Whitehorse Yukon: What Cruise Passengers Should See

Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital, offers cruise passengers stunning natural beauty and northern culture. Key attractions include Miles Canyon, the SS Klondike sternwheeler, Yukon Wildlife Preserve, and Takhini Hot Springs. Visitors can explore gold rush history, experience Indigenous heritage at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, and witness the midnight sun during summer months.

Quick Facts: Whitehorse for Cruise Passengers

Want to know more about Alaska cruise tour packages that include Whitehorse? Many cruise lines offer extended land tours that give you proper time to explore this fascinating capital city.

Getting to Whitehorse from Your Cruise

Most cruise passengers reach Whitehorse through organized Yukon tours that depart from Skagway. The journey itself is spectacular and takes you through some of North America’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Here’s what you need to know about the logistics:

• Motor coach tours: Most common option, taking about 2.5-3 hours one way with photo stops at scenic viewpoints
• Self-drive rental: Possible if you have a multi-day cruise tour extension, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace
• Train option: The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway goes partway but not all the way to Whitehorse

The drive along the Alaska Highway and connecting routes is genuinely breathtaking, though be prepared for winding mountain roads if you’re prone to motion sickness. Pack some ginger candies just in case.

Top Attractions You Actually Have Time For

Miles Canyon

This basalt canyon carved by the Yukon River is absolutely worth the visit and only takes about 15 minutes to drive from downtown. The turquoise water rushing through the narrow gorge is mesmerizing. Walk the suspension bridge for the best views and photo opportunities. In summer, you might spot adventurous kayakers navigating the rapids below.

SS Klondike National Historic Site

This restored sternwheeler sits right on the riverbank and tells the story of Yukon River navigation during the gold rush era and its aftermath. The guided tours are excellent but if you’re short on time, the exterior alone is impressive. The ship was literally the highway of its day, carrying everything from mining equipment to fresh vegetables between Dawson City and Whitehorse.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Located about 25 minutes north of town, this 700-acre preserve lets you see northern animals in their natural habitat without spending days in the bush hoping for a glimpse. You’ll spot muskoxen, wood bison, caribou, elk, mountain goats, and if you’re lucky, lynx. The bus tours run about 90 minutes and guides share fascinating details about northern ecosystems and animal behavior.

Takhini Hot Springs

After days on a cruise ship, soaking in natural hot springs feels absolutely divine. The water temperature hovers around 36-42°C (97-108°F) and the mineral-rich pools are surrounded by forest. It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown. Pro tip: bring your own towel to save the rental fee, and don’t expect fancy spa amenities. This is rustic northern soaking at its finest.

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

This stunning waterfront building showcases First Nations art and culture through exhibits, performances, and workshops. The architecture alone is worth seeing with its dramatic peaked roof representing a traditional fish trap. Unlike many cruise port attractions that feel touristy, this centre offers genuine cultural insight and the gift shop features authentic Indigenous artworks.

What Most Cruise Passengers Miss

While your tour guide will hit the major spots, here are some insider experiences that make Whitehorse memorable:

• MacBride Museum: Small but packed with fascinating gold rush artifacts, including a tiny cabin where Sam McGee (yes, from the Robert Service poem) actually lived
• Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre: Mind-blowing exhibits about the ice age land bridge and massive mammals that once roamed here. The full-size mammoth replica is incredible
• Shipyards Park: Lovely riverside walking path where locals actually hang out, with coffee shops and breweries nearby
• Midnight Dome: Drive up this hill for panoramic views of the entire Whitehorse valley. During summer solstice, the sun never fully sets and the view at midnight is surreal

Food and Dining

Cruise ship food is fine but Whitehorse has some genuine culinary gems worth seeking out if you have time:

• Antoinette’s: Caribbean-inspired cuisine in downtown Whitehorse with excellent wild salmon and local game
• Klondike Rib & Salmon BBQ: Tourist-friendly but the food is legitimately good, especially the halibut tacos
• Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters: Perfect spot for a quality coffee and pastry, far superior to the generic cruise tour lunch stops
• Wayfarer Oyster House: Surprisingly sophisticated seafood in Canada’s north

Don’t leave without trying bison or elk if you’re adventurous. The lean, rich meat is raised locally and tastes nothing like beef.

