In The Footsteps of Yukon Pioneers Self Drive

9 Nights

Whitehorse, YT

From the echoes of the Gold Rush to the new world of ecotourism, this northern wonderland offers something different for the inquisitive traveller on a circular route from Whitehorse to Whitehorse. A day in famous Dawson City give visitors a chance to perhaps pan for gold, while the wilds of Kluane National Park entice outdoor adventures to explore seldom seen trails, lakes and forests.

From £579pp
download

Highlights

  • Explore ‘signpost forest’ – a collection of over 10,000 signposts donated by visitors from around the world.
  • Discover the excitement of the Gold Rush days gone by as Dawson City comes alive with period to give visitors a taste of the past.
  • Drive through the picturesque Top of the World Highway and the Taylor Highway as it traverses the wilds of Yukon over the international border to Alaska, USA.
  • Independently explore natural wonders such as the shores of Lake Kluane, or the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains.
  • Turn back to the clock with demonstrations of centuries-old of hunting practises and on Long Ago People’s Place First Nations Guided Tour in Champagne.
  • Day 1 - Arrival in Whitehorse
  • Day 2 - Whitehorse to Watson Lake
  • Day 3 - Watson to Faro
  • Day 4 - Faro to Dawson
  • Day 5 - Dawson City
  • Day 6 - Dawson City to Beaver Creek
  • Day 7 - Beaver Creek to Haines Junction
  • Day 8 - Haines Junction to Whitehorse
  • Day 9 - Whitehorse
  • Day 10 - End of Tour
  • Additional Information

Arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. This northern city offers all the modern conveniences and amenities, as well as the historical and cultural remnants of the days of the Gold Rush. Overnight in Whitehorse.

Meals Included: Ro

Coast High Country Inn

This quiet downtown location is right next to Jim Light Park and within walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Main Street. Not to mention we’re just a block away from the famous Yukon River. We have a range of well-appointed, recently renovated rooms for you to choose from, including Jacuzzi, kitchenette, and pet-friendly options.

Departing eastward along the Alaska Highway into the interior of the Yukon, pass through small towns and villages that have carved unique communities out of a rugged wilderness. Arriving in Watson Lake, take some time to visit the ‘signpost forest’ – a collection of over 10,000 signposts donated by visitors from around the world, or the World War II historical display at the airport. Overnight in Watson Lake.

Meals Included: Ro

A Nice Motel

A Nice Motel is located in beautiful downtown Watson Lake, Yukon. Watson Lake is home of the famous Signpost Forest, the incredible Northern Lights Space and Science Centre and gateway to the exciting history and breathtaking scenery of Yukon.Situated in the rolling hills of southeast Yukon, Watson Lake offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it be quiet trails, fishing, white water canoeing, horseback riding, or a chance to slide on the only man-made water slide north of 60°, Watson Lake is the place to do it.

Turning northward on to the Campbell Highway, follow the path of several rivers and long lakes, many only previously seen by the most avid outdoorsman. Arriving in Faro, this small town set under the gaze of the mountains invites travellers to visit the Campbell Region Interpretative Centre to learn about the history and geography of the surrounding area. Visitors may also enjoy a visit to the former lead-zinc mine – once the largest producer in the world. Overnight in Faro.

Meals Included: Ro

Faro Studio Hotel

All rooms are studio suites with full kitchen facilities and private bathrooms with tub and shower. Fully licensed lounge and restaurant.

Journeying farther northward, you embark on a day of discovery travelling through the wilderness of the Yukon heartland, home to large mammals such as moose, caribou and grizzly bears. Later in the day, arrive in the famous former prospector town of Dawson City. Perhaps visit one of the local eateries, serving up everything from hardy frontier fare, to tastes of the Far East. Overnight in Dawson City.

Meals Included: Ro

Westmark Inn Dawson City

Unwind in Dawson City’s premier hotel, the Westmark Inn Dawson City offers travelers spacious and comfortable accommodations with warm northern hospitality in the middle of the Yukon Territory. Ranked #1 of all Dawson City hotels and winner of the 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, the Westmark Inn is situated in the heart of downtown and is open mid-May through mid-September. The hotel features 177 turn-of-the-century rooms, perfect for large or small parties.

