Venture off the beaten track and into the spectacular and unspoilt scenery of Yukon and Alaska. With easy to drive roads, this itinerary is ideal for first time visitors to the area, as much as true pioneers looking to delve into the wilderness.
Take in amazing views of rugged peaks, shimmering emerald lakes and evergreen forests as you follow in the footsteps of the First Nations and those who once chased gold rush dreams. You’ll drive along beautiful highways, spend nights in rustic accommodation and have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities that range from wildlife spotting, trailblazing or taking flight over glacier peaks. This self-drive journey is recommended between May and October.
Whitehorse – Mayo – Dawson City – Tok – Kluane National Park – Haines – Skagway – Whitehorse – Vancouver
Trip Highlights
- Explore the surrounding lakes near Mayo that are perfect for swimming and boating
- In Dawson City, a former gold-rush town, visit the Klondike Gold Fields to try panning
- Opt to soar high above the panorama of rock, ice and snow in Kluane National Park
- Located on North America’s longest fjord, Haines is a picture-perfect Alaskan city
- Enjoy the spectacular mountain views as your drive through rural Yukon and Alaska
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Whitehorse
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Whitehorse. On arrival you will collect your hire car and drive to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Whitehorse, Canada’s wilderness city, at your own leisure. Whitehorse is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in the Yukon, you can drive just 20 minutes outside the city for a good chance to see the stunning Northern Lights. We recommend trying between 22:00 and 03:00 where the sky is at its darkest.
Boreale Lodge
Day 2
Whitehorse
Whitehorse is the capital city of the Yukon Territory, nestled in the crossroad of the great Alaska and Klondike highways. Gold prospectors declared it a frontier town in the 1940s when the Alaska Highway was built. The ideal location of Whitehorse has transformed the town into a transportation hub which sees many travellers passing through. With a jagged mountainous backdrop, the town today has a buzzing art scene, diverse range of eateries and offers a variety of cultural pursuits and outdoor activities. You might wish to visit the transportation museum, hike along the shores of the Yukon River or nip out of town to see the First Nation’s selection of art and totem poles.
Boreale Lodge
Day 3
Whitehorse to Mayo - 406 km
You’ll hop in the car today and journey around five and a half hours north along the Silver Trail; take your time with the drive, soak up the spectacular scenery and visit the mining town of Elsa and historic Keno. Whilst in Keno, you might choose to hike to the signpost of Keno Hill from where you can admire the panoramic views across the town. Mayo is a small town that’s located in the heart of the Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation’s territory. With so many lakes in the surrounding area, it’s a peaceful retreat that’s great for boating and swimming or simply relaxing.
Bedrock Motel
Day 4
Mayo to Dawson City - 230 km
Today you’ll drive around four and a half hours along the Klondike Highway to the former gold-rush town of Dawson City. Enjoy turning back the pages of time as you explore the preserved sites and learn about the exhaustive feats the brave folk went through in 1898 as they chased their golden dreams. Dawson City Museum is a great place to start your discovery of the gold rush era! Make sure you swing by Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino later, Canada’s first legalised gambling hall.
Aurora Inn
Day 5
Dawson City
Today you’ll be able to continue to explore Dawson City’s charm at your own pace, a popular attraction is to tour the Klondike Gold Fields and try your luck at panning for gold. Gold Mines are still in operation here, and you’ll have the chance to learn all about the history of gold in the area and the process of finding, cleaning and selling gold.
Aurora Inn
Day 6
Dawson City to Tok - 296 km
Spend today weaving through the ‘Top of the World Highway’, along the winding ridge-top and into Alaska. The journey takes around seven hours and provides an abundance of opportunities to admire the expansive views that surround you. When you reach Tok (pronounced ‘toke’) you’ll notice its small town vibe and remote feel. Enjoy exploring the quirks of Main Street or enjoy a husky dog sled demonstration, which is popular in the summer months.
Three Bears Motel
Day 7
Tok to Kluane National Park - 336 km
You’ll travel around seven hours south along the Alaska Highway today, crossing the border back into Canada. Keep an eye out for herds of elk or the occasional black bear going for a casual stroll as you travel towards Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National Park. Located on the edge of a vast and rugged wilderness, Haines Junction offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences, such as river rafting, hiking and wildlife viewing. Check out the St. Elias Convention Centre to see the display of native art or enjoy a tasty bite in one of the local eateries.
Mount Logan Ecolodge
Day 8
Kluane National Park
Today you might choose to swap the car for a plane and soar above the snowy world and glacial peaks of Kluane National Park. A fantastic way to experience the panorama of rock, ice and the might Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak at 5,959m. Spend the rest of the day exploring the shimmering lakes and wild beauty of this unspoilt area or perhaps go for a spot of ice fishing or mountain climbing.
