Yukon - On the Trail of the Klondike and the Gold Rush
In the heart of the Yukon, following in the footsteps of gold prospectors and the mythical roads of Canada's Far North.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,165/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The Yukon fascinates travelers seeking escape. North of the 60th parallel, adventure unfolds in a timeless atmosphere: mountains, glaciers, forests and valleys with magnificent colors succeed one another. Between wildlife observation, legendary roads and grand landscapes, each stop invites you to slow down and reconnect with what matters. Travel mythical roads offering spectacular panoramas and the sensation of being alone in the world. Rich in history and indigenous culture, the region revives the era of the gold rush. Hiking enthusiasts, you will be delighted.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Whitehorse!
Upon your arrival at Whitehorse airport, pick up your rental vehicle.
Depending on your arrival time, treat yourself to a first ride to feel the atmosphere of the city, nicknamed "Land of the Midnight Sun" and "Wild City".
Night in a hotel in Whitehorse.
Cultural Whitehorse, Yukon Wildlife Preserve & Takhini Hot Springs, then Miles Canyon towards your lodge
Spend the day exploring cultural sites, historic landmarks and museums in Whitehorse: Whitehorse Train Station, Ernie Tweed House and Whitehorse Trolley. At SS Klondike, step back in time visiting a 1929 paddle wheeler. Also board a 1925 streetcar traveling along the Yukon River.
For your first encounter with Yukon nature, head to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, just kilometers from the city, to observe local wildlife (elk, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, etc.) in a semi-natural setting, sheltered here for care before being released into their natural habitat. On your way back, relax at the Takhini Hot Springs thermal springs at the end of the day.
Then head south. A few kilometers from the city exit, stop at Miles Canyon: follow the easy trail along the turquoise-hued Yukon River and enjoy the view. Continue on the South Klondike Highway to your nature lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Sunrise at the Yukon: Lewes Lake & Emerald Lake
With the sun rising very early in summer in the Yukon, waking up can be early. Enjoy an excellent breakfast facing a postcard-perfect panorama. The atmosphere invites relaxation: set off for a little walk to the beautiful Lewes Lake or settle into the outdoor hot tub.
A few kilometers from the lodge, discover the magnificent Emerald Lake, whose turquoise color will fascinate you.
Dinner and night at the lodge.
Skagway via Carcross
Road heading to Skagway.
Along the way, stop at Carcross (Caribou Crossing) to admire its famous totem poles, browse the small local art shops and step into its general store, the oldest in Yukon.
Don't miss the world's smallest desert (approximately 2.6 km²), where rare plants have taken root in the dunes. The road to Skagway winds between lakes and mountains with breathtaking panoramas.
Upon arrival, discover this touristy yet charming town with a far-west feel. Make a stop at the Gold Rush Cemetery, whose atmosphere becomes mystical in the heart of the rainforest.
Overnight in Skagway (Alaska).
Skagway–Juneau: Humpback Whale Cruise on Lynn Canal or Historic White Pass Train
Take advantage of this day to head by boat to Juneau in order to observe humpback whales.
Embark early in the morning from Skagway ; after a stop in Haines, begin your cruise along the Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest glacial fjord on the continent, where these magnificent mammals come to feed and where diverse marine fauna thrive.
As an alternative, experience the unique adventure of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway : aboard a heritage train, retrace the original Klondike route to the White Pass Summit, along mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites.
Night in Skagway.
Haines by ferry: Chilkat State Park, Rainbow & Davidson glaciers, 360° view at Mount Riley
Join Haines aboard a ferry. Then head to Chilkat State Park to admire the Chilkat Inlet as well as the Rainbow and Davidson glaciers. Good chances to observe seals, porpoises and whales and, why not, bears and mountain goats.
The park offers several hikes along the coast; for a 360° view, take the Mount Riley Trail, a forest walk with panoramas over the Chilkoot and Chilkat Inlets.
Night in Haines.
Haines → Haines Junction : Dezadeash, Kokanee & Rocky Glacier hikes, mountain-view lodge
The road between Haines (USA) and Haines Junction (Canada) is full of hiking options: the Dezadeash River trail crosses marshes, meadows and forests along the waterway; the Kokanee trail leads to the shores of Lake Kathleen; and the Rocky Glacier trail offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about glaciers through its self-guided interpretation course.
Arrival and check-in at Haines Junction for two nights.
Your log lodge, with mountain views, is a true little paradise: you will immediately feel at home there and enjoy a delicious meal.
Kluane National Park: exceptional hikes & flight over Kluane Glacier
The Kluane National Park contains 17 of Canada's 20 highest peaks: an ideal playground for mountaineering, as well as hiking ranging from a few hours to several days.
On the agenda: spectacular glacial cirque, alpine flora and exceptional panoramas.
As an option, treat yourself to a scenic flight over Kluane Glacier for a unique view of this natural wonder.