Shopping That’s Actually Worth It

Skip the generic souvenir shops selling made-in-China moose keychains. Instead:

• Yukon Artists at Work: Cooperative gallery where you can meet local artists and purchase original paintings, jewelry, and crafts
• Midnight Sun Emporium: Quirky local goods including proper northern gear, books by Yukon authors, and quality food products
• Arctic Range Adventure: If you need actual outdoor gear or forgot essentials, this is where locals shop

Challenges to Consider

Let’s be honest about what makes Whitehorse tricky for cruise passengers:

• Distance from port: You’ll spend 5-6 hours round-trip just traveling from Skagway, leaving limited exploration time
• Weather unpredictability: Summer days can range from 10-25°C (50-77°F) so layer your clothing
• Limited facilities: This is a small northern city, not a cruise port. Public restrooms are scarce and restaurants can have long waits during peak cruise season
• Crowds: When multiple tour buses arrive simultaneously, popular sites get overwhelmed
• Cost: Everything is more expensive in the north. A simple lunch can easily cost $25-30 per person
• Mosquitoes: June and July can be brutal. Bring insect repellent or prepare to donate blood

Bonus Tips That’ll Make Your Visit Better

• Download offline maps before you leave the ship since cell service can be spotty
• Canadian dollars are essential. Credit cards work most places but small vendors prefer cash
• The midnight sun means it stays light until nearly midnight in summer. If you’re on an overnight cruise tour, bring an eye mask for sleeping
• Public wifi is available at the Whitehorse Public Library on Second Avenue if you need to check in
• Bear spray isn’t necessary in town but if you’re hiking anywhere remote, ask locals about current wildlife activity
• The fish ladder at the Yukon Energy hydro facility lets salmon bypass the dam. It’s free to visit and surprisingly fascinating during migration season
• MacBride Museum offers a “Northern Gardens” tour showing how people garden in permafrost. It sounds boring but it’s genuinely interesting
• Thursdays in summer feature the Fireweed Community Market with local vendors, food trucks, and live music
• The Yukon Transportation Museum is next to the airport and rarely crowded. Perfect if you have time to kill before your flight
• Several downtown murals tell Whitehorse history in vivid detail. Grab a mural map from the visitor center for a self-guided walking tour

Making the Most of Limited Time

If you only have one day, here’s a realistic itinerary that covers highlights without feeling rushed:

• Morning: Arrive from Skagway, quick stop at SS Klondike (30 minutes), drive to Miles Canyon (45 minutes including walking)
• Midday: Lunch in downtown Whitehorse, walk along the riverfront (90 minutes total)
• Afternoon: Choose ONE: Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Takhini Hot Springs, or MacBride Museum plus downtown exploration (2 hours)
• Late afternoon: Quick shopping and coffee before heading back to Skagway

Trying to cram in everything will leave you exhausted and stuck in traffic. Pick your priorities and actually enjoy them.

When a Cruise Tour Extension Makes Sense

Consider booking a pre or post-cruise land tour if you want to properly experience Whitehorse and the broader Yukon territory. These multi-day Alaska cruise tours with land extensions give you time to explore without the pressure of getting back to the ship. You can visit Dawson City, see the Aurora Borealis viewing center, and experience the territory’s vastness properly.

The Yukon deserves more than a rushed day trip. If your schedule and budget allow, the extra days make a massive difference in how much you’ll see and how stressed you’ll feel.

What to Wear and Pack

Whitehorse weather is unpredictable even in summer. Here’s what actually works:

• Layers: t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, fleece or light jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes with good tread (trails can be muddy)
• Sunglasses and hat (the sun is intense at this latitude)
• Sunscreen (you’re closer to the sun up here and it reflects off water)
• Water bottle (you’ll get dehydrated in the dry northern air)
• Small backpack for carrying layers as temperatures change
• Bug spray in June and July

Leave the fancy cruise dinner outfit on the ship. Whitehorse is casual and practical.