Mount Logan Ecolodge
Day 9
Kluane National Park to Haines - 238 km
You’ll cross the border back into Alaska today as you drive for around four hours along the scenically beautiful Haines Highway, passing by colossal mountains, dense green forests and spring-fed lakes. You’ll drive across the 975m high (3,200ft) Chilkat Pass in the Coastal Mountains and along the Alaskan Coast before reaching Haines.
Captain's Choice Motel
Day 10
Haines
Located on North America’s longest fjord, Haines has previously been voted one of the best places in the US to live. The picture perfect town is ideal for culture vultures and art admirers; enjoy digging a little deeper into the rich history and cultural ties of the area as you check out the museum scene and mingle with the locals. For something a little out of the ordinary, visit the Hammer Museum or watch the great Bald Eagles take flight and learn about local conservation efforts at the American Bald Eagle Foundation. There is an abundance of wildlife in the local area as well various hiking trails you can follow, such as the Skyline Trailhead of Mount Ripinsky.
Captain's Choice Motel
Day 11
Haines to Skagway - 32 km
Leaving Haines behind you today, you will take a ferry ride up the narrow scenic passage of Lynn Canal to Skagway. Enjoy the spectacular views of the coastal mountains that line the shores before you disembark your ferry and drive on to Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. Spend today wandering through the quirky town, admiring the wooden boardwalks and restored buildings with false fronts that take you back in time to the gold rush days.
Holland America Skagway Inn
Day 12
Skagway
Today is free for you to explore Skagway at a pace that suits you. Those looking for a little adventure might choose to take a shuttle to the head of the Chilkoot Trail and spend the day hiking just a small part of this treacherous route. Experience a snippet of the struggles the stampeders with golden dreams had, as they carried their lives on their backs over the ‘Golden Stairs’ in search of great riches. Alternatively you might want to enjoy views from the comfort of a vintage rail carriage onboard the ‘Railway built of Gold’ as you journey to the White Pass Summit. You’ll climb over 3000 feet in 20 miles, taking in steep gradients, cliff-hanging turns and breathtaking scenery.
Holland America Skagway Inn
Day 13
Skagway to Whitehorse - 175 km
Today you’ll journey back to Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway. This scenic journey is the main event of today, so enjoy getting snap happy and stopping off to get a better look at decrepit buildings from the gold rush days, colourful totem poles carved by the First Nations and the gleaming Emerald Lake. Once you’ve woven and weaved your way back to Whitehorse, relax and reconnect or head into town for a bite to eat.
Boreale Lodge
Day 14
Whitehorse to Vancouver
Drop your hire car at the airport and board your flight to Vancouver. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan coastal hub that’s brimming with energy and oozes charm. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the city, sightseeing highlights include Stanley Park, the Vancouver Lookout and Granville Island.
Paradox Hotel
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
Day 15
Vancouver to the UK
Squeeze in the last of your shopping or sightseeing this morning, before returning to Vancouver International Airport and board your international flight back to the UK.
Day 16
Arrive UK
Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home.
Extending your stay...
Incorporate a visit to the resort-town of Whistler which is a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver. Whistler is famous for its outdoor pursuits and, as a co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosted Alpine races. Ski and snowboard or during summer the hiking is excellent.
Charming Victoria is the largest town on Vancouver Island and is also the capital of British Columbia. Linked to the mainland by ferry, Victoria is known for its mild climate and charming old town. Explore this historic district, visit renowned gardens and enjoy the bustling harbour.
Jasper National Park is one of western Canada’s most spectacular protected areas and is also home to a large proportion of the country’s grizzly bears. Established in 1907, one of the main highlights is the spectacular Columbia Icefield which is one of the largest in North America.
Travel the iconic Icefields Parkway, a stretch of road that traverses the heart of the Canadian Rockies and links Jasper with Banff. Passing some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America, the road is flanked by towering peaks, ancient glaciers and turquoise lakes.
Guide to Price
16 days from £2990 - £3790 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £2990 - £3790
Travel Information
Getting There
From London Heathrow, Air Canada fly direct to Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, St John’s, Toronto and Vancouver and British Airways provide non-stop services to Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. From London Gatwick, Air Transat fly to Toronto and Vancouver and WestJet fly direct to Calgary and Toronto. Both have seasonal services that include Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Vancouver and Winnipeg. There are also indirect flights from a range of airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 6 and 11 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 9 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
Canada has six different time zones. Pacific Standard Time, which includes Vancouver, is -8 hours GMT, Mountain Standard Time is -7 hours GMT and Central Standard Time, which includes Winnipeg is -6 hours GMT. Eastern Standard Time, which covers Toronto is -5 hours GMT, Atlantic Standard Time is -4 hours GMT and Newfoundland Standard Time is -3½ hours GMT.
