Welcome to Traveler Heavens, where we’ll be exploring the best places to visit in Yukon, Canada. From Miles Canyon to the SS Klondike National Historic Site, Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery, MacBride Museum, and Emerald Lake, there’s something for everyone in this magnificent region. Prepare to be amazed at the stunning beauty of the Yukon and discover why it’s a popular destination for visitors worldwide.
So grab your passport and explore the best of the Yukon! The Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 brought many hopeful prospectors to Whitehorse and Dawson City. After a challenging and sometimes life-threatening journey from Skagway over White Pass, these brave adventurers had to brave the treacherous Miles Canyon and Whitehorse rapids before finally reaching Dawson’s riches.
Nestled on the right bank of the Yukon River, a small settlement quickly grew up, taking its name from the white-crested rapids that resembled wild horses. Thus, Whitehorse was born. We invite you to explore the history of Whitehorse and the Klondike Gold Rush. Experience the adventure of those who came before us and discover the beauty of the Whitehorse rapids.
Whitehorse, the vibrant capital of the Yukon, is home to 25,000 people and has become a hub of the arts and culture in recent years. Situated at the crossroads of the Alaska and Klondike Highways and just 80 kilometers from the British Columbia border, Whitehorse is a user-friendly destination.
Beneath the tranquil waters of Schwatka Lake, the rapids that once were can still be found, created when the river was dammed in 1958.
Miles Canyon
Miles Canyon is one of the best places to visit in Yukon. Miles Canyon, once a daunting obstacle for gold seekers, is now a user-friendly destination. Those who sought their fortunes in the Yukon River’s rushing whitewater had to find a way to cross it or navigate their supply-filled boats.
But a rail system allowed them to avoid this hazard. Today, the water is much calmer, thanks to a hydroelectric dam that has slowed the flow. So come and enjoy the beauty of Miles Canyon! Experience the breathtaking views of the canyon from the suspension bridge, built in 1922 and still standing today!
This site offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown Whitehorse. Don’t be afraid of heights – explore and enjoy!
Tour the SS Klondike National Historic Site
For decades after the gold rush, the sternwheelers on the Yukon River were the region’s most important mode of transport. The granddaddy was the SS Klondike II, the largest of the entire fleet. In 1937, the original SS Klondike II sadly sank, but You used its engines, boiler, and other parts to build a new one in 1936.
This new version carried ore from the silver mines in Mayo to Whitehorse for onward shipment by road until 1955. We hope this user-friendly information about the SS Klondike II has been helpful! Visit the restored and refitted sternwheeler, now a popular tourist attraction!
Located on the Yukon dam in the town center, 10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse, Yukon, guided tours are available, or you can take a self-guided tour with a booklet.
We look forward to welcoming you!
See Native Animals at Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Take a guided tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, just 30 minutes drive from downtown Whitehorse, and get up close to the many incredible creatures that call the region home. From moose to muskoxen, mountain goats to wood bison, mule deer to woodland caribou, elk, and two species of thinhorn sheep (Dall’s and stone’s sheep), you’ll have the chance to observe them in their natural habitats.
Spanning over 350 acres, the preserve provides an array of different ecosystems – from wetlands to cliffs – creating a safe and user-friendly environment for wildlife to thrive. The preserve is also renowned for its work as a wildlife rehabilitation center. Explore the preserve’s natural beauty with a five-kilometer (five-mile) hike along the trail network! It’s delightful during winter when you can snowshoe or cross-country ski.
Kids can also join in the fun with summer camps and nature workshops. Come and visit us at Kilometer 8 (mile 5), Takhini Hot Springs Road, Whitehorse, Yukon!
Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery
Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery Canada is a world-renowned conservation project that promotes healthy fish populations and helps protect fish species at risk of extinction. Located in Whitehorse, Yukon, this project is a partnership between the Yukon government and the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program of British Columbia.
The Fish Ladder and Hatchery are responsible for the conservation and restoration of salmon and some other species in the Yukon River and its tributaries, as well as providing a source of food, recreation, and education to the community. The Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery was established in 1977 and is the most extended fish ladder and hatchery in Canada.
It comprises a series of interconnected pools and channels that allow migrating fish to swim upstream and access spawning areas above the Whitehorse Dam. The ladder is designed to replicate a natural river channel, and the fish can swim up it the same way they would swim up a natural stream. The ladder is also equipped with a fish elevator, which allows fish to be transported from the bottom to the top.
The Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery are also home to several hatchery programs. The incubator provides a safe environment for fish to spawn and grow until they are ready to be released into the wild. The hatchery raises salmon, rainbow trout, and other fish species, providing juvenile fish with the necessary nutrients to survive until they can be released.
The incubator also serves as a research center, allowing scientists to study fish species and their natural environment. The Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery also play an essential role in the local and regional economy. It provides jobs for local people and contributes to the development of the local tourism industry. The incubator also provides a source of fresh, locally-caught fish for the local and regional markets.
Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hatchery Canada is a leader in conservation and environmental stewardship. It is a shining example of how You can implement sustainable and responsible practices to help protect fish species and promote healthy fish populations. Not only does it help to conserve fish, but it also helps to ensure that the local and regional economy remains strong.
MacBride Museum
MacBride Museum is one of the best places to visit in Yukon. Have you ever wanted to give gold panning a go? Then the MacBride Museum of Yukon History is the perfect place for you! Here, you can get a hands-on experience in this old profession, plus much more!
The museum covers over half a city block, with exhibits that tell the entire story of the Yukon’s history. So why not explore the history of the gold rush today? It’s a user-friendly experience you will remember! View artifacts, photographs, and documents, explore First Nations beadwork and tools, learn about Northern animals, discover the history of Whitehorse, the capital city, and even step into the authentic cabin of Sam McGee—immortalized by Robert W. Service’s poem. You may even find something golden in the bottom of your pan! Come and immerse yourself in this unique experience.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is the perfect spot for postcard-worthy photos. You won’t find any boat rentals or ice fishing huts here, and there’s no museum to tell its history – but that makes it more beautiful! Glaciers carved out this stunning lake 14,000 years ago, with its deep green water and majestic mountain range in the background. Pull over and take in this breathtaking view if you’re ever driving along the South Klondike highway.
Old Log Church Museum
The Old Log Church Museum in Canada is a stunning structure that pays tribute to the nation’s pioneer spirit and the hardworking immigrants who helped shape the country’s history. Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, the museum is a well-preserved example of a Canadian heritage building that has been restored and maintained to represent an essential part of Canada’s past.
The museum is housed in a former Anglican Church that dates back to the late 1700s. It originally served as an official house of worship for the Anglican faith in the region and was constructed from hand-hewn logs. The building has been restored to its original state, except some of the interior walls have been replaced with glass to protect the historical artifacts. In addition, the museum houses several significant artifacts to the area’s history, including a pulpit and altar table from the original church.
The Old Log Church Museum is where visitors can explore the history of Canada’s first settlers and their contributions to the country. Visitors to the museum can learn more about the history of Canada’s pioneers, their faith, and the critical role religion plays in the nation’s development. Additionally, the museum offers visitors the chance to discover the country’s original inhabitants’ culture, art, and music.
Yukon Transportation Museum
Yukon Transportation Museum is one of the best places to visit in Yukon. The Yukon Transportation Museum in Whitehorse offers a nice view of the region’s past, with snowshoes, dog sleds, stagecoaches, boats, aircraft, and vehicles used to construct the Alaska Highway all on display. Explore the history of transportation in the Yukon!
Discover the fantastic stories of Yukon ingenuity and self-sufficiency at the Yukon Transportation Museum. Admire the sister plane of Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Queen of the Yukon. Take a user-friendly 40-minute tour of the museum with booking and explore the kid’s programs available. Remember to check out the on-site gift shop! Visit us at 30 Electra Crescent, Whitehorse, Yukon.
Carcross Desert
The Carcross Desert in Canada is a unique and beautiful place that visitors and locals have revered for many years. Situated in the Yukon Territory of Canada, the desert is an ancient lake bed that is now home to an array of diverse plants, wildlife, and dunes.
This natural phenomenon is a beautiful place to visit and explore, offering a unique adventure unlike anything else in the world. From the moment you arrive, you will be in awe of the vast and barren landscape surrounding you. Sprawling dunes, rugged terrain, and an array of wildlife that call this desert home make for a breathtaking experience.
A desert is an ideal place for visitors to explore, with a range of activities you can enjoy. Whether looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting experience, the Carcross Desert can offer something for everyone. For those looking for an activity-packed trip, the Carcross Desert is a great choice. From hiking to snowshoeing, camping in the desert, and even ATV riding, there are plenty of ways to explore the environment.
Additionally, the area is excellent for bird watching, with over 300 species of birds making their home here. If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, the Carcross Desert offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its stunning scenery. Visitors can tour the area by horseback, go fishing or take part in a sunset photography tour.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Center
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Center is one of the best places to visit in Yukon. Heading to the Yukon in search of fortune? You may not find what you were looking for, but you might uncover some excellent remains from the last ice age! The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre is the perfect place to explore the area that once connected Siberia to the Yukon and where now-extinct animals like the woolly mammoth and giant beaver used to roam.
Come and discover these fascinating treasures in a user-friendly environment! Discover the fascinating history of ancient animals at the center! Learn about these creatures through First Nations art and legends, as well as fossils and cast replicas that will bring them to life.
Explore a life-size replica of an archeological site, and marvel at the 26,000-year-old Yukon Horse – the best-preserved specimen of an extinct animal in Canada. Come and explore this incredible history in a user-friendly environment!
Conclusion
In conclusion, all destinations in Yukon are great for exploring and discovering. Yukon Transportation Museum is my favorite for its rich history, exciting exhibits, and vibrant community. Whether you’re looking for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city or an adventure in the great outdoors, Yukon has something for everyone. I hope you enjoyed our list of the Best Places to Visit in Yukon, and I wish you all the best on your next journey in Yukon!
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