YukonHistory & culture
Whitehorse & Miles Canyon Sightseeing Tour
The Yukon River, gold rush history and northern wilderness near Whitehorse.
Day tours in Yukon
Whitehorse, the Yukon River and northern wilderness.
The best day tour in the Yukon on BookTours.ca is the Whitehorse and Miles Canyon Sightseeing Tour, a half-day outing of roughly three to four hours that explores Whitehorse, the territorial capital, and the basalt gorge of Miles Canyon on the Yukon River.
Whitehorse sits on the Yukon River and is the largest community in the territory. It grew with the Klondike Gold Rush and later with the Alaska Highway, and it is the usual starting point for exploring the north. The surrounding landscape of boreal forest, rivers and mountains gives even a short city tour a strong sense of place in the north.
The sightseeing tour combines the town with Miles Canyon, a narrow gorge where the Yukon River was once a challenging stretch for gold-rush travellers. It is a relaxed introduction to the territory's history and scenery that fits a short stay. With long summer days, a half-day tour leaves plenty of daylight to explore more on your own afterward, whether that means museums, trails or the riverfront.
The tour in Yukon
Planning your day tour in Yukon
Best time to go
Summer has very long daylight hours and comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing. Winters are cold and dark, though they bring a chance of aurora and different seasonal activities.
Getting there and around
Whitehorse has an airport with connections to southern Canada and is the main transport hub of the territory. Distances to other communities are long, so tours from the city are the practical way to see nearby sights.
Quick tips
- Layer up in every season, since temperatures can swing widely.
- In summer, bring sun protection and insect repellent for canyon walks.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the canyon trails.
- Allow extra time in Whitehorse for museums and riverfront walks.
Frequently asked questions about day tours in Yukon
What is Miles Canyon?
Miles Canyon is a narrow basalt gorge on the Yukon River just upstream of Whitehorse, important in the gold-rush era.
How long is the Whitehorse tour?
The Whitehorse and Miles Canyon Sightseeing Tour is a half-day outing of roughly three to four hours.
Is summer or winter better in the Yukon?
Summer is easier for sightseeing and has very long days. Winter is colder and offers a different, quieter experience.
Don’t see what you’re after?
We can often arrange a private or custom day tour in Yukon. Tell us what you have in mind.