Ultimate 8 day Yukon Itinerary:
Whitehorse, Dawson, Kluane National Park
If you’re looking for the perfect Yukon road trip itinerary, this guide shares exactly how we spent 8 unforgettable days exploring one of Canada’s most underrated destinations.
The Yukon had been on our Canadian bucket list for years. As a travel couple based in Vancouver, we had always seen photos of its wide-open landscapes, epic hikes, and abundant wildlife, but never made the trip north ourselves. In the summer of 2025, we finally decided it was time. Despite being so close to British Columbia (our home province), the Yukon is still overlooked by many travelers. It is often mistaken for being too remote, barren, or difficult to explore. After visiting, we can confidently say that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it ended up being our favorite trip of the year — even in a year where we also travelled to Costa Rica and Iceland.
We spent 8 days in the Yukon (+2 travel days) in July. July is one of the best months to visit the Yukon thanks to the midnight sun, warm summer temperatures, ideal making it ideal for outdoor activities. It is also the perfect time for hiking in Kluane National Park when most hikes are thawed.
Our itinerary includes our favorite road trip stops and hikes. It also has a few must-try food spots along the way (though not every meal we had). The route covers highlights like Whitehorse, Dawson City, and the incredible Kluane National Park. You can use this as a starting point if you’re planning your own Yukon adventure. We usually also grocery shopped throughout our trip so we would always have something to snack on. If the day includes longer drives and hikes, be sure to buy lunch for the road or trek.
We are based in Vancouver so we took Air North’s 2.5 hour flight to Whitehorse. We took the afternoon flight directly after our work day and arrived in Whitehorse around 7 pm. We didn’t have much time to explore but we grabbed a quick dinner and headed to the Edgewater Hotel. Our primary residence for all our days in Whitehorse.
DAY 1: SOUTH YUKON
Our first full road trip day was an incredible introduction to the Yukon. We started in Whitehorse and headed south toward the British Columbia border, exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes in the southern Yukon. This route makes for the perfect Yukon day trip from Whitehorse. There are many unique stops along the way and a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with incredible views.
The drive alone is absolutely stunning. Keep your eyes on the road and the surrounding wilderness — the Yukon is full of wildlife. During this drive, we spotted 3 bears along the highway. They were just scavenging for food and minding their own business. Always be mindful of wildlife and keep a safe distance so you don’t disturb them.
EMERALD LAKE
Our first stop was Emerald Lake, and it immediately set the tone for the rest of our Yukon adventure. True to its name, the lake glows in shades of emerald green and turquoise — especially when the sunlight hits the water. The colors are so vibrant they almost don’t look real.
There’s a large pullout along the highway where you can park and enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake. We initially planned for this to be a quick stop, but ended up staying for a good 20 minutes just admiring the incredible colors. There’s also a gravel pullout just past the highway pullout. We went and stopped to look at the lake from eye level but it it’s better from above. If you’re feeling adventurous, Emerald Lake is also a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding.Though you’ll need to bring your own equipment.
CARCROSS DESSERT & CARCROSS TOWN
After taking in the views at Emerald Lake, we continued toward one of the most unique landscapes in the Yukon – Carcross Desert. The smallest dessert in the world!
It was such an odd feeling walking on sand dunes but also having views of lush greenery and snowy mountains. If you’re short on time, this can be a quick stop to walk around and take photos. But if you want to stretch your legs, there’s a short 45–50 minute walk. It takes you to the top of the dunes, where you’ll get great views of the nearby Bennett Lake.
After exploring the dunes, we spent some time wandering around the small and charming town of Carcross. It is worth a quick stop if you have the time. Be sure to pick up lunch at Carcross grocery.
YUKON SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Next, we continued south to visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which crosses the rushing Tutshi River. The bridge is part of a small outdoor museum experience that includes interpretive displays about the region’s history, wildlife, and gold rush heritage. Admission is around $22 per person, and the site also has a small café.
Walking across the suspension bridge gives you incredible views of the river below, surrounded by lush forest and towering mountains. We also enjoyed learning about the area’s history — including seeing real mammoth bones and tusks on display.
