Yukon’s Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour

Yukon’s Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Whitehorse

A transfer vehicle will meet you at the airport in Whitehorse to bring you to your hotel. Spend the day strolling along the Yukon River or just enjoying the fresh northern air as you explore. Your first day may end a lot later than you’re used to as you’re now in the land of the midnight sun.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Whitehorse
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Collect Your Camper and Drive to Teslin

Today, you’ll begin your adventure when you get the keys to your jeep and hit the open road. Your vehicle is fully equipped with a roof-top tent and cooking equipment, so you’re all set to head into the northern wilderness. Drive the quiet roads to the village of Teslin, where you can learn about the local Aboriginal communities and camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Camp in Teslin
Distance: 178km
Meals: None

Day 3 Discover Watson Lake

Take the scenic drive to Watson Lake, home of the “Forest of Signposts,” which comprises a series of signposts pointing to hometowns all over the world. Enjoy the restored pre-war buildings in the village and visit the Northern Lights Centre. Park the Jeep and camp next to Watson Lake.
Overnight Location: Camp in Watson Lake
Distance: 260km
Meals: None

Day 4 Wildlife Watching en route to Faro

The road to Faro passes many lakes and animal observation platforms. Stop at the lookouts to watch for moose, sheep, caribou, and even bears! You’ll notice many Fannin sheep during the fall, as they tend to gather on the mountains and cliffs in the area. Take some time to hike through the wilderness and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Overnight Location: Camp in Faro
Distance: 424km
Meals: None

Day 5 Travel to Historic Dawson City

On the way to Dawson City, worthy pit stops abound. Visit the Five Fingers Rapids or indulge in a locally-made butter tart from Moose Creek Lodge. When you arrive in Dawson City, you’ll think you’ve travelled back in time to the Klondike gold rush.

Explore the wooden boardwalks and historic buildings during the day, and at night you may catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Overnight Location: Camp in Dawson City
Distance: 531km
Meals: None

Day 6 Explore Dawson City

Dawson City has much to explore, apart from admiring the old-west buildings. Visit the Yukon River and the cultural center to learn about the Tr’ondok Hw-ch’in Aboriginal community. Take a historical walking tour of the city or visit the Jack London Museum.

In the evening, you’ll want to join in the family-friendly fun at the Diamond Tooth Gertie Casino and watch the French cancan review.
Overnight Location: Camp in Dawson City
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 7 Go Panning for Gold

Discover the activity that built Dawson City, and try your hand at panning for gold. A guide will take you into the river to show you the proper technique, and then you’ll see what you can find! Take a hike up the Midnight Dome for some beautiful views of the city, and then end your night at the Downtown Hotel bar. To be inducted into the Sour Toe Cocktail Club, you’ll have to take a drink of Yukon Jack with a mummified human toe garnish!
Overnight Location: Camp in Dawson City
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 8 Travel to Tombstone

Take the Dempster Highway to Tombstone Provincial Park. You’ll be grateful for your jeep as you bump down the unpaved road into the park.

Spend the afternoon hiking and taking in the views of the spectacular fall foliage. Camp under the stars tonight, feeling removed from civilization.
Overnight Location: Camp in Tombstone
Distance: 114km
Meals: None

Day 9 Visit the Village of Chicken

Today, your journey north continues on the Top of the World Highway. The road is mostly unpaved but will take you further into the Arctic across some spectacular mountain ridges.

You’ll briefly cross the border into Alaska to spend the night in the Village of Chicken, population 7. Despite the small population, you’ll still find a restaurant and a bar for tonight’s entertainment.
Overnight Location: Camp in Chicken
Distance: 285km
Meals: None

Day 10 Wildlife Refuge and Journey to Kluane

Today, you can break up the long drive with a visit to the National Wildlife Refuge in Tetlin. Here, you’ll have a chance to see some local animals and learn about the north’s history and biology.

Once you’ve crossed the border back into the Yukon, you’ll continue to Burwash Landing. A stop at the Kluane Museum of Natural History is another great place to learn about the area’s wildlife and indigenous.
Overnight Location: Camp in Kluane National Park
Distance: 550km
Meals: None

Day 11 Explore Kluane National Park

You have the entire day to play in spectacular Kluane National Park today. Here, you’ll find Mount Logan, Canada’s tallest mountain (5,250 metres), as well as its largest ice field. Explore the amazing hiking trails or go for a paddle on Kathleen Lake. You may even see a grizzly in the distance!

Another great way to observe the incredible forests, lakes, and mountains is to book a flyover tour, which is an experience you’ll never forget.
Overnight Location: Camp in Kluane National Park
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 12 Enjoy Kluane and Travel to Whitehorse

It’s not a long drive from Kluane to Whitehorse, so spend as much time as you can this morning exploring the park. After your adventures, take the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse.
Overnight Location: Camp in Whitehorse
Distance: 154km
Meals: None

Day 13 Tour Concludes

This morning, your tour finishes. Drop off your Jeep rental and take your flight home from Whitehorse, or continue your onward journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None