When you picture the Yukon, what do you see? Lots of snow. Lots of skiing. Lots of cozy evenings nestled up to a fire in a chalet. Fair enough, but there are so many other awesome things you can do in Whitehorse, the capital city of Yukon.

Whitehorse is considered one of the largest northern cities in Canada and was once a major hub during the gold rush in 1898. It might be a bit chilly in this winter wonderland but don’t expect the locals to be hibernating. In fact, Whitehorse may be small but it has an incredibly lively community.

Whether you are looking to take part in adrenaline-pumping activities or spend your evenings chasing the northern lights, Whitehorse has something for you.

Aurora Hunting

One of the biggest draws to the north is, of course, the infamous northern lights. The phenomenon of the aurora borealis can technically occur all year round but our ability to see them is determined by a few factors; how dark it is, how clear the sky is, and how lucky are you feeling?

The location also plays a huge part in whether or not you are timely enough to get a glimpse of the dancing aurora. Head outside the city by either booking a tour or renting a car to drive yourself.

Driving just an hour outside of Whitehorse to the Carcross Desert or Marsh Lake will meet you with unbelievable views for stargazing and a higher chance to spot the colorful hues of the aurora borealis.

Viking Adventure in the Wilderness

Easily the most exhilarating thing to do in Whitehorse is to hop on a Viking and go on an off-road adventure in the wilderness. Take this moment to see another side of the Yukon by touring different trails to stunning viewpoints without being restricted to the main roads.

People that love ATVing will not want to miss taking one of these snowmobiles out for a spin!

Hiking around the capital city

If you love climbing mountains and taking in an incredible beauty that nature has to offer, then a trip to Whitehorse is in order for you! No matter what time of year you choose to visit, the options are quite honestly endless when thinking of where to go hiking around this capital city.

You can find treks at a variety of difficulty levels in close proximity to the city. A popular trail is the Fish Lake Loop which is a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit.

Find a tour if you are a bit pressed for time in order to make the most of your trekking experience.

Snowshoeing in the Winterwonderland

Love hiking but want to add an extra element to your adventures in Whitehorse, Yukon? Try trekking around in the snow! Snowshoes distribute your weight and allow you to walk on top of the snow-covered trails, instead of sink into them.

You can typically find snowshoeing bundled on a tour with a bunch of other fun, frosty things to do around Whitehorse. If you prefer to go on a self-guided trek, there is an abundance of places where you can rent snowshoes as well.

Dog Sledding

If you are looking for a unique experience in Whitehorse, then dog mushing may be the thing for you. There are many organized tours that give you the opportunity to get acquainted with a pack of trained sled dogs who are ready to whisk you away on a journey through the hinterlands of the Yukon.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve, watch the animals of the North

Have you ever wanted to see a moose in real life? The Yukon Wildlife Reserve has created a safe habitat for the public to see and learn about many native Canadian wildlife species. This includes moose, mountain goats, wood bison and many more interesting animals that you wouldn’t normally get a chance to see in the wild.

Wander around the 5km loop and explore the reserve by foot on your own or join a guided bus tour. Their tours are led by knowledgeable staff members who are prepared to stop and tell you all about the remarkable animals around the park.

Takhini Hot Springs, soak your body in hot water of the natural hot springs

You know we saved one of the best and most relaxing things to do in Whitehorse for last. After taking part in all the exciting winter activities, why not wind down and relax in Takhini’s natural hot springs.

The site consists of one large pool that has two sections; a hot side that sits at around 42 degrees celsius and a cool side at 36 degrees.

They even have after dark hours with a discounted rate; although these are specifically a children-free time due to safety regulations. This changes with the time that the sun sets throughout the winter months; starting as early as 4 pm in December.