Territory capital · Canada
Whitehorse
Give Whitehorse 2–3 nights: one for the city and the river, one for a day trip, one spare for weather. Skip it only if you are driving straight to Dawson City.
Whitehorse is the Yukon's capital and its only real city, holding roughly three-quarters of the territory's people on the banks of the Yukon River. It is Canada's driest city, sitting in a rain shadow, so summer days are long and clear and winter is cold but milder than Yellowknife. Most travellers use it as a base: the city itself takes a day, and the surrounding lakes, canyons and hot springs fill the rest. It is also the road and air hub for the territory, which makes it the natural first stop on any Yukon trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug for midnight sun and hiking; late Feb–Mar for aurora and winter festivals
- avoid Nov (dark, slushy, few tours); late Sep–Oct for shoulder-season closures
- Airport
- YXY
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Whitehorse911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Whitehorse, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyWhitehorse is a small, safe city and the main risks are environmental: winter cold, long empty highway drives and wildlife on the road.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance · 811 Yukon health line (24 h nurse advice)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYXY Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (About 10 min by taxi from downtown; Air North and Air Canada serve it year-round.).
- Getting aroundDowntown is walkable and the riverfront trail connects the main sights.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery breakfastC$8–15 (≈ US$6–11)
- Sit-down mealDinner main in a downtown restaurantC$22–38 (≈ US$16–30)
- Street or quick mealLunch main (soup, sandwich or bowl)C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
- BeerDraught beer at a brewpubC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (MacBride, Beringia, transportation museum)C$6–12 (≈ US$5–9)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel or motel double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedHotel or motel double room, a night, per roomC$340 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YXY Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (About 10 min by taxi from downtown; Air North and Air Canada serve it year-round.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
Feb
Best*
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Mar
Best
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Avoid*
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Oct
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Nov
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Dec
not flagged
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug. Avoid: Sep–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Whitehorse: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
11 rd
Feb
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
8 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
7 rd
Apr
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
5 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Sep
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Oct
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
Nov
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
12 rd
Dec
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is walkable and the riverfront trail connects the main sights. Whitehorse Transit runs eight bus routes with a $2.50 cash fare and a free 90-minute transfer. Taxis are metered; downtown to the airport runs about $18. A car is worth it for Miles Canyon, the hot springs and the highway stops.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Miles Canyon and the Yukon River loop
goDoor to door: About 2–3 h
City bus or a 10-min drive south, then walk the canyon rim trail
Suspension bridge over the basalt canyon; go early for calm water and fewer people.
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Drive the Alaska Highway north, exit onto the Klondike Highway, then Takhini Hot Springs Road
Outdoor pools, 19+ only; entry around C$19 (check).
Carcross and Emerald Lake
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive the South Klondike Highway, about 75 km (47 mi)Drive the South Klondike Highway, about 47 mi (75 km)
Desert dunes, a small First Nations town and a very coloured lake; half a day.
Dawson City
overnightDoor to door: 6–7 h
Drive the Klondike Highway, about 530 km (329 mi); or the seasonal Husky Bus, about 7 hDrive the Klondike Highway, about 329 mi (530 km); or the seasonal Husky Bus, about 7 h
Too far for a day return: sleep at least one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown (Main St and Front St)
Walk to museums, the S.S. Klondike and most restaurants; best for a short stay without a car.
Riverdale
Quieter residential area across the river; cheaper rooms, 15–20 min walk or a short drive to downtown.
Alaska Highway strip and airport area
Motels and chain hotels with parking; useful if you arrive late or leave early by car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–240 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or motel double room1 × 3 nights × C$200 | C$600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × C$160 | C$960 |
| Airport taxi, both ways2 × C$36 · check | C$72 |
| Transit day pass or cash fares, one day2 × C$5 · check | C$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$169 |
| Trip total≈ C$310 per person per day, bed included | C$1,861≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery breakfast | C$8–15 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Lunch main (soup, sandwich or bowl) | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Dinner main in a downtown restaurant | C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Draught beer at a brewpub | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Museum entry (MacBride, Beringia, transportation museum) | C$6–12 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Taxi, downtown to airport | About C$18 (≈ US$14) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter temperatures drop below −20 °C (−4 °F): layers, gloves and a hat are not optional.Winter temperatures drop below −4 °F (−20 °C): layers, gloves and a hat are not optional.
- Distances between Yukon towns are long and fuel stops are sparse: fill up before leaving Whitehorse.
- Some attractions and tours run only late May to early September: check dates before you build a plan around them.
- Summer accommodation books out weeks ahead; the same is true for aurora season in February and March.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- Yukon health line (24 h nurse advice)
- 811
Pocket card
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WhitehorseWhitehorse
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Health advice line811
Embassy
No embassies in Whitehorse; the US, UK and other missions are in Ottawa or Vancouver. Check your own country's consular list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi downtown → airport: about C$18 (≈ US$14), 10 min (check)
- Whitehorse Transit cash fare: C$2.50 (≈ US$2) with a free 90-min transfer (check)
- Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs entry: about C$19 (≈ US$14), 19+ only (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you (English is the main language; some Yukon First Nations languages are also spoken)
- Where is the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop? (ask at the visitor centre on Main Street)
- Is the road open? — Is the road open? (check 511 Yukon before driving)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (cards are accepted almost everywhere)
- Do you have a table for two? — Do you have a table for two? (book ahead in July and August)
- Where can I see the northern lights? — Where can I see the northern lights? (ask about aurora tours from September)
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Whitehorse. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug for midnight sun and hiking; late Feb–Mar for aurora and winter festivals · avoid Nov (dark, slushy, few tours); late Sep–Oct for shoulder-season closures · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YXY: taxi and shuttle windows, late-arrival motels, winter gear pickup.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street, the riverfront and S.S. Klondike, the Alaska Highway museums, Riverdale.
- Place pages with verified seasonal cutoffs (S.S. Klondike, MacBride Museum, Beringia Centre, fishway) and eat pages with last orders.
- Aurora and cold-weather fixtures so winter arrivals can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Whitehorse
- officialWhitehorse Transit
- officialYukon — Whitehorse airport
- officialParks Canada — S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
- officialTravel Yukon
- officialEnvironment and Climate Change Canada — Whitehorse climate normals
- secondaryWikivoyage: Whitehorse, revision 5321899 (CC BY-SA 4.0)