SAM MCGEE TRAIL
After exploring the Yukon Suspension Bridge, we drove to Conrad to tackle the biggest physical challenge of the day, the Sam McGee Trail. This 8.2 km out-and-back hike gains roughly 640 meters of elevation. While AllTrails rates it as hard hike, we’d describe it as moderately challenging if you’re in decent physical shape. There are a few steep sections, but nothing technical. Most of the hike is through forested terrain, but about halfway up you’ll reach an incredible viewpoint that gives you a preview of the stunning scenery waiting for you at the summit.
Once we reached the top, we took a long snack break, taking in the view with each bite. On the day we hiked it, we only saw a couple of other groups. The hike took us about 4 hours round trip, but thanks to the long summer daylight hours in the Yukon, we never felt rushed. With the sun barely setting, we took our time on the descent and fully enjoyed the experience. After a long and fulfilling day, we made our way back to Whitehorse for a well-deserved rest. On the drive back, be sure to stop at Tutshi Lake — the views are absolutely breathtaking. In fact, it was so beautiful it actually made Prerna tear up.
Because this area is active bear country, make sure to carry bear spray and keep it easily accessible at all times. We were mindful of the 3 bears we saw on the highway but luckily we didn’t run into any.
DAY 2: KLUANE NATIONAL PARK
After a long Day 1 exploring the south, we checked out of our hotel and headed west toward the incredible Kluane National Park. One of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Canada. Kluane is home to 17 of the tallest peaks in Canada, including the highest mountain in the country. Mount Logan. It also has the largest non-polar Icefield in the world. It was a place we simply couldn’t skip on our Yukon itinerary.
We grabbed breakfast for the road and set off early from Whitehorse. The landscape slowly shift into rugged mountain peaks & vast valleys. The main hub for exploring the park is Haines Junction, a small and charming town where you’ll find basic essentials like groceries, gas, and restaurants. The best part of town? The backdrop of some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the Yukon. Step outside during the midnight sun and you’ll witness the most gorgeous mountains you’ll ever see.
For the next two nights at Kluane National Park, we stayed at Mount Logan Lodge. Their glamping experience struck the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. We stayed in a cozy, well equipped yurt and was surrounded by untouched nature. They also have an incredible cooking team who prepared some of the best meals you can have in the Yukon.
PINE LAKE CAMPGROUND & DA KU CULTURAL CENTER
Just before reaching Haines Junction, we made a stop at Pine Lake Campground. The mountain here looks quite different from the rugged Kluane peaks, but it’s still a beautiful and peaceful place to stop. The lake is also very calm. If you have time, we’d recommend visiting later in the evening when the light gets softer — the reflections on the water are beautiful around sunset. It is a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, though you’ll need to bring your own equipment. There’s also a boardwalk that takes you along side the lake. We spotted a big family of ducks and their ducklings which was super cute.
From there, we then continued into Haines Junction to visit the Da Kų Cultural Centre. Here, we learned about the history and traditions of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. It’s a great place to learn about the people who have lived on this land for generations and to gain a deeper appreciation for the vast wilderness you’ll be exploring.
FLIGHT SEEING TOUR
After visiting the cultural centre, we set off for one of the biggest bucket-list experiences of the entire trip — a sightseeing tour over the icefields and peaks of Kluane National Park. This was, without a doubt, the most unforgettable experience of our Yukon adventure. Our flight included a glacier landing on the Logan Glacier, where we stepped out onto the ice to see Mount Logan in the distance. Flying over the vast Icefields and jagged mountain peaks was already surreal, but landing on a glacier took the experience to another level.
Standing there surrounded by nothing but snow, ice, and towering mountains made us feel incredibly small. We gained a greater appreciation of just how amazing this place as. We booked our tour with Icefield Discovery, although there are a few operators in the area offering similar experiences. What ultimately sold us was their Logan Glacier landing, which felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we couldn’t pass up.
One important thing to keep in mind: weather conditions have to be perfect for these flights to operate. Mountain weather changes quickly, so flexibility is key — flights can be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled at short notice. If this experience is on your bucket list, we highly recommend building extra buffer days into your itinerary.
