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Yukon River
Yukon
The Basics
The Yukon River flows through a vast array of mountain ranges, valleys, remote towns, and native villages. Most Yukon River tours head out from Whitehorse, the capital city of Canada’s Yukon Territory, or Fairbanks, Alaska. Choose between half-day canoe trips and river boat cruises or multi-day adventure tours which also include scenic flights, wildlife viewing, and more.
If you’re short on time, you can also catch great views of the river near Whitehorse at Miles Canyon, the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, and along the Whitehorse Millenium Trail.
8-12 Hour Private Arctic Circle Experience in Alaska with Lunch
$449.50 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Journey to the Arctic Circle
We thoroughly enjoyed the journey up to the Arctic Circle. Dave our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Alaska landscape, environment and ecosystem. He shared stories about the history and answered our questions along the way stopping at interesting areas as we drove. Even though it was a long day the scenery and information made the day enjoyable.
Theresa_J, Jul 2023
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Yukon River is a relatively mild river with few rapids.
- For river tours, don’t forget to pack extra layers, raingear, and mosquito repellent.
- Yukon River canoe trips are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Whitehorse is located in Canada’s most northwestern territory, the Yukon, 109 miles (175 kilometers) north of Skagway, Alaska. Flights are available to Whitehorse from Vancouver, Calgary, and other major Canadian cities. If driving, the Alaska-Canada Highway passes through Whitehorse from its junction outside of Fairbanks, Alaska to Dawson Creek in Canada’s British Columbia.
When to Get There
July and August are the best months for canoeing and cruising the Yukon River. The current can be swift during early summer and the river freezes during the winter. August tends to be a good month for wildlife viewing and the Chinook salmon begin running the river in late June.
The S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Situated on the banks of the Yukon River just outside downtown Whitehorse, the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the river’s gold rush history. This historic sternwheeler once moved ore and other goods up and down the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City before the highway was built. Today, the sternwheeler has been completely restored and serves as a museum to the Yukon’s riverboat era.
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