyon 

Miles Canyon is a steep-walled gorge just outside of Whitehorse. This canyon was carved by the Yukon River, and was at one time one of the most dangerous stretches of water along the Klondike Gold Rush route. 

Stampeder boats had to navigate the fast-moving rapids here on their way to Dawson City. Today, the rapids are gone (thanks to a modern hydro dam), but the basalt canyon remains very cool to see. 

You can walk across a suspension bridge, walk the 3.5-kilometre (2.2-mile) loop trail that brings you along the canyon, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history from interpretive signs along the way.

As you walk the trail, you’ll come across some gentle inclines and uneven ground, and you do need to be cautious on parts of the trail that go close to the river, but overall the trail is easy. As you walk it you have beautiful views of the turquoise water flowing in the river below, and of the canyon. 

There aren’t any official facilities at Miles Canyon, except for an outhouse near the parking lot that was there when we visited (July 2025). 

I would plan to spend 2-3 hours at Miles Canyon, especially if you intend to walk the full trail. Make sure to bring your bear spray on the trail!  

Afternoon: Yukon Wildlife Preserve

When you’re finished enjoying Miles Canyon, you’ll likely be hungry! Enjoy a packed lunch, or start the 30 minute drive to your next stop, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. 

The drive will take you past Whitehorse, so you can stop somewhere to eat along the way. If you don’t mind a quick detour, drop by the Burnt Toast Cafe in downtown Whitehorse.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a 700-acre facility that provides a safe, spacious environment for native Yukon species like moose, muskoxen, lynx, and caribou. Originally developed in the 1960s as a hobby farm, it evolved into a wildlife rehabilitation and education centre that now focuses on conservation and public awareness. 

Many of the animals you see at the preserve, like its moose, are animals that were found injured and brought to the preserve for rehabilitation. In many cases, it isn’t safe for them to be re-released, and so they live the rest of their life in the preserve. 

Visiting the Yukon Wildlife Preserve gives you a chance to see animals in their natural habitats while learning about their behaviours and the challenges they face in the wild. 

I recommend going on one of the guided bus tours that are available. These 1.5 hour tours are led by knowledgeable staff who share stories about the animals, how they arrived at the preserve, and what’s being done to support wildlife health and survival across the Yukon.

There’s a few guided tours per day, just be sure to book in advance. When we visited in July, we went on the 3:00 PM tour, which was perfect for this itinerary. You can book your tour tickets on the Yukon Wildlife Preserve website. 

Jake the moose and a cute arctic ground squirrel spotted at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Evening: Soak at Eclipse Takhini Hot Springs

You know what feels amazing after 6 days of road-tripping? Soaking in natural mineral hot springs! 

Eclipse Takhini Hot Springs is just a few minutes down the road from the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. It’s a modern wellness centre built around a natural mineral hot spring that’s been used for generations. 

Unlike typical pools, the water here is untreated and geothermally heated, flowing continuously through the pools. The facility includes hot pools of varying temperatures, quiet rest areas, cold plunges, saunas, and lounging decks with mountain views. 

Our favourite experience at the Eclipse Takhini Hot Springs was the Japanese clay tubs. These are small tubs, made of clay, filled with warm mineral water. Each tub fits one single person, and so we each got one to ourselves, which was really fun! 

You’ll want to plan your dinner around where you stay. If you stay at the campground near the hot springs, you choose to cook before or after. If you’re driving back into Whitehorse to stay in a hotel, you might want to have dinner at Eclipse. In their Hot Rock Cafe they serve delicious favourites like banh mi and sushi. 

Where to Stay

If you’re doing hotels on this trip, drive 30 minutes back to Whitehorse for the evening. If you’re camping, you’re in luck! There’s a fantastic campground right next to the hot springs.

Camping: Hot Springs Campground

Hot Springs Campground is a quiet, forested campsite located right next to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. It’s so close, there’s a nice walking path that guides you from the campground straight to the hot springs!

Privately run and open year-round, Hot Springs Campground offers a mix of powered and unpowered sites, walking trails, and access to outhouses, potable water, and fire pits. It’s a convenient base for visiting the hot springs or enjoying the surrounding Takhini Valley. 

Hot Springs Campground has a dumping station that you can use if you’re driving an RV, it’s included with camping fees. You can dump both grey and black water, and refill your freshwater.

Hotel: Edgewater Hotel

The Edgewater Hotel is a centrally located hotel in downtown Whitehorse, right across from the Yukon River and within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the MacBride Museum. 

Rooms are modern and well-equipped with comfortable beds, mini fridges, and air conditioning. 

We stayed at The Edgewater Hotel on our final night of our Yukon road trip, and we were super comfortable there. 

The rooms are spacious, well-equipped (I always appreciate an in-room Nespresso machine), and you can’t beat the location of this hotel. We also really enjoyed all the historical photographs displayed around the hotel.

Day 7: Enjoy Local Businesses, Food, and Drink in Whitehorse

It’s your final day in the Yukon! You’ll spend this last day taking it easy in the Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse. Whitehorse is the territory’s largest community, home to around 30,000 people. It’s located along the Yukon River and surrounded by mountains, making it a lovely city to walk around. 

