The Yukon Explorer Holiday | Dempster Highway & The Top of the World

Day 1

Whitehorse

Welcome to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon and the gateway to your northern adventure. Upon arrival, collect your rental car (a Large SUV – as only a couple of vehicle types are allowed to travel the Dempster Highway) and head to the historic Best Western Gold Rush Inn, ideally located in the heart of the city. With the remainder of the day free, you may wish to explore Whitehorse’s vibrant downtown, stroll along the Yukon River waterfront or visit the SS Klondike National Historic Site, a restored sternwheeler that recalls the days when riverboats connected remote communities. The MacBride Museum offers fascinating insights into the region’s Gold Rush history and Indigenous heritage. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Whitehorse’s many excellent restaurants and prepare for the incredible journey ahead.

1 night Whitehorse

Day 2

Whitehorse to Mayo

Leave Whitehorse behind and journey north through some of the Yukon’s most spectacular wilderness. Following the Klondike Highway before joining the Silver Trail, you’ll travel through vast forests, mountain landscapes and alongside pristine rivers and lakes. Arriving in Mayo, a traditional First Nations community, continue to historic Keno City, once one of the world’s richest silver mining centres. Today, this tiny settlement is filled with colourful buildings and stories from its mining heyday. Visit the Keno City Mining Museum, enjoy panoramic views from Keno Hill and experience a sense of remoteness that few places in the world can offer. This evening, relax and soak up the authentic atmosphere of the Yukon frontier.

1 night Mayo

Day 3

Mayo to Dawson City

Today’s drive takes you through untouched landscapes to Dawson City, the legendary heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Founded in 1896, this beautifully preserved town once attracted thousands of prospectors seeking fortune and adventure. Stroll along wooden boardwalks lined with colourful heritage buildings and discover the town’s fascinating history through museums and interpretive displays. Visit Bonanza Creek, where gold was first discovered, or enjoy a drink in one of Canada’s most iconic saloons. As evening falls, experience the lively atmosphere that still echoes the spirit of the Gold Rush era, with optional entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall.

1 night Dawson City

Day 4

Dawson City to Eagle Plains

Today marks the beginning of one of the world’s greatest road journeys. Leaving Dawson City, you join the legendary Dempster Highway, Canada’s only all-season road to the Arctic. This remote gravel highway winds through vast wilderness, crossing rivers, mountain passes and endless tundra landscapes. Few travellers venture this far north, making the experience all the more special. One of the first highlights of the day is spectacular Tombstone Territorial Park, often referred to as the “Patagonia of the North” thanks to its dramatic jagged peaks and vast wilderness landscapes. Be sure to stop at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre to learn about the region’s unique geology, wildlife and Indigenous heritage. Keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters, which may include caribou, foxes, moose and soaring birds of prey. Stop at breathtaking viewpoints and immerse yourself in the silence and beauty of the northern wilderness before arriving at Eagle Plains, a remote outpost in the heart of the Yukon.

1 night Eagle Plains

Day 5

Eagle Plains to Inuvik

Continue north through extraordinary scenery as you cross the Arctic Circle and travel through the rugged Richardson Mountains into the Northwest Territories. The landscape changes dramatically as you descend into the vast Mackenzie Delta, one of the largest river deltas in the world. Along the way, you’ll experience the true scale and isolation of Canada’s far north. Arrive in Inuvik, a fascinating community where Indigenous Gwich’in and Inuvialuit cultures thrive. Explore the famous Igloo Church, browse local galleries and perhaps sample traditional northern cuisine. Few journeys offer such a rewarding sense of adventure and achievement.

2 nights Inuvik

Day 6

Inuvik

Enjoy a full day in one of Canada’s most unique northern communities. Discover the region’s rich Indigenous culture, learn about life in the Arctic and visit local arts and crafts shops showcasing handmade creations. The town’s distinctive Our Lady of Victory Church, known as the Igloo Church, is a must-see landmark. You may wish to visit the Western Arctic Regional Visitor Centre or simply enjoy the opportunity to experience daily life above the Arctic Circle. Depending on the season, the endless daylight of summer creates a truly magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else on earth.

Day 7

Inuvik to Eagle Plains

Retrace your route south along the Dempster Highway, providing another opportunity to appreciate the incredible scenery and wildlife of the Arctic. The changing light and different perspectives reveal new views at every turn, while the remote landscapes offer countless opportunities for photography. Pause to admire mountain vistas and expansive tundra stretching to the horizon before arriving once again at Eagle Plains. This isolated settlement provides a warm welcome and a chance to reflect on one of North America’s most remarkable road trips.

1 night Eagle Plains

Day 8

Eagle Plains to Dawson City

Leaving the wilderness behind, continue south towards historic Dawson City. As the landscape gradually changes, you’ll once again reach the colourful frontier town that played such an important role during the Klondike Gold Rush. Spend the evening exploring its lively streets, visiting historic saloons or enjoying a can-can show at Diamond Tooth Gerties. Dawson City’s unique blend of history, hospitality and character makes it one of Canada’s most memorable destinations.

