The Yukon RV Road Trip Itinerary: Discover Canada Wild North

Title: The Yukon RV Road Trip Itinerary: Discover Canada’s Wild North

Discovering Canada’s wild north on an RV road trip through the Yukon.

There’s something magical about the call of the wild, and few places answer it quite like Canada’s Yukon Territory.

In this blog post, I’m taking you on an unforgettable RV road trip through this remote and rugged corner of the world, where epic landscapes, rich Indigenous cultures, and untamed wildlife await.

From Whitehorse, we’ll hit the legendary Alaska Highway, tracing a route that begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and winds its way all the way to Delta Junction, Alaska.

I’ll be covering the stretch from Whitehorse to the Alaskan border at Beaver Creek, an awe-inspiring leg of the journey that showcases the Yukon’s raw beauty and frontier spirit.

Getting to Whitehorse from the UK involved a transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to Vancouver, followed by a domestic hop with Air Canada.

If you’re planning your own adventure, I highly recommend booking your flight with Air North, the Yukon’s very own airline. It’s 100% owned by Yukoners, including the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Support local businesses like Air North and make your trip even more meaningful—start planning today!

The Yukon is home to Kluane National Park and Reserve, Canada’s tallest peak, and the largest non-polar ice field on Earth.

Its highways are made for RV road trippers, offering wide-open roads and jaw-dropping views around every bend.

I will also be visiting during Autumn time to enjoy the fall colours and make the most out of Aurora spotting opportunities this time of year.

Along the way, you might spot moose, caribou, mountain sheep, black bears, grizzlies, or even wood bison.

But the Yukon isn’t just about wilderness. It’s also a place where Indigenous heritage thrives, where culinary creativity is on the rise, and where small towns brim with history and hospitality.

So buckle up—are you ready to join this wild ride through the Land of the Midnight Sun? Start planning your Yukon RV adventure now and experience it for yourself!

Book your Yukon adventure with My Canada Trips

I booked my Yukon adventure through My Canada Trips; they took care of all the arrangements and bookings for me, as well as the itinerary and all the planning. You can check out the Yukon trip that I did here: My Canada Trips Yukon And Alaska Motorhome Adventure

My RV was arranged through Canadream, an RV rental company based in Canada. They had a Whitehorse pick-up RV office located at Hi Country RV Park. Here you can pick up your home on wheels for the rest of this trip.

We opted for the TCA Maxi Travel camper RV model, which was perfect for two people sharing.

Once we had finished our Canadream RV briefing, we went to Canadian Tire and a local supermarket to pick up bear spray and food supplies for the duration of our trip.

Drive to Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve

Next on the agenda was to drive to Haines Junction for our first camping ground of the trip.

Embark on a scenic drive along the Alaska Highway from Whitehorse to Haines Junction, covering 150 kilometers.

Upon arrival, stop by the Haines Junction Visitor Information Centre, the perfect spot to start your adventure. Also visit the Da Kų Cultural Centre located in the same building. Gain insight into the park’s rich history and remarkable ecology.

Kluane National Park is home to 12 of Canada’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Logan, which rises to 5,959 meters, and features the world’s largest non-polar ice cap.

This awe-inspiring landscape lies within the traditional and settled territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) people, adding cultural depth to its natural grandeur.

If you’re looking for a spot to eat in the evening, I can recommend Frosty’s, that do a great fish and chips as well as a mighty soft serve ice cream.

Stay Overnight at Pine Lake Campground

Spend your first night in the RV at Pine Lake Campground, located in Haines Junction.

Water and firewood are available on site, but be warned, this is a no-hook-up or power site, so you will be off-grid. Bins and compost toilets are on hand.

Payment for your site is cash-only with a unique honour system in place, so be sure to have some cash on hand.

You will find the registration box at the campground entrance ($20.00 CAD). It’s the one with the big dollar sign on it. You can’t miss it!