Visa Requirements
All UK citizens arriving in Canada by air need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation online prior to arrival in the country. The eTA is only needed for those travelling by air and is not required if arriving in the country by land or sea. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay and, preferably, have more than 6 month’s validity remaining.
Do’s & Don’ts
Try and catch a Canadian ice hockey game when you’re in one of the cities, the energy and atmosphere is captivating!
It is easy to get caught out by the weather in Canada. This is especially true if you are travelling across provinces as climates can vary considerably from region to region.
Bears can be found throughout national parks in Canada and especially during the summer months. Do be conscious of this and keep in mind that they can be a potential threat.
Do not swim on your own either in the sea or in fresh water lakes as there are often strong undercurrents or hidden rocks that could cause you harm.
Wildlife roams wild and free often crossing roads. In remote areas always be aware when driving, particularly at night.
If you are travelling in eastern Canada do remember to speak a little French – it will help you greatly and add to your experience.
Money
The currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels and banks. It is also a good idea to ask for some small denomination notes. ATMs are common and reliable across the country and credit or debit cards are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry cash with you when travelling around national parks since you will not find an ATM until reaching the next town.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Canada, however, those providing a service such as waiters and porters usually expect gratuities and in many cases rely on these to support their basic wage. It is usual practice to give a 15% tip at restaurants, bars and in taxis. In some restaurants, you may find that a service charge has automatically been added to the bill so always check before paying. Chambermaids will appreciate $1.00 per person per day and airport porters $1.00 per bag.
Food & Drink
Thanks to the country’s multicultural influences, Canada offers a varied array of cuisines for you to enjoy. From rustic burger joints and contemporary Asian fusion food to freshly caught seafood and fine dining, the options are endless and the quality high. Maple syrup, an iconic Canadian product, is harvested from the maple forests that grow in the regions east of Manitoba and is a popular and common condiment found in the majority of restaurants and homes. Canada’s main wine producing regions are the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. On the whole, the wine produced in Canada is of a high standard.
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodation on offer in Canada. In cities and large towns there are a variety of hotels that will cover every budget and requirement. In more rural areas such as national parks or the Rocky Mountains, accommodation options may be limited to rustic cabins, luxurious lodges or specialist wildlife observing centres. Bed and breakfasts in Canada provide a homely option or, if you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a true wildlife holiday, there are endless campsite options for your tent or campervan – all of which provide excellent facilities.
Shopping
Quintessentially Canadian souvenirs such as maple syrup, woodcarvings, First Nation artwork and sports memorabilia are readily available throughout the country. There are also a wide variety of malls and shopping complexes throughout the country. Additionally, there are many Canadian brands that sell high quality outdoor clothing and equipment. It is also worth noting that there are three different types of sales tax throughout the country which are only added at the point of purchase, however, most sales assistants will be more than happy to check the total cost of the item you wish to buy before you commit.
Suggested Reading
Footprint, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet all have excellent and comprehensive guide books. Lonely Planet also have guides specifically for British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Marco Polo and National Geographic also provide detailed and up to date maps of the country. For further reading material, below is a selection of suggested literature on Canada: ‘
A Concise History of Canada’ by Margaret Conrad
‘The Penguin History of Canada’ by Robert Bothwell
‘A Little History of Canada’ by H V Nelles
‘Canadian History in 50 Events’ by James Weber
‘Anne of Green Gables’ by L M Montgomery
‘Volkswagen Blues’ by Jacques Poulin
‘Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town’ by Stephen Leacock
‘Green Grass, Running Water’ by Thomas King
‘The Golden Dog’ by William Kirby
‘Canada’ by Mike Myers
‘Alone Against the North’ by Adam Shoalts
‘Great Lakes’ by Pierre Berton
‘The Native Trees of Canada’ by Leanne Shapton
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Canada the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Looking for something more bespoke?
Our Canada travel consultants can help you create your perfect trip
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fantastic time in Canada
CW - Canada - August 2024
We had a fantastic time in Canada, thank you so much for organising. Our highlights included paddle boarding and swimming in Okanagan Lake and a fab hike up to Jade Lakes in Revelstoke National Park where we saw a black bear in the forest, luckily walking away from us! Our hotel in Lake Louise was luxury and the glacial lakes on the Icefields Parkway were amazing too.
We had the best time!
Getting to know you
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Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
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