Yukon and Northwest Territories Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Yukon and Northwest Territories Tours & Trips

• When's the best time to see the Northern Lights and what else can I do during my visit?

  You'll want to plan your trip between late August and mid-April that's when the Northern Lights are at their most spectacular. The long dark winter nights give you plenty of chances to catch nature's light show and winter transforms the territories into this amazing playground of frozen lakes and snow-covered wilderness. You can try your hand at ice fishing learn dog sledding from local experts or zoom across frozen lakes on snowmobiles it's pretty incredible. There's this great tour called "Best Value Aurora Viewing | Wildlife & Hot Springs" where you can see the lights visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and unwind at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. If you're watching your budget the "Best Value Aurora Viewing | Basic" tour focuses on Northern Lights and includes a Whitehorse city tour.

• What natural areas can I explore and how do I get to them?

  Kluane National Park in Yukon is absolutely stunning it's a UNESCO site with massive icefields and Mount Logan Canada's highest peak you can explore it on foot or take incredible flightseeing tours. Then there's Tombstone Territorial Park with these dramatic peaks and vast tundra you can reach it on the Dempster Highway it's rugged but totally worth it. The "Gems of the Yukon | Hiking Tour" takes you through Tombstone's breathtaking landscapes. Over in Northwest Territories Nahanni National Park Reserve is a must-see with its deep canyons waterfalls and pristine rivers. You'll need to catch a floatplane to really explore it but the adventure's incredible whether you're canoeing rafting or hiking with guides.

• What local foods should I try and where can I find them?

  You've got to try Arctic Char in Yukon it's this delicate fish that local restaurants in Whitehorse prepare beautifully either pan-fried or smoked. Bannock's another must-try it's traditional First Nations bread that goes great with wild berry jams. Dawson City's gold rush-era saloons serve up hearty Caribou Stew and if you're feeling brave try the famous Sourtoe Cocktail. The "Yukon River: The Classic" tour lets you pan for gold and experience Dawson City's vibrant food scene. In Northwest Territories don't miss Muktuk traditional Inuit whale skin and blubber usually served with soy sauce and Dry Meat which is preserved caribou or moose you can find these in local markets. The "Arctic Road Trip" tour takes you to Tuktoyaktuk where you can sample authentic Inuit dishes.

• How can I experience authentic indigenous culture?

  The Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction really brings the Southern Tutchone culture to life with exhibitions workshops and amazing storytelling sessions. Whitehorse's Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre gives you this deep dive into local First Nation heritage. In Dawson City you can experience a traditional Potlatch ceremony with dancing singing and feasting it's incredible. The "Gems of the Yukon | Hiking Tour" includes that Da Kų Cultural Centre visit. Over in Northwest Territories you can learn traditional drumming and beadwork from local artisans in Inuvik and explore Yellowknife's Yellowknives Dene First Nation heritage through guided tours. The "Arctic Road Trip" tour takes you through Inuvik where you'll learn about Inuvialuit traditions.

• What's the best way to get around and what should I keep in mind?

  In Yukon renting a car or campervan works great for the main highways like Alaska and Klondike but you'll want a solid 4x4 for the Dempster Highway especially if you're doing the "Arctic Road Trip" tour. Air North connects the major towns and floatplanes can get you to those really remote spots like Nahanni. Northwest Territories relies more on air travel with regular flights from Yellowknife and during winter these amazing ice roads open up to remote communities. The "Arctic Road Trip" tour actually takes you on these ice roads. Just remember to check ferry schedules if you're crossing big rivers like the Mackenzie it's all part of the adventure.