KATHLEEN LAKE
After the unforgettable flight tour, we slowed things down with a relaxing stop at Kathleen Lake. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Kluane National Park. The lake sits beneath Mount Worthington, creating a dramatic mountain backdrop. We took the short walking path along the shoreline and ended up sitting at the Parks Canada benches. The benches sit right at the edge of the lake and on a calm day, the waters are beautiful. We sat for an hour just admiring the mountain and it’s lake reflection, eating our snacks. It was incredibly peaceful, and we could have stayed there for hours.
This is also a perfect place to bring a picnic if you have the time.
SAINT ELIAS LAKE TRAIL
While there was still daylight, we decided to do one more hike — the Saint Elias Lake Trail. This 7.9 km hike took us about two hours to complete. The trail starts with a gradual climb before flattening out as you approach the lake. Overall, it’s an easy and enjoyable hike that offers a lush meadow and beautiful lake and mountain views along the way.
We debated skipping it since we had a big hike planned for the following day, but we’re glad we didn’t. The trail was peaceful and far quieter than some of the more popular hikes in the area. After finishing the hike, we headed back to home to rest up and prepare for our big adventure the next day.
DAY 3: KLUANE NATIONAL PARK DAY 2
SHEEP CREEK TRAIL
We knew we wanted to tackle at least one big hike in Kluane National Park, and after doing some research we decided on the Sheep Creek Trail. It is located near the massive Kluane Lake. This 15.6 km hike gains roughly 1,150 meters in elevation, making it one of the more challenging hikes in the area. The trail climbs steadily for much of the route, with some steep sections that definitely get the legs burning. One of the things we loved most about this hike is that there are several incredible viewpoints along the trail, which makes it easier to keep pushing toward the summit. Each time you turn around, the scenery just keeps getting better.
At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Red Mountains and the surrounding Kluane wilderness. It’s the kind of view that reminds you just how vast and wild this region of the Yukon really is. The hike took us about six hours round trip, including time spent enjoying the views at the top. Be sure to pack plenty of water and food, especially on warm summer days when the exposed sections of the trail can get quite hot.
This is also grizzly bear country, and sightings on this trail are not uncommon. Make sure to carry bear spray and keep it easily accessible throughout the hike.
If you’re looking for another popular hiking option in the area, King’s Throne Peak Trail is another incredible choice. It’s slightly more technical and steeper in certain sections, so make sure to do your research beforehand to decide which hike best fits your experience level.
KLUANE LAKE
With some extra time after the hike, we decided to hop back in the car and continued along the Alaska Highway toward Burwash Landing. This drive runs alongside the vast shoreline of Kluane Lake, with endless views of deep blue water and rugged mountains. There is a really nice pullout which takes you to the mouth of Kluane Lake where you can sit and take in the views . Maybe set up a picnic if you have the time.
There are plenty of informal viewpoints and roadside pullouts perfect for photos. The scenery feels different with every curve of the highway. Once our hearts were fulfilled, we headed back to Haines Junction to grab some burgers at Mile 1016 Pub and then rested up at home.
DAY 4: EXPLORING WHITEHORSE
After a big hiking day in Kluane, we decided to slow things down on Day 4. We slept in a bit, and then grabbed some breakfast at Village Bakery and Deli. We then said goodbye to Kluane National Park and made our way back to Whitehorse. We intentionally kept this day lighter, focusing on some of the more relaxed and tourist-friendly attractions around Whitehorse — the perfect way to recover.
YUKON WILDLIFE PRESERVE
On our drive back toward Whitehorse, our first stop was Yukon Wildlife Preserve, which ended up being both an educational and memorable. Admission costs $19 per person if you explore the preserve on foot, or $30 for a guided bus tour. We chose to walk so we could explore at our own pace — something we always love when traveling together. If you’d prefer not to walk the full route, the bus tour is a great alternative. But, keep in mind that it runs at scheduled times throughout the day, so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly.