Whitehorse has a lively arts scene, great local food, and access to nature right from town. It’s also a place with deep Indigenous history, located on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

SS Klondike & Yukon River walk

Start your day with a walk along the Yukon River. This easy paved path gives you great views and passes one of the city’s most famous landmarks: the SS Klondike. This historic sternwheeler once carried cargo and passengers along the river and is now a Parks Canada site you can visit (open seasonally). Even if you don’t go inside, the walk is a peaceful way to start the day.

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. This beautiful space is more than a museum. It’s a gathering place for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and a way to learn about the people whose territory you’re visiting. Exhibits and programming here focus on Indigenous culture, history, and art. If you’re lucky, you might catch a special event or performance. Check their website ahead of time to see what’s going on!

Visit Local Shops

It’s easy to support local while in Whitehorse! The city has some lots of locally owned shops to check out. You will find many of them in Horwood’s Mall, which is home to an eclectic mix of locally owned retail, commercial, food, and drink businesses in the heart of downtown Whitehorse.

North End Gallery is a locally owned art gallery in downtown Whitehorse featuring fine art, jewelry, and crafts by Yukon and northern Canadian artists. It’s a great spot to find high-quality, locally made souvenirs or just browse the vibrant work of regional creators.

For unique finds from several local makers, visit The Spruce Box. If you’re into cheese, Cultured Fine Cheese has great local and Canadian selections. For books, check out Mac’s Fireweed Books.

And don’t miss Indigenous- and women-owned artist Vanessa Aegirsdottir’s shop. She creates handcrafted jewelry which highlights the Yukon’s wild fur harvest. She sources her furs exclusively from First Nations trappers.

Where to Eat and Drink 

Bullet Hole Bagels is a small-batch bagel shop known for its handmade, Montreal-style bagels. They serve bagel sandwiches, spreads, and great coffee—perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch in Whitehorse.

Baked Café & Bakery is a popular downtown Whitehorse spot known for its great coffee, cozy vibe, and freshly baked goods. It’s a go-to for breakfast or lunch, with plenty of seating and a rotating menu of sandwiches, soups, and pastries.

Gather Café & Taphouse is a laid-back spot in Whitehorse serving up fresh, seasonal meals and local beers on tap. It’s a great place to grab brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner with views of the Yukon River.

Klondike Rib & Salmon is one of Whitehorse’s most well-loved restaurants, known for its Yukon-inspired menu featuring local fish, wild game, and northern classics. Set in a historic building with a quirky, rustic vibe, it’s a popular spot, so expect a bit of a wait in summer. I recommend ordering their ribs – we did, and they were amazing!

Where to Stay

If you’re camping, head back to Takhini Campground for the night. And if you’re staying in hotels, head back to Edgewater Hotel for the night.

Want to Continue Your Yukon Trip?

If you have more time to spend in the Yukon, I recommend continuing your trip up to historic Dawson City. Dawson City is a colourful town in northern Yukon, where the past still lingers in wooden boardwalks, preserved heritage buildings, and a strong sense of local pride.

During the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, Dawson was the epicentre of all the action. At the height of the rush in 1898, Dawson City’s population boomed to nearly 40,000 people, making it the largest city in northwestern North America at the time. In fact, Dawson City was Yukon’s capital until 1953.

It’s about a 6-hour drive from Whitehorse to Dawson, or, you can grab a flight up with Air North (the flight is only 1 hour). If you’re planning to head to Dawson, be sure to read my 2 Day Dawson City Itinerary.

Your Options For Renting a Vehicle in Yukon

Renting an RV

If you want the freedom to camp and travel at your own pace, renting an RV is a great option for this Yukon road trip itinerary. 

We rented our RV from CanaDream. They are a Canadian RV rental provider that operates out of Whitehorse and offers a range of RV models equipped with kitchens, beds, and washrooms. 

We went on this road trip in their Maxi Travel Camper, a TCA 4×4 truck camper designed to “rough it in luxury.” This RV was perfect for the two of us and had everything we needed, including for off-grid nights. 

CanaDream rentals include on-the-road support, and their pick-up location is close to the airport. Keep in mind that summer rentals book up early and there may be minimum rental periods, so plan ahead.

Renting a regular car

If you prefer to stay in hotels or camp in tents, you’ll want to rent a regular car or SUV. Just be sure to choose a vehicle with enough clearance if you plan to drive gravel roads.

Need a car rental? Discover Cars compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here.

1 Week in Yukon: Road Trip Responsibly!

Road tripping the Yukon is an experience that will stay with you, and it’s not just because of the landscapes and wildlife. It’s thanks to the people, the stories, the territory’s history, and more.

Whether it’s slowing down on the roads, staying safe on the trails, or being mindful of how you interact with communities, every small choice you make in the Yukon matters. It’s about more than just checking things off a list, it’s about being a responsible tourist. This is how we can help ensure that communities benefit from the pros vs. cons of tourism.

If you’re planning to roadtrip the Yukon, here are some resources to help you visit in a way that focuses on the pros versus cons of tourism:

• Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
• Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously.
• Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
• Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it. 
• Practice responsible wildlife tourism.
• Learn about how you can decenter yourself in travel.
• Shop for souvenirs responsibly.
• Create and share photos and videos in a respectful way.

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