Essence of the Yukon & Inuvik
self drive tour
The circular route from Whitehorse exploring the modern and ancient cultures of the Yukon provides the perfect introduction to northern Canada for travellers who wish to discover the beauty of this rugged and historic region. Travel into the true edge of civilization to Eagle Plains and Inuvik on the cusp of the Arctic Circle, providing a glimpse into life at the top of the world. Hidden gems such as Tombstone National Park and the long horizons of the Dempster Highway provide an authentic itinerary other tours don’t offer. A day in famous Dawson City gives visitors a chance to perhaps pan for gold, while the wilds of Kluane National Park entice outdoor adventurers to explore seldom seen trails, lakes and forests.
Click here to check out more holidays in Canada.
Your Itinerary
-
Day 1
-
Day 2
-
Day 3
-
Day 4
-
Day 5
-
Day 6
-
Day 7
-
Day 8
-
Day 9
-
Day 10
-
Day 11
-
Day 12
-
Day 13
-
Day 14
-
Day 15-16
Day 1 : UK - Arrival In Whitehorse
Arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory, collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel. This northern city offers all the modern conveniences and amenities, as well as the historical and cultural remnants of the days of the Gold Rush. Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 2 : Whitehorse To Watson Lake (438 Km)
Departing eastward along the Alaska Highway into the interior of the Yukon, pass through small towns and villages that have carved unique communities out of a rugged wilderness. Arriving in Watson Lake, take some time to visit the ‘signpost forest’ – a collection of over 10,000 signposts donated by visitors from around the world, or the World War II historical display at the airport. Overnight in Watson Lake.
Day 3 : Watson Lake to Carmacks (584 Km)
Turning northward on to the Campbell Highway, follow the path of several rivers and long lakes, many only previously seen by the most avid outdoorsman. If time permits, stop in Faro to visit the Campbell Region Interpretative Centre and learn about the history and geography of the surrounding area. Arrive in Carmacks later in the day for an evening at leisure.
Overnight in Carmacks.
Day 4 : Carmacks To Dawson City (355 Km)
Journeying farther northward, you embark on a day of discovery travelling through the wilderness of the Yukon heartland, home to large mammals such as moose, caribou and grizzly bears. Later in the day, arrive in the famous former prospector town of Dawson City. Perhaps visit one of the local eateries, serving up everything from hardy frontier fare, to tastes of the Far East.
Overnight in Dawson City.
Day 5 : Dawson City To Eagle Plains (531 Km)
Today you embark on a true Yukon journey. Striking out into the province’s heart, the stark flatlands are intersected by the Dempster Highway and Mount Richardson in the background creating a haunting beauty that is unique from southern regions. Today is an excellent opportunity for a visit to Tombstone Territorial Park. Once inhabited by Ice Age giants like mammoths and scimitar cats, today it’s still home to numerous northern species like grizzly, caribou and wolves.
Overnight in Eagle Plains.
Day 6 : Eagle Plains To Inuvik (405 Km)
Following the general path of the Mackenzie River, Canada’s longest waterway, continue north to edge of the Arctic Circle! The town of Inuvik rests in the watershed of the river as it empties out into the Arctic ocean, creating a unique landscape that defines the culture and art of the Inuit people. Overnight in Inuvik.
Day 7 : Inuvik
One of Canada’s oldest nations, the Inuit people have survived in this harsh climate for thousands of years. Experience the unique food, crafts, artistic expressions and skills that have enabled them to prosper in this far northern community.
Overnight in Inuvik.
Day 8 : Inuvik To Eagle Plains (365 Km)
The road back to Eagle Plains is no less stunning on your return. Perhaps stop at Fort McPherson and see the historic churches that serviced the early traders and pioneers of the Hudson’s Bay Company. In these early days, the special pelts and animal products of the region were highly prized in Europe, making such northern outposts profitable ventures.
Overnight in Eagle Plains.
Day 9 : Eagle Plains To Dawson City (408 Km)
Today on the road back south, perhaps take some time to drop in at the Tombstone Territorial Park Visitor centre and learn about the park’s unique history while sampling some delicious local tea. If time permits in Dawson, the Bonanza Creek with Discovery Claim and Dredge 4 National Historic Site provides an in-depth look into the industry that made the town famous. The Midnight Dome offers dramatic views of the town at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers.
Overnight in Dawson City.
Day 10 : Dawson City To Beaver Creek (434 Km)
Beginning with a short crossing of the Yukon River by ferry, today your journey takes you along a picturesque route following the Top of the World Highway and the Taylor Highway as it traverses the wilds of Yukon over the international border to Alaska, USA. The small crossroads town of Chicken provides the ideal midway point to stop and experience a slice of local life. Continue on as you loop back south back into Canada and arrive in the small town of Beaver Creek for the evening.
Overnight in the Beaver Creek area.
Day 11 : Beaver Creek To Haines Junction (291 Km)
Today’s shorter driving distance back on the Alaska Highway allows time to independently explore natural wonders such as the shores of Lake Kluane, or the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains of spectacular Kluane National Park. Well-marked hiking trails and scenic viewpoints showcase some of the unique landscape of these protected parklands. Arrive later in Haines Junction and perhaps take some time to explore the First Nations Daku Cultural Centre, a highlight of this frontier town.
Overnight in Haines Junction.
Day 12 : Haine’s Junction
A day free at leisure is a good opportunity to explore the village. Perhaps pay a visit to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' Da Kų Cultural Centre, an interactive living museum that celebrates the history, culture and art of the Indigenous people of the area. Afterwards, perhaps drop by the St. Elias Convention Centre to see the permanent and rotating collection of art, reflecting the modern interpretations of local and recent artists. Overnight in Haines Junction.
Day 13 : Haines Junction To Whitehorse (154 Km)
A short drive to Whitehorse today leaves ample time to check into your hotel and independently explore this frontier town that has grown up into a northern hub city of commerce, industry and tourism.
Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 14 : Whitehorse
The day is free to independently discover why Whitehorse has cultivated a name as the Yukon’s hub of local guided and independent sightseeing and local touring activities. We suggest taking a daytrip to remote Skagway, or to visit some of the local sites such as the SS Klondike, Beringia Centre, the Transportation Museum or the MacBride Museum.
Overnight in Whitehorse.
Day 15-16 : Whitehorse Departure - Arrive UK
Today your Yukon experience comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and return your car at the airport in time to check-in for your homeward flight