The preserve covers 350 acres of northern wilderness and is home to many of the Yukon’s most iconic animals. During our visit we saw bison, moose, elk, mountain goats, and several other species, all living in large, natural enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat. Seeing these animals up close while also learning about their behaviors & conservation efforts made the experience super memorable. As animal lovers, it was a highlight seeing the 2 moose as we’ve never sen those magnificent animals before.
MILES CANYON
After completing the wildlife preserve, we grabbed a quick bite at a nearby cafe before heading to Miles Canyon. One of the most beautifully accessible natural spots near Whitehorse. A short walk takes you to a suspension bridge spanning the canyon, where the Yukon River rushes through. There are lots of surrounding surrounding trails making it easy to wander and explore the area at your own pace.
We spent some time walking along the nearby paths and viewpoints, simply watching the river flow beneath us. It’s a peaceful and scenic place to visit — and a great way to unwind after a few busy days of hiking and road tripping.
To end the day, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner at Belly of the Bison in Whitehorse. We ordered the elk roulade and bison short ribs, which were both incredible and easily some of the best meals we had during the trip. After a day of lighter exploring, it felt like the perfect way to recharge before continuing our Yukon adventure.
If you have some time, you could also try glass blowing at Lamel Studios in Yukon. We didn’t actually do it ourselves but a lot of people recommend it to us. You would need to contact them in advance to reserve a slot.
DAY 5: DRIVE FROM WHITEHORSE TO DAWSON
This day is all about the journey from Whitehorse to Dawson City. On a good day, the drive takes around 6.5 hours, but you’ll want to allow extra time for weather conditions and — more importantly — the many scenic stops along the way. Be sure to pick up lots of snacks and lunch for this long day of driving! Some of our favorite stops along the way include:
- Lake Laberge
- Fox Lake
- Braeburn Lodge: Home to the legendary “Biggest Cinnamon Bun in the World.” This is a must-stop for a snack, and the portion sizes are as impressive as the reputation.
- Twin Lakes
- Montague Roadhouse Historic Site
- Five Finger Rapids: there is a trail that takes you further down to the river but we chose to stay at the viewpoint.
There was a big fire along this highway before we visited and it was really sad seeing all the thousands of burnt trees. We just imagined how scary it would have been, especially for all the helpless animals.
Once we arrived at Dawson, we stayed at the lovely “The Downtown, A Coast Hotel“. We had a little time before bed, so we went walking around the city. We fell in love with the olden architecture as we felt transported back in time. We then grabbed some snacks and packed lunch for a big day of hiking the next day.
DAY 6: TOMBSTONE TERRITORIAL PARK
Day 6 was dedicated to exploring one of the most famous landscapes in the Yukon: Tombstone Territorial Park. Often called the “Patagonia of the North”, Tombstone is known for its sharp, dramatic peaks which are also similar to landscapes you’ll see in the Dolomites in Italy. It’s one of the most unique and breathtaking regions in the Yukon.
We recommend leaving early as it takes 1.5 hours to reach Tombstone Territorial Park. To reach the park, you’ll drive along the famous Dempster Highway, one of the most iconic roads in northern Canada. Many people warn travelers to be extra cautious on this highway because it’s completely unpaved. While there are certainly bumps and loose gravel, we found it much more manageable than we expected. Driving an AWD vehicle, we felt comfortable the entire time and were pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the drive was. A few tips if you’re planning to drive the Dempster Highway:
- Fill up on gas beforehand, as services are limited.
- Carry a spare tire, since sharp rocks can occasionally cause flats.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are very few places to stop.
- Download offline maps as there is little to no signal on the highway.
This park will forever hold a special place in our heart as it’s the place we got engaged!
GRIZZLY LAKE TRAIL
The Grizzly Lake Trail was easily one of the most rewarding hikes of our trip. We didn’t go all the way to the lake itself. We chose to just hike up to the Monolith Peak lookout, a common stopping point for most day hikers. You can hike to the lake but it is more recommended for camping than a day trip. The trail was slippery at some points but didn’t have any technical bits. It was steep, but if you pace yourself, it is achievable.
