Whitehorse has a large collection of historic Gold-Rush buildings and landmarks scattered throughout the city, though without context they may just seem like old buildings. The Yukon Historical and Museums Association, Donnenworth House, 3126 Third Ave., next to Le Page Park and behind the T.C. Richard's Building (tel. 867/667-4704; www.yukonalaska.com/yhma), offers Whitehorse Heritage Buildings Walking Tours in June, July, and August. Monday through Saturday, the hour-long tours are at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm and cost C$2 (US$1.60). They pass many of the gold-rush-era structures and historic sites, such the unusual log cabin skyscrapers, and are a good introduction to the town.
Be sure to stop by City Hall, on Second Avenue, between Steele and Wood streets, for a free 3-day parking permit.
Tours & Excursions
City Tours -- In addition to the historical walking tours offered by Yukon Historical and Museums Association , Gray Line offers a 6 1/2-hour city bus tour with a river cruise on the Yukon River through Miles Canyon. Available June through September, the cost is C$51 (US$41) adults, C$26 (US$21) children. The Gray Line headquarters are in the Westmark Hotel, 201 Wood St., Whitehorse (tel. 800/478-6388 or 867/668-3225).
Wildlife Tours -- North of Whitehorse 26km (16 miles), the Yukon Game Farm and Wildlife Preserve, Box 20411, Mile 5, Takhini Hot Springs Rd., Whitehorse, YK Y1A 7A2, 1.5km (1 mile) east of the Takhini Hot Springs (tel. 867/633-2922; www.yukongamefarm.com), manages populations of many different indigenous animal species for breeding and conservation purposes, and is open for public viewing. The preserve covers hundreds of acres of forests, marshes, and meadows, and features such animals as bison, moose, musk ox, elk, mountain goats, and rare peregrine falcons. Local wildlife also frequents the preserve. From mid-June to September 1, the preserve offers five guided 90-minute driving tours; cost is C$20 (US$16) adults, C$10 (US$8) students, C$50 (US$40) family.
River Cruises -- The MV Schwatka (tel. 867/668-4716 for reservations) is a river craft that cruises the Yukon River through the famous Miles Canyon. This stretch -- once the most hazardous section of water in the Territory -- is now dammed and tamed, though it still offers fascinating wilderness scenery. The cruise takes 2 hours, accompanied by narration telling the story of the old "wild river" times. Adults pay C$25 (US$20), children pay half price. Trips are offered late May through September 15. The boat leaves 5km (3 miles) south of Whitehorse; follow the signs for Miles Canyon.
A more authentic river experience is offered by Gold Rush Float Tours (tel. 867/668-4836; www.subarctic.ca/goldrushfloattours), which navigates Miles Canyon in a replica of a stampeder's raft. Instead of shooting dangerous rapids, today's trips focus on gold panning and the history and lore of the gold rush. Tours leave daily June through September from the log cabin on First Avenue (at Main St.), across from the MacBride Museum. Tickets are C$58 (US$46) adults, C$32 (US$26) children.
