Arctic Winter Games 2026
An international multi-sport event bringing together athletes from Arctic and northern regions for competition, cultural exchange and celebration in Whitehorse.
Whitehorse
YT, Canada
12 Attractions4 Annual Events
About Whitehorse
Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon and a compact frontier city framed by the Yukon River, boreal forests, and nearby mountains. It blends Gold Rush and Indigenous history with modern services, making it an excellent base for exploring northern landscapes and wildlife.
The city offers a mix of museums, cultural centres, riverside parks and outdoor activities from hiking and skiing to aurora and wildlife viewing. Visitors will find friendly visitor services, festivals in summer and winter recreation options year-round.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–September for mild weather, long daylight and festivals (July–August).
Winter (December–March) is ideal for Northern Lights, skiing and snow activities;
October can be quiet and good for avoiding crowds but is cooler and changeable.
Top Attractions
NatureMiles Canyon
A dramatic basalt canyon carved by the Yukon River with emerald waters, easy trails and a suspension bridge. Popular for short hikes, photos and geology viewing.
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WildlifeYukon Wildlife Preserve
A fenced reserve showcasing Yukon mammals in natural enclosures with driving and guided tour options. Great for seeing moose, elk, mountain goats and Arctic foxes.
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Natural PhenomenonNorthern Lights
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MuseumMacBride Museum of Yukon History
Whitehorse’s main history museum with over 40,000 artifacts covering Indigenous heritage, the Gold Rush and northern life. Interactive exhibits and demonstrations are popular.
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Historic SiteS.S. Klondike National Historic Site
A preserved sternwheeler and interpretive site on the Yukon River that tells the story of river transportation. Grounds and visitor centre remain accessible during restoration periods.
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Cultural CentreKwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
A contemporary cultural centre that presents Kwanlin Dün First Nation history, art, language and performances. Galleries, events and markets showcase living culture.
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Interpretive CentreYukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
A small but compelling interpretive centre focused on Beringia—the ice-free corridor that connected Asia and North America—featuring fossils, dioramas and a theatre film.
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Outdoor RecreationMount Sima
A small alpine ski resort and year-round outdoor area with groomed runs, terrain parks and summer mountain-biking/hiking opportunities. Family friendly with good grooming.
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ParkShipyards Park
A riverside park and event hub with playgrounds, picnic spaces, historic buildings and river views. Hosts markets and festivals in summer.
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Arts & CultureYukon Arts Centre
Whitehorse’s main performing-arts venue, hosting film festivals, concerts, theatre and community arts events. Also features galleries and seasonal programming.
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MuseumYukon Transportation Museum
A focused museum showcasing Yukon transportation history with vehicles, bush pilot displays and outdoor equipment. Compact and well-curated.
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HikingGrey Mountain Summit Trail
A rewarding hike offering panoramic views above Whitehorse; trails range from moderate to steep with high-elevation vistas. Popular for short escapes from the city.
ExploreAnnual Events in Whitehorse
Available Light Film Festival
Yukon’s premier film festival showcasing northern and international cinema.
Dawson City Music Festival
Northern music celebration featuring Canadian and international artists with performances often extending to Whitehorse.
Yukon River Quest
An ultra-distance canoe and kayak race on the Yukon River, starting in Whitehorse.