Haines Junction → Beaver Creek: Dall's sheep & Kluane Museum
Haines Junction → Beaver Creek
Before leaving Haines Junction, take time to observe the Dall sheep on the mountain.
Then continue towards Beaver Creek, the last village before entering Alaska.
On the way, stop at Burwash Landing to visit the Kluane Museum of Natural History, an excellent option to discover the wildlife, minerals and First Nations of the region.
Night in a cabin near Beaver Creek.
Top of the World Highway
Take the Top of the World Highway, which connects Tok (Alaska) to Dawson City (Yukon). The road winds along the Alaska mountain range, offering breathtaking views of peaks, ridges, hills and valleys.
You will pass through the northernmost border crossing in North America (Little Gold / Poker Creek) and make a surreal and must-see stop in Chicken. The road ends at West Dawson, on the west bank of the Yukon River, where a small ferry takes you to Dawson City.
Overnight in a hotel in Dawson City.
*Gravel road - minimum 7 hours.
Dawson City: Gold Rush, Museums, Gold Panning & Midnight Dome View
An emblematic city of the 19th century gold rush, in the heart of the Klondike, Dawson reveals its history through its cultural and historical sites: Dawson City Museum and Dredge #4 leading the way. Slip into the shoes of a gold prospector by testing your luck at Bonanza Creek, then dive into the atmosphere of yesteryear's saloons with cancan dancers and casino games.
End the day at the top of Midnight Dome for a breathtaking view of the city, the river and the surrounding area.
Night in Dawson.
Tombstone Territorial Park: Dempster Highway, Wild Tundra & Scenic Hikes
Dawson City → Tombstone Territorial Park
Head north of Dawson to discover Tombstone Territorial Park.
Take the magnificent Dempster Highway, which cuts through the park in two, to access pristine nature: jagged peaks, tundra landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. The territory is traditional and First Nations culture is very much present.
Numerous hiking trails offer superb views of the North Klondike Valley and the Tombstone Mountains, as well as alpine lakes, with the possibility of spotting caribou.
This road requires renting a 4x4; day excursion by minibus from Dawson is available with a local operator.
Klondike Highway: return to Whitehorse in the heart of wild nature
Spend the day returning to Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway. You will travel through completely wild nature following the original route, first used in 1902 to reach the gold fields. Forests, mountains and rivers succeed one another, with occasionally a village inhabited by just a few souls.
Arrival in Whitehorse in the late afternoon and check-in at your hotel for this final evening.
See you soon in Canada!
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy the city a bit more, then head to the airport to return your rental vehicle and board your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Beverages
- The entrances to the parks
- Optional activities
- The ferry between Skagway and Haines
Included
- Standard accommodation in double occupancy
- Canadian Taxes
- American taxes
- 24/7 phone support
- Rental of a standard category vehicle. Please note: a 4x4 is mandatory to travel on the Dempster Highway
- 1/2 board at Mount Logan Ecolodge in Haines Junction
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Canada for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. It is however strongly advised that it remains valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
The document must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps and be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Canadian nationals must present their Canadian passport or permanent resident card according to their status.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Canada.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 6 months upon entry to the territory, at the discretion of the Canadian border services officer.
The authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
documentation regarding the purpose and conditions of your stay.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Nationals of the EEA and Switzerland traveling by air must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure. This requirement does not apply to travel by land or sea.
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and allows Canadian authorities to verify traveler eligibility. It is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry, for multiple entries.
To obtain it, you must provide:
passport information
a valid email address
a payment method (fees amount to 7 CAD)
The application must be submitted online on the official Canadian government website, ideally several days before departure. Confirmation is generally sent by email within minutes, but may sometimes take several days.
Health
No vaccines are mandatory to enter Canada. It is nonetheless recommended that you ensure routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, measles, etc.) are up to date before departure.
Purchasing travel health and repatriation insurance is strongly advised, as medical costs in Canada are particularly high for foreign visitors not covered by a public health plan.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a child travels with only one parent or an adult who is not their parent, Canadian authorities may request a letter of consent signed by the absent parent(s), accompanied if possible by identification documents from them. While this document is not systematically required, it is strongly recommended to avoid any issues upon entry.
In some European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Canadian embassy or consulate in their country of residence or consult the official Canadian government website.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For tourist stays, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) must be obtained online before departure (approximately 7 CAD, valid for 5 years). The eTA is nearly instantaneous. A valid passport for the duration of your stay is required. Before booking your trip, please check the requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 230 and 370 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (500-900 euros return) are additional. Distances and car rentals represent a significant budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Arctic Far North
Coordinator of Major Canadian Journeys, based in Montreal, Canada
A beautiful trip to Canada starts with solid preparation. My role is to transform travelers' wishes into a clear, smooth, and well-structured itinerary.
— Oriane