The hike begins in a forested section, but once you climb above the tree line, the landscape completely opens up. From there, you’re surrounded by dramatic peaks and sweeping alpine views in every direction. We also spotted several marmots along the way, which made for some fun and adorable trail companions.
We spent some time at the lookout soaking up the scenery and catching our breath before heading back down. Be sure to carry lots of water as there are only spots to fill up at the start of the trail.
GOLDENSIDE MOUNTAIN
Another hike we had originally planned for the day was Goldenside Mountain, which is also located in Tombstone Territorial Park. However, after completing the Grizzly Lake Trail, we were pretty tired and decided to skip this one. It’s still a hike we’d love to come back for in the future.
If you have the time and food to tackle this hike, we’d definitely recommend you do so. after all, when will you come back?
DAY 7: EXPLORE DAWSON
After a long, exhausting day at Tombstone Territorial Park, we needed a rest and dedicated this day to exploring the town of Dawson and it’s rich history. Some of the spots we visited were:
DREDGE NO. 4 NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
One of the largest wooden dredges ever built, this massive machine is a reminder of how industrialized gold mining became during the Klondike Gold Rush. Walking through it really puts into perspective the scale of operations that once dominated the region. You need a pay a $17.5 ea. for admission and you get a guided tour which walks you through the whole dredge. It was thoroughly fascinating learning about the engineering behind the machine.
We’re necessarily people who enjoy historical tours but this was an experience we loved. The tour guides were so knowledgeable and kept it engaging throughout.
GOLD PANNING
After the tour, we wanted to experience gold panning ourselves. So we picked up our gold pans (free to borrow at the Visitor Information Center), watched an instructional video, and then headed to Free Claim #6 in Bonanza Creek. We spent a good hour in the river trying to pan for gold. And although we didn’t find any, it was a lot of fun and we recommend you give it a go.
JACK LONDON MUSEUM
A small but fascinating stop dedicated to the famous author who spent time in the Yukon during the gold rush. The exhibits offer insight into how the North shaped his writing and legacy.
MIDNIGHT DOME VIEWPOINT
Easily one of the best views in Dawson City. A short drive up rewards you with panoramic views over the town, the Yukon River, and the surrounding wilderness. It is especially beautiful in the late evening light.
THE SOURTOE COCKTAIL (TOE DRINK)
A true Dawson rite of passage. This infamous drink, which is served at Downtown Hotel’s Sourdough Saloon, comes with one rule. You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe. Weird? Yes. Iconic? Absolutely. Check out our experience below:
DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIES GAMBLING HALL
We ended the day at Canada’s oldest casino, complete with can-can dancers, live music, and old-school Dawson charm. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and it was such a fun way to end our time at Dawson. Be sure to check out their show timings at https://diamondtoothgerties.ca/
DAY 8: DRIVE BACK TO WHITEHORSE
After an eventful day, we had to bid farewell to this charming town and head back to Whitehorse. Be sure to pick up some snacks and lunch for the long drive back. End the day with a relaxing spa trip and a nice dinner of your choosing.
ECLIPSE NORDIC SPA
After an incredible but physically demanding trip, we ended with a visit to Eclipse Nordic Spa. It turned out to be the perfect way to unwind. The spa features several hot pools and saunas, all set in a peaceful outdoor setting. Admission costs around $60 per person, and once you’re inside you can stay as long as you like. It is designed to relax muscles and help your body recover after long days outdoors. After all the hiking we had done throughout the trip, this felt amazing.
One thing we especially appreciated is that phones aren’t allowed past reception (lockers are provided). It created a quiet, distraction-free environment. It’s a great opportunity to fully disconnect and relax.
After 8 unforgettable days exploring the Yukon, it’s safe to say it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Canada. From the endless scenic drives, wildlife sightings, unique stops and relaxing moments, this itinerary is just a glimpse of everything the Yukon has to offer. Whether you follow this plan exactly or use it as inspiration, you’re in for an adventure you won’t forget.
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, we’ve put together a collection of other detailed itineraries from our trips which you can find below or by clicking here.
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