Yukon & Northwest Territories: Beyond the Arctic Circle

Itinerary shown here is for July 3, 2023 departure.  Order of activities may vary slightly for other departure dates.  See PDF of Itinerary at the bottom for full details.  

Day 1– Home to Whitehorse  

Fly to Whitehorse today, arrive in Yukon’s capital where you will be transferred to your downtown hotel.  This afternoon we stop at a local sled-dog kennel. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the dogs, learn about the Yukon lifestyle, and enjoy a locally inspired welcome dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.  

Today’s dinner is included.

Day 2 – Whitehorse  

This morning be ready for a captivating tour of Whitehorse, the Yukon’s cultural centre nestled on the Yukon River. We start with exploring the downtown core before a visit to the SS Klondike– a national historic site and Miles Canyon’s Suspension Bridge. This afternoon visit the MacBride Museum to learn about the fascinating history of this place and its people.  

Today’s breakfast is included.  

Day 3 – Whitehorse to Dawson City  

Today we follow in the footsteps of prospectors travelling north on the Klondike Highway. Drive past Lake Laburge, the setting of Sam McGee’s cremation and the daunting Five Finger Rapids. Late this afternoon we arrive in the famed gold rush town of Dawson City and check into our cozy accommodations in the heart of town.  

Today’s breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.  

Day 4 – Dawson City  

Experience the southern and most scenic sections of the famed Dempster Highway today as we travel to Tombstone Territorial Park. In this most beautiful wilderness we will take in the Park Interpretive Centre and a number of scenic vistas. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Dawson City.  This evening, it is show time with lively music and cancan girls at the world-famous gambling hall named after dance hall queen Diamond Tooth Gertie who wedged a sparkling diamond between her two front teeth. Stay for all three shows if you wish to indulge and re-live Dawson’s Gold Rush days.  

Today’s breakfast and lunch is included.  

Day 5 – Dawson City to Inuvik  

The real adventure begins this morning as we board our Air North flight to the remote community of Inuvik on the Mackenzie River Delta. After touching down early this afternoon we will meet our local guide and are taken on a fascinating tour of the town to hear about Inuvik’s history and cultures. Later, join your guide for dinner and learn about the northern way of life as you listen to stories and dine on deliciously prepared northern foods.  

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included.  

Day 6 – Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk and back  

This morning we drive along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway – the newly completed road is the only Canadian route to the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Arriving in the coastal community of Tuktoyaktuk, a local guide will lead you on a historical and cultural tour. Stop at the beach and take a moment to dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean. The trip back to Inuvik (weather permitting) is a scenic flight over the tree line, scanning the expansive vista of the spectacular Mackenzie Delta. The vast landscape is home to the unique geographic feature known as Pingos. Pingos are ice core hills that only can be found in permafrost areas.  

Today’s continental breakfast and light lunch are included.  

Day 7 –Inuvik to Dawson City  

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Inuvik before returning to the airport for our flight back to Dawson. Once we arrive back in Dawson City, we will explore the Midnight Dome. Later a local guide will take us on a tour of the area. Hear the legends and historic tales of the town while also discovering a bit about modern day life in the North. A short drive brings us to the gold fields of Bonanza Creek where you can try your luck at gold panning. See the legendary engineering feat Dredge #4. and take a drive down Writer’s Row to see the Robert Service and Jack London cabins. Return to Dawson City and enjoy dinner with your new friends.  

Today’s continental breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 8 -  Dawson City to Tok  

Possibly one of the most scenic drives in the world awaits you today! Leaving Dawson City behind we travel the Top-of-the-World-Highway across the border and into Alaska. While most roads travelling through mountains wander through lower elevations, this highway follows along the top of the mountain range for a truly breathtaking drive. Stop in Chicken Alaska before continuing to Tok. This evening we stay in Tok, Alaska. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.  

Day 9 – Tok, AK to Destruction Bay, YT 

Departing Tok this morning this morning we follow the legendary Alaska Highway south.  Crossing the border we return to Canada with a stop in Canada’s most western community: Beaver Creek.  This afternoon the breathtaking scenery continues to unfold as our route skirts the wild and mountainous Kluane National Park. Pass rushing rivers and glacial fed lakes before arriving in Destruction Bay, on the edge of beautiful Kluane Lake.   

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included  

Day 10 – Destruction Bay to Whitehorse  

Today we explore Kluane National Park, known for its glaciers, marshes, mountains, and sand dunes; this vast unsettled and virtually untouched area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to Mount Logan – the 2nd highest peaks in North America. Later today stop at the Haines Junction Visitor Centre before arriving back in Whitehorse this afternoon. 

Today’s breakfast is included   

Day 11 – Whitehorse to Skagway and back  

Today we are headed for Skagway Alaska to ride the legendary White Pass and Yukon Railway. Acclaimed to be one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, this trip carries us from Fraser, BC to Skagway, AK. Upon arrival in Skagway enjoy some free time to explore the community before returning by coach to Whitehorse this afternoon. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a most memorable farewell dinner where we’ll toast the completion of our amazing Yukon and Northwest Territories adventure!  

Today’s breakfast and dinner is included.  

Day 12 Whitehorse to Home 

This morning we visit the Beringia Interpretive Centre, a research and exhibition facility which provides insight into the fascinating history of the region. Later we transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight home. Arrive back in BC this afternoon where a transfer will be waiting to take you home.  

Today’s breakfast is included