Whitehorse travel Guide

Whitehorse travel guide

National Airports

The main airport in Whitehorse, Canada is Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). It is located about 7 km from downtown Whitehorse and is the only airport in the city that offers commercial flights. The airport serves several airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air North, and offers flights to destinations throughout Canada and the United States.

Trains in Whitehorse

There is currently no passenger train service in Whitehorse, Yukon. The closest train station is in Skagway, Alaska, which is approximately 170 kilometers south of Whitehorse. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad offers scenic train rides from Skagway through the mountains and wilderness of the region. However, there are no trains that connect Skagway to Whitehorse, so visitors would need to arrange transportation by bus, car or shuttle to travel between the two locations. Additionally, there are no local commuter trains in Whitehorse. The primary mode of transportation within the city is by car, taxi or bus.

Buses in Whitehorse

Whitehorse Transit is the public bus service that operates within the city of Whitehorse. The service has a fleet of buses that operate on various routes throughout the city from early morning to late evening on weekdays, and reduced schedules on weekends and holidays. The bus fares are affordable and the service is reliable. The buses are equipped with bike racks, wheelchair accessibility, and GPS tracking system to ensure efficient and convenient transportation for everyone.

In addition to Whitehorse Transit, there are also intercity bus services that operate from Whitehorse to other destinations in the Yukon and northern British Columbia, such as Dawson City, Haines Junction, and Atlin. These services are provided by companies such as Greyhound and Husky Bus. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the Whitehorse Bus Depot, which is located downtown.

How to get to Whitehorse

Whitehorse is located in the Yukon Territory in northern Canada and is accessible by air, road, and ferry. Here are some options to get to Whitehorse:

By air: The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) is the main airport in the city, with regular flights to major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. Air Canada, WestJet, and Air North are the main airlines that operate in Whitehorse. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to get to their destination.

By road: The Alaska Highway (Highway 1) connects Whitehorse to British Columbia and Alaska. The drive from Vancouver to Whitehorse is approximately 1,500 km and takes about 24 hours. Visitors can also reach Whitehorse from other parts of the Yukon and northern British Columbia via the Klondike Highway (Highway 2) or the Campbell Highway (Highway 4).

By ferry: Visitors can take a ferry from Skagway, Alaska to Haines, Alaska, and then drive or take a bus to Whitehorse. The ferry operates from late May to early October, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Overall, visitors to Whitehorse have several options for getting to the city, depending on their location and travel preferences.

What is the best time to travel to Whitehorse

The best time to travel to Whitehorse depends on the activities you are interested in and your personal preferences. Here is a breakdown of the weather and activities during each season:

Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit Whitehorse, as the weather is warm and sunny with long days (up to 24 hours of daylight in June). This is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking. Additionally, there are several festivals and events that take place during the summer, including the Yukon River Quest, Dawson City Music Festival, and the Discovery Days Festival.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Whitehorse as the leaves change color and the landscapes become very scenic. The weather is cooler, and the days get shorter, but it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. This is also a great time to view the Northern Lights.

Winter (December to February): Winter is a popular time to visit Whitehorse for those interested in winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. The weather is cold and snowy, with long nights (up to 20 hours of darkness in December) and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a transitional season in Whitehorse, with cold weather and snow in March, but warming temperatures in April and May. This is a good time to visit for those interested in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. As the snow melts, the rivers and lakes become accessible for kayaking and fishing.

Overall, the best time to travel to Whitehorse depends on your interests and what activities you want to do. Summer is the most popular season, but the other seasons have unique experiences to offer as well.

How to get around Whitehorse

There are several ways to get around Whitehorse, depending on your preferences and needs:

Public transportation: The Whitehorse Transit is the city’s public bus system that operates throughout the day on weekdays and reduced schedules on weekends and holidays. The buses are equipped with bike racks, wheelchair accessibility, and GPS tracking system for convenient and efficient transportation around the city.

Taxis: There are several taxi companies operating in Whitehorse, which provide on-demand transportation within the city. Taxis can be hailed on the street or reserved in advance.

Rental cars: Visitors can rent cars from the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport or from rental car agencies in the city center. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas on your own schedule.

Biking: Whitehorse has several bike trails and lanes throughout the city, making biking a great way to get around during the summer months.

Walking: Whitehorse is a small city, and many of the main attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.

Overall, visitors to Whitehorse have several options for getting around the city, depending on their preferences and needs.

Accommodations in Whitehorse

Whitehorse offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some options:

Hotels: There are several hotels in Whitehorse, ranging from budget to luxury options. Many of the hotels are located in the city center, making them convenient for exploring the city on foot. Some popular hotel chains in Whitehorse include Coast High Country Inn, Best Western Gold Rush Inn, and Ramada by Wyndham.

Bed and Breakfasts: Whitehorse has several bed and breakfasts located throughout the city. These offer a cozy and homey atmosphere, along with personalized service and a chance to meet other travelers.

Campgrounds: There are several campgrounds located in and around Whitehorse for those interested in camping and RVing. Some popular campgrounds include Hi Country RV Park, Wolf Creek Campground, and Caribou RV Park.

Cabins and cottages: There are several cabins and cottages located in and around Whitehorse for those interested in a more rustic experience. These offer a chance to experience the great outdoors while still having some modern amenities.

Hostels: Whitehorse has a few hostels located in the city center, which offer affordable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers.

Overall, visitors to Whitehorse have several options for accommodation, depending on their preferences and budget. It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially during the peak travel season.