Yukon at Christmas and New Year 2026: Day Trips From Whitehorse

Wildlife and hot springs along the Klondike Highway

Whitehorse is the base for almost every winter day trip in the territory. The Alaska Highway runs south toward Marsh Lake and Jake's Corner, and north toward Ibex Valley and Haines Junction, roughly 155 km west on a good surface. Daylight on 25 December is about six hours, so plan one destination rather than three. Rentals come with block heaters and often studded tyres; ask about winter coverage before you sign. Fuel up in Whitehorse, because services thin out fast beyond the city limits.

The closest outings need no planning at all. The Millennium Trail loops along the Yukon River below downtown, and Miles Canyon is a few kilometres up Robert Service Way, with a suspension bridge over water that runs green and fast even in January. The Whitehorse waterfront and the SS Klondike sit within walking distance of most downtown hotels. On Christmas Day and New Year's Day, treat everything as closed unless you have confirmed otherwise, and carry food and a thermos with you.

North and west: lakes, the observatory and Haines Junction

Highway 2 south, also called the Klondike Highway, leads to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve at Takhini Hot Springs Road, about 25 minutes from downtown. The preserve keeps muskox, wood bison, elk and thinhorn sheep in large enclosures. Winter access is by guided bus tour or on foot along marked trails. Check the official site for winter hours and tour times, and remember that sightings depend on the animals, so nobody can promise them. Bring binoculars and keep your distance; watch wildlife safely rather than close up.

A few minutes further on, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs sits off the same road. The pools are outdoors, and the walk between the changing rooms and the water in minus 20 is the point of going. Book ahead around 25 December and 1 January, when Whitehorse residents have the same idea. Towels are usually available on site, but confirm on the official site. If you only have one clear day, I would take this road: the preserve in the morning light, the pools after dark.

The northern and western roads

North of the city, the North Klondike Highway passes the turnoff for Fish Lake and continues toward Braeburn and Carmacks. Fish Lake Road climbs steeply from the highway and can be icy; a vehicle with winter tyres and some nerve helps. Further out, the Takhini River valley and the Ibex Valley are open country rather than destinations, with pullouts for photographs and not much else. Distances are real: Whitehorse to Haines Junction is about 155 km, so it is a half day of driving before you stop.

West on the Alaska Highway, the road to Haines Junction passes the Takhini River and the Dezadeash Range. Haines Junction is a small settlement at the edge of Kluane National Park, and winter services are limited, so check the official sites before committing. The Northern Lights Centre is in Watson Lake, 450 km east, which is a two-night trip rather than a day out. Also, that far north in December, aurora viewing is weather dependent and cannot be promised. Book a downtown Whitehorse hotel as your base and let the weather choose the day.