In The Footsteps of Yukon Pioneers - Enthusiasts 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. 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 give 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.
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
- 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
- Visit Tombstone Territorial Park - once inhabited by Ice Age giants like mammoths and scimitar cats
- Following the general path of the Mackenzie River, Canada’s longest waterway, continue north to edge of the Arctic Circle
- Experience the unique food, crafts, artistic expressions and skills that have enabled the Inuit people to prosper in extreme conditions for thousands of years
- 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 Lake to Faro
- Day 4 - Faro to Dawson City
- Day 5 - Dawson City to Eagle Plains
- Day 6 - Eagle Plains to Inuvik
- Day 7 - Inuvik
- Day 8 - Inuvik to Eagle Plains
- Day 9 - Eagle Plains to Dawson City
- Day 10 - Dawson City to Beaver Creek
- Day 11 - Beaver Creek to Haines Junction
- Day 12 - Haines Junction to Whitehorse
- Day 13 - Whitehorse
- Day 14 - End of Tour
- 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: RoCoast High Country Inn
This quiet downtown location is right next to Jim Light Park and within walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Main Street. Not to mention we’re just a block away from the famous Yukon River. We have a range of well-appointed, recently renovated rooms for you to choose from, including Jacuzzi, kitchenette, and pet-friendly options.
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: RoA Nice Motel
A Nice Motel is located in beautiful downtown Watson Lake, Yukon. Watson Lake is home of the famous Signpost Forest, the incredible Northern Lights Space and Science Centre and gateway to the exciting history and breathtaking scenery of Yukon.Situated in the rolling hills of southeast Yukon, Watson Lake offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it be quiet trails, fishing, white water canoeing, horseback riding, or a chance to slide on the only man-made water slide north of 60°, Watson Lake is the place to do it.
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. Arriving in Faro, this small town set under the gaze of the mountains invites travellers to visit the Campbell Region Interpretative Centre to learn about the history and geography of the surrounding area. Visitors may also enjoy a visit to the former lead-zinc mine – once the largest producer in the world. Overnight in Faro.
Meals Included: RoFaro Studio Hotel
All rooms are studio suites with full kitchen facilities and private bathrooms with tub and shower. Fully licensed lounge and restaurant.
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. Arriving in Faro, this small town set under the gaze of the mountains invites travellers to visit the Campbell Region Interpretative Centre to learn about the history and geography of the surrounding area. Visitors may also enjoy a visit to the former lead-zinc mine – once the largest producer in the world. Overnight in Faro.
Meals Included: RoWestmark Inn Dawson City
Unwind in Dawson City’s premier hotel, the Westmark Inn Dawson City offers travelers spacious and comfortable accommodations with warm northern hospitality in the middle of the Yukon Territory. Ranked #1 of all Dawson City hotels and winner of the 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, the Westmark Inn is situated in the heart of downtown and is open mid-May through mid-September. The hotel features 177 turn-of-the-century rooms, perfect for large or small parties.
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.
Meals Included: RoEagle Plains Hotel
An Oasis in the Wilderness only 35 km from the Arctic Circle, midway between Dawson City and Inuvik. Indulge in abundant nature acticities including wilderness hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, rock-hounding and river expeditions.
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.
Meals Included: RoCapital Suites Inuvik
Whether your travel takes you to Inuvik for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, Capital Suites Inuvik is your home away from home.Conveniently located in the heart of Inuvik, our suites offer comfortable furniture, flat screen TVs and fully-equipped kitchens. Complimentary wireless Internet enables you to stay connected anywhere in your room. Wheelchair access to the building and elevators provide easy access to our three room floors, all of which are 100% smoke free. In the summer, air-conditioning units enable guests to set their own room temperature, or open a window and cool off with a fresh northern breeze.
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.
