The Yukon Road Trip, Canada. Unreal 7-day Itinerary 2026

“Larger than life”.

If ever there was a slogan that encapsulates a destination, this is it. This is the Yukon. Canada’s immense, wild, vast and empty northern territory. And it’s far from well-trodden tourist spot, just how I like it.

A road trip is the only way, and better yet we’d be doing this in an RV. Driving here isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s more about long stretches of epic scenery with barely another car in sight. We’re talking mountain backdrops that are too big to be real, and night skies with next to no light pollution, so the northern lights can sneak across the sky.

A 7-day road trip gives you enough time to see the highlights without rushing. And more time allows you to complete the Top of the World highway, passing through Alaska. We were there in autumn (fall), so just missed it. The border crossing closes in September.

Whichever way you choose, trust me when I say get yourself out there. This isn’t just a road trip, it’s a bucket list road trip. Welcome to the Yukon.

Overview About the Yukon

Before going through my itinerary and all the incredible places I stopped on this road trip, here are a few details that you’ll want to know before you travel. The Yukon isn’t like a normal travel destination, so make sure to read these as well as the travel tips at the end.

Explore more of the Yukon using this itinerary with My Canada Trips.

How to Get to Yukon?

The best way to get to the Yukon is to fly into Whitehorse. It’s Yukon’s capital and the territory’s main hub. Direct flights run regularly from Vancouver, Calgary, and a few other Canadian cities, so it’s fairly straightforward once you’re in the country.

Air North, Yukon’s own airline and proudly First Nations–owned, offers frequent flights to and from major Canadian cities. Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, just to name a few. It’s often the most convenient way to fly into the territory.

From the UK, there are no direct international long-haul flights to Whitehorse, so you’ll almost always connect via Vancouver. Vancouver is simple to connect through and I recommend Air Canada from London. Whitehorse airport is nice and small and really easy, and then it’s only about 10 minutes’ drive from Whitehorse.

How to Get Around the Yukon?

The Yukon is massive, and public transport barely covers the basics unless you’re in Whitehorse. The only real option is to hire a car or, better still, a campervan or RV (I recommend Canadream).

RV life gives you both transportation and a place to sleep, in case you don’t want to book a hotel for every single day of this road trip in Yukon.

This also matters when towns are hundreds of kilometres apart. Roads are generally in good condition, though you should expect long stretches without petrol stations. Always fuel up when you can. In addition, don’t rely on mobile coverage once you leave the bigger communities.

What are the Main Places to Visit in Yukon?

We’ll cover that in detail, but any road trip in Yukon should start in Whitehorse. The next key stops are Haines Junction and Kluane National Park, which is home to Canada’s highest peak.

From there, the Alaska Highway takes you along Kluane Lake and on towards Beaver Creek, the country’s most westerly community. From here you’ll have the choice to continue into Alaska or turn back like we did. Back nearer Whitehorse, the Southern Lakes region is also worth visiting.

Spots like Carcross, Emerald Lake, and the Carcross Desert are amazing. Along the way, there are plenty of cultural centres, museums, and trails, plus the chance of catching the northern lights on clear nights.

Ultimate 7-Day Yukon Road Trip Itinerary

A week on the road in the Yukon gives you a real mix of wilderness, culture, and those long empty highways the north is known for. It’s far from the popular tourist spots in Canada like Banff or the Bay of Fundy, which are amazing in their own right. But the Yukon just hits differently.

This route loops west from Whitehorse through Kluane National Park, then follows the Alaska Highway before circling back to the capital via the Southern Lakes.

I’ll go through the main stops along the way, with highlights, and a few practical tips. Let’s get stuck in.

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Whitehorse

The road trip starts (or ends) in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s small but lively capital. It’s the sort of town where you can find a cosy coffee shop in the morning and be out in the wilderness twenty minutes later.

While you’re here, check out Lumel Studios, a colourful glassblowing studio where you can watch artists at work (or even try it yourself). Take a short stroll down to Whitehorse Landing for river views and a walk along the waterfront. Oh, and don’t miss the totem pole nearby. It’s one of those quick stops that quietly reminds you how deeply the city’s roots tie back to its First Nations heritage.

