Living in Whitehorse (The Yukon Territory) means that you get to take advantage of all the attractions that tourist flock to see. Our city strives to provide world-class festivals, and mother nature provides the backdrop. In the winter, we are very proud of the Yukon Rendezvous festival and International Snow Sculpture Challenge. The northern lights can be viewed year-round but are more dramatic in the winter. Summer in Whitehorse is filled with attractions. The waterfront parks bustle with family-friendly performances from all kinds of entertainers and our farmers market is impressive, Fireweed Market.
Try these top outdoor adventures that will have you coming back for more.
Hiking Grey Mountian
Grey Mountain gives you a view of the Yukon River valley, from Marsh Lake to Whitehorse city limits. The views are available from the alpine parking lot at the top of Grey Mountian. If you enjoy hiking, there is a very easy hike to the ridgeline. The trail only gains 200m of elevation, and the views are amazing. Pack a lunch; I’m a cheese and meat lover, my favourite places to visit Cultured Fine Cheese, Bullet Hole Bagels, and Off The Hook Meats to create a fantastic picnic. This is just one of the countless hikes surrounding the city.
If you want to learn about local wildlife in the Yukon Territory, there are tour companies who offer guided tours and will provide the snowshoes if you visit in the winter.
Mountain Biking
Rip down Mount Sima and ride the chair lift to the top. All the thrills of going down the mountain without the terror of having to peddle up the mountain. Every Wednesday, the Mount Sima Mountain Bike Park is open with the chair lift running. If you don’t have your bike, you can rent from Cadence Cycle. There are also two craft breweries on the way to the mountain Deep Dark Wood Brewing and Winterlong Brewing right across the street from one another. For those who like to rip it and down the hills, this is the best map of mountain bike trails and works off the grid with no cell signal- Tail Map.
Mountain Bike Festival- 24 Hours of Light Mountain Bike Festival. Enjoy the festive spirit and visit the street vendors as bikers roll in from the race.
Takhini Hot Springs
A 30-minute drive from Whitehorse, these hot springs are fun and open till 10 pm. Think swimming pool, but the water is kept at about 97ºF. Naturally heated mineral water, the outdoor hot spring pools give you great views of the mountains. There is onsite camping with full hookups. The hot springs are one of the most visited attractions in Whitehorse and are open year-round.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
On the way to the Hot Springs, you can stop and visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. There is a 5km walk behind a high fence to observe the animals, including moose, bison, deer, caribou, muskox, thin horn sheep and elk plus many small game species.
Bean North Café
Before you arrive at the preserve stop at Bean North coffee shop on and roaster, where the bake everything inhouse and offer tours of the facility. A real coffee shop on the hot springs road.
Canoe Rentals
Bring your own canoe or rent one. Guided tours will have you front and center with the opportunity to view wildlife like bears, bald eagles, and if your lucky caribou and moose. Various rental companies offer day trips or 12-day expeditions. If you want to do it yourself, the Yukon awaits, and there are even cabins to stay in for those who don’t want to camp in a tent.
Camping
There are dozens of campgrounds and RV sites scattered around the Yukon Territory. Government-run campgrounds are most popular because they offer access to fabulous lakes and rivers, plus wood for your campfire is complimentary with the $10 camping fee.
If you like your camping more rustic, then there are chances to go backcountry camping where you will wake up to nothing but the sound of birds chirping and the beauty of the mountains.
More comfortable accommodations are available at private RV parks that offer hookups, facilities like restaurants, hot showers, and cabin rentals.
Living in Whitehorse
Living in Whitehorse is everything you dreamed of, the Yukon offers adventure and an amazing quality of life. Call or text me Scott Sauer, Re/Max Action Realty 867.333.1095 or View the current listings in Whitehorse and make the Yukon your backyard playground all year round.