Be sure to set your alarm clock; this is a great spot for stargazing, with little to no light pollution, and with a clear sky, you could be in luck!

And also make sure you wake up bright and early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over close by Pine Lake, grab a coffee as you won’t want to miss it!

Continue your journey along the Alaska Highway

Embarking on a journey along the Alaska Highway westward from Haines Junction is a breathtaking experience that hugs the border of Kluane National Park.

This stretch of road, approximately 240 kilometers (or about three hours without stops), offers a scenic drive through some of the Yukon’s most stunning landscapes.

Be sure to plan your departure time accordingly to make the most of the day’s light and the many photo-worthy stops along the way.

You will be driving back through this route. If the weather isn’t nice on the day, you always have the return journey to fall back on. It might be best to check weather reports and times to ensure a clear day to enjoy the views.

Your first detour should be Silver City, a rustic gem that whispers stories of a mini-gold rush past.

Here, you’ll find weathered cabins and remnants of a fox farm, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Kluane Lake and the Slims River Valley’s mountain ridges.

As you continue west, Christmas Creek dazzles in the fall with vibrant foliage and a winding roadway that dips and curls through the terrain, making for unforgettable photo opportunities.

A must-see stop is the Thachàl Dhâl Visitor Centre, where you might catch sight of the elusive, all-white Dall’s sheep grazing on Sheep Mountain.

For those eager to stretch their legs, the Thachàl Dhâl Ridge Trail offers a steep but rewarding hike with panoramic views and potential wildlife sightings.

Keep in mind, Kluane is bear country—home to both grizzly and black bears—so practicing bear safety and carrying bear spray is essential.

Continuing along the highway, you’ll find fuel and supplies in Burwash Landing at Kluane Energy Gas Station, Store & Cafe. Well worth the stop, even on the way back, just for the refill coffee and fast WiFi alone. They’re open all year round and have a wonderful breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu as well as a great spot to pick up last-minute supplies that you might have forgotten.

Don’t miss the Yukon wildlife museum in Burwash Landing, complete with lifelike dioramas and the world’s largest gold pan, a quirky roadside attraction worth a photo stop.

As you near your destination, Lake Creek and Pickhandle Lake provide peaceful rest stops.

After crossing the Koidern River, this final stretch wraps up a day of adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable Yukon scenery.

Check in at Discovery Yukon Lodging

Arrive at Discovery Yukon Lodging, an oasis in the wilderness. Check in with Amanda, the owner, on arrival. She’ll direct you to your full-service site. Put your feet up and relax by the fire in no time.

A great spot to stay between Whitehorse and Alaska is Discovery Yukon Lodging. They have pitch spots with hookups perfect for parking the RV for the night.

With coin-operated showers and toilet facilities, they offer well-maintained and organised facilities that have everything you need.

They also have cosy cabins that you can rent out for the night, which are most enjoyable to stay in.

Stop by Beaver Creek and head to the Alaska/Yukon border

Beaver Creek is Canada’s most westerly community with a small population of 100 residents.

Be sure to stop in at Buckshot Betty’s for a bite to eat, and be sure to pass by and say hello to the Tourism Yukon team at the visitor centre.

If you ask Sid nicely, he might have a sticker for you. He also owns a private museum with a classic car collection and historical items from the construction of the Alaska Highway. You can ask him if it’s still open for the season.

Next stop, why not head to the border points between the United States of America, Alaska, and the Yukon, Canada?

From the Canadian side, you don’t have to enter the USA and cross border control to visit the site; you will, however, have to pass back by Canadian customs, so do have your passport handy and ready for inspection.

Once you make it to the border point, you can enjoy one of nine new Yukon welcome sign designs that can be found around the Canadian Territory.

You will also find both country and state flags and a bench where the border line runs right down the middle.

If you were to pass over into Alaska, you could keep following the road and drive all the way around to Chicken via Tok, which would bring you back into the Yukon to reach Dawson City.

