Gold Rush Ghosts & Glaciers of the Yukon
Gold Rush Ghosts & Glaciers of the Yukon
BC, CanadaYT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Trip overview
Blaze the legendary Alaska Highway and Klondike Highway deep into the Yukon, where gold-rush ghosts and untamed wilderness collide. Pan for gold in frontier Dawson City, marvel at the vast icefields of Kluane National Park, and watch the northern lights ripple over the Yukon River on this epic, far-flung adventure.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — BC
Muncho Lake Provincial Park
Marvel at the stunning jade-green waters of Muncho Lake, a jewel of the Northern Rockies. The unique colour comes from copper oxides leached from the bedrock, creating an unforgettable and photogenic stop right off the highway.
Alaska Hwy, Northern Rockies B, BC, Canada
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Soak in Canada's second-largest natural hot springs, a lush oasis even in the coldest weather. The boardwalk to the Alpha Pool takes you through a unique warm-water swamp ecosystem, making the journey as magical as the destination.
75100-81198 Alaska Hwy, Northern Rockies D, BC V0C 2Z0, Canada
Sign Post Forest
Wander through a quirky forest of over 90,000 signs brought by travelers from around the world. Started by a homesick US Army GI in 1942, this ever-growing collection is a testament to the thousands who have journeyed the Alaska Highway.
Mile 635, Alaska Hwy, Watson Lake, YT Y0A 1C0, Canada
Watson Lake Campground
A convenient and well-maintained territorial campground on the shores of Watson Lake. It offers powered and unserviced sites, perfect for resting up after a long day on the Alaska Highway, and it's just a short walk from the Sign Post Forest.
100 Adela Trail, Watson Lake, YT Y0A 1C0, Canada
Day 2 — YT Y0A 1B0
Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre
Experience the rich culture of the Tlingit First Nation at this beautiful centre overlooking Teslin Lake. Explore the Great Hall with its five towering clan poles, watch traditional artisans at work, and learn about the enduring history of the Inland Tlingit people.
12 km N of Teslin, Alaska Hwy, Teslin, YT Y0A 1B0, Canada
Carcross Desert
Stop and explore what's often called the 'world's smallest desert.' These northern sand dunes are the remnants of a glacial lake bed, creating a surreal landscape of fine sand surrounded by mountains and subarctic forest.
South Klondike Hwy, Carcross, YT Y0B 1B0, Canada
Emerald Lake Viewpoint
Pull over for a breathtaking view of Emerald Lake's impossibly vibrant green and turquoise waters. The spectacular colour is created by light reflecting off layers of marl, a white clay and calcium carbonate mix, at the bottom of the shallow lake.
South Klondike Hwy, Carcross, YT Y0B 1B0, Canada
The Boreal B&B
A charming and highly-rated bed & breakfast offering a cozy stay in a quiet residential area of Whitehorse. Enjoy a homemade breakfast and get local tips from your hosts before exploring the city.
4261 4 Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1H1, Canada
Day 3 — YT Y1A 1V8
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Step aboard the largest sternwheeler to ply the Yukon River, beautifully restored to its 1940s glory. This National Historic Site offers a tangible connection to the transportation era that followed the Gold Rush, linking Whitehorse to Dawson City.
10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1V8, Canada
MacBride Museum of Yukon History
Discover the definitive collection of Yukon's history, from First Nations culture and the Gold Rush to the construction of the Alaska Highway. Don't miss the real Sam McGee's cabin and an extensive collection of northern animals.
1124 Front St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1A4, Canada
Miles Canyon
Walk across the Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge for dramatic views of the turquoise Yukon River carving through basaltic cliffs. Once a treacherous obstacle for Gold Rush stampeders, it's now a beautiful spot for a short hike.
Miles Canyon Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6K9, Canada
Takhini Hot Pools
Relax and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of these natural hot springs. The two pools, one hot and one cooler, provide a perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring, especially on a crisp Yukon evening.
10 Takhini Hot Springs Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 7A2, Canada
Day 4 — YT Y0B 1L0
Kathleen Lake
Experience the heart of Kluane with a visit to this pristine, glacier-fed lake set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Hike a portion of the King's Throne Trail for ascending views or simply enjoy a picnic by the crystal-clear water.
Kathleen Lake Rd, Haines Junction, YT, Canada
Kluane National Park and Reserve
A land of giants, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, and the world's largest non-polar icefields. The park's sheer scale and raw beauty are staggering, offering unparalleled wilderness experiences.
119 Logan St, Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0, Canada
Wanderer's Inn Backpacker's Hostel
A cozy and friendly hostel that serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring Kluane. With both dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a welcoming vibe, it's a great place to meet fellow travelers and share stories of the trail.
190 Alaska Hwy, Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0, Canada
Day 5 — YT Y0B 1H0
Tachäl Dhäl (Sheep Mountain) Visitor Centre
Scan the mountainside for Dall sheep at this prime wildlife viewing area within Kluane National Park. Powerful telescopes are available, and the centre provides excellent information on the park's unique geology and incredible biodiversity.
