About ten kilometres south of Whitehorse, Miles Canyon cuts through the Yukon River between dark basalt cliffs. The turquoise waters, confined within a narrow gorge, bear witness to an ancient volcanic episode in the area. The site can be visited in all seasons on foot, by bike or on skis, and combines geological interest, Gold Rush history and the living presence of First Nations.

Why visit Miles Canyon

The canyon offers a snapshot of Yukon within a few kilometres: spectacular mineral landscape, active boreal wildlife on the riverbanks, and cultural memory stretching back more than 8,000 years of use by First Nations. Free to access and equipped with a well-marked trail network, it suits both a short family walk and a full day of hiking or biking from Whitehorse.

History of the site

For more than 8,000 years, First Nations frequented the Kwanlin area — an expression meaning "flowing water in a canyon" in the Kwanlin Dün language — for fishing, hunting and seasonal travel. An ancient portage trail linked Marsh Lake to Laberge Lake, bypassing the most dangerous rapids.

During the 1898 Gold Rush, the North-West Mounted Police established a control post to oversee passage through the canyon, which was feared by inexperienced navigators. Upstream, Canyon City took the form of a bustling camp complete with a saloon, workshops and a horse-drawn tramway used to haul canoes past the rapids. Today, archaeological remains and a replica of the tramway can still be seen on site.

The Kwanlin Dün First Nation is involved in the planning and development of the site, ensuring that its natural and heritage dimensions are taken into account.

What to see and do

The Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge

The main entrance to the site, the Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge spans the river at its narrowest point in the canyon and provides access to the trail network of Chadburn Lake Park. Crossing the bridge offers sweeping views of the turquoise waters and basalt cliffs.

Hiking along the Yukon

Routes range from a simple round trip across the suspension bridge to a loop of approximately 15 km along the Yukon, passing by the former site of Canyon City. The trail is generally gentle with no major technical difficulty.

Mountain biking and cross-country skiing

In summer, adjacent trails are open to mountain bikers. In winter, they transform into cross-country ski trails, accessible from the north shore via the Chadburn Lake road.

Guided interpretation tours

The Yukon Conservation Society and several local organisations offer guided hikes focused on the geology, wildlife and history of the site. A good option for going beyond a simple stroll.

Wildlife and flora observation

The forest cover blends spruces, pines, poplars and birches, with berry-producing shrubs such as Arctic bramble and an understory where juniper holds value in the traditional knowledge of First Nations. On the wildlife side, beavers, hares, squirrels and otters along the shoreline are regularly observed, and bears occasionally spotted. The cliffs shelter swallows, buntings and flycatchers, while bald eagles sometimes soar above the river. Early morning outings are most rewarding.

When to go

The site is open year-round, but the experience varies considerably by season.

• Summer (June to August): trails fully accessible, guided tours available, direct vehicle access to the suspension bridge. This is peak season, with very long days.
• Autumn (September): striking fall colours on deciduous trees, lower visitor numbers, conditions still favourable for hiking and biking.
• Winter (November to March): the direct access road may be closed to vehicle traffic; the canyon is then reached via the north shore using the Chadburn Lake road, by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
• Spring (April-May): a transitional period with sometimes muddy trails and active wildlife.

How to get there

By car

From downtown Whitehorse, take the Alaska Highway for about 7 km, then follow the secondary road leading to the parking area near the suspension bridge. In winter, when this access is closed, reach the north shore via the Chadburn Lake road.

On foot or by bike from Whitehorse

The Millennium Trail leads to the fish ladder, then a well-marked path follows the Yukon to the canyon. Allow half a day for the round trip on foot, less by bike.

Practical information

• Access: free; trails open year-round; check weather conditions before setting out.
• Parking: available near the suspension bridge in season.
• Facilities: dry toilets on site.
• Safety: bear country — make noise while walking, keep your distance and follow local guidelines.
• Dogs: allowed on leash.
• Waste: Leave No Trace principle; take out everything you bring in.
• Duration of visit: from 1 hour for crossing the bridge to a full day for the extended loop.

Nearby

Whitehorse, capital of Yukon, is the logical base for exploring the canyon and region. Travellers extending their itinerary southwest can reach Juneau, Alaska, by road or ferry. Further afield, on Canada's west coast, Cowichan Bay and the heritage site of Historic Hat Creek complement a nature and history journey across western Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Miles Canyon fits naturally into a Yukon itinerary centred on Whitehorse, between boreal nature, Gold Rush history and First Nations culture. To build a bespoke trip including this stop, consult our Canada trips.