things to do in whitehorse winter
TOP TIP: If in doubt of where to go, ask a local. Buy Now! It was a wonderful time to be so far north, with local music and bands playing to the small crowd of 1000 in the Midnight Sun but I was also in the Yukon for an adventure. I love that you even got to see a moose! Whos the hot winter chick in the red jacket? Its flat and easy so dont worry about it being a big hike. Aurora Hunting Half or full day excursions can be booked out of spots like Whitehorse and Haines Junction, where guests are outfitted with gear including that uber-important helmet before getting a demo about how to operate the sled and heading off into the backcountry. I was so desperate to ask if we were nearly there yet, but as a fully fledged adult completing a dream trip to canoe down the Yukon River, I knew it wouldnt be cool.
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs during your travels in Whitehorse.
Intriguing cool boxes were loaded, a paddle each, and a lifejacket too. Another way residents prepare for the cold weather in Whitehorse is by insulating their homes to keep warm air in and cold air out. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for hours. Make a Christmas ornament, paperweight or bowl choose your own colors for a completely personal design. The sightseeing tour while chasing glaciers also looks to entice me! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website.
The Yukon River in Whitehorse in winter beside the Millenium Trail, Leigh McAdam is an award-winning photographer and three-time author. Cushion-covered benches lined the interior providing respite from the chill outside, and snacks such as hot chocolate, coffee, tea and cookies were spread out to keep hunger (and exhaustion) at bay.
A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. Winters here are dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing and skiing. On the expanse of Lake Laberge made famous in the poem The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service, you have the opportunity to let er rip.
Some of these activities are not seasonal and can be enjoyed year-round, however for the purposes of this post Im going to talk about winter in Whitehorse. 
It doesnt get much more Canadian than a day spent dog sledding in the great outdoors. WebGet more out of time docked at the Port of Skagway by going on a day trip that covers top landmarks, natural landscapes, Free cancellation from C$269.37 per adult Reserve 5. From my experience on a five day trip to Whitehorse in early March (which I appreciate is hardly the dead of winter) I can tell you with certainty that not only is it an awesome destination but there is a heck of a lot to do. In Whitehorse youre only ever 20 minutes away from wilderness. WebWhitehorse, the northernmost city in Canada, is known as one of the cities with the best quality of fresh air in the world. You can easily do it as a day trip from Whitehorse. If youre travelling the Yukon on a budget youre going to need to account for every cent as it can get expensive. One of the most popular ones is dog sledding. 
[] to head to Quebec City for the famous Winter Carnival, spend a week in the Yukon experiencing its winter activities, and head off on a solo road trip along the incredible Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Many tour companies offer guided tours and rentals, and there are even options to take multi-day trips that combine snowmobiling and camping under the northern lights.
I was happy to read that they had some good restaurants and beer tasting. As an aside the washrooms here are the best in the north! Take an early morning class and grab a freshly baked cinnamon roll from Gather Caf next door they are divine!
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Dog sledding looks like so much fun! Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Dog sledding tours are popular among tourists, where they can experience the thrill of driving a team of dogs through the scenic winter landscape. Even in winter you can enjoy a couple of hours or more wandering around the Preserve. Complete your Yukon winter vacation by seeing the aurora borealis cascading across the Yukon night sky.
Yukon: Aurora Borealis Evening Viewing Tour. 3+ days. We also have a great brewery that you can tour, Yukon Brewing Company.
What a great post! Whitehorse, the northernmost city in Canada, is known as one of the cities with the best quality of fresh air in the world. Alaska borders the Yukon Territory to the west. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
You'd better bring some comfy walking shoes if youre hoping to experience all that this glorious city has to offer. Moreover, a special natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter season in Whitehorse is the beautiful Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. Viking Adventure in the Wilderness Hiking around the capital city Snowshoeing in the Winterwonderland Dog Sledding Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs Dont go alone, go with EPIC NORTH! For the rest of us, a better bet is to book a northern lights excursion with a tour operator from Whitehorse, such as Northern Tales. Still, as we approached Haines Junction just on the edge of Kluane National Park, these brilliant blue and white mountains that Canadas so famous for became larger and larger bringing us back to the present. Its a low energy, easy winter activity. WebFind, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do and fun activities from around the world. READ MORE: Chasing glaciers on a Kluane National Park flightseeing tour. Leigh McAdam is an award-winning photographer and three-time author. I wanted to spy them from the sky! Not only will they pick you up and drop you off at your Whitehorse hotel, they stoke big bonfires and offer warming cabins with hot drinks and snacks. By Ctour Holiday Canada Ltd. I dont think I could choose one activity from the list I would love to do more than the others they all sound incredible! Traditional Yukon food in Whitehorse. The spectacular scene proves irresistible for visitors from as far as Switzerland, Germany and Australia, who make the long trip up to the arctic to enjoy Canadas winter playgroundwith some even choosing to skip their return flights home and stay for good. There is a backpackers hotel in Dawson City, but just the one and it can get busy and booked up during festival times.