The day is yours to independently discover the excitement of the Gold Rush days gone by as the town comes alive with period actors on local walking tours, historical buildings and interactive gold-panning stations that give visitors a taste of the past. The Bonanza Creek with Discovery Claim and Dredge 4 National Historic Site provides an in-depth look into the industry that made the town famous. The Midnight Dome offers dramatic views of the town at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers. Overnight in Dawson City

Meals Included: Ro

Westmark Inn Dawson City

Unwind in Dawson City’s premier hotel, the Westmark Inn Dawson City offers travelers spacious and comfortable accommodations with warm northern hospitality in the middle of the Yukon Territory. Ranked #1 of all Dawson City hotels and winner of the 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, the Westmark Inn is situated in the heart of downtown and is open mid-May through mid-September. The hotel features 177 turn-of-the-century rooms, perfect for large or small parties.

Beginning with a short crossing of the Yukon River by ferry, today your journey takes you along a picturesque route following the Top of the World Highway and the Taylor Highway as it traverses the wilds of Yukon over the international border to Alaska, USA. The small crossroads town of Chicken provides the ideal midway point to stop and experience a slice of local life. Continue on as you loop back south back into Canada and arrive in the small town of Beaver Creek for the evening. Overnight in the Beaver Creek area.

Meals Included: Ro

Discovery Yukon Lodgings

Discovery Yukon Lodgings has been described by guests, as an oasis of green and wildflowers. We are an eco-tourism destination nestled at the foothills of Kluane Park Preserve, at Km 1818 Alaska Highway. Located 50km southeast of Beaver Creek, midway between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska. Discovery Yukon Lodgings provides a variety of accommodation options from handcrafted log cabins, queen size motel rooms, full service RV and tent sites with a variety of facilities. We consider ourselves a favourite destination for many travelers and not simply a stop along the route between Whitehorse, Yukon and Anchorage, as well as the major cities in Alaska

Today’s shorter driving distance back on the Alaska Highway allows time to independently explore natural wonders such as the shores of Lake Kluane, or the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains of spectacular Kluane National Park. Well-marked hiking trails and scenic viewpoints showcase some of the unique landscape of these protected parklands. Arrive later in Haines Junction and perhaps take some time to explore the First Nations Daku Cultural Centre, a highlight of this frontier town. Overnight in Haines Junction.

Meals Included: Ro

Raven Hotel

The Raven Hotel is located in the beautiful community of Haines Junction, in southwest Yukon. The hotel is strategically located a few steps from the town's amenities, including the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre, the Recreation Complex, and the St. Elias Convention Centre. You will thrill at the beauty that abounds right outside the door of your hotel room. Enjoy great photo opportunities, hiking, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing, whatever your adventurous heart desires. At The Raven Hotel, you will experience small-town charm with warm and personal service. Relax in the refined comfort of one of the 12 en-suite rooms, each with direct outdoor access. All rooms offer private bathroom, telephone, satellite TV, flat screen TVs and FREE wireless internet. We also provide a complimentary continental breakfast to start your day! Whether you are planning a romantic get-away, a business conference or just a great Yukon adventure, you can expect upscale convenience and modern elegance at The Raven Hotel.

Departing for Whitehorse, stop midway at the village of Champagne where ancient local culture comes to life on your Long Ago People’s Place First Nations Guided Tour. Visit the traditional living structures of a First Nations Village and be amazed by demonstrations of hunting practises and food preparation that were practised for centuries by the original inhabitants of the area. Tour includes tea and traditional bannock break. Overnight in Whitehorse.

Meals Included: Ro

Coast High Country Inn

This quiet downtown location is right next to Jim Light Park and within walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Main Street. Not to mention we’re just a block away from the famous Yukon River. We have a range of well-appointed, recently renovated rooms for you to choose from, including Jacuzzi, kitchenette, and pet-friendly options.

The day is free to independently discover why Whitehorse has cultivated a name as the Yukon’s hub of local guided and independent sightseeing and local touring activities. We suggest taking a daytrip to remote Skagway, or to visit some of the local sites such as the SS Klondike, Beringia Centre, the Transportation Museum or the MacBride Museum. Overnight in Whitehorse.

Meals Included: Ro

Coast High Country Inn

This quiet downtown location is right next to Jim Light Park and within walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Main Street. Not to mention we’re just a block away from the famous Yukon River. We have a range of well-appointed, recently renovated rooms for you to choose from, including Jacuzzi, kitchenette, and pet-friendly options.

Today your Yukon experience comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and proceed independently to the airport.

Meals Included: Ro

Daily departures: May 12 - August 18

Your Fly/Drive Includes:

-Accommodation for 9 nights.
-Claim 33 Gold Panning
-Ferry crossing.
-A personalised Jonview Canada Roadbook containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides and customised day-by-day routing maps
-Provincial Taxes and Federal GST.

NOT INCLUDED:

-Airport transfer.
-Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified.
-Car rental, taxes and insurance.