The Yukon is accessible by air, road and water. Once here, visitors have a variety of options to explore the region.
Getting Here by Air
There are multiple daily scheduled flights to and from the Yukon. Access is via the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International airport which is located just 10 minutes from downtown Whitehorse. There are from three to five flights per day from Vancouver (varies seasonally) and additional scheduled connections from other cities – see below for details. Most downtown hotels offer airport shuttle services and taxis are also available at the airport. Most lodge stays will also arrange transport.
Air North, Yukon’s Airline
Air North, Yukon’s Airline offers daily services to Whitehorse from Vancouver, regular services from Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria and seasonal service from Toronto and Ottawa via Yellowknife. They also operate regular year-round flights to Dawson City, Old Crow and Inuvik.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers daily services between Whitehorse and Vancouver. They also provide international service to Canada from the USA, Europe, Mexico and Asia/Pacific through Vancouver.
Westjet
Westjet offers seasonal service from Calgary to Whitehorse from late June to early September. They also provide international connections through Calgary on many international partner carriers.
Condor
Condor operates a weekly direct service from Frankfurt, Germany to Whitehorse from late May to mid September.
Getting Here by Road
The Yukon is accessible by road from both British Columbia and Alaska.
Self-drive car or RV
The Yukon is a multi-day drive from Vancouver via either the Stewart Cassiar Highway (Hwy #37) or the Alaska Highway (Hwy#1). Visitors can drive from Alberta via the Alaska Highway. Both routes offer stunning scenery and plenty of things to see and do along the way. At close to 2,400 kilometers (one-way!), visitors should plan their time accordingly to ensure they make the most of the journey.
One-way car and RV rentals may be available at certain times of the year. However, one-way drop fees will generally apply and you will need to contact the rental company, or your preferred tour operator/wholesaler directly for details.
In the spring or fall, some RV operators offer discounted rates and waive one way fees for repositioning trips. It should be noted that car or RV hire is available in Whitehorse but not from any other Yukon community.
From Alaska, the Yukon is accessed via the Alaska Highway (Hwy #1), the Haines Road (Hwy #3) or the Top of the World Highway (Hwy #9). One-way rentals are not permitted between the US and Canada.
Bus
Guests can also travel to the Yukon on an escorted motorcoach tour – several companies offer itineraries. We recommend you check with your preferred tour wholesaler for options.
Getting Around the Yukon
Whitehorse is the transportation hub of the Yukon. From there visitors can choose to explore the rest of the territory by air, self-drive in a car or RV, or on an organised tour. It is also possible to tour the Yukon by motorcycle and bicycle.
By Car or RV
One of the most popular ways to explore the Yukon is on a road trip. There are seven scenic driving routes that cover most of the Yukon. There is no such thing as “traffic” anywhere here although we can’t guarantee that your clients won’t have to wait while a herd of elk cross the road. Vehicle rentals are from Whitehorse, which also offers facilities to stock up on food and other essentials before departing.
Once on the road, many Yukon communities have complete RV service stations and there’s a gas station in every town. There are government and private campgrounds throughout the Yukon as well as a wide selection of accommodation options. All primary Yukon highways are well-maintained, have good grades and wide shoulders. Most roads are open year-round.
If you have clients wanting to get off the beaten path and drive the Dempster Highway by car, both Budget and Driving Force (4 x 4 or SUV’s only) allow their vehicles to be driven on the Dempster.
Secondary roads such as the Dempster Highway or Canol Road require drivers to carry extra containers of fuel. These roads are hard-packed gravel and road conditions are variable.
Below are links to the RV and car rental companies represented in the Yukon, or you can contact your preferred tour wholesaler.
By Air
Air North, Yukon’s Airline offers scheduled service between Whitehorse, Dawson City and Old Crow in the Yukon, and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.
Local flightseeing and charter services are available in Whitehorse. Visitors can view the Kluane Icefields by air on a local flightseeing tour starting from Haines Junction, Burwash Landing or from Whitehorse.
By Train
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway operates between Carcross, Yukon and Skagway, Alaska. There are numerous day tour options available including round trips from Skagway and rail/motorcoach combinations from Whitehorse.
Built in 1898 to service the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railway is now an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. From Skagway, the track climbs 3000’ in just 20 miles, through tunnels and across trestle bridges with stunning scenic views.
Passports are required as these tours cross the US/Canadian border.
By Bus
For independent travellers there are several shuttle services available.
Travel Visa Information
Most travellers need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to visit Canada, depending upon their citizenship.
As of March 15, 2016, travellers with passports from eTA-required countries who enter Canada by air will need an eTA.
The authorization is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Applying for an eTA is done online, costs $7 Canadian dollars and takes just a few minutes. Most eTA-eligible applicants will get their authorization within minutes of submitting the online form.
U.S. citizens do not need an eTA to enter Canada.
For a list of eTA and visa requirements by country please visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Basic requirements (as per Government of Canada website):
To visit Canada, travellers will need to meet some basic requirements, such as:
- Have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
- Be in good health,
- Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions,
- Convince an immigration officer that they have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take them back to their home country,
- Convince an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit, and
- Have enough money for the duration of their stay.
How long can my client stay in Canada as a visitor?
Most visitors are allowed a six-month stay from the day they enter Canada, but this will be decided by a border services officer at the port of entry. If the officer authorizes a stay of less than six months, they will indicate in the traveller’s passport the date by which they must leave Canada.
For more detailed information visit the Government of Canada’s website