Miles Canyon

The first place I recommend you visit is Miles Canyon. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the city centre. The suspension bridge gives you brilliant views over the Yukon River, and the trails are short enough that you don’t need hiking boots. There’s no entry fee and it gave me very real ‘welcome back to Canada’ vibes.

MacBride Museums and Interpretive Centre

Back in town, the MacBride Museum and the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre are really worth a visit. You’ll need a couple of hours if you want to get real context about the Yukon’s gold rush days and ice-age past.

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is another key stop, sitting right on the waterfront and giving insight into local First Nations culture. Throughout the entire trip, you’ll want to absorb as much of the First Nations culture, heritage and traditions as you can, it’s a key part of any trip to the Yukon.

“When it comes to the First Nations and indigenous communities, the Yukon has one of the most modern and advanced treaties in the world. In my opinion, they are setting a fantastic example to the world”.

See the Northern Lights

When the sun goes down, join a guided aurora viewing tour if you don’t want to go out alone. Operators provide transport, warm drinks, and snacks, and take you to a viewing area known for its dark skies.

I was impressed at the guides help with tripods and camera settings. All you need is a little patience (and a decent coat, but you can even hire those too). Keep an eye on the weather, as you can either take this tour on your first day or later on in the road trip, as we pass by Whitehorse again to visit the Southern Lakes Region.

If you’re lucky enough to see them, this could just be one of the most magical experiences of your life.

Take a Floatplane Flight

If you happen to have an extra day in Whitehorse, enjoy a floatplane flight! One of the best ways to see the area is with Alpine Aviation. It’s a local company that’s been flying out in the region for over 25 years. They run floatplane tours that take you over mountains and glaciers right from the waterfront.

These are popular flight options:

• Float Plane Ride (30 min): A quick hop for great views over Whitehorse and the valleys around.
• Mini Grand Canyon Tour (45 min): Fly over Miles Canyon and the Yukon River.
• Hootalinqua Tour (2.2 hrs): Follows historic routes north towards the Teslin and Yukon rivers.
• Chilkoot Pass & Icefields Tour (2.5 hrs): This is a longer flight across glaciers and icefields. You’ll fly near the border with Alaska.
• Mount Logan & Kluane Park Tour (Half-day): That’s their signature route. They really show off Canada’s highest peaks.

They operate flights all year-round, whether on floats, skis, or wheels, and that all depends on the season.

Horseback riding with Caribou Wild Mountain Tours

Caribou Wild Mountain Tours runs horseback riding tours and off-grid cabin stays just outside Dawson on Vista Road. You can chose just to visit for the ride and a sauna package, or you can pick one of many options on their website, here are three options I’d suggest:

• Northern Package
• Klondike Package
• Pioneer Package

The northern package starts a $290 + GST per night. The Northern Lights Cabin can accommodate up to four guests. It comes with a full kitchen, loft, big windows, and both a wood stove and propane heat. It’s a really cosy place, and it’s available from the 10th of December.

The Klondike package, on the other hand, costs $275 + GST per night. A wonderful cabin with a queen bed and a bunk bed, giving a proper Gold Rush-era feel. This is probably the best option if you travel as a family.

Last but not least, the Pioneer Package starts at $255 + GST per night. It’s a small rustic cabin with a wood stove and outhouse—ideal if you like a simple setup.

A shared cedar sauna is included with all stays—just let the hosts know a couple of hours in advance.

Where to stay in Whitehorse

Here are a few hotels in Whitehorse to make the most of your time here.

If you’d rather pick your own place to stay, you can browse all the hotels on Booking or Expedia and choose the one that suits you best.

Luxury: Hyatt Place Whitehorse (Rated 9.2/10)

Mid-range: Edgewater Hotel (Rated 9/10)

Budget: Wild North Bed & Rest (Rated 8.2/10)

Travelling on a budget? Check out all the other hotels on Booking or Expedia

Haines Junction & Kluane National Park

Please note: You will want to stop by a supermarket to buy supplies for the next few days. Like I said above, petrol stations and supermarkets are limited on the way. Stock up your RV, fill the water tanks and make sure there are cold beers in the fridge.

