Yukon Territory
Go for mountain wilderness, long summer days, gold rush history and a chance to see the northern lights in winter.
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Yukon Territory is a large region in northwest Canada, bordered by Alaska to the west, British Columbia to the south and the Northwest Territories to the east. Its capital, Whitehorse, sits on the Yukon River and is the usual starting point for a visit. Kluane National Park and Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects mountains that include Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan.
Gold rush history runs through the territory. The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 to 1899 drew prospectors north, and towns such as Dawson City still show that era. First Nations have lived here for thousands of years, and their communities remain part of the territory's life and events. Summer brings long daylight and open roads, roughly June to August, while winter brings cold air and a chance to see the northern lights. Most trips suit travelers who want road trips, wildlife and quiet country. Distances are long, so plan at least a week to see more than one area.
Yukon Territory in five
- Get an eTA before you fly inVisitors from many countries need an eTA when flying to Canada, and they apply online before departure. US citizens do not need one.Visas and entry
- Check Yukon 511 before any drive out of WhitehorseGravel stretches and wildlife on the road are normal on the Klondike and Alaska highways. Check road conditions for your route on the day you drive.
- Carry bear spray on trails outside townBlack and grizzly bears live across the territory, including near trailheads. Learn how to use the spray before you need it.
- Set up offline maps before the highwaysPhone signal drops out along the highways and in remote valleys. Download offline maps in Whitehorse and carry a paper map as backup.Phones and eSIM
- Book Kluane and Dawson City tours earlySummer is the busiest season for tours, so book them before you arrive.Tours and tickets
Things to do in Yukon Territory
See all attractions in Yukon Territory
Need to know
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Entry
- US citizens need no eTA; many other visitors flying in need one Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- 15 to 20% in restaurants; not expected elsewhere
- Time
- UTC-7, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, dark
- FebruaryCold, lights
- MarchCold, sun returns
- AprilThaw, quiet
- MaySpring thaw
- JuneLong days
- JulyWarm, long days
- AugustWarm, lights return
- SeptemberAutumn color
- OctoberCold, lights
- NovemberDark, quiet
- DecemberCold, dark
Right now in Yukon Territory
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
-8
- Feels like
- -12°
- Humidity
- 93%
- Wind
- 3 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 29%
Yukon Territory
01:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today-3°-9°29%Monday: Cloudy. High -3°, Low -9°. Chance of rain 29%.
- Tue-3°-8°2%Tuesday: Cloudy. High -3°, Low -8°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed-2°-8°17%Wednesday: Snow. High -2°, Low -8°. Chance of rain 17%.
- Thu0°-10°59%Thursday: Snow. High 0°, Low -10°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Fri-5°-10°24%Friday: Snow. High -5°, Low -10°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Sat-4°-10°8%Saturday: Fog. High -4°, Low -10°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sun-7°-11°21%Sunday: Snow. High -7°, Low -11°. Chance of rain 21%.
Updated 10:35 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.397 CAD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Carcrossabout 1 hour by roadSmall lakeside village with a historic train station.
- Haines Junctionabout 2 hours by roadStarting point for Kluane National Park and the Alaska Highway.
- Dawson Cityabout 6 to 7 hours by roadGold rush town on the Yukon River, reached by the Klondike Highway.
Before you go to Yukon Territory
Rules for Yukon Territory, checked
- Declare any firearm or weapon to the CBSA at the border; import rules are strict and vary by item.Source
- Store food and scented items in a vehicle or a bear-proof container, since loose food can draw bears into camp.
- Check Yukon 511 for highway conditions before any drive outside Whitehorse, since gravel stretches and closures change with the season.
Plan around Yukon Territory
Yukon's capital, the riverfront and the SS Klondike
Read the guideGetting around the YukonHighways, car hire and the long drives between towns
Read the guideVisas and entry rulesEntry requirements, the eTA and border paperwork
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, cash and typical prices in Whitehorse
Read the guidePhones and eSIMCoverage gaps on the highways and remote stretches
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for road trips and remote-area delays
Read the guideYukon Territory FAQ
When is the best time to visit the Yukon?
June to August for long days and open highways. September brings autumn color, and the northern lights show on dark nights from late August into April.
Do you need a car in Whitehorse?
Not in town, since downtown is walkable and local buses run. A car or a tour is needed for Kluane and most highway sights.
How many days do you need in the Yukon?
Three days covers Whitehorse and Carcross. A week fits Whitehorse, Kluane and a Dawson City side trip on the Klondike Highway.
Can you see the northern lights from Whitehorse?
Yes, on clear dark nights from late August to April. Drive a short way out of town to get away from street lights.
Is Dawson City a day trip from Whitehorse?
It is a long day, about 530 km by the Klondike Highway. A night in Dawson City gives time for the old town and the river.