2 nights Dawson City

Day 9

Dawson City

Enjoy a full day to discover the colourful history and unique character of Dawson City at your own pace. Once the epicentre of the Klondike Gold Rush, the town remains remarkably preserved, with wooden boardwalks, heritage buildings and fascinating museums bringing its storied past to life. Visit Bonanza Creek and Claim No. 6, where gold was first discovered in 1896, or try your hand at gold panning and perhaps uncover a few flakes of Yukon gold yourself. Climb or drive up to Midnight Dome for sweeping views over the Yukon River and the surrounding mountains, or spend time exploring the Dawson City Museum and the Jack London Museum. In the evening, soak up the lively frontier atmosphere in one of the town’s historic saloons or enjoy another entertaining performance at Diamond Tooth Gerties.

Day 10

Dawson City to Beaver Creek

Today’s journey is one of the highlights of the entire adventure. Travel west from Dawson City, crossing the Yukon River by ferry before joining the spectacular Top of the World Highway. This scenic route follows high ridges and mountain plateaus, offering breathtaking views across endless valleys and distant peaks. After crossing into Alaska, continue through remote landscapes before re-entering Canada and arriving in Beaver Creek, the westernmost community in the country. Along the way, keep watch for moose, bears and eagles as you traverse one of North America’s most beautiful wilderness regions. Although sections of the road are unpaved, the scenery more than rewards the adventurous traveller. This evening, relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this remote corner of the Yukon.

2 nights Beaver Creek

Day 11

Beaver Creek

Surrounded by pristine wilderness and spectacular mountain scenery, Beaver Creek offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yukon. Spend the day exploring the surrounding area, visiting local heritage sites or enjoying leisurely walks while keeping an eye out for wildlife. The region forms part of traditional Indigenous lands and offers a true sense of the vastness and solitude that make northern Canada so special. With Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in neighbouring Alaska and Kluane National Park nearby, this area boasts some of the largest protected wilderness regions on Earth. Whether relaxing with a book or venturing out in search of wildlife, today allows you to savour the peaceful pace of life in Canada’s far northwest.

Day 12

Beaver Creek to Haines Junction

Today’s drive follows the Alaska Highway through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Yukon. As you journey east, magnificent mountain ranges, glacier-fed lakes and wide-open valleys create unforgettable vistas around every corner. Passing alongside Kluane National Park and Reserve, home to Canada’s highest peaks and vast icefields, you’ll have excellent opportunities to spot wildlife including bears, moose, Dall sheep and bald eagles. Arrive in Haines Junction, a charming community nestled beneath the towering St. Elias Mountains and regarded as the gateway to Kluane National Park. Spend the evening exploring the village or simply relaxing and taking in the incredible scenery surrounding you.

2 nights Haines Junction

Day 13

Haines Junction

Enjoy a full day to experience one of Canada’s most spectacular natural treasures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kluane National Park is renowned for its immense glaciers, rugged mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife. Choose from a variety of scenic walking trails or simply admire the breathtaking surroundings from lakeside viewpoints. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider an optional flightseeing excursion over the vast Kaskawulsh Glacier and Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Wildlife enthusiasts may be rewarded with sightings of grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose and Dall sheep. Whether exploring on foot or simply appreciating the scenery, today promises some of the most memorable landscapes of your Yukon adventure.

Day 14

Haines Junction to Tagish

Depart the dramatic mountains of Kluane and journey south through ever-changing landscapes towards the tranquil Southern Lakes region. Following scenic highways bordered by forests, rivers and sparkling lakes, you’ll arrive in the peaceful community of Tagish. Rich in Gold Rush history and Indigenous culture, this beautiful area offers a more relaxed pace and stunning natural surroundings. Check into Southern Lakes Resort, nestled beside Tagish Lake and surrounded by wilderness. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and appreciate the serenity of this idyllic setting. Depending on the season, enjoy a lakeside walk, watch for wildlife or simply relax on the shores and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

2 nights Tagish

Day 15

Tagish

Spend a leisurely day enjoying the beauty of the Southern Lakes region, one of the Yukon’s hidden gems. Crystal-clear lakes, forested hills and snow-capped mountains provide the perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Explore nearby Tagish and Carcross, both rich in history and Indigenous heritage, or simply spend time enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the resort. Optional activities may include kayaking, canoeing, hiking or fishing, while wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye out for bald eagles, moose and black bears. In the evening, savour the tranquillity of the northern wilderness and reflect on the extraordinary journey that has brought you from the Arctic Circle to the heart of the Yukon.

Day 16

Tagish to Whitehorse

After a relaxing morning beside the lake, enjoy a short and scenic drive back to Whitehorse. En route, you may wish to stop in the historic village of Carcross, home to colourful buildings, local artisan shops and the famous Carcross Desert, often referred to as the world’s smallest desert. Upon arrival in Whitehorse, take the opportunity for some final sightseeing or shopping. Visit museums you may have missed at the beginning of your trip, browse galleries showcasing Yukon artists or enjoy one last dinner featuring local flavours. As your adventure draws to a close, reflect on the remarkable landscapes, fascinating history and unforgettable experiences encountered throughout your journey.

1 night Whitehorse

Day 17

Whitehorse

Your Yukon Explorer adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, return your rental car and make your way to Whitehorse Airport for your onward journey. From historic Gold Rush towns and remote Arctic communities to breathtaking national parks and some of the world’s most scenic highways, you’ve experienced an extraordinary journey through the heart of Canada’s wild north. Taking with you memories of dramatic landscapes, unique cultures and unforgettable adventures, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the Yukon and the spirit of the pioneers who once travelled these legendary routes.