However, the northern border crossing control is a seasonal crossing, and was already closed during our time of visit. Which was the reason for turning around and driving back to Whitehorse.

Hiking tour with Yukon Guided Adventures

Head out on a Hiking tour with Yukon Guided Adventures, you can visit the edge of Kluane National Park and Reserve by following the Alsek Valley Trail which will take you along to the basin viewing point, that will give you a great observation of the surrounding national park.

Explore Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon

Once you’ve returned from Haines Junction, why not explore and spend a few days in Whitehorse?

Nestled in the heart of the Yukon, Whitehorse is a vibrant blend of wild beauty and urban charm. Dubbed the “Wilderness City,” it offers over 800 kilometers of scenic trails that wind along rivers and stretch out to pristine lakes perfect for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. But the adventure doesn’t stop outdoors.

Whitehorse is the largest settlement, with over two-thirds of the Yukon’s residents living there. The population of the Yukon Territory is about 45,148 (As of 2023), while the capital city, Whitehorse, has an estimated population of 33,660 as of March 2025.

Newly opened in Whitehorse is the Hyatt Place Hotel, centrally located on Main Street in downtown Whitehorse.

One thing to do in Whitehorse is to walk along the Yukon River trails to Miles Canyon and enjoy the Suspension Bridge crossing. An ancient landscape, only a short 10-minute drive from downtown Whitehorse. First Nations people
called the area Kwanlin, which means “running water through a canyon” in Southern Tutchone.

Downtown Whitehorse pulses with creativity and character, featuring cozy coffee shops, quirky heritage buildings, and a thriving arts scene.

Museums like the MacBride Museum and the Yukon Beringia Interpretative Centre dive deep into the region’s rich history, while the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre celebrates Indigenous heritage on the waterfront.

Whether you’re sipping locally roasted coffee at Baked or Midnight Sun, sampling craft brews at Yukon Brewing, or enjoying dinner at Sheep Camp surrounded by locals from all walks of life, Whitehorse invites you to explore, indulge, and maybe even stay a little longer than planned.

Caribou Wild Mountain Tours Horseback riding and sauna

Take the Klondike Highway towards Dawson City, and here you will find Caribou Wild Tours.

Take a guided Horseback riding tour through the wild landscape for a few hours before returning to camp for a relaxing wood-heated Sauna.

Take a scenic Seaplane Flight from Whitehorse with Alpine Aviation

We did originally have a scenic flight booked with Rocking Star Adventures from Burwash Landing, but sadly, the weather didn’t play nicely on the day, and they had to cancel our flight over the ice fields of the Kluane National Park and Reserve. Safety is the most important aspect, so remain flexible with your scenic flight booking.

Luckily for us, we had an incredible last-minute opportunity to take a Scenic Seaplane Flight out of Whitehorse with Alpine Aviation.

And it was nothing short of breathtaking. We opted for their Mini Grand Canyon Tour, a 45-minute aerial journey soaring over the rugged mountains just south of Whitehorse.

As we glided through the skies, we passed stunning alpine lakes, and you can even spot wildlife from above, such as mountain goats, adding an extra thrill to the experience.

The panoramic views were absolutely surreal, offering a unique perspective on the untouched beauty of the Yukon wilderness.

If you find yourself in the Yukon, don’t miss the chance to book a scenic flight with Alpine Aviation. It’s an unforgettable way to see the vast landscape from the sky.

Embark on a Guided Aurora Viewing Tour with Northern Tales

One must do activity when in the Yukon, especially in the Autumn time is to try your luck at spotting the Aurora Norther Lights.

I have to admit, the sky was looking cloudy and we had less than a 10% chance on the day of seeing the Aurora.

Starting at 22:00 and being out all night until 03:00am, I wasn’t very motivated as the chances were low.

However, I gathered the spirit of enthusiasm and, with some motivational words from a local Yukoner (Even if you get 4 minutes, it will be worth it!) , I talked myself into going anyway, as it was the last chance before my flight home.

