In The Footsteps of Yukon Pioneers Self Drive
Whitehorse, YT
From the echoes of the Gold Rush to the new world of ecotourism, this northern wonderland offers something different for the inquisitive traveller on a circular route from Whitehorse to Whitehorse. A day in famous Dawson City give visitors a chance to perhaps pan for gold, while the wilds of Kluane National Park entice outdoor adventures to explore seldom seen trails, lakes and forests.
Highlights
- Explore ‘signpost forest’ – a collection of over 10,000 signposts donated by visitors from around the world.
- Discover the excitement of the Gold Rush days gone by as Dawson City comes alive with period to give visitors a taste of the past.
- Drive through the picturesque Top of the World Highway and the Taylor Highway as it traverses the wilds of Yukon over the international border to Alaska, USA.
- Independently explore natural wonders such as the shores of Lake Kluane, or the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains.
- Turn back to the clock with demonstrations of centuries-old of hunting practises and on Long Ago People’s Place First Nations Guided Tour in Champagne.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Whitehorse
- Day 2 - Whitehorse to Watson Lake
- Day 3 - Watson to Carmacks
- Day 4 - Carmacks to Dawson
- Day 5 - Dawson City
- Day 6 - Dawson City to Tok
- Day 7 - Tok to Haines Junction
- Day 8 - Haines Junction
- Day 9 - Haines Junction to Whitehorse
- Day 10 - Whitehorse
- Day 11 - End of self drive
- Additional Information
Arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. 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.
Meals Included: RoBest Western Gold Rush Inn
Property Location Located in Whitehorse, Best Western Gold Rush Inn is minutes from MacBride Museum of Yukon History and close to S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. This eco-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
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.
Meals Included: RoAir Force Lodge
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
Meals Included: RoHotel Carmacks
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.
Meals Included: RoMidnight Sun, A Coast Hotel
The day is yours to independently discover the excitement of the Gold Rush days gone by as the town comes alive with period actors on local walking tours, historical buildings and interactive gold-panning stations that give visitors a taste of the past. 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
Meals Included: RoMidnight Sun, A Coast Hotel
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 go west arrice in the small town of Tok for the evening
Meals Included: RoThree Bears Tok Motel
The Three Bears Tok Motel is a family owned establishment. Friendly staff is ready to serve you with affordable rooms that are extra clean and feature all of your standard motel amenities. The motel is conveniently located in downtown Tok, within walking distance of a restaurant, bar, post office, and grocery store. Whether sightseeing in Alaska or just passing through, choose Three Bears Tok Motel. Room Check-In is 8:00am-11:00pm daily.
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.
Meals Included: RoDalton Trail Lodge
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
Meals Included: RoDalton Trail Lodge
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
Meals Included: RoBest Western Gold Rush Inn
Property Location Located in Whitehorse, Best Western Gold Rush Inn is minutes from MacBride Museum of Yukon History and close to S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. This eco-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
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
Meals Included: RoBest Western Gold Rush Inn
Property Location Located in Whitehorse, Best Western Gold Rush Inn is minutes from MacBride Museum of Yukon History and close to S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. This eco-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
Today your Yukon experience comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and proceed independently to the airport
Meals Included: RoDaily departures: May 12 - August 18
Your Fly/Drive Includes:
-Accommodation for 9 nights.
-Claim 33 Gold Panning
-Ferry crossing.
-A personalised Jonview Canada Roadbook containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides and customised day-by-day routing maps
-Provincial Taxes and Federal GST.
NOT INCLUDED:
-Airport transfer.
-Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified.
-Car rental, taxes and insurance.