Highlights of the Yukon Self-Drive

Day 1 : Whitehorse

Collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. Time at leisure to explore the largest city in Canada’s north, a unique combination of pioneer values and urban sophistication.

Day 2 : Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Explore the region and take advantage of all that Whitehorse has to offer. Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve (admission included), offering unparalleled wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Encompassing over 700 acres with various natural habitats, it features ten species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment.

Day 3 : Whitehorse > Haines Junction

Depart Whitehorse for an easy two hour drive along the historic Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National Park. The park is home to Canada’s highest peak and the world’s largest non-polar icefields. For a truly unforgettable experience and a chance to get a true sense of the scale and magnificence, consider taking an air tour over the park.

Day 4 : Kluane National Park

Today you are free to explore your surroundings with your rental car. As you leave along the Haines Highway, the road climbs from the Chilkat River Valley to the windswept Chilkat Pass. You skirt the boundaries of the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park and Kluane National Park, part of the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness on earth.

Day 5 : Haines Junction > Tok

Perhaps go on a short hiking trip this morning before driving north along the shores of beautiful Kluane Lake. Stop at Sheep Mountain and look out for Dall sheep alongside the mountain slopes before continuing through endless wilderness areas on the famous Alaska Highway. Arrive in Tok, often referred to as the “Dog Mushing Capital of Alaska”.

Day 6 : Tok > Dawson City

This morning the Top of the World Highway (note this is partly a gravel road) brings you through spectacular backcountry and gold mining areas. When the highway reaches its highest elevation incredible views into far-reaching countryside open up. Before reaching Dawson City, cross the Yukon River by the government-run ferry. On arrival in Dawson City, experience the old Klondike in its well-kept colour and fame.

Days 7 & 8 : Dawson City

Enjoy two full days at leisure to visit the numerous historical sights of Dawson City, including the sternwheel paddle steamer SS Keno, the Jack London Interpretive Centre, the Grand Palace Theatre (home of the “Gaslight Follies Show”) and Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Casino. Don’t miss the drive to the top of the Midnight Dome of excellent views over Dawson, the Ogilvie Mountains and the Yukon and Klondike Rivers.

Day 9 : Dawson City > Whitehorse

Drive south, enjoying the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape. Perhaps stop at the Five Finger Rapids and hike down to the shore of the Yukon River on your way back to Whitehorse.

Day 10 : Whitehorse

Return your rental car at the airport, where arrangements end.