Whitehorse tours

Things to do in Whitehorse

Whitehorse, Canada. It's where the true nature of the Yukon unfolds, with its expansive landscapes and the historic Yukon River winding through it. You find yourself contemplating the surreal beauty of the midnight sun dancing on the river's surface. A local guide here doesn't just show you around—they unravel the deeper narratives of this intriguing place. Walking through Whitehorse, the echoes of the gold rush era quietly linger, while a taste of the local cuisine offers an earthy flavour of the North, featuring fresh salmon and the distinct character of local craft beer. Without fuss, you find yourself immersed in the wilderness, where each path is steeped in history and genuine adventure. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Whitehorse. Explore Whitehorse your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Whitehorse tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Whitehorse for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk Miles Canyon’s basalt cliffs and suspension bridge while scanning the Yukon River for eagles and beavers, then continue to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see moose, bison, muskox, and lynx with plenty of photo stops. On winter nights, your guide can drive you to a dark-sky cabin outside town for aurora viewing, with hot drinks and tripods ready. Day trip tours: Head south to Carcross for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Carving Shed, the tiny Carcross Desert, and emerald-green views at Emerald Lake, or make a longer run to Haines Junction for short hikes at Kluane National Park’s Kathleen Lake and Soldier’s Summit. Some day trip tours also continue over the border to Skagway via the Klondike Highway in summer, with time to ride a segment of the White Pass & Yukon Route railway when schedules allow. Downtown is compact and walkable, and city buses run on main routes, but service is limited for night aurora stops or out-of-town sights; for those, you can book tours with private transportation or ask your local guide about a chauffeured option. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Whitehorse inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Whitehorse on a private walking tour and let your local guide introduce you to the city’s fascinating neighborhoods. - Downtown Whitehorse: The heart of the city with a mix of modern and historical sites, ideal for families and cultural tourists. Explore local cafes, museums, and the scenic Millennium Trail along the Yukon River. - Riverdale: Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, this neighborhood is perfect for those who love nature. Take a walk along the Yukon River or explore nearby hiking trails. - Hillcrest: A residential area with a strong sense of community, offering visitors a glimpse into local life. Great for those seeking meaningful connections and understanding Whitehorse’s unique culture. Day trip ideas from Whitehorse From Whitehorse, you can branch out to nearby towns, wild valleys, and glacier views with easy day trips, and your tour keeps things flexible so you spend time where it actually feels worth it. Carcross, Emerald Lake, and the Carcross Desert: Short drives link bright water, tiny dunes, and a compact village with Indigenous art and carving studios, so you get photos, simple walks, and a look at local culture in one loop; the cafés and bike trails in Carcross fit food lovers and active types who want a light day. Kluane National Park via Haines Junction: Big-mountain scenery, wide valleys, and chances to spot Dall sheep or bears from safe pullouts make this a strong pick if you’re into hiking or photography; Haines Junction has trailheads and a small community vibe that suits anyone who wants a few hours on well-marked paths with glacier views on the horizon. Skagway, Alaska, over the White Pass: A classic road trip across high country leads to a gold rush main street, harbour views, and short trails above town, so history fans and shoppers get a mix that feels different from the Yukon; the border crossing and compact downtown make it a neat full-day loop if you like stories, wooden boardwalks, and mountain scenery in the same day. Atlin, British Columbia: Quiet streets, lake-and-glacier backdrops, and heritage buildings set an easy pace for photographers and anyone who likes small-town stops; short hikes to viewpoints and a shoreline drive mean you see a lot without rushing, and the local galleries and simple eateries keep it low-key. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Whitehorse most travellers miss.