From Whitehorse, it’s about 150 km west to Haines Junction. Roughly a two-hour drive if you don’t stop along the way (though, you probably will).

The Da Kų Cultural Centre is the best place to start. It explains the land from the perspective of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Their traditional territory surrounds the village, and it shares the building with the Visitor Centre.

The big draw of Haines Junction is the Kluane National Park, home to twelve of Canada’s tallest peaks, including Mt Logan at 5,959 m (19,551 feet). It’s one of the most spectacular National Parks in the world, let alone Canada.

Entry to the park itself is free, though campgrounds usually ask for about $20 CAD in cash per night via an honesty box, which is so Canadian! You fill out a form on arrival, pick a pitch for your RV, pop the form on the post, then pay $20 on your way out in the morning!

We slept at Pine Lake Campground as we did the entire trip in an RV with Canadream. Pine Lake is not a services campground, but the views in the morning were out of this world. As we go through this article, I’ll include lodges and hotels where possible, for those that prefer a little more comfort to an RV.

For camping and hiking, remember this is bear country. Both grizzlies and black bears live here, so keeping bear spray close isn’t optional, it’s essential. Please also make sure you brush up on these tips for being bear aware.

Alsek Valley and Soldier’s Summit Hikes

A hike worth doing is the Alsek Valley Trail. I went with a tour guide at Yukon Guided Adventures. They have different options, depending on your preference and the time on your road trip in Yukon:

• Alsek Valley Trail (Half Day): Easy 10-12 km walk, flat with no elevation gain.
• Alsek Valley Trail (Full Day): Easy 15-22 km hike, with about 400 m of climbing.

Another nice option not too far away is the Soldier’s Summit Hike. It’s a short and relatively easy trail and you get views over Kluane Lake. There are interpretive signs that explain the construction of the Alaska Highway. You can often spot Dall sheep on the surrounding slopes, so keep your camera handy.

Where to Stay near Kluane National Park

Our next stop was on route to Beaver Creek, at Discovery Yukon Lodging, what a place. They had everything you need in terms of facilities, from showers, toilets, a shop for supplies and even fast WiFi. And the pitches are fully services with electric hookup, water and waste.

Discovery Yukon Lodging also have options for those not in an RV. Check out these cute lodges and the larger motel rooms. If you stay here, please let the owner Amanda know you booked it through my website, she’s a fantastic host.

If you prefer a hotel to spend the night, here are a few hotels in the area to make the most of your time here.

If you’d rather pick your own place to stay, you can browse all the hotels on Booking or Expedia and choose the one that suits you best.

Parkside Inn (Rated 9.5/10)

Alcan Motor Inn (Rated 8.4/10)

Travelling on a budget? Check out all the other hotels on Booking or Expedia

Kluane Lake and Driving the Alaska Highway

Keep heading west along the Alaska Highway, and you’ll follow the edge of Kluane Lake. It’s the largest lake in the Yukon.

Silver City makes for a quirky stop. There are old cabins left behind from a mini gold rush settlement, with views across the Slims River Valley.

Just down the road, you have Christmas Creek where in autumn the trees light up in reds and yellows, making it one of the best photo spots on the highway. Sadly, the weather came in for us, but perhaps you’ll have more luck. In winter, it becomes a winter wonderland, with the snow falling.

Right between Christmas Creek and Congdon Creek, you should also stop at Thachàl Dhâl (also called Sheep Mountain) if you’re feeling active there’s a gorgeous (yes, quite steep) hike and you get incredible views over Kluane Lake. If you plan on hiking the trail, plan at least a few hours, because the whole trail takes 8 hours (it’s about 9.5 miles long).

On a clear day, Kluane Lake is one of the most stunning spots in the Yukon, so make sure you allow some time.