WebExperience winter in the far reaches of Canadas North during this adventure-packed, five-day, guided tour in the wilds of the Yukon Territory. I also had to [], [] RELATED:Fantastic winter activities you need to try in Yukon, Canada Getting a glimpse of the skys show can be as simple as looking out the windowthat is, if you happen to be extremely lucky and are also staying in an igloo in the middle of nowhere (which I hope is still a thing, because that would be awesome). WebWinter in Whitehorse. I visited in February and one night it got to minus 30C (thats -22F). I have read and agree to the terms & conditions, Copyright 2023 VickyFlipFlopTravels | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Travel Guide to Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, Guide to Dawson City Music Festival, Yukon, Canada, 7 Best Places to Visit in Canada During Summer, 29 Coolest Things to Do in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, The Best Places to Visit in Spring in Canada, A Bucket List Canoe Trip Down the Yukon River. This is a great place to stock up on more local beer to take home. What a charming, and friendly place. Dont worry, there still are tons of other activities you can try during your winter trip including snowshoeing, ice fishing, fat biking and cross-country skiing. 23. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. An easy one is the Black Street Stairs and Airport trail. There are definitely cheap ways to enjoy the Yukon though hiking is one of the best. You dont realise how dense the air youre so used to breathing is until you fill your lungs, nostrils and soul up with clean, mountain air.
Youll need a lot of layers and some good sturdy winter shoes, but with appropriate clothing you can enjoy a trip to Whitehorse without freezing your a$$ off completely. Canada is a big country the second largest in the world after Russia. Does Whitehorse experience heavy snowfall during the winter season? Landing at the tiny Dawson City Airport, where baggage claim was a hole in the wall from the outside in, I knew I was truly on the verge of the wilderness like never before. I have always wanted to go to Yukon, just because of its natural beauty.
SIGHS, I dont think that my camera would survive! 8 Whitehorse Northern Lights. Despite short daylight hours, Yukoners dont just tolerate winter; they embrace it. The family owns 65 Alaskan huskies with names like Piccolo, Fiddle and Fife, and run trips lasting anywhere from half to a day to over a week.
If you have a tent there are plenty of campsites around Dawson and Whitehorse if youre on a budget and want an adventure camping is a great option!
Plus seeing the Northern Lights is on my bucket list. If you do see a bear, you need to stay calm, speak to the bear, back away very slowly (dont run!) Whitehorses unique history and cultural traditions also make it a fascinating destination to explore during the winter season.
However, the city is well-prepared for snow removal, with regular plowing and sanding of roads and sidewalks. The museum brings to life through a fantastic and educational set of displays, skeletons and artwork the life in Beringia and for only $6 per adult. As I never got to see the Northern lights on my Iceland trip, looks like that is something that will certainly be on my list for a visit here. Plus, you wont want to overheat when you go inside a store or a restaurant. Naturally, these beautiful surroundings draw an adventurous crowd as I was to discover the next day with a group Bucket List Adventure trip down the Yukon.
These hot pools are only for those of you who are 19 years or older BUT there is a new family hot springs pool in the works. Reserve. April is one of the best times to visit #Oregon: t, If you love castles, did you know southwest #Germa, A lil throwback to that time (like, a month ago, Incredible day trips from Haines Junction, Yukon, Tracking the northern lights in Yukon, Canada, glacier flightseeing tour over Kluane National Park, Chasing glaciers on a Kluane National Park flightseeing tour, Dawson City, Yukon: A guide to the town that time forgot, 25 photos that will inspire you to visit Yukon, Canada, A travel guide to the incredible 7 wonders of Oregon, 10 unique Kelowna attractions you wont want to miss, Fall in Alberta: Fun things to do around Calgary during autumn, Globe Guides 2016: Karma, a new gig and a whole lot of Canada, Tracking the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada. The city has a golden past which the MacBride Museum details alongside historic photographs and artifacts.
After a week of learning about the Gold Rush the plight of the prospectors cut deep, and the uprooting of their families based on a hope and a dream.
