Woman meditating by Miles Canyon.

Hey explorers! I’m Moka, an artist who loves traveling. The Yukon, a special part of Canada, is my favorite. It’s got big mountains, shiny lakes, and cool stories. If you want a fun trip that’s different from everyone else’s, this guide is for you.

Woman at sunrise on Lake Laberge.
Witness the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise over the vast expanse of Lake Laberge, its calm waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the morning sky.

Quick Facts About the Yukon

  • Capital: Whitehorse (a small, friendly city!)
  • Biggest City: Whitehorse
  • We Speak: English
  • Nickname: Land of the Midnight Sun (in summer, the sun stays up all night!)
  • What We Do: We dig for gold and other stuff, have lots of visitors, catch fish, and cut down trees.
  • What It Looks Like: Mountains, forests, rivers, and big ice chunks (glaciers!).
  • How Big: Really big! Almost twice the size of England.
  • How Many People: Few, about 42,000 (like a small town).
  • Smart Cookies: Most people here can read and write.

Why the Yukon is Super Cool in 2024

The Yukon is like a secret treasure. Here’s what makes it special this year:

Woman hiking on Chilkoot Trail. Yukon
Hike the historic Chilkoot Trail, a challenging yet rewarding journey through rugged terrain, retracing the path taken by thousands of Klondike Gold Rush stampeders.
  • New Trails: They just opened up the Grizzly Valley Trail. It’s in Tombstone Territorial Park. It’s great for hiking and seeing the fall colors.
  • Cool Events: There’s a new “Yukon Night Sky Festival” in August to celebrate the Northern Lights. The Dawson City Music Festival is back in July with lots of fun bands.
  • Animal Adventures: In 2024, there’s a special program at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. You can help feed the baby foxes. How cool is that?
  • Aurora Forecast: Experts say see more Northern Lights in 2024. This is because of the sun’s activity. It’s like a light show in the sky!
Woman exploring historic Dawson City.
Stroll through the historic heart of Dawson City, where colorful wooden buildings and lively saloons transport visitors to the Gold Rush era.

Fun Things to Do (My Picks for 2024!)

Woman encountering moose on Dempster Highway.
A surprise encounter with a majestic moose along the Dempster Highway, a reminder of the abundant wildlife that roams the vast Yukon tundra.
  • Whitehorse Fun: This year, there’s a new bike path that goes all around the city. It’s a fun way to explore.
  • Drive to the Top of the World: The Dempster Highway is a road that goes all the way to the Arctic Circle. It’s like a big adventure!
  • Kluane’s Cool Stuff: There’s a new visitor center at Kluane National Park. It has exhibits about glaciers and animals.
  • Fly high: take a small plane ride and land on a glacier. You can even have a snowball fight!
Indo-American woman admiring Mount Logan in Kluane National Park.
A traveler stands in awe of Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, within the breathtaking Kluane National Park.

When to Go

Summer is great, but this year, try fall. The leaves on the trees are so pretty! Winter is cool too, if you like snow and want to see the Northern Lights.

Getting There and Around

Most people fly to Whitehorse. You can rent a car to drive around, or even a big camper van to sleep in.

Woman at cafe in Whitehorse.
Enjoy a leisurely coffee break at a cozy café in Whitehorse, taking in the picturesque views of the city’s downtown area.

What to Pack (From a Pro)

Bring lots of different clothes because the weather can change fast. You’ll need good walking shoes, a camera, and maybe even a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes (or a warm one for winter).

Woman dancing at Adäka Cultural Festival.
Experience the vibrant energy of the Adäka Cultural Festival, a celebration of Indigenous heritage, featuring traditional dance, music, and storytelling.

I’m Here to Help You

I want you to have a great time in the Yokon, just like I did. I promise to give you good information and won’t try to trick you.

Similar States in Canada

Yukon, known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, is celebrated for its vast wilderness, rugged landscapes, and rich Indigenous culture.

Northwest Territories

An Indo-American woman hiking in Nahanni National Park Reserve

Neighboring Territories: Explore the Northwest Territories, Yukon’s neighbor to the east, known for its pristine lakes and boreal forests. Discover the Northwest Territories with our comprehensive Northwest Territories travel guide.

Nunavut

Similar Landscapes: If you love Yukon’s expansive tundra and towering mountains, you’ll appreciate Nunavut’s Arctic tundra and majestic glaciers. Explore Nunavut with our comprehensive Nunavut travel guide.

An Indo-American woman fishes in a serene lake surrounded by mountains in Nunavut.

Call to Action:

Are you excited about the Yukon? Let’s start planning your 2024 adventure! It’s going to be amazing!

Author’s Bio:

Hi! I’m Moka, a paper sculptor and traveler. I’ve been all over the world, but the Yukon has a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to share my tips with you!

FAQ

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Yukon is during the winter months (November to April). Experts predict 2024 to be a particularly good year for aurora viewing due to heightened solar activity. You can even check out the new “Yukon Night Sky Festival” in August to learn more about this natural wonder!

Yukon offers a variety of unique experiences in 2024, including:

  • Hiking the new Grizzly Valley Trail in Tombstone Territorial Park during the fall.
  • Attending the Dawson City Music Festival in July or the Yukon Night Sky Festival in August.
  • Participating in the special baby fox feeding program at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
  • Taking a scenic flight and landing on a glacier for a memorable snowball fight.
  • Exploring the new bike path in Whitehorse or the updated visitor center at Kluane National Park.

Yukon offers plenty of fun for families:

  • Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see animals like moose, caribou, and muskoxen up close.
  • Explore the SS Klondike National Historic Site and learn about riverboat history.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on the Yukon River.
  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and hiking trails in Kluane National Park.
  • Visit the MacBride Museum in Whitehorse to learn about the Gold Rush and Yukon’s history.

Be prepared for variable weather by packing layers of clothing, including warm sweaters, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Don’t forget essentials like a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent (if visiting during the summer). If you plan to view the Northern Lights, pack warm layers, a hat, and gloves.

Most visitors fly into Whitehorse International Airport. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the territory, and RV rentals are popular for road trips. If you’re adventurous, consider exploring the Dempster Highway, a scenic road that leads to the Arctic Circle.

Resources