Photography Tips

The light in the Yukon is magical but different from what you’re used to:

• The midnight sun creates long golden hours perfect for photography
• Miles Canyon looks best in morning or evening light when the water glows turquoise
• Wildlife at the preserve is most active in early morning
• Bring a polarizing filter to cut glare on the many lakes and rivers
• The SS Klondike photographs beautifully with the river and mountains behind it

Comparing Whitehorse to Other Cruise Destinations

Unlike the Mediterranean cruise ports where everything is compact and walkable, Whitehorse requires transportation between attractions. The experience is more similar to visiting Mediterranean cruise destinations that need organized excursions rather than easy walk-off-the-ship exploration. Plan accordingly and don’t expect to see everything on foot.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I see the northern lights in Whitehorse during cruise season?

Unfortunately no. Alaska cruise season runs May through September when Whitehorse experiences the midnight sun. It never gets dark enough to see aurora borealis. You’d need to visit between late August and April, well outside cruise season.

Is Whitehorse suitable for passengers with mobility issues?

Partially. The SS Klondike and downtown waterfront are accessible, but Miles Canyon involves uneven trails and stairs. The Wildlife Preserve tour happens from a bus so that works well. Takhini Hot Springs requires navigating steps into pools. Ask your tour operator about accessibility before booking.

Do I need a passport to visit Whitehorse from a cruise?

Yes, absolutely. Whitehorse is in Canada and you’re crossing an international border. Both U.S. citizens and other nationalities need proper documentation. Your cruise line will provide specific requirements but assume you need your passport.

Can I use U.S. dollars in Whitehorse?

Some tourist-oriented businesses accept U.S. dollars but you’ll get a poor exchange rate. Better to use a credit card or exchange some Canadian currency. ATMs are available downtown.

What’s the internet and cell phone situation?

Cell coverage is decent in Whitehorse proper but spotty outside town. U.S. carriers treat Canada as international roaming unless you have a North America plan. The visitor center and many cafes offer free wifi.

Are there grizzly bears near Whitehorse?

Yes, but bear encounters in town are extremely rare. If you’re hiking on trails outside the city, make noise and be aware of your surroundings. The Wildlife Preserve lets you see bears safely behind fences.

How different is Whitehorse from other Alaska cruise ports?

Very different. It’s an actual functioning city where real people live and work, not a seasonal cruise port. You’ll see government buildings, schools, and neighborhoods rather than a waterfront lined with jewelry stores. The experience feels more authentic and less manufactured for tourists.

What’s the best souvenir to bring back from Whitehorse?

Local art from Indigenous artists, birch syrup (unique to the north and delicious), books by Yukon authors like Pierre Berton, or quality outdoor gear you’ll actually use. Skip the cheap trinkets.

Personal Experience

When our cruise ship docked in Whitehorse last summer, we only had about eight hours to explore, so I knew we had to be strategic. Instead of joining the crowded tour buses heading to the usual spots, my partner and I grabbed bikes from a rental shop near the dock and pedaled along the Millennium Trail following the Yukon River. The views were absolutely stunning, and we made it to Miles Canyon in about thirty minutes – way faster than sitting in traffic. We stopped at Antoinette’s for lunch on our way back, and honestly, their wild salmon sandwich was better than anything we’d eaten on the ship all week.

The SS Klondike sternwheeler is right there by the waterfront and totally worth the quick stop – it only takes about twenty minutes to walk through, and you get such a good sense of how people actually traveled up here during the gold rush. We almost skipped the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre because it sounded like just another museum, but it ended up being fascinating with all the ice age animals that used to roam around here. My biggest tip? Skip the generic souvenir shops downtown and head to the Yukon Artists at Work cooperative instead. We found beautiful locally-made jewelry and got to chat with the actual artists. By the time we headed back to the ship, we felt like we’d actually experienced Whitehorse rather than just checking boxes on a tour itinerary.