Just 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve protects over 280 hectares of grasslands, wetlands, and mountain slopes where a dozen emblematic species of Canada's Far North roam. The site is open year-round, accessible on foot, by bike, on snowshoes, or aboard a naturalist bus tour.

Why visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Unlike a traditional zoo, the preserve recreates large-scale habitats for northern species difficult to observe in their natural environment: wood bison, musk ox, caribou, moose, thinhorn sheep, and mountain goat. The animals inhabit expansive enclosures that mirror their ecosystems, bringing the experience close to wildlife observation in the wild while offering comfortable viewing conditions in all seasons.

The educational approach and proximity to Whitehorse make it a worthwhile stop for anyone planning a trip through Yukon, complementing more adventurous expeditions to the northern national parks.

A story rooted in private initiative

The adventure began in the 1960s, when Danny and Erika Nowlan founded the Yukon Game Farm with the idea of raising northern herbivores in their natural state. In 1989, the site was renamed Yukon Wildlife Preserve and partnered with Holland America to host tourist circuits. In 2004, the Yukon government purchased the land and entrusted its management to a non-profit organization. The family project then became a public facility dedicated to conservation, research, and education.

Wildlife and habitats

The preserve recreates three environments characteristic of Canada's North, traversed by boreal forest that provides shelter and protection for animals. Over 90 bird species have been recorded here.

The grasslands

Home to large herbivores, you'll observe:

• Wood bison
• Musk ox
• Woodland caribou
• Elk
• Mule deer

Bald eagles, falcons, and owls soar above these open spaces. The arctic ground squirrel acts as a sentinel: its whistles alert the entire colony to an approaching predator.

The wetlands

Insects, amphibians, and waterfowl inhabit these environments, also frequented by the moose, North America's largest cervid, which seasonally depends on aquatic plants for sustenance. Wetlands serve as a buffer between water bodies and dry lands, limiting flooding and erosion.

The mountain slopes

Rocky cliffs shelter mountain goats and thinhorn sheep, whose hooves have evolved to navigate steep terrain. Foxes often roam the ridges, and several bird species nest in rocky crevices.

Among memorable residents is JB, a moose raised by the team after being abandoned by her mother, who has become a familiar figure on the preserve.

How to visit the preserve

Guided bus tour

Lasting approximately 1.5 hours, it's led by a naturalist guide who narrates the route and makes observation stops. Booking is recommended.

Self-guided exploration

Two marked loops exist: a 2.4 km trail and a 4.8 km trail, taking 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. Interpretation panels line the pathways.

Private tour

With a guide and vehicle, it provides access behind the scenes at the Research and Rehabilitation Centre. Book in advance.

The site can be explored on foot, by bike, on cross-country skis, or snowshoes depending on the season. Fat bikes with oversized tires are available for rent on-site.

When to visit

The preserve is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer season (May through late October) and reduced hours in winter. Morning and late afternoon remain the best times for wildlife observation. In summer, the midnight sun typical of Yukon extends viewing opportunities well into the evening.

Winter offers snow-covered landscapes and the chance to see animals in their winter coat, though the site closes when temperatures drop below -35°C, with occasional closures during extreme cold spells.

How to get there

The preserve is located at kilometer 8 of Takhini Hot Springs Road, roughly 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse.

By car

The most flexible option. From Whitehorse, follow the North Alaska Highway, then take Takhini Hot Springs Road for 8 km. Car rental agencies are available in town.

By taxi

Several companies serve Whitehorse. Expect a substantial fare for a one-way trip from downtown, varying by provider and time of day.

By shuttle or tour package

Local operators offer shuttles departing from Whitehorse and packages combining the preserve with other regional sites. Availability and pricing vary by season.

What to combine nearby

Takhini Hot Springs are located a few kilometers further along the same road: it's easy to pair morning wildlife observation with a warm soak at day's end. Whitehorse, the territorial capital, serves as an ideal logistics hub for exploring Yukon. To extend the wildlife and wilderness experience elsewhere in Canada, destinations such as Banff National Park or Gros Morne National Park are among the leading options.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve fits naturally into a broader itinerary across Canada's great expanses. To build your custom journey, explore our Canada trips.