Meals Included: RoCapital Suites Inuvik
Whether your travel takes you to Inuvik for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, Capital Suites Inuvik is your home away from home.Conveniently located in the heart of Inuvik, our suites offer comfortable furniture, flat screen TVs and fully-equipped kitchens. Complimentary wireless Internet enables you to stay connected anywhere in your room. Wheelchair access to the building and elevators provide easy access to our three room floors, all of which are 100% smoke free. In the summer, air-conditioning units enable guests to set their own room temperature, or open a window and cool off with a fresh northern breeze.
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.
Meals Included: RoEagle Plains Hotel
An Oasis in the Wilderness only 35 km from the Arctic Circle, midway between Dawson City and Inuvik. Indulge in abundant nature acticities including wilderness hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, rock-hounding and river expeditions.
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.
Meals Included: RoWestmark Inn Dawson City
Unwind in Dawson City’s premier hotel, the Westmark Inn Dawson City offers travelers spacious and comfortable accommodations with warm northern hospitality in the middle of the Yukon Territory. Ranked #1 of all Dawson City hotels and winner of the 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, the Westmark Inn is situated in the heart of downtown and is open mid-May through mid-September. The hotel features 177 turn-of-the-century rooms, perfect for large or small parties.
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.
Ferry crossing – Dawson City (Yukon River)
Meals Included: RoDiscovery Yukon Lodgings
Discovery Yukon Lodgings has been described by guests, as an oasis of green and wildflowers. We are an eco-tourism destination nestled at the foothills of Kluane Park Preserve, at Km 1818 Alaska Highway. Located 50km southeast of Beaver Creek, midway between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska. Discovery Yukon Lodgings provides a variety of accommodation options from handcrafted log cabins, queen size motel rooms, full service RV and tent sites with a variety of facilities. We consider ourselves a favourite destination for many travelers and not simply a stop along the route between Whitehorse, Yukon and Anchorage, as well as the major cities in Alaska
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: RoRaven Hotel
The Raven Hotel is located in the beautiful community of Haines Junction, in southwest Yukon. The hotel is strategically located a few steps from the town's amenities, including the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre, the Recreation Complex, and the St. Elias Convention Centre. You will thrill at the beauty that abounds right outside the door of your hotel room. Enjoy great photo opportunities, hiking, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing, whatever your adventurous heart desires. At The Raven Hotel, you will experience small-town charm with warm and personal service. Relax in the refined comfort of one of the 12 en-suite rooms, each with direct outdoor access. All rooms offer private bathroom, telephone, satellite TV, flat screen TVs and FREE wireless internet. We also provide a complimentary continental breakfast to start your day! Whether you are planning a romantic get-away, a business conference or just a great Yukon adventure, you can expect upscale convenience and modern elegance at The Raven Hotel.
Departing for Whitehorse, stop midway at the village of Champagne where ancient local culture comes to life on your Long Ago People’s Place First Nations Guided Tour. Visit the traditional living structures of a First Nations Village and be amazed by demonstrations of hunting practises and food preparation that were practised for centuries by the original inhabitants of the area. Tour includes tea and traditional bannock break. Overnight in Whitehorse.
Meals Included: RoCoast High Country Inn
This quiet downtown location is right next to Jim Light Park and within walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Main Street. Not to mention we’re just a block away from the famous Yukon River. We have a range of well-appointed, recently renovated rooms for you to choose from, including Jacuzzi, kitchenette, and pet-friendly options.
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: RoCoast High Country Inn
This quiet downtown location is right next to Jim Light Park and within walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Main Street. Not to mention we’re just a block away from the famous Yukon River. We have a range of well-appointed, recently renovated rooms for you to choose from, including Jacuzzi, kitchenette, and pet-friendly options.
Today your Yukon experience comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and proceed independently to the airport.
Meals Included: Ro
YOUR FLY / DRIVE INCLUDES
-Accommodation for 13 nights
-Ferry crossing – Day 6 Dawson City (Yukon River)
-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 transfers
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Car rental, taxes and insurance
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