Wow, was I chuffed to have taken the gamble. Managed to enjoy the Northern Lights for a solid few hours and managed to capture the photo above.

It’s well worth trying, even with a small possibility that you might get lucky. absolutely magical, the sky was dancing.

I would recommend going out with a local tour company that specialises in Aurora viewing to guarantee your best chances.

Northern Tales, the Yukon’s original aurora viewing specialist, does a great job and collects you from Whitehorse.

This unforgettable experience includes transportation, expert interpretation, snacks, and warm beverages to keep you cozy under the northern sky.

While aurora sightings are never guaranteed and depend on solar activity and weather conditions, 2025 is a good year to try your luck as it marks the sun’s ‘solar maximum’—the peak of its 11–12 year intensity cycle.

making this an ideal time to witness the northern lights.

The aurora season spans from mid-August to mid-May, with the best viewing opportunities occurring on dark, clear nights between 10 PM and 3 AM. Best of luck! I’m happy that it all paid off and was worth the gamble. I wish you the same luck on your night, fingers crossed.

Explore Carcross and the Southern Lakes on a scenic loop drive from Whitehorse

If you’re craving a scenic escape packed with natural beauty, cultural richness, and a touch of gold rush history, look no further than the Southern Lakes region of Yukon.

Today’s recommended adventure starts from Whitehorse and is the Carcross–Tagish–Marsh Lake Loop drive.

This day trip offers a breathtaking blend of landscapes, heritage, and local charm all rolled into one action-packed RV road trip day.

Highlighted must stops along the Loop. As you wind your way through this picturesque route, be sure to stop at these unforgettable spots:

– Emerald Lake: A dazzling display of green and white hues, this lake is a photographer’s dream.

– Carcross Desert: Nicknamed the “smallest desert in the world,” this sandy stretch is a quirky geological wonder. Which, funny enough, isn’t a desert, but in fact a dried-up former glacier lake.

– Bennett Lake: Relax on its white sandy beach and soak in the incredible mountain views.
– Caribou Hotel: A historic relic from the gold rush era, full of stories and character.

– Matthew Watson Store: The oldest continually operating store in Yukon, full of charm and character. Step inside for a taste of living history dating all the way back to 1898.

– White Pass & Yukon Route Train Station: Built in 1898, this station is part of an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Discover Carcross: Culture, Craft, and Community. Carcross may be small, with around 300 residents, but it’s rich in First Nation heritage and stunning scenery.

A visit to the DaKu Cultural Centre offers insight into the Carcross-Tagish First Nations, with awe-inspiring totem poles both at the centre and scattered throughout the town.

Stroll through the Carcross Commons, a vibrant hub of shops and boardwalks. Don’t miss the Carving Shed, where master carver Keith Wolfe Smarch often works on intricate totem poles and clan motifs.

His craftsmanship has drawn the attention of royalty, including King Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Heading south from Carcross, the road climbs into the coastal mountains. About 30 km out, you’ll find stunning fall color photo ops above Windy Arm, especially around Bove Island—a must-stop for nature lovers and shutterbugs.

Wrap up your loop by passing through the quaint village of Tagish, where panoramic views of Bennett Lake and Marsh Lake await. It’s the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration, culture, and unforgettable scenery. And be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the drive; you might get lucky. We managed to spot a bear on the way back. Drive safely.

Thank you for reading my Yukon road trip travel guide

Thank you for passing by my blog post all about how to go on an RV road trip across the Yukon.

I hope you found everything in this guide useful and helpful towards your own trip planning.

Have an amazing road trip RV adventure to The Yukon, Canada.

This blog post was put together in collaboration with My Canada Trips, and you can book this exact Canadream RV road trip itinerary for yourself by visiting this site: My Canada Trips Yukon And Alaska Motorhome Adventure

Check out my Yukon YouTube video