Next up, Burwash Landing, which has a small wildlife and First Nations museum (Kluane Museum of History). Plus, a massive gold pan is right here, sitting outside (you can’t miss it). The exterior looks quite modest, but it’s really interesting.

Pro tip: stop at the Kluane Energy Gas Station, Store & Cafe for great food, friendly service and supplies. We loved stopping here on the way out and way back, and they even have super-fast WiFi!

Take a scenic flight

If you really want to see the true scale of Kluane National Park, take a flightseeing tour with Rocking Star Adventures. They’re another great local operator based in Burwash Landing and Haines Junction. They fly on the small Cessna and Piper aircraft over the massive glaciers and peaks.

You can pick from short 45-minute flights to 2-hour tours, including the Lowell & Dusty Glacier, Pinnacle Peak, or the longer Logan Super Tour that circles Mount Logan itself.

The pilots share stories about the glaciers around, the wildlife, and history as you fly. It’s easily the best way (other than the car) to see how wild and untouched the Yukon is.

There are a couple of reliable rest areas around. Congdon Creek Campground is handy for lunch or a coffee break, while Destruction Bay and Burwash Landing both have petrol.

Stay at Discovery Yukon Lodgings

Many travellers spend the night at Discovery Yukon Lodgings, whether in an RV or travelling by car. It’s both a lodge and a campground, and has motel-style suites. You can see from the photo below what an incredible location it is. On clear nights, you can often catch the aurora. Please tell Amanda the owner you found them from my website!

Where to Stay in Kluane Lake

Like I said above, Discovery Yukon Lodgings is a fantastic place to spend the night, but again, if you want some other options try Talbot Arm Motel. There aren’t many other places to sleep, so I recommend booking as soon as possible.

Talbot Arm Motel (Rated 8/10)

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Beaver Creek

If you want to push your road trip around Yukon further, another 60 km brings you to Beaver Creek, Canada’s most westerly community. It’s tiny (only about 100 residents) but has a couple of claims to fame.

Right around the corner is Snag Lake, this is where the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada was measured: -63°C back in 1947!

On a less chilly note, Buckshot Betty’s is a café and pub that doubles as a bit of a Yukon institution. There’s also a visitor centre which is well worth a stop to learn a little bit more about the town.

Did you know? Each Visitor Centre in the Yukon gives away free stickers and there are 6 to collect. I’ve managed 4 so far…

The Alaska Border

We made it as far as the Alaska border, without passing immigration. This is where you may want to continue into Alaska and along the Top of the World Highway if the roads and crossings are open.

Please note; if you travel to the border sign pictured below, you won’t pass immigration, but you do pass a customs check coming back into the Yukon. They will most likely ask you for your passport and check how long you spent in Alaska. We just explained that we went to the sign and we were on our way.

Return Journey Towards Whitehorse

For us this was where we headed back to Whitehorse. This turned out to be a stroke of luck for us, as on the way out the weather was terrible. But we lucked out on the way back!

Turning back east on the Alaska Highway, keep an eye out for wildlife, especially if you leave early. Early mornings are best for spotting moose, bears, and caribou by the roadside. Yes, mornings are cold, but this is worth it.

If you’re in an RV then just outside of Whitehorse is Hi Country RV Park. It’s one of the most used in the area. It’s simple but does the job, with showers, WiFi, laundry, and enough space for larger vehicles.

Southern Lakes Region

The last stop on this road trip to the Yukon is the Southern Lakes Region. You’ll want to save a whole day for it, as it runs south of Whitehorse and ties together a mix of landscapes and small communities.

Carcross is the main stop, about an hour from the capital. On the way you’ll pass the stunning Emerald Lake. Even if it’s not in the GPS, as soon as you see it you’ll want to stop! Emerald Lake is famous for its swirls of green and turquoise. There’s no entrance fee, just a pull-off by the road and a quick photo.

Right after that, you’ll find the Carcross Desert, often called the “world’s smallest desert.” It’s more like a sandy playground, but still a fun oddity to tick off. And if you visit during the winter, it’ll be covered in snow!