Costs of solo travel in the Yukon. The Yukon is the westernmost of the three territories and lies north of British Columbia. I really really enjoyed your story. Once youre up in the airyoull be awestruck bythe size, beauty and emptiness of the park. Cheap oysters this Wed and Thurs! The city receives an average of almost 150cm (60 inches) of snow each year, which can cause problems for drivers and homeowners. Next time Ill have to try glass blowing. Here are some of the fantastic winter activities you need to experience in Yukon, Canada.
Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveller Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Museums Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Classes & Workshops Nightlife Fun & Games Spas & Wellness Traveller rating & up & up Good for Budget-friendly Good for This was perhaps the highlight of my trip although with so many things to do in Whitehorse it was ridiculously hard to pick. 
Gather around the outdoor fire pit as the dusky sky turns pitch black, then cross your fingers and hope for a show! Staff Login Tours leave around 11am-midnight so be prepared for a late night.
Of course there are ways to cut down on costs. Some of the best trails are found near Haines Junction, an area that sees deep, fresh powder until as late in the season as May. . Soaring mountain peaks blanketed in fluffy white snow, glaciers that soar higher than the clouds and ice-covered lakes surrounded by nothing but stillness help transform the Yukon into a winter wonderland. Take a stroll down this urban trail for some views over the Yukon River and a bit of wildlife spotting.
Yes, there are plenty of popular winter activities in Whitehorse that draw tourists and locals alike. 
If you want to stare a moose in the face visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, an easy25 minute drive north of Whitehorse. You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Sundog Carving Studio & Gallery in Whitehorse. 
The view of the Yukon River is never more picturesque than when Grey Mountain is covered with snow and sparkling in the winter sun. Local artists often display their work at Arts Underground, along Main Street. Even in Whitehorse nothing over four storeys is allowed, so its natural beauty is open for all to see.
The Yukon is cold. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are her passion.
Thank you for the extraordinary experiences all of which are available to anyone should they choose to visit. 800-484-3171 support@mailhandler-cdr.com *CDR Federal 1475 Hollywood Hwy, Clarkesville, GA 30523 * See Terms and Conditions for Details. I think Id especially like to try Dog Musing.
On average, Whitehorse receives around 140 cm of snowfall per year, with most of it falling between November and April.
READ MORE: Tracking the northern lights in Yukon, Canada. They look so much fun! 
The aurora can emerge as early as 10 pm and as late as pre-dawn, so theres no saying when/if theyll make an appearance. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Apparently this is the place to be for New Years Eve, and for the summer solstice, when locals come to celebrate the most important sunsets of the year. Are there cheap things to do in Whitehorse? Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
Set up as a way for them to gamble away their money. Its home to 13 species of northern animals living in their natural environment. It was great to learn about the Gold Rush while I was there, but I think it wouldve been even better to have done more research before I left. In addition, it is crucial to prepare oneself accordingly for the winter, especially when going out. WebKLUANE NATIONAL PARK - Day-Trip from Whitehorse 4 Full-day Tours from $282.67 per adult Miles Canyon: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour Private Sightseeing Tours from $5.21 per adult Nature and Wildlife Tours See all Arctic Day: Yukon Wildlife Half Day Viewing Tour 1 Bus Tours from $101.02 per adult There are shops selling wall hangings and pottery all of which are perfect for bringing a piece of the Yukon into your home. Ever since 1973 you get a certificate and kudos if you knock back a drink with a real life amputated toe rotting at the bottom of the glass.
If youre planning a winter trip to the Yukon (which I hope you are, otherwise bravo for reading this much of the article!) Save money and book directly from local suppliers. Grey Mountain,
The biggest attraction for visitors coming in winter is the Aurora watching an included experiance for our guests from our private deck. Book early to get in and get the best prices. Categories Canada, North America, Solo Travel, 10 Best Souvenirs from Amsterdam (You Wont Find Elsewhere). Whitehorse is a winter city; so we dont shut down for a little snow! We were all set for 28km over six hours, with a BBQ stop for lunch. And the Whitehorse Fishladder, which is the longest wooden fishladder in the world. Those basing themselves in Whitehorse can still get in on the fun by booking an aurora viewing tour with a company like Northern Tales. I was at the exact spot where gold was first discovered, but over 130 years of insatiable mining quashed any prospects I had. Gold prospectors may not be as interested in the Yukon anymore, but that leaves it all the more open for us adventure seekers to mine. Dont risk not seeing the lights by not booking a tour in advance. There you can go horse riding at Fish Lake, one of the jewels of the Yukon. Thinking of making the trip north yourself? Required fields are marked *. Whitehorse in winter walk the Millenium Trail. You may need to book reservations if a place allows it or expect to wait for some of the most popular eateries. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dirty Northern. They use weather strips to cover the gaps around doors and windows and seal any cracks in the homes foundation. An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! The Northern Lights and dogsledding tours are a must-see for anyone visiting Whitehorse in the winter season. 
