Classic Yukon and Alaska | Fly drive holiday

Day 1

Whitehorse

Your adventure begins as you fly from the UK to Whitehorse, the welcoming capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory. Depending on flight schedules, an overnight stop in Vancouver may be required before continuing north into one of North America’s last great wilderness regions.

Upon arrival, collect your hire car and settle into your accommodation. Surrounded by mountains, rivers and vast forests, Whitehorse offers the perfect introduction to the Yukon. Spend the evening strolling along the banks of the Yukon River and soaking up the atmosphere of this frontier town where modern Canada meets Gold Rush history.

2 nights in Whitehorse.

Day 2

Whitehorse

Enjoy a full day exploring Whitehorse at your own pace. Visit the historic SS Klondike sternwheeler, once a vital link along the Yukon River, and learn about the territory’s colourful Gold Rush heritage.

Nature lovers can walk the scenic trails around Miles Canyon, where turquoise waters rush through dramatic volcanic rock formations. Wildlife centres, museums and artisan galleries provide fascinating insight into the culture, history and wildlife of the Yukon.

As evening falls, enjoy one of Whitehorse’s excellent local restaurants and experience the friendly hospitality for which the Yukon is renowned.

Day 3

Whitehorse to Skagway

Today’s journey will take you south along the Klondike Highway, one of Alaska’s most spectacular with Emerald Lake, Carcross desert and the small community of Carcross. You will cross the Yukon River Suspension bridge, providing amazing scenic views from above. You will cross the Canada/US border (passport and ESTA required) and continue to Skagway, which is part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

2 nights Skagway.

Day 4

Skagway

Step back in time in Skagway, one of Alaska’s most fascinating historic towns. During the Klondike Gold Rush, thousands of prospectors passed through here on their journey to the Yukon. A highlight is the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, an engineering marvel that climbs through breathtaking mountain scenery, crossing trestle bridges and dramatic gorges. Explore the restored wooden boardwalks, museums and historic buildings that bring the Gold Rush era vividly to life.

Day 5

Skagway to Haines Junction

Today you will head back north along the Klondike Highway to get to Haines Junction, back in the Yukon, for your overnight stop, and the best spot for viewing Kluane National Park. As the park is not accessible by road, we recommend you take a flightseeing tour for the best views and enjoyment of the park.

1 night Haines Junction

Day 6

Haines Junction to Tok

Travel west through magnificent Kluane National Park, home to vast glaciers, rugged mountains and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for Dall sheep, moose, bears and bald eagles along the route. Cross back into Alaska and continue through remote wilderness towards Tok. This classic section of the Alaska Highway offers an authentic taste of northern adventure, with endless scenery and a real sense of exploration.

1 night in Tok.

Day 7

Tok to Wasilla

Travel the Tok Cut-Off through scenic mountain and forest landscape to Glennallen and then you will continue on the scenic Glenn Highway to the Wasilla/Palmer area. Highlights today will include the Matanuska Glacier and Matanuska River Valley; guided glacier hikes and rafting tours are available. On reaching Palmer, you should visit the Musk Ox Farm or take in the hidden but beautiful Hatchers Pass Area.

1 night in Wasilla/Palmer.

Day 8

Wasilla to Seward

You will be back on the Glenn Highway today, heading south to Anchorage and continuing on the Seward Highway. Outside of Anchorage, travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm, known for its bore tides, where sometimes you can see beluga whales or Dall sheep along the highway. A great stop for lunch is the Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood. You can take a tram up Mt Alyeska for great views. or maybe stop at the Portage Glacier before arriving into in Seward where you will spend the next 2 nights.

2 nights in Seward

Day 9

Seward

Spend a full day exploring one of Alaska’s natural highlights. A wildlife and glacier cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park is highly recommended, offering opportunities to see whales, sea otters, puffins, seals and sea lions. Towering tidewater glaciers calve directly into the sea while dramatic fjords showcase the raw power of nature. This is often one of the most memorable days of the entire holiday.

Day 10

Seward to Anchorage

If you are looking for some more activity in Seward before heading to the bright lights of Anchorage, you can take a short hike to Exit Glacier which is an easy excursion, suitable for all. You will then be taking the 2-3 hour journey to Anchorage on the Seward Highway.

Anchorage is the large and cosmopolitan centre of Alaska. While not the capital of the state, it is the self-proclaimed gateway for many visitors. With almost 300,000 people calling it home, many people joke that the city is next door to the Alaska wilderness.  You’ll have time for a stroll around the nearby downtown city streets; the quaint log cabin Visitors Centre is a good place to start.

There are several great museums within the city, but the one truly great aspect of Anchorage is the amount of park space throughout the city.

1 night in Anchorage.

Day 11

Anchorage to Denali National Park

Today you will drive the Glenn Highway once more north toward Wasilla. Take time on the way to stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre and the Eklutna Indian Village. From Wasilla, continue on the Parks Highway north towards Denali National Park. Drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park or take a side trip to the small gold mining community of Talkeetna – or talk to us about extending your stay to overnight in this fabulous little town – to take a flightseeing tour to the Alaska Range and Mt Denali .

2 nights Denali National Park entrance area

Day 12

Denali National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible wilderness of Denali National Park. A guided bus journey deep into the park offers exceptional opportunities to see wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep.

The vast tundra landscapes and spectacular mountain scenery make Denali one of the world’s great national parks. On clear days, views of Denali itself are truly unforgettable.

Day 13

Denali National Park to Fairbanks

Today you will continue on the Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Drive through incredible forest and mountain landscape as you drive through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester, an old mining camp.

1 night in Fairbanks

Day 14

Fairbanks to Tok

Today you will drive southeast on the Alaska/Canada highway to the border town of Tok. You will pass through the quaint towns of North Pole and Delta Junction. There are also views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge along the route. This scenic drive also follows the Tanana River, one of Alaska’s longest.

1 night in Tok.

Days 15-16

Tok to Dawson City

You will be driving the amazing Top of the World highway today (partly gravel road) which brings you through spectacular backcountry and gold mining areas. When the highway reaches its highest elevation, you will get incredible views over the countryside. Before you reach Dawson City, you cross the Yukon River by state ferry. On arrival in Dawson City, you may feel you have gone back in time; this old Klondike city has a unique feel all of its own.

You will have a full day to explore the Klondike goldfields and enjoying the Gold Rush atmosphere of Dawson City. Visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s casino, cruise down the Yukon River, or take a walking historical tour.

2 nights Dawson City.

Day 17

Dawson City to Whitehorse

Today you will travel the Klondike Highway east to Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse. For part of the route, you will follow the Yukon River. You could stop and take the Silver Trail Highway to the silver mining area of Mayo and Keno City.

1 night in Whitehorse

Day 18

Whitehorse

Return your hire car and begin your journey home to the UK. As you leave the Yukon behind, you’ll take with you memories of glaciers, mountains, wildlife, Gold Rush history and some of the most extraordinary scenery on Earth.