Back to Carcross, allow a few hours to explore here. The town has deep First Nations roots, and you’ll see that reflected in the artwork around the Carcross Commons and the DaKu Centre.

There’s also a carving shed where master carver Keith Wolfe Smarch works. He’s created pieces for everyone from local clans to visiting royalty.

Carcross sits right on another stunning lake; Bennett Lake, with its white-sand beach. Then you have the historic train station used by the White Pass and Yukon Route railway, which once connected the Yukon to Alaska during the gold rush.

The White Pass and Yukon Route, built in 1898, is an Internaional Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (that’s a mouthful!). This is something it shares with the Panama Canal, Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty.

“You know your lucks in when one of the most famous trains in Canada has been especially charted on the day you visit. This was a very rare and special opportunity, and we didn’t let it go to waste.”

Finally, stop by the Matthew Bennett General Store. It has some quirky gifts, a Carcross stamp and it’s the oldest continuously operated store in the Yukon.

The loop circles back past Tagish and Marsh Lakes, both of which are calm and scenic. On a still day, the reflections on the water are unreal.

Following that we headed back to Whitehorse to finish our epic road trip. However, I’ve put some options for where to stay in Carcross. If you can, it’s definitely worth spending more time here.

Where to Stay in Carcross

If you’re not travelling back to Whitehorse, Carcross is probably a good option to spend the night in this part of Yukon.

If you’d rather pick your own place to stay, you can browse all the hotels on Booking or Expedia and choose the one that suits you best.

Luxury: Boréale Ranch (Rated 9.8/10)

Mid-range: Cabins Over Crag Lake (Rated 9.3/10)

Budget: Private Lakefront Cabin with Mountain Views (Rated 9.6/10)

Travelling on a budget? Check out all the other hotels on Booking or Expedia

Travel Tips for Yukon

A road trip to Yukon is straightforward, especially with the list above. But it does come with its quirks. The distances, the weather, even the way campgrounds work can catch people out.

Here are a few simple tips that’ll save you stress and help you enjoy the drive a whole lot more.

Distances Are Longer Than They Look

Maps can be misleading in the Yukon. A town that looks close on the map might still be two or three hours’ drive away.

The highways are generally in good condition with a few spots in need of repair. Keep your eyes peeled as you can suddenly hit some bumpy patches. Beware that there are long stretches with no services, few passing lanes, and wildlife wandering across the road.

Plan extra time for each leg of your trip, especially if you like to stop for photos or short walks, because you will.

Fuel Up Whenever You Can

Petrol stations in the Yukon aren’t like in big cities where you’ll find one every few minutes.

You might go hundreds of kilometres without seeing a pump. Some stations also keep odd opening hours, and not all accept cards.

The rule of thumb is simple: if you see a station, fill up, even if your tank is half full. It’s much better than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no signal.

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The Weather Changes Fast

A charming feature of the Yukon is how quickly the weather changes, for better or worse. Kluane National Park has a mind of its own when it comes to weather. You can start the morning in sunshine, hit rain by midday, and find yourself in snow at higher elevations…all in the same day!

Bring plenty of layers, waterproofs, and decent shoes, even if the forecast looks clear. It’s better to peel clothes off than to shiver on the trail. Locals might tell you: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.”

Campgrounds Are Often Cash Only

Many Yukon campgrounds still run on an old-school honour system. You arrive, pick a site, then drop your fee in an envelope at the entrance.

The catch is they usually only take cash, and exact change if you have it. Keep some coins and small notes in your car so you don’t get caught short.

ATMs aren’t always available, and you’ll want that cash for firewood or other small extras too.

Conclusion – Road Trip Yukon

If ever there was a destination that was a little bit of me, it’s the Yukon. And it’s probably a bit of you as well. It’s wild, rough and so very vast. I loved my itinerary to the Yukon. I said at the start the slogan ‘Larger than Life’ is great, but in truth that doesn’t cover it.

This is Canada’s much bigger, more rugged and far wilder older brother. The one who lives up north that no one talks about. Not yet, but they will so get in quick.