Its important to note that temperatures can vary from day to day, and even within a single day, so its important to be prepared for anything. Im not big on winter sports, but snowshoeing is like hikingin the snow. Be sure to wander to the other levels of the Hougen Centre. 4 /5 (4 reviews) You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at MacBride Museum of Yukon History during your travels in Whitehorse. Another aspect of winters in Whitehorse is the amount of snowfall. Categories: Activities, Dogsledding, Fat Biking, Fishing, Ice Fishing, Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Heritage & Culture, Festivals and Events, Wilderness & Wildlife, Wildlife.
So what are winters actually like in Whitehorse? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Hidden Valley B&B in Whitehorse is a great base for ski breaks. What is the average temperature in Whitehorse during the winter months? Click here to book. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Id love to visit in winter, to see the Northern lights and a dogsledding tour. [], Your email address will not be published. With the flames licking the Yukon air we indulged in hot dogs and warm cookies looking out over the river. Youll really get a feel for the place with some local history. Haha awesome, glad I could help inspire you!
There are a number of companies in Yukon that offer dog mushing excursions, including the family-owned Cathers Wilderness Adventures headed up by Ned Cathers, his wife Mar and daughter Jennine, who just so happens to hold bragging rights as the youngest musher to ever enter the famed Yukon Quest race. Unlike many other operators, Cathers Wilderness Adventures allows guests to steer the sleds themselves, ensuring an authentic experience. Arriving into Whitehorse at 10am after 24 hours of travel, the welcome fresh air pulled me in off the plane.
A guesstimate of 5km in and my upper arms were tired. An even faster way to explore the great outdoors without having to do any work (because vacation) is to hop on a snowmobile and hit the open road. You can camp, or stay in a hostel. Belleville, a mid-sized city located in Eastern Ontario on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, is often overlooked as a desirable place to live. The 1700ft mountain has amazing 360 views over the entire Dawson area and beyond. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Its location near the magnetic pole and breathtaking wilderness scenery create alluring opportunities for tourism. I would love to try the dog sliding and the snowmobiles. Also, dog mushing looks amazing. As Ive alluded to, the Yukon isnt cheap! and can also set up fun shots using light tricks. For the photographer they provide heavy duty tripods and lots of advice on how to get great pictures. One of my favorite things to do in Whitehorse who am I kidding, I mean anywhere is visit a local brewery. WebWhitehorse, Yukon Canada Y1A 1A4 Phone: (867) 667-2709 Email: frontdesk@macbridemuseum.com. Thanks for your support! According to TravelYukon.com Almost nine million years ago, a rush of basaltic lava spread over a pre-glacial landscape a few kilometres from what is now downtown Whitehorse, A ribbon of fast-moving turquoise water runs between the cliffs that remain.. However, to best experience all that Whitehorse and the surrounding area have to offer I suggest renting a car. WebYear-round Activities.
This looks fun (but cold)! Its really interesting to see how the city has changed and how it hasnt. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. However, its still important for residents and visitors to be prepared for winter weather conditions and take precautions when driving or walking on snowy or icy surfaces. 
In addition, Whitehorse also hosts the annual Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous festival in February, which celebrates the regions history, culture, and traditions. And Whitehorse has local buses that you can take around town. 
I was very surprised to see all those alternatives. Snowy owls are also on the property. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's museums. And that wonderfully hued ribbon is Miles Canyon.
The answer is yes, to a certain extent. Theres a good choice of wilderness lodges near Join the fun at the Yukon Quest, which starts or ends in Whitehorse every alternate year. Sault Ste. Residents of Whitehorse are well-equipped to deal with the cold, dressing in layers and investing in quality winter gear such as parkas, boots, and mittens. Featuring zany events like a hard water canoe race (so basically skating with a canoe), axe throwing and a chainsaw chuck (seriously), the family-friendly festival also has free activities including a toboggan hill, snowboard park and snow carving that the public can vote on. Required fields are marked *. Whitehorses location near the magnetic pole makes it one of the best spots for Northern Lights viewing. Dont let the plummeting temperatures put you off, this is somewhere not to be missed. Oh wow.
The preserve hosts a variety of fun programming, including summer camps and nature workshops. The dogs can be heard blocks away yapping with excitement about getting to run in the snow. 