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S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, Whitehorse

Visit Whitehorse, Canada

Visit Whitehorse, Canada

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Whitehorse is named after the rapids on the Yukon River that reminded gold prospectors of the 'flowing manes of albino Appaloosas'.

It was built by prospectors who flooded into the region at the height of the Klondike gold rush.

They set up camp after surviving the arduous Chilkoot Trail from Skagway, and before negotiating the perilous waters of the Yukon River and Miles Canyon, that still blocked their route to the goldfields.

The paddle steamer S.S. Klondike

Today Whitehorse is an easier place to reach and, with 23,000 inhabitants, is by far the largest town in the Yukon. Urban highlights include tours of the S.S. Klondike, one of only two surviving paddle steamers, Old Log Church Museum, the MacBride Museum and the Yukon Brewing Company.

The area’s mineral wealth might be exhausted, but the surrounding mountain wilderness, speckled with tranquil lakes, is beautiful and wholly unspoiled: it will make you want to put on your boots and explore.

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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Whitehorse by contacting one of our Canada specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Whitehorse

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Whitehorse, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Whitehorse

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Whitehorse

    Photos of Whitehorse

    • Trading Post, Northern Lights viewing facility
      Trading Post, Northern Lights viewing facility
    • Aurora Borealis above Trading Post
      Aurora Borealis above Trading Post
    • Aurora Borealis
      Aurora Borealis
    • Trading Post, Whitehorse
      Trading Post, Whitehorse
    • Trading Post
      Trading Post
    • Northern Lights Resort & Spa
      Northern Lights Resort & Spa
    • Northern Lights Resort & Spa
      Northern Lights Resort & Spa
    • Whitehorse, Yukon
      Whitehorse, Yukon

    Our expert guides to exploring Whitehorse

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Whitehorse, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Whitehorse at its best.

    • Honeymoons in Canada
      Lake Louise

      Honeymoons in Canada

      Honeymoons in Canada

      Country specialist, Caroline, picks some of her top places to stay and things to do on honeymoon in Canada. Her highlights include where to spot Canada’s wildlife, taking a food tour in Vancouver, finding seclusion in the Rockies and staying on an authentic ranch.

      11 min read

      Read this guide
    • Self-drive vacations in Canada
      Jasper National Park

      Self-drive vacations in Canada

      Self-drive vacations in Canada

      Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.

      7 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Whitehorse

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Whitehorse. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.