Alaska Highway, Destruction Bay, YT Y0B 1H0, Canada
Kluane Lake Viewpoint
Pull over to absorb the immense scale of Kluane Lake, the Yukon's largest body of water. The view encompasses the lake's vast, often windswept surface and the imposing Kluane Range rising steeply from its western shore.
Alaska Hwy, Destruction Bay, YT Y0B 1H0, Canada
Tincup Wilderness Lodge
Experience the Yukon wilderness at this remote fly-in fishing lodge on the beautiful Tincup Lake. While you won't stay the night, a pre-booked meal here offers an unforgettable taste of off-grid hospitality and stunning lakeside scenery.
Tincup Lake, YT Y0B 1A0, Canada
Day 6 — YT Y0B 1C0
Five Finger Rapids
Take a short walk down a wooden staircase to a viewing platform overlooking the iconic Five Finger Rapids. These basalt pillars in the Yukon River were a major navigational hazard for the sternwheelers during the Gold Rush.
Klondike Hwy, Carmacks, YT Y0B 1C0, Canada
Moose Creek Lodge
A classic Klondike Highway roadhouse stop. Famous for its massive cinnamon buns and hearty, home-cooked meals, this quirky lodge is a perfect place to refuel and chat with fellow northern travelers.
Klondike Hwy, Stewart-Cassiar Hwy, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Bonanza Gold Motel
A comfortable and centrally located motel in Dawson City. Its convenient location allows you to easily walk to most of the town's historic sites, restaurants, and saloons, making it a great base for your Klondike exploration.
939 Second Ave, Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Day 7 — YT Y0B 1G0
Dawson City Historic Downtown
Walk on wooden boardwalks past colourful, preserved, and sometimes leaning Gold Rush-era buildings. This entire town is a National Historic Site, offering an immersive journey back to the height of the Klondike frenzy.
Front St, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site
Stand in awe of a monstrous eight-story-high gold mining dredge that chewed through the Klondike Valley. This massive machine represents the shift from individual prospecting to industrial mining that forever changed the region.
Bonanza Creek Rd, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Claim 33 Gold Panning
Try your luck panning for real Klondike gold on a historic claim. This family-friendly attraction provides the pans, the dirt, and the know-how, letting you experience the thrill of the gold rush firsthand. Whatever you find is yours to keep!
Upper Bonanza Creek Rd, Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall
Visit Canada's oldest casino for a night of Gold Rush entertainment. Enjoy can-can shows, live music, and try your hand at the gambling tables in a vibrant, historic atmosphere that feels straight out of the 1890s.
1001 Fourth Ave, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Day 8 — YT Y0B 1G0
Midnight Dome
Drive or hike to the summit for an unparalleled panoramic view of Dawson City, the Yukon River, the Klondike River, and the Ogilvie Mountains. It's the ultimate spot to watch the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in other seasons.
Midnight Dome Rd, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Jack London Museum
Visit a replica of the cabin where the famed author of 'The Call of the Wild' and 'White Fang' lived during the Klondike Gold Rush. The museum offers fascinating interpretive talks about London's adventurous life and his time in the Yukon.
1002 Eighth Ave, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Sourdough Saloon
Home of the infamous 'Sourtoe Cocktail,' where patrons can join a club by drinking a shot of whiskey containing a real, dehydrated human toe. It's a bizarre and unforgettable Dawson City rite of passage.
1026 Second Ave, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Day 9 — YT
Dempster Highway Viewpoint
Drive the first few miles of Canada's only all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean. The initial stretch offers incredible views of the Tombstone mountain range, providing a taste of this epic, remote highway without committing to the full journey.
Dempster Hwy, Unorganized, YT, Canada
Tombstone Territorial Park
Known as the 'Patagonia of the North,' this park protects a unique wilderness of rugged peaks, permafrost landforms, and abundant wildlife. Drive to the interpretive centre for stunning views and information on accessible hikes.
Dempster Hwy, Unorganized, YT Y0B 1N0, Canada
The Drunken Goat Taverna
Celebrate the end of your epic journey with a delicious Greek meal. This lively and popular restaurant is known for its fantastic food and festive atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a final celebratory dinner in Dawson City.
950 Second Ave, Dawson, YT Y0B 1G0, Canada
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
National Parks
Alagnak Wild River
Wild River
Alaska Public Lands
AK
Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area
National Historic Area
Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve
National Monument & Preserve
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
National Preserve
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
National Monument
Denali National Park & Preserve
National Park & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
National Park & Preserve
Iñupiat Heritage Center
AK
Katmai National Park & Preserve
National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
National Park
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
National Park & Preserve
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Yukon Klondike road trip covers about 916 mi and roughly 16h 53m of driving, comfortably spread across about 9 days.
This itinerary maps out 31 stops from BC, Canada to YT Y0B 1G0, Canada. Highlights include Kluane National Park and Reserve, Dawson City Historic Downtown, and Midnight Dome.
It begins in BC, Canada and ends in YT Y0B 1G0, Canada, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,158, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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